Amenities
Accessibility and Special Needs
The Museum is designed to accommodate multiple abilities. For information on accessibility at the Museum, please call 760.233.7755.
- We welcome service animals that are required because of a disability and have been trained to support specific tasks.
- Sharps container located in family restroom for safe disposal of medical waste.
- Toddler changing table with pull out stairs located in family restroom can accommodate children up to 100lbs.
- A sensory box is available for check out from the Front Desk at any time of your visit.
- Braille books are available for check out from the Front Desk.
- Noise Cancelling Headphones are available for check out from the Front Desk throughout the day.
- All professional aides accompanying children with special needs to the Museum receive free admission.
Peanut-Free Facility
- The Museum is a peanut-free facility. Please do not bring peanuts into our facility. Any items with peanuts may not be consumed on the premises.
Smoking
- Smoking is prohibited on Museum property.
Parking
- The Museum parking lot is located in the front and on the side of the building. Parking is free and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Overflow parking is also available. View Directions & Parking for more details.
Restrooms and Baby Care
- Restrooms, including a Family (unisex) Restroom, are located behind the Museum Store. All restrooms are equipped with a baby changing table and diaper pail. Size 4 diapers are available for purchase at the Front Desk. Wipes, dry bags, and clean pants are available in case of emergency.
COVID-19 Health and Safety Measures
- All guests and Museum staff are required to adhere to the following health and safety measures:
- The Museum is reopening with new procedures and increased cleaning practices to keep guests and staff healthy and safe while onsite.
- In accordance with California's public health order released on June 15, the Museum will no longer require masks in our outdoor Discovery Garden. However, because children under the age of 12 cannot be vaccinated, we strongly encourage all guests to continue using their masks and serve as good role models for our youngest visitors. When indoors, face masks are still required for all guests over the age of 2, regardless of vaccination status.
- Social distancing between family groups is strongly encouraged and adults must stay with their children at all times.
- There are multiple hand washing and sanitizing stations throughout the Museum.
- Failure to adhere to health and safety protocols may result in guests being asked to leave the Museum.
Reduced Hours & Ticket Reservations
- The Museum is open on the following days and times:
- June 21 - July 30
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sundays: CLOSED
Beginning June 21 through July 30, the Museum will no longer be offering the morning session during the week and will have additional days available to accommodate for Little Explorers Summer Camp. Tickets must be reserved for a specific date and time frame on our website in advance by all guests, including Museum Members and Access for All visitors. We will not be offering in-person/walk-up ticket sales at this time.
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August 3 and Beyond
Mondays: CLOSED
Tuesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Sundays: CLOSED
Beginning August 3, advance reservations will no longer be required for Museum Members. All non-member guests (adults and children) will be required to reserve their tickets for a specific date and time frame in advance. We will not be offering in-person/walk-up ticket sales to non-members at this time.
Cleaning Protocols
- In response to COVID-19, we have increased our regular cleaning and sanitization practices, to include:
- Frequent sanitizing of all surfaces during business hours, including high-traffic and high-touch areas.
- The Museum will be deep cleaned and sanitized by staff during the midday break between the two (2) three-hour sessions.
- At end-of-day, all manipulative exhibit components will be deep cleaned and sanitized with the use of our industrial dishwasher or electrostatic cleaning system.
- Nightly, the Museum will be deep cleaned by a third-party custodial company.
- Exhibits are cleaned, disinfected, and laundered using environmentally friendly cleaning products and our industrial dishwasher and electrostatic cleaning system. If you or your children have any sensitivity, please inquire before your visit.
Eating Areas
- For health and safety reasons, we kindly ask that guests refrain from bringing and eating food during their visit. However, we understand that little ones may need a snack throughout the day. Designated eating areas are available. Please ask a staff member for assistance if you would like to take a snack break. Guests can bring personal water bottles into the Museum, and water bottle filling stations will be available.
Food and Beverages
- The Museum Store offers a variety of organic, non-GMO drinks and snacks suitable for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets. All food and beverage options are natural, avoid dyes and preservatives and are free of MSG, artificial sweeteners, nitrates/nitrites, soy, and high fructose corn syrup. At this time, food is not permitted on Museum grounds and must be eaten off premises. There are many local restaurants located within walking distance of the Museum. Readmission is not allowed throughout the day. All tickets must be purchased in advance. The Museum is a peanut-free facility. Please do not bring peanuts into our facility. Any items with peanuts may not be consumed on the premises.
Children's Discovery Garden
- Complimentary mats are available to sit on the artificial grass and enjoy.
Clothing Donations
- Have some children's clothing that you don't need anymore? Donate it to Gently Hugged! The red donation bin is located in the hallway near the staff kitchen and public restrooms.
Gift Shop
- Located in the Museum lobby, the gift shop features thoughtful, educational, and fun products for every member of the family! Each company represented is selected for their commitment to the environment and their employees. Visit the gift shop to find quality products and innovative design you can feel good about. Admission is not required to shop! All purchases support exhibits and programming at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum.
Payment
- Cash, check, and all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted.
What’s Nearby?
- We are located across the street from Grape Day Park and City Hall. Local shops and restaurants are located two blocks away on Escondido’s historic Grand Avenue. In case you left an essential care item at home, a drug store and two supermarkets are within a few blocks of the Museum as well. Readmission is allowed throughout the day.
Unaccompanied Adults
- Any adult who wishes to visit the Museum without a child must be accompanied by a staff member and leave a photo ID at our Welcome Desk. You will be given a Visitor Badge to wear and given a tour of the Museum (given staff availability). Teachers are always welcomed to tour the Museum and will be asked to provide ID as well. This policy is in place for the safety of our visitors. Request a Museum Tour
Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi is available to visitors. Password: discoveryrox
Click here to read FAQs.
Download our General Brochure here and our Spanish Brochure here.
Museum Rules
Please read before you begin your journey of discovery:
1. Children and their adults must stay together at all times
2. Food and drinks must be consumed at dedicated tables or outside
3. All items must be peanut-free*
4. Toddler Tide Pool is a shoe-free zone
5. Toddler Tide Pool is reserved for visitors age 2 and under, and their adults
6. Shoes must be worn throughout the museum, with the exception of Toddler Tide Pool
7. Feet must stay on the ground or on the stairs
8. Walking feet and indoor voices only
9. Kind and respectful words must be used when addressing others
10. Not feeling well? Only stay and play if you are healthy and virus-free
11. Birthday celebrations must be registered in advance
* If peanuts are accidentally consumed on the premises, please immediately wash hands before touching anything