A Family Adventure at The Nat: Discovering Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Seas

The colorful upcycled plastic sculptures and immersive installations in Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Seas at the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) kept my family engaged and curious about plastic pollution. This exhibition is wonderful for kids, combining vibrant artwork, interactive activities, and opportunities to learn about the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans.

We had fun identifying familiar household objects hidden in the sculptures while discovering how plastic overconsumption affects our environment.

Entering the exhibition felt like stepping into another world. We walked through an installation resembling a whale’s ribcage, created from white plastic debris. Throughout the gallery we discovered large-scale sculptures created with colorful recycled plastic objects you might recognize from your own home, making the artwork both accessible and thought-provoking.

My kids especially enjoyed reading the artwork labels, which tell stories about sea creatures affected by ocean pollution. Each label also includes a fun look-and-find activity that encourages visitors to examine the sculptures more closely. In the Finn the Mako Shark label, for example, we were challenged to find a toothbrush, eyeglasses, and fan blades hidden within the sculpture. These playful details kept us looking longer and discovering something new in each piece.

In the second room, we entered an underwater world filled with plastic jellyfish suspended from the ceiling and surreal seaweed emerging from the floor. The dim lighting and imaginative installations made us feel as though we were swimming beneath the sea, surrounded by these surreal plastic sea creatures.

We spent the most time in the interactive area, where my 9-year-old son enjoyed sorting plastic pieces into baskets while my 12-year-old daughter designed her own sculpture using upcycled plastic. This hands-on experience gave both kids an opportunity to engage creatively with the exhibition’s environmental message. We left with a greater understanding of plastic pollution and ideas for making everyday choices that can have a positive impact on the environment.

There is so much to explore at The Nat that we made a day of visiting the museum’s other exhibitions, too. We especially enjoyed Amazement in the Basement, where visitors can discover fossils, frogs, beetles, bones, and an incredible variety of specimens from the museum’s collections.

If you’re planning a family day in Balboa Park, The Nat offers a wonderful combination of art, science, and hands-on discovery. When it’s time for lunch, we enjoy eating at The Prado or Panama 66, both great options to round out a day exploring the park.

Museum Fun Tip: Plan Your Visit to The Nat!

Planning a family adventure at The Nat? Here are a few things to know before you go!

• Hours: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on select Fridays for Nat at Night.
• Location: 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, just south of the San Diego Zoo.
• Parking: Parking is available near the museum, including lots on the east side and near the Balboa Park Carousel. Parking fees now apply in Balboa Park, so check parking information before your visit.
• More to Explore: Don’t miss Fossil Mysteries, Coast to Cactus in Southern California, the Living Lab, and the museum’s fascinating Paleontology Center. The new Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea exhibition is on view through February 28, 2027.
• Catch a Film: Take a break and enjoy the Giant Screen Theater, featuring films including Wild San Diego, Ocean Paradise, Back From the Brink, and T. REX. Films are included with regular paid museum admission.

Even Better: Kids Go FREE Through October 31!

As part of the San Diego Museum Council’s Kids Free in October program, up to two children ages 12 and under receive FREE admission to The Nat with one paid adult through October 31, 2026.

Just download your free coupon and show it on your phone or bring a printed copy. The offer applies to general admission, with some exclusions.

GET YOUR FREE KIDS FREE COUPONS HERE!

With more than 70 participating museums and cultural attractions across San Diego County and Tijuana, October is a great time for a family museum adventure!

About the Author

Danielle Deery is an independent curator who recently curated Matrix Multiplied: Hybrid Approaches to Printmaking at Oceanside Museum of Art. She is also an Arts Coordinator for the City of Encinitas, where she teaches printmaking, sculpture, watercolor, and other art classes at Pacific View Arts Center. Deery serves on the boards of the San Diego Museum Council and the Museum of History and Culture La Jolla. One of her favorite things to do is take her family on museum adventures and share those experiences with the public through this blog.