The New Children's Museum

The New Children's Museum We’re called The New Children’s Museum because there’s always something new to experience & discover!
(2061)

The New Children’s Museum is a dynamic new model of a museum that celebrates children and the arts. As a San Diego non-profit, our Museum empowers children to think, play and create through engaging exhibitions, art-making activities, artistic performances, and educational opportunities. Serving all ages, from toddler to preteen, The New Children's Museum inspires new ways to see the world through the language of art.

Yesterday, NCM staff joined hundreds of artists, arts workers, cultural leaders, youth, and advocates at City Hall to ur...
05/29/2026

Yesterday, NCM staff joined hundreds of artists, arts workers, cultural leaders, youth, and advocates at City Hall to urge the Mayor and City Council to restore arts and culture funding in San Diego’s proposed FY27 budget.

Throughout the rally and City Council meeting, one message rang clear: art is essential. Speaker after speaker shared how the arts foster connection, healing, joy, safety, and belonging. They strengthen communities, spark creativity, and create opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and thrive.

At The New Children's Museum, we see the impact of that investment every day. We see children build confidence through creative expression. We see families connect across generations. We see young people discover their voices, explore their identities, and imagine new possibilities for themselves and their communities.

A thriving San Diego depends on a thriving arts and culture sector. Arts and culture enrich our neighborhoods, strengthen our local economy, and help create a city where people want to live, work, learn, and play.

The budget will be finalized on Tuesday, June 9, and now is the time to make your voice heard. 🔗 Contact the mayor and your councilmember at this link: https://bit.ly/4vkkvtq

Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and continues to advocate for the future of arts and culture in San Diego.

Heads up: We are closing early on Thursday, June 4 at 12pm! 🗓️We are closing early for a private event. The Museum will ...
05/28/2026

Heads up: We are closing early on Thursday, June 4 at 12pm! 🗓️

We are closing early for a private event. The Museum will reopen the following day and resume normal hours on Friday, June 5.

Thank you for your understanding ✨

Summer Camp starts next week, and we have limited spots left! 😎🌴This is your last chance to sign up and give your child ...
05/27/2026

Summer Camp starts next week, and we have limited spots left! 😎🌴

This is your last chance to sign up and give your child the most creative summer EVER!

Starting next week:
🌎 Art Around The World, June 1-5, Ages 8-10, 3 spots left!

Starting June 8:
♻️ Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, June 8-12, Ages 5-7, 3 spots left!
🎨 Make your Mark: Printing Techniques, June 8-12, Ages 8-10, 4 spots left!

Grab their spot here: https://bit.ly/ncmsummercamps-register

05/25/2026

POV: the front desk goodbye somehow turns into a full museum adventure together ✨🎨

You won't want to miss Story Time Studio at NCM on Saturday, May 30 at 10am and 11am. We are thrilled to have former NCM...
05/23/2026

You won't want to miss Story Time Studio at NCM on Saturday, May 30 at 10am and 11am. We are thrilled to have former NCM Community Programs Coordinator, Alejandro Bastien-Olvera, with us to be a guest reader and lead a fun activity! 📖✨

We’ll begin with a live book reading in "Teatro Piñata"! As the story unfolds, children will engage in movement, imagination, and dramatic play. Using the EYEPlay (Early Years Educators at Play) methodology, they will become characters from the book, and work together to solve its central challenge.

📅 Saturday, May 30 at 10am & 11am
👧 For kids ages 4–6, but all ages are welcome!
📍 The New Children's Museum

Admission to The New Children's Museum is required to attend this event. We hope to see you there!

Mass Creativity is back 🪴💚We’re kicking things off with TWO FREE sustainably-focused creative workshops in partnership w...
05/22/2026

Mass Creativity is back 🪴💚

We’re kicking things off with TWO FREE sustainably-focused creative workshops in partnership with our incredible community collaborators. 🎨♻️

Inspired by artist Saya Woolfalk, who creates imaginative worlds filled with hybrid human-plant beings, explore materials that shift and transform like ice, salt, watercolor, and plants. Create your own aura painting that reflects who you are, then step into our cosmic photobooth and take a piece of the experience home with you. Your artwork will also become part of a collective installation at Mass Creativity Day on June 27 at The New Children’s Museum.

📍 Skyline Hills Public Library
🗓️ Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4pm-5:30pm

📍 City Heights / Weingart Public Library
🗓️ Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 5pm-6:30pm

Funding for our Mass Creativity program is provided in part by City of San Diego Cultural Affairs, County of San Diego, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, First 5 San Diego, and City of San Diego.

We’re open on Monday, May 25, Memorial Day! ☀️Stop by NCM from 9am–4pm for a full day of play, creativity, and discovery...
05/21/2026

We’re open on Monday, May 25, Memorial Day! ☀️

Stop by NCM from 9am–4pm for a full day of play, creativity, and discovery. Enjoy 3 floors of immersive art installations, interactive artmaking spaces like Clay Patio, the Innovators LAB along with other programs! The perfect adventure awaits you and your family! 🎨💕

This Memorial Day, we honor all who have served in the armed forces. Thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

📍 The New Children’s Museum
200 W Island Ave, San Diego, CA
🎟️ Plan your visit today here: https://bit.ly/ncmvisit

05/20/2026

Mass Creativity is back for its 14th year and we couldn't be more excited! 🥳🎉

Our 2026 theme roots in "The Worlds We Grow", inspired by the imaginative worlds of Saya Woolfalk (she/her) and our latest installation, "Woodswoman: Earthseed".

We’re distributing sustainably focused art kits across multiple locations throughout San Diego, in partnership with our dedicated community collaborators.

Join us for free public workshop!
📍 Skyline Hills Public Library
🗓️ Thursday, May 28
⏰ 4pm-6pm

📍 City Heights / Weingart Public Library
🗓️ Tuesday, June 9
⏰ 5pm-6:30pm

🎨 Meet Our 2026 Community Partners 🎨

Barrio Logan College Institute
Skyline Hills Public Library
City Heights / Weingart Public Library

Our Mass Creativity program culminates in an all-ages celebration at Museum Park, located just across from the Museum. The event features hands-on art-making, live music, family-friendly activities, and free admission to the Museum.

📅 Saturday, June 27, 2026
📍 The New Children's Museum

We hope to see you there!

Funding for our Mass Creativity program is provided in part by City of San Diego Cultural Affairs, County of San Diego, Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, First 5 San Diego, and City of San Diego.

We are heartbroken by the tragedy that took place in San Diego yesterday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and our hea...
05/19/2026

We are heartbroken by the tragedy that took place in San Diego yesterday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and our hearts are with the Muslim community and everyone impacted by this devastating act of violence.

There is no place for violence, hate, or harm in our communities, especially in spaces where children and families should feel safe.

At The New Children’s Museum, we believe every child and family deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and valued exactly as they are. We remain committed to being a space rooted in creativity, connection, belonging, and care for our community.

Get ready to step into a world where everything is larger than life 🦋✨Our upcoming immersive installation, "Woodswoman: ...
05/19/2026

Get ready to step into a world where everything is larger than life 🦋✨

Our upcoming immersive installation, "Woodswoman: Earthseed" will transform guests into California butterflies as they move through vibrant projections of native plants, interact with musical elements, and explore a whimsical environment designed to spark curiosity and creativity. Right now, we are in the process of building three giant acorns for your little ones to climb inside and engage on hands-on activities inspired by California’s native plants and science! 🍃✨

Plan your visit on Saturday, June 6, during our normal hours 9am-4pm, and be among the first to explore our newest installation!

We’re keeping a few surprises under wraps… but trust us, imagination and discovery await around every corner. 👀🍂

Woodswoman: Earthseed is brought to life in part by the visionary support of Prebys Foundation, City of San Diego Cultural Affairs, Henry Luce Foundation, PST ART presented by Getty, National Endowment for the Arts, Rosso Family Foundation, Mary and Lawrence Taylor, and Alaska Airlines.

Address

200 W Island Avenue
San Diego, CA
92101

Telephone

(619) 233-8792

Website

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