5 Best Museums for Kids in San Diego (Mom-Tested)
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My first San Diego trip was ten year ago when my now almost 12 year old was just one.
Now we go back with FOUR boys!
I know how overwhelming planning a trip can be sometimes. This is why I’m giving you our five favorite museums to visit because you just want the best, not a giant list.
After many trips, these are the five we keep returning to. They’re engaging, easy to do, and worth your time and money.
The USS Midway is a must-see.
➡️ New to planning San Diego with kids? Start with my San Diego family vacation tips.
Quick Picks: Best Museums for Kids in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum — big wow factor, kids’ audio tour, perfect for older kids but all ages will enjoy seeing the aircraft
- Fleet Science Center — best for toddlers and preschoolers, Kid City
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — free museums, cute place to walk around
- San Diego Natural History Museum — dinosaurs, fossils, pendulum
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum — train lovers, kids free with paid adult
USS Midway
I’m not a military buff, but the USS Midway is by far my favorite museum in San Diego.
I think we’re at four visits now, and it’s still a must on our San Diego itinerary.
Seeing how people lived and worked on the ship is just so cool. As my boys have grown, they’ve enjoyed it in new ways. This time our older two especially loved the kids’ audio tour.
Plus, those harbor views from the deck are hard to beat.
And the sweetest moment? My youngest standing so proud next to his brothers getting his Junior Pilot wings. It made my day.
🎟Tickets: Buy USS Midway tickets.
Don’t miss
- Grab the Junior Pilot activity sheet at the visitor booth near the entrance. When you finish, turn it in to earn wings. There’s even a sweet little ceremony.
- Let the kids climb into aircraft and end on the top deck for those harbor views.
Plan it
- There is a lot to see, including sleeping quarters, cafeteria, on-board hospital, and radar rooms.
- If you need lunch, snacks, or beverages, Cafe 41 is right on board and has many great options!
➡️ See how we fit the Midway into a trip: our 4 day San Diego itinerary.
Fleet Science Center (Balboa Park)
If you’re looking for an easy indoor break where the kids can play and mom can breathe, this is it.
It’s not the most mind-blowing science museum we’ve ever done, but it’s a solid stop that keeps everyone happy.
My preschool crew lives in Kid City. They love pushing the little carts, “working” at the factory, and climbing into the fire truck. It’s pretend play to their hearts’ desire.
My older boys enjoyed themselves too. They weren’t blown away, but they liked the Electricity and Illusions exhibits and bounced between other hands-on stations.
On our last visit there was a huge ball pit and we all jumped in—even the grown-ups.
That was a temporary exhibit, so don’t count on it being there now, but it’s one of those core memories we still talk about.
Don’t miss
- Kid City for toddlers and preschoolers: pretend fire station, grocery store, and factory.
- The Electricity and Illusions exhibits– our older boys’ favorites
After your visit
Take a slow walk through Balboa Park. The open space and architecture are a perfect reset before naps or dinner.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town is our easy afternoon.
We park without stress, wander through small free museums, and let the kids ask questions inside the historic buildings.
We always end up browsing a few shops including Gappetto’s Toys and ending up on the patio at Barra Barra for dinner. Chips on the table, happy kids, happy mom.
Why it works
Free museums, short walking distances, and free parking make this a low-stress win with kids.
➡️ Planning a budget day? Here are the best free and cheap things to do in San Diego.
Where We Stay in San Diego: Homewood Suites Liberty Station
With four boys, space and sanity matter. Plus, a complimentary breakfast isn’t too bad either! We’ve stayed at Homewood Suites Liberty Station and keep coming back. It’s a calm, convenient home base during our San Diego family vacation.
This post isn’t sponsored. This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our family travel blog.
San Diego Natural History Museum (Balboa Park)
My boys could watch the Foucault Pendulum for ten minutes straight, guessing which pin would fall next.
Then we make the rounds: dinosaurs and fossils, saying hello to AI the Allosaurus, and a quick play break in The Backyard.
Then we can’t forget a photo with the Megalodon before we go.
Pro tip
Balboa Park has so many good museums. With younger kids, pick one or maybe two, enjoy them, and call it a win.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum (Balboa Park)
When our oldest two were 2 and 4, they stood on tiptoes pressing every button and tracking the tiny engines like it was their job.
This museum is an easy add when you want a shorter stop.
Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult, which keeps this outing budget friendly.
A doable stop when you want something short and happy.
Make Your San Diego Museum Day Doable
Grab my Free Family Trip Itinerary Planner so you can plug in one of the half-day plans from this post and head out the door without stress.
My San Diego Museum Tips for Families
- Many of these museums are in Balboa Park. Parking is free. Double-check hours since some museums close on certain days.
- If you can plan a fall trip, Kids Go Free October saves SO much money and will allow you to visit some extra museums without going over your budget!
- Pair a museum with a simple meal. Try Cafe 41 on the USS Midway, Craveology next to Fleet Science Center, or any of the restaurants in Old Town.
- Use your science center membership. If your home museum is part of the ASTC Travel Program, you can often get free or discounted admission at partner museums. In San Diego that can include the Fleet Science Center and The Nat. Always check your membership details and each museum’s current policy.
Did You Know? Your Science Center Membership Can Travel
If your home museum is part of the ASTC Travel Program, you can often get free or discounted admission at partner museums when you visit other cities. In San Diego, that can include the Fleet Science Center and The Nat.
Personal note: This saves us so much money every year when we travel. It more than pays for our membership.
- Bring your membership card and a photo ID.
- Check your membership details and each museum’s current policy before you go.
Sample Half-Day Plans
Midway and Harbor Morning
USS Midway (tickets) for a few hours and lunch at Cafe 41 or Seaport Village
Toddler-First Balboa Park
Fleet Science Center for Kid City, snack break or lunch at Craveology, short stop at the Model Railroad Museum.
Old Town History Stroll
Old Town’s free museums and a walking loop, toy store stop, early dinner on a patio.
More Family-Friendly San Diego Museums to Visit Next Time
Next time we visit San Diego, I have a few more museums on my list to visit with the kids.
- Museum of Us for a future trip with the older boys.
- San Diego Air and Space Museum after our love for aircraft on the Midway.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego, especially boarding the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. I think the kids will love it.
Related San Diego Posts
One Last Thing
From toddlers to tweens, these five museums are your best bets!
Start with the USS Midway if you only do one.
Remember you don’t need a packed schedule to make great memories here. Choose one or two and enjoy them with your family because that is what matters most!
✨Planning a family vacation to San Diego? Make sure to grab my Free Family Trip Itinerary Planner so you’re not piecing it together on the fly. It includes a trip overview, daily pages you can fill in, and simple checklists that will make your trip feel doable. Get it below.
May you love your adventure. KW
