explore. imagine.

experiment

welcome

Welcome to San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, a world of hands-on learning experiences that invite curiosity and spark a love of learning.

Small boy blowing on dandelion with sun graphic behind him
Small boy blowing on dandelion with sun graphic behind him

explore. imagine.

experiment

welcome

Welcome to San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum, a world of hands-on learning experiences that invite curiosity and spark a love of learning.

Small boy blowing on dandelion with sun graphic behind him

upcoming events

& programs

Big Exchange

Did you know that our members get access to San Diego Museum Council's Big Exchange? From May 1 to 18, the Big Exchange gives San Diego Children's Discovery Museum members reciprocal admission to more than 50 museums, historic sites, [...]

25th Birthday Party

The Museum is celebrating 25 years of exploration, imagination, and experimentation. Grab your party hats and get ready for a full day of celebration! Join us for a day of birthday fun [...]

Summer Camp

Are you a creative and curious problem solver? Spend the summer exploring with San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum! Each day of camp includes access to Museum exhibits, hands-on exploration with trained education [...]

Black boy with magnifying glass looking at garden plants

Visit SDCDM

A joyful place for families to learn, play, & explore together.

little girl at keyboard at SDCDM

Memberships

Become an annual member & enjoy unlimited discovery.

man and son exploring exhibits

SCHOOL VISITS

Register for grade-specific workshops & field trips.

small boy playing with connecting blocks

Play at home

Create, experiment, & learn at home!

featured

exhibits

storytime-magic icon

STORY
TIME

inventing

Interactive challenges inspired by some of your favorite children’s storybook characters!

storytime-magic icon
little girl playing with blocks
Turtle

THE

greenhouse

Meet our newest animal ambassador, Sebastian the tortoise!

Turtle

THE

greenhouse

Meet our newest animal ambassador, Sebastian the tortoise!

BASE

camp

Learn about ecologies of the past while uncovering dinosaur fossils!

small girl with blonde braid squatting while painting and smiling
girl with hands in the air in clouds graphic

mission

& promise

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is a nonprofit organization with a mission to spark a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams. The generous support of our community allows us to bring accessible, hands-on early STREAM education opportunities to families across San Diego County. As we continue to reach more families, your support is vital to inspiring the next generation of creative and imaginative thinkers.

girl with hands in the air in clouds graphic

mission

& promise

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is a nonprofit organization with a mission to spark a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams. The generous support of our community allows us to bring accessible, hands-on early STREAM education opportunities to families across San Diego County. As we continue to reach more families, your support is vital to inspiring the next generation of creative and imaginative thinkers.

connect
with us

connect
with us

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms and mom-figures out there! 💙 Whether you're building block towers or chasing tiny explorers through the Museum, you're doing an incredible job. We see you, we celebrate you, and we hope today brings a little extra joy your way! 💐
Our families went nuts at our May Jimbo’s Garden Workshop! 🫐🥭 From mulberries to macadamias, our drought-tolerant trail mix helped us explore water conservation one bite at a time. Get ready for next month's workshop, where you will get to excavate your own Dinosaur Pudding made with organic Jimbo’s ingredients on June 13! 🦖🍫
For 25 years, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has been sparking curiosity and inspiring young minds, and Oliver is proof of that impact. He started visiting the Museum when he was just two years old. Now, at 15, he's part of his school’s robotics club and dreams of a future in engineering. ⚙️

From Science & Engineering night to hands-on exhibits, the Museum gave Oliver the space to explore, imagine, and grow. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’re honoring stories like his and the role this community has played in making them possible. ✨
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month! Every May, we recognize the contributions of AAPI communities to art, history, and culture. We’ll be celebrating all month long with books and characters that highlight AAPI stories. And to honor the Japanese tradition of taiko, we’ll be creating our own drums! 🎶 Get ready to find your rhythm and make music with a special meaning behind it! 🥁
Today’s the day! Water Ways, our brand-new outdoor exhibit, is now open in the Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden, and it’s overflowing with hands-on fun for the whole family.

Explore exciting new features where your kiddo can:
💧 Launch balls into a swirling water vortex
🛠️ Turn on and off dams using valves and levers
🍄 Splash through water mushrooms
🌧️ Control the weather to turn on and off the rain and snow
✨ And discover even more ways to experiment and play!

Designed to spark curiosity and encourage conservation, Water Ways is the perfect way to kick off your spring and summer adventures. Come discover the power of play, now open and waiting for you!

Water Ways is generously supported by Concannon Family Foundation, @escondido_community_foundation -  an affiliate of the @sandiegofoundation, SAHM Family Foundation, @hunterindustries, Linden Root Dickinson Foundation, and Hans and Margaret Doe Charitable Trust at San Diego Foundation.
We’re all ears for May’s Fun Animal Friday with San Diego House Rabbit Society! 🥕🐰 Meet adorable rabbits, listen to a live presentation, and enjoy a special storytime and craft. It’s all happening May 30 from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Don’t miss this wonderful morning of fuzzy fun!
Nothing beats a yummy breakfast and a sunny spring morning! 🐢✨
By becoming a member, your kiddo can embark on a year of discovery and wonder as they engage with our hands-on exhibits to ignite their passion for learning. 🚀 From exploring gravity at the Wind Tunnel to spotting butterflies in our Pollinator Garden, our Museum offers captivating experiences for every inquisitive mind. 🦋 Purchase a membership today at the link in our bio🔗
Did you know that as a Museum member you get exclusive benefits like The Big Exchange? 🎉 The Big Exchange offers you and your family reciprocal admission to more than 50 museums, historic sites, gardens, and more throughout San Diego County from May 1 - 18. It's as easy as showing your current membership card! 

Learn more with @gomuseums or sign up for a membership to join in on the fun at the link in our bio🔗
We had an amazing time celebrating our first Día De Los Niños at the Museum this past Saturday! ✨ Families enjoyed delicious conchas from @vallarta.supermarkets, a special storytime with @escondidolibrary, a beautiful ballet folklórico performance by @houseofmexicosd, and colorful piñata-making fun! 🎨🪅 Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate children, culture, and community.