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Balboa Park in San Diego
The largest urban cultural park in the U.S. with 1,200 acres of green space, world-class museums, 65 miles of trails, the internationally acclaimed San Diego Zoo and more. Visit www.balboapark.org to learn about Resident Free Days.
Balboa Park Carousel Park Blvd. at Zoo Pl. www.balboaparkcarousel.org
Take a spin around this historic, hand-carved carousel that has delighted visitors for over a century. Try your hand at the brass ring game for extra fun! Open weekends and school holidays.
Balboa Park Miniature Train www.balboapark.org/attractions/miniature-train
Hop aboard this rare G6 locomotive and enjoy the half-mile loop tour through 4 acres of Balboa Park just outside the Zoo’s entrance. Keep your eyes peeled for some animal sightings along the way!
Comic-Con Museum 619-546-9073; www.comic-con.org/museum
Embrace your inner superhero or trusty sidekick all year long at this unique space dedicated to San Diego’s iconic celebration of all things art, film, pop culture, comics and more.
Fleet Science Center 619-238-1233; www.fleetscience.org
Discover fascinating facts about tornados, electricity, microorganisms, outer space and more. Explore hands-on exhibits and enjoy an immersive 360-degree IMAX film under the Giant Dome Theater.
Japanese Friendship Garden 619-232-2721; www.niwa.org
Meander through this picturesque 12-acre garden, featuring bonsai trees, koi ponds, waterfalls, rock gardens and special exhibits. Don’t miss the stunning cherry blossom bloom and festival every spring.
The Old Globe 619-234-5623; www.theoldglobe.org
Audiences of all ages have delighted in theatrical productions at this historic theater since 1935. Visit the website for performance schedule and free family-friendly events.
San Diego Air & Space Museum 619-234-8291 www.sandiegoairandspace.org
The best aviation museum in California according to Travel + Leisure (and voted #8 in the country)! Soar to the skies with interactive flight simulators and explore a unique collection of artifacts, air and spacecraft, special exhibits and more.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum 619-696-0199; www.sdmrm.org
Discover the history of railroading across Southern California as it’s brought to life through 27,000 square feet of trains, tracks and trestles. Free for kids 12 and under with paying adult.
The San Diego Museum of Art 619-232-7931; www.sdmart.org
Now also the home of the Museum of Photographic Arts, visitors can explore internationally acclaimed paintings, sculptures and photographs in one visit! Ages 17 & under are free. Afterwards, enjoy a meal and live music in the sculpture court at Panama 66.
San Diego Natural History Museum 619-232-3821; www.sdnat.org
Investigate the beauty and mystery of our planet from dinosaurs and fossils to rattlesnakes and gemstones. In honor of its 150th birthday, the museum created a new outdoor exhibit, Nature Trail at The Nat, free to visitors.
San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Dr. www.sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
Become a champion for wildlife at this world-famous home to rare and endangered animals. Family favorites include the double-decker bus tour, Wildlife Explorers Basecamp and unique, behind-the-scenes animal encounters.
Spanish Village Art Center www.spanishvillageartcenter.com
Witness art in the making from ceramics and jewelry to sculpture and textiles. Explore a unique collection of art studios featuring work from over 200 local creators, guild shows, live demos and art classes. Free to explore.
