Balboa Park

Often referred to as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest urban park with cultural institutions in the United States. It boasts 18 museums devoted to topics as varied as anthropology, art, comics, aviation, natural science and technology, and they're spread throughout the pristine gardens and historic Spanish Colonial architecture of the park.

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Balboa Park Explorer Passes

The Balboa Park Explorer Passes are San Diego's best cultural value. The one-day, multi-day and annual Explorer passes offer visitors the chance to experience multiple museums in the park, with savings of more than 50% and the convenience of a one-time purchase. The Multi-Day Explorer/Zoo Combo includes the Balboa Park Multi-Day Explorer Pass plus a one-day admission ticket to the San Diego Zoo, all for one low price.

Museums for Children

While most of the museums and other attractions are kid-friendly, a few cater specifically to children. The Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park brings science to life with hands-on experiments that are sure to engage your child's inquisitive mind. Also in Balboa Park, you'll find the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, with an interactive Lionel train layout for children.

In La Jolla, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps showcases a fascinating range of sea life, from sea horses to sharks, and lets kids and their families get hands-on with ocean inhabitants thanks to a simulated tide pool. Kids are also sure to love the diminutive but very active penguins (the world's smallest) that reside in the Birch's newest habitat, the Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins area.

And the New Children's Museum in downtown San Diego brings art and discovery to life with fun interactive activities, craft projects and inventive play areas. Recent exhibits at the New Children's Museum have explored issues such as recycling and food sustainability through child-focused art and craft projects. Many of the museums have toddler areas as well so the littlest ones can join in all the fun.

Arts District Liberty Station

This unique gathering place within 360 waterfront acres of the former Naval Training Center features historic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, vast landscaped open spaces and plenty of free parking. ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station is a destination where visitors and locals can stroll the 100 parklike acres, discover something new each time and make lasting memories. Many of the 38 historic buildings are now bursting with authenticity, heritage, creativity and innovation. Always changing and evolving, ARTS DISTRICT is a place to create, connect, learn, shop, dine, meet, explore and buy local art.