Last updated on October 14th, 2025
Looking fun a hands-on museum in San Diego kids will love? Here’s your guide to fun interactive history museums in San Diego!
San Diego, a city known for its pristine beaches and world-famous zoo, harbors a treasure trove of historical gems that are often overlooked. For families seeking to blend education with entertainment, San Diego offers a remarkable array of interactive museums that bring history to life. As San Diego locals, we have visited them all!
In this guide, we’ll explore seven of San Diego’s most engaging museums that promise to delight children and adults alike, offering hands-on experiences that make learning an adventure.
Best Interactive Museums in San Diego
1. USS Midway Museum: A Floating City of Naval History
Moored on the Embarcadero in downtown San Diego, this decommissioned aircraft carrier, once the largest ship in the world, is now a floating museum where families can learn about naval aviation through interactive exhibits.
The museum offers an array of hands-on exhibits that allow children to experience life at sea firsthand. From climbing into the cockpits of restored fighter jets to exploring the ship’s massive engine room, every corner of the Midway tells a story.
We’ve visited this museum several times over the years, most recently when my son was in high school and very interested in learning about the military. It was wonderful to get up close and personal not just with the ship, but also with the many aircraft and fighter jets on the flight deck.
Admission includes an audio tour featuring insights from sailors who served onboard.
One of the most popular attractions is the flight simulator. Here, children can experience the thrill of piloting a naval aircraft, complete with realistic controls and immersive visuals. This museum is one of the best things to do in San Diego with teens.
For younger kids, the museum’s Junior Pilot Program is a great free activity you can do onboard. Pick up an activity sheet at the Information Booth and follow the instructions. This interactive experience guides children through various stations on the ship, each offering a unique task or challenge related to naval operations. Complete it and kids will earn their Junior Pilot Wings!
- 910 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- midway.org
2. New Children’s Museum
The New Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination if you are visiting San Diego with little kids! It is located in downtown San Diego and is one of the most family-friendly things to do in the Gaslamp District. The museum features interactive activities and installations, art workshops, sensory experiences for toddlers, and outdoor spaces.
When my son was younger, he loved going to this museum! This innovative space encourages hands-on exploration through interactive exhibits and art installations designed specifically for young minds.
You can easily spend a half day or more exploring this robust kids museum.
- 200 West Island Avenue, San Diego
- thinkplaycreate.org
3. Museum of Illusions
Also located in the Gaslamp District is the brand new Museum of Illusions, which is the epitome of hand-on fun. The museum opened earlier this year and is located on the corner of G Street and 5th Avenue.
I had the chance to experience this new attraction during its opening week and it is such a fun experience! The Museum of Illusions is a 10,000-square-foot attraction that blends entertainment with a touch of science and art. There are more than 80 exhibits spread over two floors and some really cool illusion rooms and installation. Everything is hands-on – which kids will really love!
One of our favorite spots was the Vortex Tunnel, where you step into a spinning tunnel that tricks your body into feeling like the ground is shifting beneath you.
The Museum of Illusions is an engaging, interactive museum experience that invites you to see the world from a new perspective. Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or looking for a fun night out, this attraction is a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in San Diego’s Gaslamp District.
- 665 5th Avenue, San Diego
- moisandiego.com
4. Cabrillo National Monument: Where Nature Meets History
Perched on the southernmost tip of Point Loma, just 10 miles away from downtown San Diego, the Cabrillo National Monument offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Cabrillo National Monument marks the spot where, in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first set foot on what is now the United States. In addition to the monument, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural wonders and is a great place to visit and learn the story of 16th century exploration.
Cabrillo National Monument has a small museum which tells the story of Cabrillo and other Spanish explorers. One thing I really appreciated about the exhibit is that they didn’t sugar coat history; there is a display that talks about the deadly impact his “discovery” had on the native people who lived on this land before Cabrillo’s arrival. The exhibit also includes replicas of 16th-century navigational tools that children can handle and examine.
A short walk up the bluff from the monument and museum you’ll find the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Built in 1855, it was the tallest lighthouse in operation at the time. You can climb to the top. The surrounding area also features a native plant garden, offering a hands-on lesson in local botany and its historical uses by indigenous peoples.
Be sure to step into the house adjacent to the lighthouse, where interactive exhibits tell the story of the Lighthouses of Point Loma.
But perhaps my favorite thing about Cabrillo National Monument is the tide pools. You’ll have to hike or drive down, but the stunning coastline of the Point Loma Peninsula gives serious Big Sur vibes. (This is the reason it’s included on our list of best kid-friendly hikes in San Diego County!) During low tide, you can explore the rocky intertidal zone, discovering a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life. Park rangers often lead guided tours, teaching children about the delicate balance of these ecosystems and their historical importance to the region’s inhabitants.
- 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
- gov/cabr/
5. San Diego History Center: A Journey Through Time
Located in the heart of Balboa Park, the San Diego History Center offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich past. While the concept of a history museum might not immediately excite younger visitors, this museum has masterfully crafted exhibits that bring the past to life in tangible, interactive ways.
Marston’s History Emporium is a cool interactive exhibit that is fun for kids to explore. Be sure to check out a fun area called The Sights, Sounds (and Smells) of Old San Diego, a multi-sensory matching game that teaches kids about different industries from San Diego’s past.
The center also offers regular workshops and events tailored for families. These might include historical reenactments, craft sessions based on traditional techniques, or storytelling events that bring local legends to life. There’s also a movie called Balboa Park: The Jewel of San Diego that screens throughout the day. This 30-minute Emmy Award-winning documentary highlights the past, present, and future of Balboa Park, one of San Diego’s most recognized and beloved public landmarks.
One really great thing about this museum is they don’t charge a fixed admission fee, but rather accept donations to enter. The suggested minimum donation is $10 per person, but you can pay whatever you want.
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sandiegohistory.org
6. San Diego Model Railroad Museum: A Miniature World of Wonder
Located right below the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park is the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. As the world’s largest operating model railroad museum, it offers a unique perspective on the history of transportation and urban development in Southern California.
The museum features several massive, intricately detailed model train displays that depict various regions and eras of California’s railroad history. We found the level of detail astounding, with miniature people engaged in daily activities, miniature buildings with interior lighting, and even day-to-night cycles that transform the landscapes.
What sets this museum apart is its interactive elements. Many of the layouts have buttons that children can press to activate different features, such as operating sawmills, moving carnival rides, or illuminating buildings. This hands-on approach keeps kids engaged.
The Toy Train Gallery is particularly popular among younger children. This area features interactive layouts designed specifically for little hands, allowing kids to control trains and accessories. It’s not uncommon to see toddlers squealing with delight as they make trains zoom around the tracks.
- 1649 El Prado, San Diego
- sdmrm.org
7. Maritime Museum of San Diego: Sailing Through Time
The Maritime Museum of San Diego, located along the Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village San Diego., is a collection of historic ships that offers visitors a chance to step aboard living pieces of maritime history. The museum enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining, and operating historic vessels.
This floating museum combines the allure of ships with hands-on historical experiences kids will love.
The star attraction is undoubtedly the USS Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship. You can explore the decks, peer into the crew’s quarters, and even try tying traditional sailor’s knots.
The museum’s collection includes submarines, steam-powered boats, and sailing ships from various eras. Each vessel offers a unique glimpse into different periods of maritime history. The Soviet B-39 submarine, for instance, allows visitors to experience the claustrophobic conditions of Cold War-era underwater warfare.
The museum also offers sailing adventures on some of its historic vessels. While these require separate tickets, they provide an unparalleled opportunity for families to experience history in motion, feeling the wind and waves just as sailors did centuries ago.
- 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego
- sdmaritime.org
How to Save on Your San Diego Vacation
There are a variety of ways to save money on hotels and tickets to San Diego’s many theme parks and attractions – including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and CityPASS San Diego.
I highly recommend CityPASS when visiting San Diego, as you can bundle and save up to 45% on admission to the top theme parks and attractions in San Diego. Choose either SeaWorld San Diego or LEGOLAND and then add three other attractions of your choice, with options including the San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum, Old Town Trolley Tours, and more! It’s a great way to save money and makes planning your itinerary easy.
Final Thoughts: Interactive Museums in San Diego
San Diego’s interactive historical museums offer more than just a glimpse into the past; they provide immersive experiences that ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning in visitors of all ages. From the decks of historic ships to the miniature world of model railroads, these museums remind us that history is not a static subject confined to textbooks, but a living, breathing entity that shapes our present and future.
Whether you’re a local looking for educational weekend activities or a visitor seeking to delve deeper into San Diego’s heritage, these five museums offer unforgettable experiences that will leave a lasting impression.
So, the next time you’re in San Diego, venture beyond the beaches and theme parks. Take a journey through time with your family, and watch as history comes alive.
If you are visiting San Diego during the month of February, you can see any of these museums for half the usual entry fee. February is San Diego Museum Month, when more than 70 museums and attractions offer half-price admission.
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