Don’t miss this Oceanside gem, which houses one of the world’s richest troves of surfing history. Right now, you can explore Let’s Boogie: Tom Morey and the Evolution of the Boogie Board, A Brief History of Surfboards: From Wood to Foam to Fiberglass, as well as Courageous Inspiration: Bethany Hamilton (which features the actual surfboard of the brave shark attack survivor). Also, be on the look out for another new exhibit, Donald Takayama: Shaping Boards and Lives, which is expected to open in February (check the website for updates.)
Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego (ICA – North)
In 2021, the San Diego Art Institute in Balboa Park and Lux Art Institute in Encinitas merged to become ICA San Diego. ICA North (as the Encinitas location is now known) is presenting Luciano Pimienta: Ways of Knowing through February 13. A new Artist-in-Residence exhibition will then open on February 19th, titled Black Matter, which will feature interdisciplinary artist Minerva Cuevas, marking her first solo exhibition in San Diego. (Note: ICA San Diego’s exhibitions are always free for everyone through the Museum’s Pay-As-You Wish initiative. Reserving your spot ahead of time s is highly recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome.)
Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum
This unique museum in Escondido definitely falls into the category of “hidden gems” and houses the only permanent exhibit of miniature engineering craftsmanship in the world! The Museum’s collections, which focus on precision metal and wood working at the small end of the size scale, include over 450 working steam, Stirling, and various types of internal and external combustion engines. Other collections include miniature guns, dollhouses and miniature furniture and rooms, watch and clock making tools, clocks, model autos, trucks, construction equipment and airplanes, vintage construction toys and more. One of the museum’s featured exhibits is a 1/6 scale 1932 Duesenberg auto with a running 8-cylinder engine, working transmission and fully functional hardware that took over 20,000 hours to build! (Note: Admission to the Museum is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.)
February is a great time for families to visit the Mission in Oceanside, with special activities planned each weekend. Family tours and adobe brick-making activities will be offered on February 5 and 19, with Mission art tours on February 12 and 26 (all starting at 1: 00 PM). The Mission will also be offering its regular Behind the Scenes Tours every Saturday at 11:00 AM and Sunday at 1:00 PM. (Note: Museum Month passes apply towards general museum admission only. Events and tours require an additional fee.)
The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad has been “remixed” and reimagined following a major renovation project completed in 2021. The redesigned space offers deeper stories, more hands-on interactivity, and a chance to connect to music-making on a whole new level. Each of the new thematic galleries are designed to bring musical stories to life, with digital touchscreens, directional speakers, oral history videos, imagery, instrument displays, STEAM Learning Stations and more. The Museum has also modernized it popular Interactive Area of hands-on playable musical instruments, including a dedicated section for younger children.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Taking a leisurely stroll through the beautiful grounds of the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas is always a a fun idea. Now, you can take your visit to the next level with a special Augmented Reality Art Exhibition, Seeing the Invisible. (SDBG is one of a dozen gardens participating across six countries.) Simply download the app to experience the impressive collection of contemporary artworks by 13 international artists. The Garden is also offering children’s programming with hands-on activities on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, as well as free docent-led tours of the Garden every Saturday at 10:00 AM. (Note: The Museum Month pass may be used for entrance to the Garden on one day only. Ticket reservations are required. Up to four people may be admitted that day, but no one may return with the pass on a separate day. Does not include special events.)
The New Children’s Museum – Art + Play Space
North County families can use the Museum Month pass to explore The New Children’s Museum’s first satellite location, now open in the Del Mar Plaza shopping center. The 2,000-square-foot Art + Play Space provides the opportunity for young children to play in a mini version of the downtown Museum’s popular installation Wobbleland by Marisol Rendón, create art in our Makerspace and enjoy other creative activities. (Note: Due to its smaller size, this location can reach capacity quickly.)
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