Now through Labor Day 2013, active-duty military personnel (including National Guard and Reserve) and up to five family members are treated to free admission to thousands of museums across the country, courtesy of Blue Star Museums. This nationwide program is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America. Take a look at this list to find out what’s happening at some of the participating museums around the county!
For a complete list of participating museums, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
July – September 2013
Open Cockpit Days. Climb aboard historic aircraft and feel like a real pilot! July 6, 7, 20 & 21, Aug. 3, 4, 17, 18, 31 & Sept. 1, 9 am-3:30 pm. Free. Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. www.flyingleathernecks.org; 877-FLY-USMC.
Insect Festival. Live insects, lizards, snakes and the famous Madagascar hissing cockroaches! Kids can practice bug collecting, make crafts and taste cooked mealworm larva in appetizing flavors! July 13 & 14, 10 am-4 pm. Free with admission ($6-$12); ages 12 & under free. San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbgarden.org; 760-436-3036.
Circus Hilarious. The Animal Cracker Conspiracy presents this puppet theater adventure featuring the story of Amelia Braveheart. July 14, 1-3 pm. Free with admission. $5-$8; under 6 free. Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park.
www.mingei.org; 619-239-0003.
ARTie Party. Celebrate the birthday of The San Diego Museum of Art’s new family mascot, ARTie, with themed activities and treats. July 21, noon. Free with admission. $4.50-$12; ages 6 & under free. Balboa Park. www.sdmart.org; 619-232-7931.
Mingei International Museum’s Family Sunday. View exhibits, join a treasure hunt, make an art project and take home prizes! July 21, noon-4 pm. $5 per family. Balboa Park. www.mingei.org; 619-704-7527.
Superheroes’ Night Out. Spend an evening of superhero-themed activities, costume contests, a food festival, an opportunity drawing and dancing at this fundraising event. July 27, 5-8 pm. Tickets: $30-$35. The New Children’s Museum, 200 West Island Ave., downtown San Diego. www.thinkplaycreate.org; 619-233-8792.
Handcrafted Journeys: Japanese American Woodworkers in San Diego. This exhibit explores the evolution of Japanese American woodworking, from the functional objects made in the pre-WWII era to post-war artistic creations. Through July 28, 10 am-4 pm. $3-$4; ages 6 & under free. Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park. www.niwa.org; 619-232-2721.
Dare to Reuse. See works of art from recycled materials made by students, grades 4-12. Through Aug. 26. Mon.-Sat., 10 am-4 pm; Sun., noon-4 pm. Free with admission. $10; under 1 free. The New Children’s Museum, 200 West Island Ave., downtown San Diego.
www.thinkplaycreate.org; 619-233-8792.
Life Force Without Limit: Calligraphy & Brush Painting by Shantien Tom Chow. More than 40 paintings and calligraphy reflect the artist’s proud Chinese heritage and his experiences living in California. Through Aug. 31. Tues.-Sat., 10:30 am-4 pm; Sun., noon-4 pm. $2; under 12 free. San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., downtown San Diego. www.sdchm.org; 619-338-9888.
Approximately Infinite Universe. Inspired by science fiction and the possibility of alternate realities, this new exhibit spotlights various creations by 17 artists. Through Sept. 1. Thurs.-Tues., 11 am-5 pm. $5-$10; military and their families, and ages 25 & under free (with ID). Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St., La Jolla. www.mcasd.org.
Pictures of the Year International. This exhibit recognizes enduring images by photojournalists in categories ranging from general news to sports and portraiture. Through Sept. 22. Tues.-Sun., 10 am-5 pm. $6-$8; military and dependents (with ID) and ages 12 & under free. Museum of Photographic Arts, Balboa Park. www.mopa.org; 619-238-7559.
Family Drop-in Days: Exploring Places in Art. Family-friendly docent tours, art projects, games and more. Sundays in July, 1 pm. Free with admission. $4.50-$12; ages 6 & under free. Art projects change weekly. Recommended for ages 6-12. The San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park. www.sdmart.org; 619-232-7931.
Shore Thing. Enjoy exciting activities at MCASD La Jolla this summer. Visit the museum late into the evening for film screenings, food trucks, music and tours. Thursdays, through Aug. 29, 5-8 pm. Free with admission; separate cost for food or beverage. 700 Prospect St. www.mcasd.org.
Thursday Family Fun Nights. Kids’ activities and live music on selected nights. Through Aug. 29; garden stays open until 8 pm. Free with admission. $6-$12. San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Dr., Encinitas. www.sdbgarden.org; 760-436-3036.
Visit the Veterans Museum that is home to a remarkable collection of memorabilia, artifacts and artwork that covers World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor, Desert Storm, women in the military and more. Open Tues.-Sun., 10 am-4 pm. $2-$5; ages 12 & under and active-duty military and dependents free. Balboa Park. www.veteranmuseum.org; 619-239-2300.
Hands-on Fun at San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum. Interactive exhibits include the Imagination Playground, the Children’s Discovery Garden and the Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That’s Sensation Station that encourages exploration of musical instruments. Open daily, 9:30 am-4:30 pm. $6; under 1 free. 320 N. Broadway, Escondido. www.sdcdm.org; 760-233-7755.
Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum. View exhibits of farm equipment and tools from horse-drawn to modern row crop. Collections focus on the year 1849 through the early 1960s. Open daily, 10 am-4 pm. $3-$5; under 6 free. 2040 N. Santa Fe Ave., Vista. www.agsem.com.
Gaslamp Museum at the William Heath Davis House. Visit the oldest standing residence in the Gaslamp Quarter, and uncover remarkable facts about the people who lived in the house and their impact on the area. Open Tues.-Sat., 10 am-5 pm; Sun., noon-4 pm. $4-$5; under 12 free. For various tours, visit website. 410 Island Ave., downtown San Diego. www.gaslampquarter.org; 619-233-4692.
Published: June 2013
