Thursday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM 3190 Lionshead Avenue, Carlsbad, California Phone: 760-727-9492 Admission is Free (Donations gratefully accepted)
The Carlsbad Engineering Museum is a celebration of invention, curiosity, and the creative minds who push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re a lifelong tinkerer, a parent looking for an engaging family outing, or simply someone who loves discovering hidden gems, this museum deserves a spot on your San Diego itinerary.
The museum does a fantastic job blending cutting-edge tech with historical context, helping visitors appreciate how far engineering has come—and how much farther it can go.
You’ll find exhibits covering a wide range of topics: Robotics & Automation – Watch small-scale robots navigate mazes, respond to sensors, and demonstrate the fundamentals of programming. Mechanical Engineering – Explore gears, pulleys, levers, and other simple machines with build-your-own mechanisms that kids and adults both love. Electricity & Circuits – Snap together circuits, power lights and buzzers, or try your hand at wiring more complex components. Aerospace & Flight – Learn the science behind lift and drag, and put your knowledge to the test in flight simulators or paper-airplane wind tunnels. Engineering History – Discover early inventions that shaped modern technology, from vintage drafting tools to early computing devices. The museum does a fantastic job blending cutting-edge tech with historical context, helping visitors appreciate how far engineering has come—and how much farther it can go.
🗓️ Special Free / Discount Days & Programs in October
San Diego’s Kids Free October promotion offers free admission for children 12 and under at over 70 attractions throughout the county during the month of October 2025. This initiative, organized by the San Diego Tourism Authority, aims to provide families with affordable opportunities to explore the region’s diverse cultural and recreational offerings.
Many museums in Balboa Park participate in the promotion:
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat): Up to two kids (12 & under) per adult.
San Diego Air & Space Museum: Kids free with adult.
San Diego Museum of Art: Free general admission on the 2nd Thursday (“Access for All Day”).
Museum of Us: Free admission on the 4th Tuesday of the month for residents.
Comic-Con Museum: Free admission on select days.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum: Free admission on select days.
Timken Museum of Art: Always free admission.
🧪 Science & Discovery
Fleet Science Center: One free child per adult.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Free admission on select days.
Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days. t
🌿 Gardens & Nature
San Diego Botanic Garden: Free admission on select days.
Water Conservation Garden: Free admission on select days.
Japanese Friendship Garden: Free admission on select days.
🏛️ Cultural & Historical Sites
Cabrillo National Monument: Free admission on select days.
Mission San Luis Rey: Free admission on select days.
California Surf Museum: Free admission on select days.
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum: Free admission on select days.
Children’s Museum of Discovery (Escondido): Free admission on select days.
Please note that many of these attractions require advance registration or a coupon to redeem the free admission. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements for each location before planning your visit.
These are “free days” or admission discounts that apply on specific days or under certain programs.
Museum / Site
Free / Discount Option
Notes / Conditions
San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, USS Midway, New Children’s Museum, etc.
Kids Free October – free admission for children 12 & under with a paid adult
Balboa Park is full of gems, but if you’re curious about the natural world, especially the unique environment right here in Southern California and down into Baja, there’s one place you absolutely have to visit: the San Diego Natural History Museum, affectionately known as The Nat.
Standing proudly on the east end of the El Prado walkway, The Nat isn’t just a building full of cool stuff (though it definitely has that!). It’s a gateway to understanding the incredible biodiversity and fascinating geological history of our region. Whether you’re a lifelong San Diegan or just visiting, a trip to The Nat offers fresh perspectives on the nature that surrounds us.
What Wonders Await Inside?
Step through the doors, and you’re in for a treat. The Nat packs a lot into its multiple floors:
Coast to Cactus in Southern California: This is a must-see signature exhibit! It takes you on an immersive journey through the diverse habitats of our region, from the tide pools and coastal sage scrub, through chaparral and woodlands, right up to the mountains and down into the desert. You’ll see familiar local critters and plants presented in fascinating ways, really connecting you to the place we call home.
Fossil Mysteries: Prepare for a trip back in time! This exhibit delves into 75 million years of regional history. Yes, that means dinosaurs that roamed this area, plus giant sloths, mammoths, and fearsome marine reptiles. See real fossils unearthed nearby and marvel at the massive creatures that preceded us. It’s a definite favorite for kids and adults alike.
Living Lab: Get up close with some of the smaller, often overlooked, residents of Southern California. This exhibit features live reptiles, amphibians, and insects, offering a chance to safely observe creatures you might (or might not!) encounter on local trails.
Unshelved: Cool Stuff from Storage: Ever wonder what museums keep behind the scenes? This rotating exhibit gives you a peek into The Nat’s vast research collections – millions of specimens that scientists use to study our natural world. You never know what unique artifact or creature might be on display!
The Loggia (California Tower Views!): Head upstairs for a bonus – the Canyoneer-led nature trail on the Museum’s 4th-floor terrace offers stunning views across Balboa Park, including a great perspective on the iconic California Tower.
Giant-Screen Theater: Immerse yourself in breathtaking nature documentaries! The theater showcases films that transport you from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, often complementing the museum’s themes. (Note: Theater admission is typically separate or an add-on).
Hidden Gems (Like, Actual Gems!): Don’t miss the dazzling collection of gems and minerals, showcasing the beauty hidden beneath the Earth’s surface.
More Than Just Exhibits
The Nat is one of the oldest scientific institutions in Southern California, founded way back in 1874. Beyond the public exhibits, it’s a hub of active research and conservation. Scientists at The Nat study and protect the biodiversity of our unique border region, contributing vital knowledge about our local ecosystems. Visiting the museum helps support this important work!
Planning Your Expedition to The Nat
Location: You can’t miss it at 1788 El Prado, right in the heart of Balboa Park.
Hours: The Nat is typically open daily, usually from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, it’s always best to check their official website (sdnhm.org) for the most current hours before you go, especially around holidays or for special events.
Tickets: You can buy tickets online in advance (recommended!) or at the door. The Nat is also often included in the Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which can be a great value if you plan on visiting multiple museums.
Who Should Go?: Everyone! It’s incredibly family-friendly with lots of engaging displays for kids, but adults will find plenty to appreciate, especially the deep dive into our local natural history.
Why Visit The Nat?
In a world constantly vying for our attention, The Nat offers a chance to slow down, observe, and connect with the natural environment. It reminds us of the rich, complex, and sometimes fragile ecosystems that exist right outside our doors here in San Diego County and Baja California. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the plants, animals, and geological forces that shape our beautiful corner of the world.
So next time you’re in Balboa Park, make sure to dedicate some time to exploring the San Diego Natural History Museum. You might just discover your new favorite dinosaur, gain a fresh perspective on your backyard Pinyon Jay, or simply be awestruck by the natural beauty of our region.
Have you been to The Nat recently? What’s your favorite exhibit? Share your thoughts in the comments!
The San Diego Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event, offering a welcoming environment for car enthusiasts and the general public to appreciate a diverse array of vehicles. This informal gathering welcomes up to 200 vehicles, encompassing all years, makes, models, colors, styles, and customizations. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with fellow car enthusiasts and admire a wide range of automobiles. For more details on the Cars & Coffee event or other happenings at the San Diego Automotive Museum, please visit their official events page: https://sdautomuseum.org/
Event Details: Third Sundays most months infront of San Diego Automotive Museum, 2080 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park from 7:30am to 9am. The Automotive Museum opens early at 8am and offers discounted entry of $10 before 10am.
Balboa Park, the cultural heart of San Diego, offers a unique opportunity for residents to explore its world-class museums without the usual admission fees. Through the Resident Free Days program, local residents and active-duty military personnel can enjoy complimentary access to select museums on designated Tuesdays each month. Here’s how you can make the most of this fantastic offering.
First Tuesday:
Fleet Science Center (exhibits only; films not included)
San Diego Natural History Museum (exhibits only; films not included)
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Second Tuesday:
San Diego Air & Space Museum (exhibits only; special exhibitions not included)
Comic-Con Museum (excluding November and December)
The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park
Third Tuesday:
San Diego Museum of Art (exhibits only; special exhibitions not included)
Note: Schedules are subject to change, and some museums may have exclusions or blackout dates. It’s advisable to check the official Balboa Park Resident Free Days schedule for the most current information.
12110 Cuyamaca College Drive West El Cajon, CA Hours: Tuesday – Friday 10am-3pm Closed Sunday/Monday
The Heritage of the Americas Museum, is located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in El Cajon, Ca. It is a cultural & educational facility showcasing the prehistoric and historic art, culture, and natural history of the Americas through four wings of exhibits: Natural History, Archaeology, Anthropology and Art. The Tropical Garden Patio, the Desert Garden Patio, and the surrounding landscaping may be considered a fifth wing. At the heart of the museum is their unique gift shop. Come and enjoy a “Journey Through Time” at this amazing museum, which invites visitors of all ages to experience a journey through time.
Every second Friday of the month, both the Heritage of the Americas and the Waster Conservation Garden next door grants visitors FREE Admission
The Botanical Building inside Balboa Park was built for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal. The exposition was meant to bring attention and interest to San Diego as the first United States port of call for ships traveling north after passing westward through th canal. The botanical building is one of four structures that remained permanent after the exposition.
The building is 250 long, 75 feet wide and 60 feet tall. It is one the largest lath structures remaining in the world. Since its opening, it has served as a living museum, housing a diverse collection of plants from around the globe.
The Botanical Building reopened in December of 2024 after a 3 year long restoration and renovation. It will take many years and decades for the plant life to grow and mature to the stature it had prior to the 2021 closing. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Exploring San Diego 