New Children’s Museum
200 W. Island Ave., San Diego
619-233-8792;
www.thinkplaycreate.org

The New Children’s Museum is a hands-on play place and learning adventure for kids 12 and under. The new structure is double the size of the old one and offers an art studio, eight galleries, two birthday party rooms, a café and a theater. With a three-story atrium, a glass elevator tower and an angled sawtooth roof, the building is as stimulating to the eye as to the imagination. Annual memberships are available. Free admission the second Sunday of each month.

Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N. Harbor Dr.,
San Diego
619-234-9153;
www.sdmaritime.org

Visit this museum for one of the best collections of historic ships and replicas as well as fun family events. Tour the majestic Star of India, the world’s oldest seagoing vessel, or one of several other ships and boats. Family events include sleepovers, sailing adventures, the Sea Chantey Festival, and Family Fun Day, during which children under 12 are admitted for free. The museum also offers cannon-battle reenactments that visitors can experience firsthand.