Welcome to Artopia: NCM Creative Studios! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned maker, our welcoming studios have something for everyone—including Holiday Art-Making each weekend, Girl Scout Badge programs, Youth Ceramics, Art Afterschool programs, and more! Keep reading for everything you need to know before you stop by and start creating!
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.
The entrance to Artopia is located on the Union Street side of the Museum, near the corner of Union Street and Island Avenue.
Holday art-making is offered on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 & 28 and January 3 & 4, available two times per day: 9:30am-12pm & 1pm-3:30pm.
Activities are first-come, first-served drop-ins as capacity allows. Line queues 20 minutes before the session. Sign up at the blue Artopia door near Whammock on the third floor.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. Stroller parking is available on the Main Level. No food or drink is permitted in Artopia.
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 for any programming in Artopia.
No cancellation or refunds are offered for most programs. To confirm the cancellation policy of the program you are enrolled in, please contact us at artopia@thinkplaycreate.org
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 we open (8:45am) and 15 minutes after we close (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)
Yes. Art Afterschool and Ceramics at the Wheel are four-week series that require advance registration. Each registration includes one spot and space is limited to keep groups small and hands-on.
These Afterschool series are designed for:
• Ages 8–10 (Grades 3–5): Mondays, 4–6 pm
• Ages 11–13 (Grades 6–8): Wednesdays, 4–6 pm
When does drop-off, check-in, and pick-up take place?
All participants must be signed in and out at each session. Children must be picked up by an adult designated at registration, and families should confirm their authorized pick-up list at drop-off.
If you need to add additional authorized adults, please submit their full name in advance to artopia@thinkplaycreate.org or speak with staff at drop-off. Artists will not be released to anyone not on the authorized list or without valid identification.
Drop-off and pick-up take place at the Artopia entrance on the Union Street side of the Museum, near Union Street and Island Avenue.
Yes. All participants have a scheduled snack and restroom break during each session. Please send your child with a reusable water bottle and a snack that does not require refrigeration or heating. The Museum does not provide snacks.
Holiday art-making sessions are free with museum admission. To review a list of our admission prices please click here.
Discounted tickets are available for:
We do not require advanced reservations and we do not offer timed-entry tickets. Tickets can be purchased online or at the front desk. Those who have pre-purchased tickets will still need to wait in line before entry. All discounted tickets must be purchased at the front desk.
The Museum allows for same-day re-entry! Simply show your admission sticker at the front entrance.
Art Afterschool and Youth Ceramics: At the Wheel are four-week series that require advance registration. Each registration includes one spot and programs are offered in small group settings with limited seating.
These Afterschool series are designed for:
Programs meet once a week for four consecutive weeks and are structured to support focused learning, creativity, and connection in the studio.
Food and beverages are generally not permitted in Artopia, except for water. Drinking water is available, so please be sure to bring your own water bottle.
If you are feeling hungry, head down to Bean Sprouts Café on the main level of the Museum to enjoy your snacks or purchase a meal!
Exhibits within the Museum are ADA accessible. We also have sensory friendly spaces + programs. Noise reduction headphones are available upon request.
People with service dogs will be allowed full access to all areas. Service dogs must be on a leash and in the control of the person with a disability or their companion. Pets and Emotional Support Animals are not allowed.
A caregiver or aide accompanying a child with a disability is provided admission to the Museum at no charge (limit one adult).
Yes! The Museum’s Tax ID is 95-3619583. Earned revenue covers a portion of the Museum’s operating costs and generous donations make our high-quality exhibits and programs possible. Click here to learn how you can support the Museum.
Yes, please email info@thinkplaycreate.org or call 619 233 8792 to inquire about a missing item.