San Diego has its share of museums. It also has its share of kid friendly places. But where are the kid-friendly places where education and learning is fun. Not to mention pretty easy on the family's budget? Here are a few suggestions.
Since 1903, Scripps Institution of Oceanography has maintained an aquarium and museum dedicated to public education and enjoyment. The opening of the new Birch Aquarium at Scripps on September 16, 1992, continued the tradition at a new location situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Scripps Pier. Four times larger than its predecessor, the new complex contains more than 60 tanks, three living tide pools, and an interactive museum.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, located in Balboa Park, is the place to learn about science and astronomy in a family friendly and hands-on setting. It is also home to San Diego's only IMAX theater. The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center seeks to inspire life-long learning by furthering the public's understanding and enjoyment of science and technology.
Because of their protected status, some of the best tidepools in California can be found right at Cabrillo National Monument. On the western side of Point Loma lies the rocky inter-tidal zone, a window into the ocean ecosystem that lies along of San Diego's coast. During low tide's pools form along this shore in rocky depressions.
Located on Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge on beautiful San Diego Bay, the Chula Vista Nature Center is an internationally recognized zoo/aquarium exhibiting plants and animals native to San Diego Bay and marsh/wetland habitats. The Chula Vista Nature Center is dedicated to serving the public by providing a quality nature center/living museum experience while promoting coastal resource conservation and environmental stewardship through education.
The Maritime Museum of San Diego enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world’s finest collections of historic ships, including the world’s oldest active ship the Star of India. Founded in 1948, the museum grew out of the earlier efforts of a group of local historians and maritime enthusiasts who acquired the sailing ship Star of India in 1927. Now fully restored, the Star of India is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers and skilled craftsmen and sailed at least once a year.
Established in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is one of California’s oldest and most respected cultural and science institutions. The Museum and its members have played a pivotal role the establishment of the San Diego Zoo, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Torrey Pines State Park, and Anza Borrego State Park.
