PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

The highly-anticipated New Children’s Museum of San Diego finally opened downtown in May 2008 and is well worth the wait. The 50,000 square-foot space is all-new and full of clever and unique activities for kids of all ages.

Upon entering the museum, kids are immediately drawn to the foot-powered Segway-type scooters. On the same level is “Tent City”, a multi-level cloth structure through which children can climb and play house, as well as the Outdoor/Indoor Art Studio with the popular Painted VW Bug and a clay studio. If you plan to let your child paint, make sure you both dress appropriately as you are almost guaranteed to be covered in blue paint by the time you’re finished.

In the basement is the shadow puppet theater where kids can cut out their own shapes and characters, a dress-up and performance area complete with a huge mirror for posing, and Delphine, the ocean-themed video installation that kids like to turn into a shadow puppet show as well.

Teens will appreciate the areas made especially for them on the top floor, including The Costume Project and the Tech Studio. Also on the second floor is the “No Rules Except” exhibit, which my sons call the “pillow-fight room”. This room is completely covered in mattresses and tire-shaped pillows and is fun for toddlers all the way up to teenagers (who doesn’t love to jump on the bed?). This room is my kids’ favorite part of the museum. They love to slide down the leaning mattresses and see how high they can stack the tire pillows before they fall.

Also on the top floor is a climbing wall and another indoor/outdoor studio. This studio has loads of wooden sticks that children can use to build (think Lincoln logs), a ramp for racing handmade cars, and a bubble studio that is sure to keep the little ones busy and happy.

One thing that I really appreciate about the New Children’s Museum is how “green” it is, in both its construction and the materials that they use. If you’re interested in teaching your children about conservation and sustainability, be sure to point out all of the eco-friendly items at the museum, from the recycled concrete stairs to the huge wall of windows that all but eliminate the need for light bulbs inside during the day.

The New Children’s Museum is a bargain. Children over age one and adults are $10/each, but for just $75, your entire family can enjoy free admission for one year.