The Exploration area focuses on social science and history. The Discovery Sailboat and Toddler Tide Pool are educational exhibits that promote early childhood development by helping children better understand historical contexts and the world around them.
Discovery Sailboat
Calling all Explorers! Children can strap on a life jacket and chart their nautical journey using the world geography maps and weather station in the Captain’s Cabin, and use the authentic steering wheel and navigation compass to set sail on the rough seas, travel to new lands, or explore the great blue yonder on the Explorer Discovery Sailboat. Children can climb up to the top for a bird’s eye view of the museum or slide into the sea. Thank you to Discovery Sailboat supporters: Bonar Family Trust, Price Philanthropies Foundation, Escondido Lumber, Minney’s Yacht Surplus, and Adventuress Catamaran Sailing.
Our Home
At the Our Home exhibit , children will use their imaginations to grocery shop, cook, clean, and more. Kids can go shopping in the marketplace, use mini shopping carts, and buy play food to make meals in their "home".
Toddler Tide Pool
The Toddler Tide Pool area gives our youngest visitors a chance to explore, experiment, and play in a safe place built to stimulate their growth and development. Foam block climbing structures and enclosures encourage crawling, pulling up, cruising and early walking. The area includes tactile and sensory games and activities, tactile mural, reading cushion area, foam and tumble block area, and images of sea life. Thank you to Toddler Tide Pool supporters: Price Philanthropies Foundation, The Quiksilver Foundation, and Kidz Care Dental.
Reading Book Nook
Choose your beanbag and get cozy in the Book Nook with a wide selection of books for children TK- 10 years old. Thank you to our Reading Book Nook supporters: The Linden Root Dickinson Foundation and KPBS.