With over 45 museums in San Diego, February is a great month to visit them because it is Museum Month! Whether you visit a museum for the first time or the hundredth time, we share some ways to explore San Diego’s amazing museums. Macy’s is specifically sponsoring Museum Month as the community access sponsor, so in order to get the 50% off at the 45+ museums, you need to obtain a pass at San Diego’s Macy’s Stores or one of the 75 public libraries.
GET CREATIVE
Students in the arts or athletics outperformed their peers by a wide margin: 14% more students were proficient in English, 20% more were proficient in math, 16% more were proficient in science, and 16% more were proficient in social studies. The benefits of art courses extend beyond the academic realm. That is why we love the New Children’s Museum.
From interactive art installations to STEAM-based classes, there is so much to explore. And now they have their first satellite location in Del Mar Plaza. It is a much smaller (2,000 square foot) version of their downtown Museum and it is designed for younger children and toddlers. It includes a mini version of Wobbleland, a makerspace for art classes and activities, a chalk wall, blocks, painted object and more. What’s great too is that they offer art classes for toddlers and elementary kids. The toddler Art Classes take place every Friday and art projects change monthly and focus on developing toddlers’ fine-motor and sensory skills. They also offer beginner art courses for students in grades K-2 and 3-5. We love the downtown location too. When you arrive, make sure to check the Makerspace classes being offered or take advantage of open-ended creating.
Whammock is one of our favorite installations! It’s this giant hammock (1,000 pounds of net to be exact!) that kids can climb, swing, bounce on or rest. And just across the way is Tikitiko, a sensory wonderland for toddlers (3 years and under) covered in colorful, soft and furry textiles. The Wondersound area is another favorite. Part treehouse, part playground, it’s a labyrinth of rooms, nooks, ropes and continuous exploration made from 8,000 hand-cut wooden shapes.
GO TO NEW DEPTHS
San Diego is a coastal city, so let’s get to know more about our coast! And one of the best places to do that is at the Birch Aquarium. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses, and coral reefs at as the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium features amazing creatures including a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle, a Giant Pacific Octopus, Leopard Sharks and Moon Jellies.
You don’t want to miss one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world or the outdoor tide pools where you can touch local creatures while enjoying stunning La Jolla ocean views. The oceanographic museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps Oceanography scientists on climate, earth, and ocean science and includes interactive elements.
Advanced reservations are required for all guests, even members. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
If there is anything that these past two years have taught us is to take advantage of the great outdoors and the San Diego Botanic Garden is one of our favorite spots to visit. A 37 acre urban oasis with 4 miles of trails wind through its 29 uniquely themed gardens, among them a tropical rainforest, bamboo garden, and regional desert landscapes. One of our favorite things to do is to hike the trail and then climb to the top of the tower and take in the view. You can see the ocean on a clear day as well as lots of the surrounding area. The SD Botanic Garden is also home to the West Coast’s largest children’s garden.
One of the ways to freshen up a place you visit often is to do a class. We enjoy the San Diego Botanic Garden’s Saplings program. The staff lead science, art and play in the garden spaces. Each month has a different theme. If you can’t make it for the Sapling program, another fun way to gain a fresh perspective is to do a scavenger hunt. You can download and print it out the one created by the staff or have it on your phone. This can be a fun activity to do as a family or with a group of friends.
CONTINUE THE LEARNING
Macy’s is committed to giving back, supporting the local community and sharing joy through the rich cultural experience like the ones Museum Month brings to the San Diego community. This is just one example, as Macy’s always rallies colleagues and community members to donate money, volunteer time and raise awareness of causes that matter.
Whether you grab your pass at a San Diego Macy’s store to get the 50% off at the 45+ museums or you’re more interested in continued learning, Macy’s has so many great products and sets that you can bring home!
From brands like National Geographic with their kits like Earth Science, Volcano and Power Rocket to Discovery Mindblown collection that includes Archeology Excavation Kits to Kids Glow Grow Kit and even DIY Planetarium Star Projector. FAO Schwarz has a very cool Tabletop LED Easel for little artists, and Melissa and Doug has a Fashion Design Activity Kit… so whatever your interest, there is a way to stay hands on and continue the learning at home.
