Artopia 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. 

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)

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:

• EBT/WIC/SNAP card holders (from any state) through our Museums for All program ($3/person, up to four people in the party). Museums for All tickets must be purchased in person with EBT/WIC/SNAP card in hand. Visit our Access Programs page for information.
• Seniors (65+), Military w/ID, and Educators ($20/person). Discounted tickets must be purchased in person.
• Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Learn more here.

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.

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.