Take a look around
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Museums
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
All aboard! At the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the miniature miles of railroad track are perfect for an awesome game of I-Spy. Can you find your favorite cartoon character in the Toy Train Gallery?
Museum of Us
Travel back in time and see how animals came to be part of our everyday life. From dogs, to bugs, to chickens, how do you interact with animals?
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Blast off at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Play in the Kids’ Aviation Action Hangar, ride the space simulators, see planes and rockets, and get inspired to reach for the stars.
Fleet Science Center
Head over to the Fleet Science Center where you can build your own inventions at Studio X, try and touch a tornado, or make a world of your own in Kid City!
San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT)
Let your imagination run wild at the San Diego Natural History Museum. The Backyard, designed for children five-years-old and under, is packed with experiences that encourage curiosity about the natural world. Older kids can head over to the Living Lab to meet scorpions, lizards, and other “not-so-cuddly” creatures.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Climb aboard and appreciate the wonders of beautifully engineered imagination.
ExploreSan Diego Air and Space Museum
Examine the intersection of science, space, and aviation history.
ExploreSan Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
Explore the natural wonders, both past and present of Southern California
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Performing Arts
Youth Performance Groups
At times throughout the year, one of the many youth arts organizations in the Park may be putting on a show. Check the event calendar for the latest kid-powered music, dance, ballet and theater shows.
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater
While Kermit, Elmo, and Pinocchio may be famous, you can catch local San Diego puppet stars most days at the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater. Stop in for performances sure to please audiences of all ages
San Diego Junior Theatre
Enhancing children's lives through innovative, high-quality theatre education and production.
ExploreSan Diego Civic Youth Ballet
Accessible classical ballet programs for students ages 4 and up.
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Parks and Gardens
Japanese Friendship Garden
Stop by the Japanese Friendship Garden for some outdoor time. Play games as you explore; go hi-tech by downloading the Haiku Hunt app or low-tech by inventing your own game like count the koi fish!
EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden
Get your hands dirty at the WorldBeat Cultural Center’s EthnoBotany Children’s Peace Garden. Learn about how the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices you eat every day journey from a seed to your plate.
Pepper Grove Playground
Balboa Park’s playgrounds are the perfect place for kids to slide, swing and climb while adults relax on nearby shaded benches.
Balboa Park Carousel
Rest your legs while going for a whirl n the historic Balboa Park Carousel. You can even try to grab the brass ring to win a free ride.
Balboa Park Miniature Train
Go on a train ride at the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad. Enjoy a half-mile journey around beautiful Balboa Park grounds.
San Diego Zoo
Love animals? Visit the San Diego Zoo to experience hundreds of animals from all over the world.
Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum
An immersive experience of Japanese gardens and culture.
ExploreHealing Peace Garden
An urban oasis featuring countless rare edible and medicinal plants with cultural significance.
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Food & Drink
Panama 66
Grab lunch at Panama 66 in the Plaza de Panama. Its kid’s menu is filled with all sorts of treats including a super tasty almond butter and Nutella sandwich.
Craveology
The Fleet Science Center’s Craveology has sandwiches, salads, ice cream and snacks to satisfy any craving.
Panama 66 at The San Diego Museum of Art
Draft beer, craft cocktails and locally sourced food. Entertainment varies throughout the week.
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Plan Your Visit
Get Directions
Whether by car or plane, we’ve got the details you need to get here.
Get Your Tickets
From museums to musicals to Shakespeare under the stars, immerse yourself in all the arts, sciences, and history you can handle.