San Diego Air & Space Museum

The San Diego Air & Space Museum showcases over 60 historic aircraft and spacecraft, from WWI biplanes to actual space capsules, in an impressive dome building in Balboa Park. Kids can test their skills in multiple flight simulators (including a 360-degree barrel roll simulator), explore the replica Moon Base San Diego, and even climb into some cockpits.

• ✓The 4D flight simulators where kids can pilot everything from WWI fighters to modern jets
• ✓The Apollo 9 Command Module - an actual spacecraft that orbited Earth
• ✓The GPS theater experience explaining how satellites guide us daily

1. 1.Flight simulators cost extra ($6-8 each) but are worth it - budget additional time and money for these as kids will want multiple turns
2. 2.The museum participates in Kids Free October when children 12 and under get free admission all month
3. 3.Look up - some of the coolest aircraft hang from the ceiling and are easy to miss if you only look at eye level

Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer smallest crowds; weekends get busy with families, especially near the simulators

Small café with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks; plenty of picnic areas in Balboa Park if you want to bring your own Free parking in the large Inspiration Point lot directly behind the museum; also accessible from Park Boulevard lots Restrooms with changing tables on both floors; clean and adequate Stroller-friendly throughout with wide aisles and elevator access to the second floor; storage available if needed Fully wheelchair accessible with elevator to upper level; all exhibits viewable without stairs

December's "Planes, Trains & Balboa Park" holiday event features model trains and special activities; Memorial Day and Veterans Day often include special programs and veteran meet-and-greets that kids find inspiring

The museum is near the Japanese Friendship Garden's tea pavilion for a quieter dining experience. For more variety, head to El Prado where The Prado Restaurant and Panama 66 offer family-friendly options.