Affordable SoCal: SD Children’s Discovery Museum

Yesterday we were celebrating the birthday of Stepson. Budgets are tight after the holidays, so we were looking for something cheap. For less than I’ve spent on drive-thru meals for the family before, our family of four visited the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum in Escondido. We were able to take advantage of a veteran’s discount ($8 per person); normal admission is $11.50 per person. There are also discounts for WIC/SNAP as well as group discounts.

I don’t know why it took me two years to visit here. I know the pandemic messed up their hours, and I believe when we first moved in 2021 they were still either closed or on restricted hours so they just sort of fell off my mental radar. They are fully open and operating now, however, and the kids had so much fun I expect we will definitely be back.

Once you pay your admission, you go through a magnet-sealed gate, so your kiddos are secure in the area and won’t sneak out when you aren’t looking. There are both indoor and outdoor play areas. There is a large STEM area with wind tunnels, a build-your-own ball track area, and lots of various puzzle activities. There is a “Money Management” section with math activities, a reading nook, and lots of nature exploration including a paleontology dig area and pollinator garden. For the smaller tots, there is even a dedicated 2-and-under area.

They also have a ton of events and activities. There was a flower pot decorating workshop while we were there, and their calendar is full of regularly scheduled story times, workshops, and other events that are included with admission.

Both my stepkids are special needs, and I was happy to see that the museum offers a lot of accessibility accommodations. They have sensory-friendly hours Sunday mornings. The front desk will let you check out noise-cancelling headphones, sensory bins, and Braille books for those who need them.

Overall, it was a very affordable excursion for the family. Affordable and SoCal rarely go hand in hand, so it was nice to finally visit this place. I thought it was going to cost more. If you have younger kids and are on a budget, this is definitely a place to check out!