Escondido Children's Museum

The 4,500-square-foot Escondido Children's Museum inspires children to learn about the world by using exploration, experimentation, and imagination. It also serves the local community by providing an appealing venue for educational recreation.

A variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits have been developed toward these ends, including a Wildlife Tree House, a Light Table, Puppet Theater, Imagination Stage, and a Craft Table. There are also California native plants in the Kiwanis Children's Garden, a Woodshop, Science Shack, Pioneer Schoolhouse, and a Bubble Tower that creates bubbles large enough to surround a child's entire body.

The Patio Courtyard can be used for picnics, and birthday celebrations can be arranged in a private party room with decorations, light snacks and juice, craft materials, and goodie bags. The museum's Second Saturdays Program provides guided, hands-on activities based on special themes, too.

The Escondido Children's Museum is located in Grape Day Park at 380 North Escondido Boulevard, Escondido, California 92025-2600. Operating hours are from 10am to 4pm on Tuesday through Saturday and from noon till 4pm on Sundays; closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission cost $5 per visitor older than 12 months. Babies less than a year old and museum members may enter free of charge. A number of annual membership options are available, starting at $50.