Did you know San Diego has plenty of bite-sized ways to introduce your little ones to the world of theater, music and art? From taking in a performance at the Symphony to creating your own contemporary art attack, we’ve got plenty of ideas to get your little ones appreciating the arts in no time. Read on for the scoop.
Photo Credit: MCASD
Have an Art Attack at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Ponder the artists intention and check out the brush strokes up close at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). With two locations in Downtown and La Jolla, this institution is dedicated to the exploration of art for all. Your junior art critics will love the Edwards Sculpture Garden at MCASD La Jolla and they’ll love the intriguing large scale pieces at MCASD Downtown. In fact, the price of each ticket includes entry to both locations valid for seven days. The gallery welcomes families with their monthly family artlab event. You’ll get a kid-friendly guided tour of a current exhibition and the chance to get hands-on and create some art of your own. This event suits kiddos ages 5 and up, and runs for two hours. It’s worth noting tickets are limited and are based on a first-come, first-serve basis; so it may be worth purchasing online in advance.
1100 & 1001 Kettner Blvd.
San Diego, Ca 92101
858-454 3541
700 Prospect St.
La Jolla, Ca 92037
858-454 3541
Online: mcasd.org
Photo Credit: Lenya McGrath
Think, Create and Play at the New Children’s Museum
Bring your pint size culture buff’s down to the New Children’s Museum in downtown and get set to expierence a museum in a whole new way. Imagination and creativity will be stimulated with plenty of exhibits that the kids can touch, feel and participate in. Visit the clay station to make your own scultpture masterpiece, bounce around in the inflatable Fruit Of The Gods exhibit or play around in the The Rainhouse. One visit will literally be a drop in the ocean of all the amazing things you can do at the New Children’s Museum. Kids of all ages are welcome and there are plenty of quiet spots, restrooms and an organic cafe should you need a break.
200 West Island Ave.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-233 8792
Online: thinkplaycreate.org
Photo Credit: San Diego Symphony Facebook page
Take in the Sounds at the San Diego Symphony
Get ready for your little one’s to shout “Bravo” and “Encore” as they take in a performance from the famed San Diego Symphony. All performances are a very kid-friendly 50 minutes long and are most suited to those ages 4 -12 years, although everyone is welcome. In fact, guests under two can attend for free and sit on a parent’s lap. Before the show, take part in the fun pre-concert activities like a musical petting zoo. Family Festival concerts are scheduled throughout the year, so it’s best to check their site for upcoming listings.
750 B St.
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-235-0804
Online: sandiegosymphony.org
Photo Credit: Cindy D via Yelp
Stomp the Boards at the San Diego Junior Theatre
The lights dim, the actors come on stage and the magic begins. The San Diego Junior Theatre have been performing for kids for over 55 years and are the oldest continuing theatre program for young performers in the country. Your little thespians will love family favorite shows like The Adams Family, Fancy Nancy and The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. All performances take place at the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park, and are scheduled at kid-friendly show times like 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The theatre company takes their job of introducing a new generation to the theatre very seriously, so you can not only experience performances but take part in back stage tours, kids parties and summer camps.
1650 El Prado, Suite 208
San Diego, Ca 92101
619-239-1311
Online: juniortheatre.com
Do you have any activities from the arts you love to do with your kids? Tell us in the comments below!
— Lenya McGrath
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