Tuesday, August 24, 2010

San Diego Natural History Museum

Summer is winding down, but we managed to sneak in a trip down to the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.  It was actually a last minute detour after a trip to the San Diego Zoo (they are right next to each other).  My youngest is a huge fan of anything Dinosaur related... so the Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries Exhibit was on his list of things he wanted to do this summer.  Hurry though because the Dinosaur Exhibit ends September 5, 2010.  There are giant dinosaurs, small dinosaurs and everything in between currently on display.  The Dinosaurs Alive! 3D experience was amazing and we all loved it. (All 3D films are included in the price of admission).  They are currently running Ocean Oasis, Mummies Alive! 3D and Wild Ocean 3D in addition to Dinosaurs Alive! 3D.

Also on display is the All That Glitters - The Splendor and Science of Gems and Minerals exhibit was also pretty neat (ok... so I loved it and the kids thought it was ok, but their heads were so full of dinosaur thoughts they didn't notice how enamored I was with all the gorgeous jewels on display).

Be sure to head on up to the 4th level to see the breath-taking photography, and you can even buy some!

A couple of tips for heading to the museum in the summer... go early.  Really early.  And take the first parking spot you find.  Parking is free and there's plenty to do, so Balboa Park is a huge destination for locals and tourists alike.   But it was well worth the hunt for a parking spot, my boys loved exploring the museum.

We had such an amazing time exploring that we purchased a family membership (less than $100 for the year) and plan on returning to see more of the 3D movies and upcoming exhibits (Snakes & Lizards: Alive! - opens October 16, 2010 and Ends of the Earth: Science North - opens May 12, 2011).  The museum also runs a number of group member activities like whale watching.

Quick!  They are running a Summer Special and you can purchase in advance (go here)  at a 40% savings (adults $10, kids $8). 

Have you been to the San Diego Natural History Museum with the kids yet?  What did you think?  Any tips I missed?

2 comments:

Julie August 25, 2010 at 5:45 AM  

Looks awesome! I'm kicking myself - I should have taken my boys when we were in SD visiting my mom. You're a great mom!
Julie :)

CSeppala September 22, 2010 at 1:25 PM  

Wow...we try to head down to San Diego every summer with the kids. Had no idea we were missing such a great place to see. The Natural History Museum will definitely be on our list of things to do next time. Thanks for the info!

Post a Comment

Related Posts with Thumbnails

About This Blog

Photobucket

Blog Archive

Blog Directory & Search engine Personal Blogs - Blog Rankings Family Affairs Blogs - Blog Catalog Blog Directory

  © Blogger template Blue Surfing by Ourblogtemplates.com 2008

Back to TOP