our story

& mission

who we are

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum sparks a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

our story

& mission

who we are

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum sparks a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

Child at SDCDM playing with a walkie talkie

MISSION

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum sparks a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

VALUES

We believe in…

  • Learning through hands-on play

  • Nurturing kind hearts and curious minds

  • Educational opportunities that are inclusive and open to all

VISION

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum will be the leaders in inventive early childhood learning.

MISSION

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum sparks a love of learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

VALUES

We believe in…

  • Learning through hands-on play

  • Nurturing kind hearts and curious minds

  • Educational opportunities that are inclusive and open to all

VISION

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum will be the leaders in inventive early childhood learning.

about the

museum

In 1999, a remarkable group of parents in Escondido joined forces to envision a special place where young children could thrive. They dreamed of a community learning space that would ignite creativity, fuel imagination, and encourage little ones to explore the wonders of the world. Thus, the Escondido Children’s Museum was born, a humble yet extraordinary traveling kite making program crafted with love for our local families. It became a sanctuary where children and caregivers could grow and flourish together.

Fast forward to today, and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is the evolution of that initial spark. Our mission to bring families together in a vibrant learning environment continues to thrive, reaching far beyond Escondido to touch the hearts of communities throughout the county.

Situated in the heart of Escondido, our Museum encompasses 13,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. As you step inside, you’ll feel an immediate sense of joy and wonder. Here, we foster kind hearts and curious minds through hands-on learning experiences and enriching educational programs. Our goal is simple: to spark a love for learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

We understand that education begins at birth, and during those precious early years, when a child’s brain develops rapidly, we provide vital cognitive, social, emotional, and sensory support. It’s a truly opportune time to nurture curiosity and ignite the flames of imagination in every child. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum stands as a testament to the incredible power of curiosity and the boundless potential within every child. We invite you to join our warm and welcoming community, where joy, inspiration, and learning intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. Step into a world where dreams come alive, where young minds blossom, and where the magic of childhood is cherished.

In 1999, a remarkable group of parents in Escondido joined forces to envision a special place where young children could thrive. They dreamed of a community learning space that would ignite creativity, fuel imagination, and encourage little ones to explore the wonders of the world. Thus, the Escondido Children’s Museum was born, a humble yet extraordinary traveling kite making program crafted with love for our local families. It became a sanctuary where children and caregivers could grow and flourish together.

Fast forward to today, and San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum is the evolution of that initial spark. Our mission to bring families together in a vibrant learning environment continues to thrive, reaching far beyond Escondido to touch the hearts of communities throughout the county.

Situated in the heart of Escondido, our Museum encompasses 13,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. As you step inside, you’ll feel an immediate sense of joy and wonder. Here, we foster kind hearts and curious minds through hands-on learning experiences and enriching educational programs. Our goal is simple: to spark a love for learning so all children can discover their wildest dreams.

We understand that education begins at birth, and during those precious early years, when a child’s brain develops rapidly, we provide vital cognitive, social, emotional, and sensory support. It’s a truly opportune time to nurture curiosity and ignite the flames of imagination in every child. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum stands as a testament to the incredible power of curiosity and the boundless potential within every child. We invite you to join our warm and welcoming community, where joy, inspiration, and learning intertwine to create unforgettable experiences. Step into a world where dreams come alive, where young minds blossom, and where the magic of childhood is cherished.

the children’s

museum goes

mobile

We firmly believe that access to early education should be a right for all families. To honor this belief, our commitment to inclusivity is unwavering. Our influence extends across the county. Since 2015, our dedicated team has brought the wonders of our Mobile Children’s Museum program to communities in San Diego with the greatest need. From Fallbrook in the north to Chula Vista in the south, our trained educators journey across the county, delivering standards-aligned workshops and captivating exhibits to young learners in schools and early childhood centers.

Child at SDCDM playing with a play mallet while smiling at camera
Child at SDCDM playing with a play mallet while smiling at camera

the children’s

museum goes

mobile

We firmly believe that access to early education should be a right for all families. To honor this belief, our commitment to inclusivity is unwavering. Our influence extends across the county. Since 2015, our dedicated team has brought the wonders of our Mobile Children’s Museum program to communities in San Diego with the greatest need. From Fallbrook in the north to Chula Vista in the south, our trained educators journey across the county, delivering standards-aligned workshops and captivating exhibits to young learners in schools and early childhood centers.

Child at SDCDM playing with a play mallet while smiling at camera

our appoach

to learning

our appoach

to

learning

OUR APPROACH

Interactive experiences are a crucial element of learning. All exhibits and programs are designed to develop a wide range of skills foundational for a child’s success in school, life, and work. Time spent at the Museum builds skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and confidence. Through play, we challenge your little one’s imagination and curiosity to create an environment filled with exploration and experimentation where there are no right or wrong answers.

OUR IMPACT

Children who receive access to high-quality early childhood education are more likely to succeed in school, work, and life. Barriers to receiving education, such as transportation, income, and disability, often prevent families from receiving the enriching and foundational resources their children need to thrive. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum extends far beyond its local community of Escondido to meet families with the greatest need where they are. Through our Mobile Children’s Museum, our educators introduce early STREAM education to underserved and racially marginalized children throughout San Diego County. Since 1999, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has served over one million children and families.

OUR APPROACH

Interactive experiences are a crucial element of learning. All exhibits and programs are designed to develop a wide range of skills foundational for a child’s success in school, life, and work. Time spent at the Museum builds skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, creativity, and confidence. Through play, we challenge your little one’s imagination and curiosity to create an environment filled with exploration and experimentation where there are no right or wrong answers.

OUR IMPACT

Children who receive access to high-quality early childhood education are more likely to succeed in school, work, and life. Barriers to receiving education, such as transportation, income, and disability, often prevent families from receiving the enriching and foundational resources their children need to thrive. San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum extends far beyond its local community of Escondido to meet families with the greatest need where they are. Through our Mobile Children’s Museum, our educators introduce early STREAM education to underserved and racially marginalized children throughout San Diego County. Since 1999, San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum has served over one million children and families.