San Diego is one of the best locations to catch the annual migration of gray whales as they make their way from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warm waters of Baja to birth their calves. Prime viewing months for Whale Watching Tours are late December-early March.
Contact number: (619) 234-4111
Location: 1050 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
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Every summer, the Museum of Photographic Arts presents the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival. Films from all over the world are featured, each with children in mind. Each program is based on a theme (Earth and Space, Teen Filmmakers, Cinco de Mayo Celebracion) and features several short films based around that theme.
Contact number: (760) 805-9510
Location: 1649 El Prado , San Diego, CA 92101
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The music, art, dance, education and technology of the African and indigenous cultures of the world are highlighted here in an effort of promotion and preservation. The center offers many classes for families to do together, so you and your grandchildren can enroll in an art, drumming, dance or music class. Earth Day, MLK Day, Bob Marley Day and Kwanzaa are just a sampling of their exciting annual celebrations.
Contact number: (619) 230-1190
Location: 2100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
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The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a collection of historic ships that are available for tours and legendary lore. This replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate is the current home of Pirates of the Pacific and features folks dressed up as pirates. There are also artifacts and hands-on exhibits about the pirates who wreaked nearly 100 years of havoc in the South China Sea.
Contact number: (619) 234-9153
Location: 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
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The friendly volunteer staff (made up of firefighters, medical technicians and hopeful new recruits) is here to answer questions and talk story about San Diego’s firefighting history. Indeed, firefighting plays a crucial role in the city’s survival since its dry climate lends itself to brushfires, some of which have caused major, local devastation.
Contact number: (619) 232-3473
Location: 1572 Columbia Street , San Diego, CA 92101
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Exhibit after exhibit (over 100 in seven galleries) is tantalizing, educational and fascinating. Most exhibits are interactive, allowing excellent opportunities to explore with your grandchildren. Kid City is a fun-filled zone designed for children six and younger. Conveyor belts, magnets, puzzles, twists and pulleys will keep even the youngest hands busy for hours. It’s well worth a few extra bucks to check out one of the fabulous IMAX films in the world’s first dome theatre—it tilts at a 25-degree angle, giving one the feeling of being suspended in space.
Contact number: (619) 238-1233
Location: 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101
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A museum for all ages.
Contact number: (619) 233-8792
Location: 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego, California 92101
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Take budding photographers and filmmakers to visit the Museum of Photographic Arts. Since its opening in 1983, the MoPA’s mission is to collect, present, and conserve photography, film, and video. View pieces by Ansel Adams, Irving Penn, and Joan Myers in the institution’s permanent collection. The museum also offers public programs, workshops, youth camps, and classes.
Contact number: (619) 238-7559
Location: 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
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The Escondido Children’s Museum features exhibits focusing on science, nature and international culture. The exhibits were designed by a team of educational specialists who paid special care to making the process of learning fun. This hands-on museum gives you and your grandchildren a chance to garden, learn about the world on a Global Information System (GIS) or just play dress-up in traditional costumes from around the world.
Contact number: (760) 233-7755
Location: 380 North Escondido Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92025
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The Midway’s 47-year tour of duty spanned WWII to Desert Storm and included the service of 225,000 Americans. Cruising through this interactive museum will be inspiring and educational for you and your grandchildren. See an onboard mess hall, sleeping quarters and doctor’s office to get a glimpse at what was once daily life onboard this town-at-sea. With more than 50 exhibits in all, the USS Midway is a more than thorough tribute to the history of naval aviation.
Contact number: (619) 544-9600
Location: USS 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Learn more here.
