Museum Visits & Tickets
What is the age range of the museum?
Children ages 0-10 benefit most from our hands-on learning experiences.
Can I visit the Museum without a child?
No. All adult visitors must be accompanied by a child visitor. If you would like to schedule a tour of the Museum, please contact FrontDesk@sdcdm.org prior to your visit.
What is your daily admission fee?
Our daily Admission fee is $11.50 per person; children under 12 months are free of charge. We offer special discounts for Military families, early childhood Educators, and EBT cardholders throughout the year.
Do you offer memberships?
Yes! Memberships provide unlimited admission to the Museum, free passes for your guests, store and birthday party discounts, and more. Learn more about our Memberships.
What are your hours?
San Diego Children's Discovery Museum is open to the general public Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. View our full hours here.
Do you have a Members Only Hour?
Yes, Members Only Hours are every Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Do you have a dedicated day for children with exceptionalities or special needs?
Yes, Sensory Friendly Mornings are offered every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Do you offer any other discounts?
Yes, we offer discounted $8.00 general admission to select groups as well as $1.00 discounted admission to EBT card holders. There are many Ways to Save on your visit to the Museum.
Does the Museum offer a military discount?
Yes, $8.00 general admission per person with valid military I.D.
Do I need to buy my tickets in advance of visiting?
No. Advance reservations are not required.
Do Museum Members and Access for All Members need to reserve tickets?
Advance reservations are not required for Museum Members.
Can I buy tickets onsite?
Yes. Tickets are available for purchase onsite at the Museum.
I have a free admission pass to the Museum that was received before the closure – how can I redeem my ticket?
Please bring your free pass with you during your visit to redeem. Availability for comped tickets is limited and subject to availability.
I qualify for discounted admission – how do I purchase tickets and provide proof of eligibility?
Any guests who purchase Access for All and other discounted admission types must be prepared to show proof of eligibility (military ID, EBT/WIC cards, etc.) at Admissions when they arrive for their visit. Failure to provide proof of eligibility may require full-price admission fees.
What is the Museum’s capacity?
The Museum is currently operating at full capacity.
Can I bring lunch or snacks to the Museum to eat during my visit?
Food and beverages are not permitted in the Indoor Exhibit Hall. We kindly ask that all food is consumed in the outdoor Welcome Garden or Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden at designated picnic tables. Guests are welcome to bring personal water bottles into the Museum, and water bottle filling stations will be available. Please note the Museum is not responsible for food deliveries and will not hold food for guests.
Can I leave the Museum during my visit and come back after exiting?
Yes. Before exiting the Museum, please visit our Front Desk for a hand stamp. Guests returning without a hand stamp may not be readmitted into the Museum.
Health & Safety
Do I have to wear a face covering during my visit?
Face masks and coverings are not required.
Will you have hand washing stations and hand sanitizer available?
Yes. We have multiple hand washing stations in addition to multiple hand sanitizing stations located throughout the Museum and outdoor Trudy Bronner Discovery Garden.
What cleaning protocols does the Museum have in place?
The Museum's staff regularly sanitizes high-touch areas throughout the day. In addition, the Museum is deep cleaned by a third-party custodial company.
What cleaning products is the Museum using to sanitize surfaces and frequently touched items?
Exhibits are cleaned, disinfected, and laundered using environmentally-friendly cleaning products and our industrial dishwasher and electrostatic cleaning system. If you or your children have any sensitivity, please inquire before your visit.
Miscellaneous
Can I rent the Museum for a birthday party or private event?
Yes, please click here to learn more about birthday parties and private events.
Can I book a field trip to the Museum?
Yes, please visit our school and group visit page here.
Photography and video usage
Guests are encouraged to take photos and videos for personal use. Please share on social media with #SDCDM
- No tripods are allowed at the Museum.
- Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission from the Marketing Department.
- Photos taken at the Museum may not be used as stock photos, royalty-free, or otherwise.
Please note that guests may be photographed or recorded by Museum staff or media for marketing and educational purposes. Entry into the Museum grants permission for the use of these images.