Hours, Tickets + Parking

Open Days + Hours

Normal Hours: We’re open 6 days a week, Monday + Wednesday-Sunday (closed on Tuesdays) from 9am-4pm.

For more information, visit our General Museum FAQ page and Membership FAQ page.

Visitors have access to art installations on all three levels of the Museum and experiences in the Museum Park.

View Museum Map

Tickets

Advance reservations or tickets are not required.

Tickets can be purchased as a walk-up or online for any day we are open.

Online ticket holders must check in at the welcome desk. The purchaser of the online tickets does not need to be present at check in. Online tickets do not guarantee entry during high attendance days.

Gift cards are not available.

BUY TICKETS

To redeem guest passes or discounted tickets, please see the “Guest Passes + Discounts” section below.

Gift cards are not available.

Safer Play Policy

The Museum is adhering to the following Safer Play health and safety guidelines:   

• Masks are recommended for ages 2+ 
• Social distancing of 6 feet
• Activity capacity limits  
• Hand washing + sanitizer stations 

We kindly ask that you stay home if you or anyone in your group is feeling sick or has a fever.

Please read our Safer Play Policy and general rules/code of conduct before visiting the Museum.

Summer is here and the Museum will be busy late from May through early September. Here are some tips to help you plan for and enjoy your visit!

• Museum entrance is first-come, first serve. High attendance is expected.
• To maintain safety and comfort inside the building, please wait in line before beginning your visit. Lines are to be expected in our higher energy play spaces.

• All visitors must check in at the Welcome Desk, including members and those who pre-purchased admission online.
• Members, have your member card and ID ready for check-in.
• The Museum garage fills up quickly! Paid parking is also available at the ABM lot on Island Avenue and Second Avenue. Discount code 8792 gets you 2 hours of parking for $5.
• Parking rates subject to change at ABM’s discretion.

• While we are fans of snacks, we ask that food be consumed in our café area and outdoor park only.
• Please actively supervise and support children in your group. Adults can play in our spaces, too! In fact, we encourage it!

We believe in the liberation, safety, and support of systemically marginalized groups and identities. As we advance our mission, we are always working toward being a radically inclusive space for all families, all races, all ethnicities, all identities, all abilities, and the most resilient within our communities. 

We continue to grow and learn as an organization. We ask that you help us uphold this safe space in the ways you acknowledge and engage with other guests, staff, and friends of the Museum. 

Together, we hold ourselves and others accountable and reserve the right to revoke admission or membership to the Museum. Thank you for joining us in creating a future for our children and communities where all can belong. 

Guest Passes + Discounts

Guest passes through a membership or other programs can be redeemed at the Welcome Desk.

Discounts are provided through Museums For All ($2 per person with EBT, SNAP or WIC card), the ACM Reciprocity Program (50% off admission), to educators, seniors (65+), active duty military personnel and veterans. Please provide proof for discounted admission.

Parking

Limited parking is available in the Museum garage for $20/car (NCM Members + EBT/WIC/SNAP $10). Garage opens 15 minutes before we open (8:45am) and 15 minutes after we close (4:15pm). Please see Plaza parking attendant before entering garage.

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).

Getting Here

We are located at 200 W. Island Avenue, in between Front and Union. Public transportation is available on the MTS Trolley Green Line and on the MTS Bus.

Starting May 1, children under 18 are eligible to ride MTS and NCTD services for free. Learn more about the Youth Opportunity Pass here. 

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)