UPDATE: MCASD La Jolla is currently closed for renovation. This post will be updated when the museum reopens.

Yes, you can visit MCASD La Jolla (Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego) with kids. Did you know that they have quite a few family-friendly programs along with an exhibit the kids will love called Lifelike? Here’s what’s on offer right now.

MCASD Summer Art Camp

Let the kids paint, sculpt, print, and draw their way through a week of summer camp at the museum. They’ll learn the ins and outs of contemporary art. Camp takes place throughout the galleries and in the Sculpture Garden. The price is very good, especially if you’re a museum member (which I just realized is only $75 per year for a family). Members pay $85 for a half-day of camp or $140 for a full day. Visit the website for details regarding non-member and military pricing.

Week One: Ages 7–9, July 22–July 26
Week Two: Ages 10-12, July 29–August 2

  • Morning Sessions (9:00am–12:00pm): Sculpture Challenge!
  • Afternoon Sessions (1:00pm–4:00pm): Mixed Media Marathon
  • Full Day (9:00am–4:00pm): Participate in both sessions for a full-day experience, including supervised brown bag lunch hour.

Kids Are Always Free At MCASD

Museum of Contemporary art Lifelike

Museum admission is always free for ages 25 and under (sponsored by Qualcomm). In other words, kids are free, and there’s a GREAT family-friendly exhibition called Lifelike, on view through Memorial Day. Think giant milk carton, tiny working elevator, giant erasers and more that kids will love. Our kindergarten class recently took a tour and they all loved it!

The Sculpture Garden Is Open And Free

The Sculpture Garden is open seven days a week and free to the public from 11:00am to 5:00pm, even on Wednesdays when the galleries are closed. It’s a great, free activity for families.

Family ArtLab Events

How about a family-centric gallery tour with a hands-on art-making workshop? The next Family ArtLab is June 23, after the summer exhibition–which is loosely inspired by science fiction–is open.

Stroll-In’ With Baby On Mondays

For moms and dads with babies under 12 months, attend a Stroll-In’ at MCASD La Jolla. It’s a tour that combines an adult conversation with activities designed to get your little one to respond to works on view. Call to reserve your spot.

MCASD La Jolla

700 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037-4291
(858) 454-3541

mcasd.org


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Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).