If you’re homeschooling this year, don’t forget to work some fun field trips into the curriculum. San Diego has a lot of outings that are exciting and educational! Take school out of the home to learn about math, science, art, history and culture all over town and the best part is that your kids will be having so much fun, they’ll forget they’re even learning.
EcoVivarium
Kids will slither with excitement over learning about these reptiles and amphibians at EcoVivarium. It’s one of the largest reptile rescues in the United States. They offer hands-on learning about their creatures, along with upcoming cultural and art exhibits to learn about indigenous cultures and the natural environment.
TIP: ask about their Turtle Tour or their Snake Feeding Tour!
Visit: public & private tours, school field trips, day camps, STEAM lab programs
Cost: starting at $12/person for their one-hour tour, more for longer or private tours (closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
EcoVivarium
641 E Pennsylvania Ave., Escondido
760-975-9690
Online: ecovivarium.org
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Learn about far-out innovations in history and the future of space travel. You’ll find many hands-on and inquisitive programs to help inspire learners of all ages in science, technology and engineering. Budding astronauts can journey through the history of flight starting with the Montgolfier brothers' hot air balloon of 1783 and come full circle to see a rock that was brought back from the moon.
Visit: public self-guided tours, school field trips, group tours, summer camps, workshops, STEM Challenges & Remote learning
Cost: $12/kids ages 3-11; $22.50/adults ages 12+
Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
619-234-8291
Online: sandiegoairandspace.org
Liberty Station Art Walk
Can you find the 13 public art installations in this art scavenger hunt? Jump in anytime, anywhere on this self-guided art walking tour at Liberty Station. When you scan the QR code at each piece you’ll be prompted to answer questions about the art and win a prize at the end. These murals and sculptures are meant to exhibit the evolving visual arts community and commemorate the culture and diversity of the San Diego-Baja region.
Tip: When the walking tour takes you past the Liberty Public Market, do yourselves a favor and stop in for a bite to eat, a sweet treat or a cold drink.
Visit: just show up!
Cost: FREE
Liberty Station Art Walk
2820 Roosevelt Rd., Liberty Station
619-573-9300
Online: ntcfoundation.org
Museum of Making Music
Making noise at the Museum of Making Music is totally acceptable! Discover “the creative relationship between people, musical instruments and music”. Explore instruments from the past 150 years, listen to how musical styles evolve and even try some of them out for yourself.
Visit: public self-guided tours, group tours are designed for all ages, even for preschoolers, virtual field trips
Cost: $10/students; $15/adults
Museum of Making Music
5790 Armada Dr., Carlsbad
760-438-5996
Online: museumofmakingmusic.org
San Diego Archaeological Center
Dig up some fun as you go way back in time to learn the story of how natives lived in San Diego for the past 12,000 years. Study artifacts, changing exhibits and hands-on activities like the excavation corner and record your findings in the Kids Dig Archaeology Book. When it’s completed you’ll earn your Junior Archaeologist Badge.
Visit: public walk-ins are welcome, in-person and virtual field trips
Cost: donation-based “pay what you wish” (suggested $5/person donation)
SD Archaeological Center
16666 San Pasqual Valley Rd., Escondido
760-291-0370
Online: sandiegoarchaeology.org
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead
Live a day in the pioneer life from this 1870’s historic farmstead in Escondido. This is one of the area’s earliest homes from the Americana period and serves a significant role in the legacy of preserving old California and pioneer livelihood.
Tip: If you time your visit right, you can walk through the farmer’s market next door on Sundays
Visit: the public can explore the grounds outside anytime, but the inside is open during operating hours and by reservation, school field trips and private group tours are available by appointment
Cost: donation-based (suggested $3/person donation)
Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead
12655 Sunset Dr., Escondido
858-674-2275
Online: sdrp.org
—Bonnie Taylor
Featured Image: Bonnie Taylor via Fam Diego
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