Adventure Dates: 07/10/2025 – 07/13/2025

During our visit to Balboa Park, we made a stop at the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as The Nat. Even though it was later in the day and our little one was starting to get a bit tired, we were all genuinely impressed with what the museum had to offer. The highlight for us was definitely the prehistoric exhibits. Seeing life-sized displays of dinosaurs like the ankylosaurus made our daughter light up, even if she was a little cranky from a long day. There is just something about giant dinosaurs that captures kids’ attention no matter what mood they’re in.

The museum also had some ongoing exhibits that really stood out. One that caught my eye was a display of gemstones and minerals found throughout the San Diego region. It was fascinating to learn what lies beneath our feet, especially in such a beautiful part of the country. Another favorite of mine was the animal skulls exhibit, which included a variety of reptile skulls. Some of them had such unique shapes and features that they reminded me of the Predator aliens from the movies.

We did not stay too long since the museum was hosting a special event that evening, which made it feel a bit crowded. Still, we managed to walk through the main exhibits and enjoy the overall experience. If we had more time (and energy), I could easily see us spending a couple of hours exploring more in depth.

One thing worth noting for families is that using a stroller inside the museum can be a little tricky. Some of the exhibit areas were tight and hard to navigate with a stroller, which made the visit slightly less convenient. That said, we’re still glad we went. The museum has a great mix of science, history, and visual appeal, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re spending time in Balboa Park.

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