The New Children's Museum in San Diego

*My pictures really don't do justice to how vibrant this place really is, but just the same, the top picture is of the shadow puppet area, bottom is the large tree that inhabits all three stories of the museum

The fam and I just got back from our weekend in San Diego and it was awesome, to say the least. We were only there three days, but we packed in a lot of fun (without it being totally overwhelming). Our second day there we visited the brand new (and aptly named) New Children's Museum in downtown. I was drawn to this museum for the kids because its not just a kid's space or an art space, its this fantastic combo of the two. Each exhibit is created by an artist with the kids in mind. So, for example, they had an exhibit by artist Felipe Duizaides called "What is essential is invisible to the eyes" and it is essentially a bounce house for the kids, in the shape of an anatomical heart. The kids climb in through an aorta and bounce around inside to their hearts content and from the exterior the heart seems to pulsate and pump like a real heart. Other exhibits include a real VW the kids can paint to their heart's content, a shadow puppet theater, a large room with dolphin videos projected onto the walls the kids could "swim" in, and so many more. They had workshops going on all day, including a race car derby, superhero workshop and a clay workshop. We only made it to one, "Tent City" where the kids climb up through a maze, on to a platform where they can create a "city" out of tarps and pipes. Our four year old loved that. (oh, and the workshops are all included with admission) My husband and I love going to art museums but have not had the chance to take the kids as much as we like (its hard to juggle nap times and driving times and anyone who has a toddler knows they need to be well fed and rested to muster the manners needed for a real art museum) and this was such an amazing place for all of us. We were given a membership by my mother-in-law (thanks again Nanny!) so we'll for sure be going back! If you are in San Diego I highly highly recommend it! Its my new favorite place.

Find directions and info on the New Children's Museum here.