Jessica Chenoweth 
When the San Diego sunshine turns from perfect beach weather into way too hot to be outside, it’s time to find some air conditioning! Luckily, San Diego County has plenty of indoor spots where families can escape the heat without giving up on having a fun day.
Here are five family-friendly places to cool down, have some fun and maybe even learn something along the way.
1. Birch Aquarium — La Jolla
If you’re looking for a cool escape with an ocean theme, head to Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. The aquarium features more than 60 habitats filled with marine life, from colorful fish and sea turtles to seahorses, sharks and penguins.
The aquarium is open daily, and its indoor exhibits give families a chance to explore the underwater world while staying comfortably out of the sun. The current Imagine Wild exhibit takes visitors into the world of the mountain yellow-legged frog and California’s mountain ecosystems.
Great for: Animal lovers, curious kids and families who want something educational but fun.
2. Fleet Science Center — Balboa Park
Turn the heat into an excuse to spend the day experimenting at the Fleet Science Center. With more than 100 interactive exhibits, this is definitely a place where kids are encouraged to touch, push, build and explore.
Families can check out everything from the Space Gallery and Studio X to interactive exhibits about electricity, water and the human mind. There’s also the Giant Dome Theater for an immersive movie experience. The Fleet is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Great for: Kids who have lots of energy and parents who want to sneak some learning into their day.
3. The New Children’s Museum — Downtown San Diego
For younger kids, The New Children’s Museum is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. This downtown museum is all about interactive art and creative play, with spaces where kids can climb, build, make art and get hands-on with the exhibits.
It’s especially nice for families with preschool and elementary-aged children because the experience is designed around exploration rather than simply walking around and looking at displays. There’s even an on-site café, making it easy to turn your visit into a few hours of indoor fun.
Great for: Toddlers, preschoolers and creative kids who love to touch EVERYTHING.
4. San Diego Natural History Museum — Balboa Park
Take a break from the heat and travel back in time at The Nat. The San Diego Natural History Museum has exhibits covering dinosaurs, fossils, Southern California wildlife, geology and much more.
It’s a particularly good option when you want an indoor activity that can keep kids interested for several hours. And since it’s in Balboa Park, you can make a whole day of it by visiting another museum before or after your stop at The Nat.
Great for: Dinosaur fans, budding scientists and families with kids of different ages.
5. Children’s Museum of Discovery — Escondido
If you’re in North County, you don’t have to drive all the way to downtown San Diego to find an indoor escape from the heat. The Children’s Museum of Discovery in Escondido offers hands-on exhibits designed around learning through play.
Kids can explore science, nature and other interactive exhibits in a space designed specifically for young learners. There are also outdoor components, so you can decide how much time you want to spend outside depending on the temperature.
Great for: Younger kids and North County families looking for an educational indoor adventure.
Keep This List Handy for the Next Heat Wave
The next time the temperature starts climbing, don’t feel like you have to spend the entire day hiding in the house. From aquariums and science centers to children’s museums, San Diego has plenty of ways to stay cool while keeping the kids entertained.
Pro tip: Check each attraction’s website before you head out. Hours, admission prices and special events can change, especially during summer.
