Is The New Children's Museum worth visiting?

The New Children's Museum in San Diego offers interactive art installations and hands-on art programs designed to inspire imagination and creativity in children and families. It aims to encourage visitors to think, play, and create through engaging and educational experiences.

What are the best things to see and do at The New Children's Museum?

The museum features interactive art installations and hosts "Artopia: NCM Creative Studios," a creative hub offering art workshops and pop-up programs for all ages. They collaborate with artists to continually reimagine spaces, providing new discoveries with each visit.

What are the opening hours at The New Children's Museum?

The New Children's Museum is open six days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM and closed on Tuesdays. Please check the official site for any date-specific hours.

Is The New Children's Museum suitable for young children, and what ages is it best for?

The New Children's Museum is designed to be suitable for "All ages," with creative and educational experiences for children and families.

The New Children's Museum

Write a Review San Diego, California All ages Verified•Children's Museum

Published October 2026. Editorial oversight by James Morgan. AI-assisted, human-edited. Our editorial standards

Image credits

Photo by Sebastian Wallroth via Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-4.0
Photo by Omar Bárcena via Wikidata, CC-BY-2.0

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About The New Children's Museum

A San Diego museum where kids make art inside ever-changing, artist-designed installations.

The New Children's Museum mixes contemporary art with hands-on play, working with artists to keep its interactive spaces fresh for every visit.

What you'll see and do - Climb into interactive art installations designed to spark imagination and creativity - Join hands-on art programming led in collaboration with working artists - Explore Artopia: NCM Creative Studios, a creative hub hosting workshops and pop-up programs for kids, teens, and all ages - Discover reimagined spaces that change over time, rewarding repeat visits

Attraction Details

Opening Times

Monday9 AM to 4 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday9 AM to 4 PM
Thursday9 AM to 4 PM
Friday9 AM to 4 PM
Saturday9 AM to 4 PM
Sunday9 AM to 4 PM

Events at The New Children's Museum

Woodswoman: Earthseed Opening Day
June 6, 2026
Experience the opening day of "Woodswoman: Earthseed" from 9am-4pm.
Ceramics Workshops
June 13, 2026 & June 20, 2026
Participate in ceramics workshops on select Saturdays in June.
Mass Creativity
Ongoing workshops leading up to June 27, 2026
The 14th annual Mass Creativity, celebrating art, imagination, and community with free artist-led workshops.
Mass Creativity Day
June 27, 2026
A grand celebration with music, dance, food vendors, community art displays, and free museum admission for all.
InterActivity 2026
2026
The annual conference of the Association of Children’s Museums, focusing on 'The Fabric of Belonging: Crafting Spaces for Resilience and Connection'.
Holiday Art-Making in Artopia
December 6, 2026 - January 4, 2027
Hands-on, holiday-themed art making activities are included with Museum admission on weekends.
Holiday Art-Making Sensory Friendly Session
December 6, 2026
A dedicated hour with reduced noise, lower lighting, and a calmer environment for exploring winter-themed art activities.

Plan Your Visit

Family-tested advice for a smoother day at The New Children's Museum.

Who it's for

All ages

Getting there

The New Children's Museum is at 200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. Check the operator's site for parking and transit options.

Pro tip

Pack snacks, refillable water bottles and a portable charger to keep the day running smoothly.

Directions

The New Children's Museum

200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

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Last updated 10/17/2026