Balboa Park Museums Offer Entertaining and Educational Events

Located in San Diego, California, Balboa Park ranks among the nation’s largest urban cultural parks. There are over 15 museums in Balboa Park, along with performing arts venues, botanical gardens and the San Diego Zoo. With this concentration of attractions, guests can expect Balboa Park museums to offer programs and events throughout the year. Here are a few of our favorites.

Balboa Park Museums: 3 Events and When They Occur

Nat at Night: Natural Museum of History

Nat at Night is a summertime event that runs from late May through August. The event offers extended museum hours, half-price admission for non-members, and free admission for members. Guests can browse exhibits, watch nature documentaries and see pop-up programs on select nights. Other activities include trivia nights, food truck nights and hands-on projects.

IMAX Films: Fleet Science Center

At Fleet Science Center, movies dive deep into fascinating exhibits and nature’s beauty. Go to the depths of the ocean, light years into space, or romping around the rain forest with orangutans. Movie-goers can do this every day from the seats of the IMAX theater with a 76-foot wraparound screen. Sit back and immerse in another world with shows promising to deepen viewers’ understanding of the natural world and humanity’s place in it.

December Nights: Balboa Park

This annual holiday party is the largest event in the park. All Balboa Park museums open their doors to the public free of charge. Additionally, enjoy food, drink and entertainment to get everyone in the holiday spirit.

For over 40 years, the event has united the community with sparkling lights, bands, choirs and dancers. While sampling the sights and sounds of the season, check out the local cuisine. Over 160 San Diego restaurants participate in December Nights. Try regional dishes, local wines, international favorites and plenty of treats.

Want to learn more about these Balboa Park museums? Find them and other San Diego Museums travelers can’t miss.