Artopia: NCM Creative Studios FAQs

Artopia: NCM Creative Studios is located on the second floor of The New Children’s Museum at 200 W. Island Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101. 

Summer Sessions are open making sessions that will be held twice a day on most Saturdays and Sundays from May 31 (starting with the 1pm slot only) through August 31.  

• The Morning session runs from 10am to 12pm. 
• The Afternoon session runs from 1pm to 3pm. 

Once you have a ticket and are checked in you can walk in at any time between: 

• Morning: 10am – 11am 
• Afternoon: 1pm – 2pm. 

Please check our calendar before your visit, as there are some exceptions. Note: No Summer Sessions will be held on June 14, July 26, or July 27. 

Summer Sessions are designed for youth and their families, offering both individual and collaborative projects. 

• Ages 1.5 – 4 years: Dedicated Littles Area 
• Ages 5 – 15+ years 

No! We rotate themes, materials, and activities each week. Join us for one session or multiples sessions and there will always be something new and exciting to explore! Check out our calendar for specific weekly activities.

Activities vary each weekend and include hands-on artmaking experiences.

Yes! Artopia is committed to creating a welcoming space for all abilities and backgrounds. If you need any accommodations, please let us know at the Museum Welcome Desk or send us an email at artopia@thinkplaycreate.org

Artmaking can get messy—and it’s all part of the fun! Please dress your child in comfortable clothes that can handle a little mess.

No cancellation or refunds are offered for Summer Sessions. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at artopia@thinkplaycreate.org 

Tickets for Summer Sessions are $20 NCM Members and $25 Non-Members. 
Each ticket includes access for 1 child and 1 supervising caregiver.

To receive the member discount, simply log in to your member account when registering online or show your member ID at the Welcome Desk.

Summer Session tickets can be purchased online here or in person at the Museum Welcome Desk. 

Please Note: Summer Session tickets do not include general admission to the Museum. If you’d like to explore the Museum before or after your session, admission can be purchased separately at the Welcome Desk. All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to explore the Museum. 

Please plan to arrive around 20 minutes early to allow for parking, ticket purchase at the NCM Welcome Desk and Check-in at the Artopia terrace.  Summer Sessions are open-making sessions. Once you have a ticket and are checked in you can walk in at any time between: 

• Morning: 10am – 11am (Session runs through 12pm) 
• Afternoon: 1pm – 2pm. (Session runs through 3pm)  

Summer Sessions in Artopia: NCM Creative Studios are located on the 2nd floor of The New Children’s Museum. You may check in at the Museum Welcome Desk or at the top of the staircase, on the Artopia Terrace, just left of the Museum entrance.  

For check-in at the Terrace, look for the Artopia sign and the blue door. 

• Line typically forms 15 minutes before the session starts. 
• Show your ticket (QR code) or sticker at studio check-in point located on 2nd floor Artopia terrace. 

Limited parking is available in the Museum garage for $20/car (NCM Members + EBT/WIC/SNAP $10/car). Please see attendant for parking ticket and pay inside the Museum.

There are public parking lots and parking meters nearby. ABM Parking at 450 2nd Ave. offers a 2-hour discount with code 8792 (not valid during Padres games and other times at ABM’s discretion).

The parking garage opens 15 minutes before the Museum opens (8:45am) and 15 minutes after the Museum closes (4:15pm). You will NOT have access to your vehicle after 4:15pm.

Public transportation is available on the MTS Trolley Green Line and on the MTS Bus.

Closest MTS Bus Stops:
1st Ave. + Broadway (Routes 2, 7, 11, 30, 50, 110, 150, 215, 235, 280, 290, 901)
4th Ave. + G St. (Route 3)
1st Ave. + G St. (Routes 11)

Drop Offs are not permitted for Summer Sessions. Each Summer Session ticket includes access for 1 child and 1 caregiver.

• Ages 5 and up: Parent or caregiver must stay inside Artopia Studio (terrace access allowed). 
• Ages 1.5 to 4: Parent or caregiver must stay with the child at all times. 

Drop Offs are not permitted for Summer Sessions. Each Summer Session ticket includes access for 1 child and 1 caregiver.

• Designated seating for adults, caregivers, and siblings not participating is available on the Terrace adjacent to Artopia. 
• Adults and caregivers of children ages 1.5–4 must stay with their child at all times. Couches are provided in the little’s area for comfort. 

Absolutely! There is a dedicated area for toddlers and we encourage multigenerational making, together: side-by-side.

Food and beverages are not permitted in Artopia, except for water. Drinking water is available, so please be sure to bring your own water bottle. 

Healthy, kid-friendly bites can be purchased at Bean Sprouts Café located on the main floor of the Museum.