San Diego’s youngest naturalists have a brand-new place to call their own. The Backyard, an all-new exhibit space at the San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat) in Balboa Park, was created especially for curious minds ages 0 to 5, where little learners explore the natural world through play.
The colorful space re-creates a quintessential San Diego backyard oasis where people and wildlife share the same sunny corner of the city. Budding explorers can play under a shade tree, hunt for hidden secrets along a wooden fence, climb on a giant ladybug or curl up with a favorite book inside a cozy potting shed. For babies still at the crawling stage, a soft, cushioned area offers protected exploration at their own pace.
Parents and caregivers can join the fun or relax nearby with a drink from The Flying Squirrel Café while the kids discover animals, minerals and vegetables. Access to The Backyard is included with general admission and free for members. The Nat, at 1788 El Prado in Balboa Park, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. — a happy reminder that big adventures begin close to home.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
