General

Where can I park?

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).

What are the parking garage hours?

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.

Is the Children's Park affiliated with the Museum?

The Children’s Park, which reopened in Fall 2023, is a San Diego city park that is unaffiliated with the Museum. Please note, our parking garage is only available for guests of the Museum. If you go to the park after visiting the Museum, please remember that our parking garage closes at 4:15pm; you will not have access to your car after it closes.

How do I sign up for workshops?

The Rosso Family Foundation Innovators LAB is our collaborative makerspace where we work with local artists and experts from various fields to create a design challenge to nurture creativity, problem solving, skill building, and learning.
Things to know before visiting the Innovators LAB:
• Workshop sign up is located at the Innovators Lab; there are no reservations. Visitors must complete check in with our Welcome Desk team before signing up for a guided workshop.
• Morning sign up starts at 9am until full, and the workshop starts promptly at 10:30am.
• Afternoon sign up starts at 1pm until full, and starts promptly at 2:30pm.
• Capacity is 8 children for the guided workshop.
• Ages 6+ is adhered to for safety.

Learn more here.

Admission

How much is admission?

Admission is $20 per child (ages 1 year and up) and $24 for adults. Children younger than 1 year are free and members are free.

Do you offer any discounts?

Discounted tickets are available for:

  • EBT/WIC/SNAP card holders (from any state) through our Museums for All program ($2/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.

Does my San Diego Children's Discovery Museum (Escondido) membership work here?

You can get half-priced admission with your San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum membership card. Both museums are part of the Association of Children’s Museums Reciprocal Network which allows you to get 50% off admission at many children’s museums in the U.S.  The number of people on your membership is the number of people you can get into our museum for half price. See what other children’s museums participate: Association of Children’s Museum’s website.

What is the San Diego Public Library's Discover & Go program?

The program offers family day passes to several of San Diego’s biggest attractions, including the New Children’s Museum! Passes can be reserved online, in-person, or over the phone with a valid San Diego Public Library card. Learn more here. Please note, any questions or changes to your pass must be handled directly with your local library.

Group Admission

Do you offer field trips?

The Museum offers both in-person and virtual tours for schools and other groups from pre-kindergarten through high school. Click here to learn more.

Do you offer summer camps?

Camps at our Museum combine hands-on art-making activities, creative games, and playtime in the park with the opportunity for children to think, play, and create in the Museum’s installations. Our camp programs are designed for children ages 5-10. Click here to learn more.

Can I bring a large group?

To ensure the best possible experience for everyone, if you are visiting with a group of 10 of more people please reach out to groupvisits@thinkplaycreate.org to schedule and coordinate your visit. Learn more about group visits here.

Food + Drink

What is your outside food/drink policy?

Outside food and drink is permitted but must be consumed in the café area or outside the museum ONLY to ensure we maintain safe, sanitary and allergen-free exhibits.

Accessibility

Are service animals permitted?

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.

Memberships

How do I become a member?

An annual membership provides admission to the Museum, exclusive member discounts, and lots of other perks. Learn more here.

Other

Is the Museum a 501(c)3?

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.

Construction Notice

We are working on an exciting new installation on our main level. If you experience any noise or dust during your visit, please know that we have noise-canceling headphones available at our Welcome Desk to ensure your comfort.

Plan Your Visit