Activities for Kids

Interactive Public Art for the Whole Family

Prove to the kids once and for all that art can be fun (and free)!

By Amanda Freerksen May 23, 2016

If one more museum guard gives you the evil eye because your preschooler is giggling and imitating dance moves in front of a Degas painting, then it’s time to take a new approach to art appreciation. San Diego is brimming with interactive public art — you just need to know where to look. Here’s your guide to installations around the county that invite participants to sit on, play with, touch, look and listen to art.

The Edwards Sculpture Garden at MCASD La Jolla

If you happen to be in the La Jolla Cove area, pop into this sculpture garden to get a quick dose of culture. You’ll find another fantastic Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture as well as a few other pieces. The museum kindly asks that visitors do not touch the sculptures.

At the time of publishing, the main interactive artwork called Liquid Ballistic, which is a found art piece made from an old wooden canon, was not in operating order. The kids can still climb atop it, but unfortunately, it is not currently functioning as a seesaw and water pump as it once was. We'll be sure to update this story with any news regarding this piece. Admission to the garden is free of charge.

700 Prospect St.
La Jolla, Ca
858-454 3541
Online: mcasd.org

Did we miss your favorite interactive public artwork? Tell us about it in the comments below.

— Amanda Freerksen (photos too, unless otherwise noted)