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San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, San Luis Obispo, CA
MuseumsFamily FavoriteRainy-Day Pick

San Luis Obispo Children's Museum

1010 Nipomo St · San Luis Obispo, CA

Why you should go…

The San Luis Obispo Children's Museum sits at the corner of Nipomo and Monterey streets downtown, with three floors and an outside playscape packed with hands-on exhibits for children ages 2 to 10. The second floor is SLO Town, a pint-sized village with a medical office, cafe, performance stage, trolley, bank, farmers' market and a mini Bubblegum Alley. Themed craft programs run through the week, and adults may only visit with children.

  • #children's museum
  • #kids activities
  • #hands-on exhibits
  • #downtown slo

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to San Luis Obispo Children's Museum, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Mama's Meatball

    $25–$50

    Eat Italian classics built on a chef's mother's recipes from Bari, including fettuccine alfredo finished at your table.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Mistura

    $25–$50

    Try modern Peruvian cooking with Japanese, Chinese and Italian touches, from ceviche to sushi, in downtown San Luis Obispo.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Puzzle Effect

    $25–$50

    An hour-long escape room in downtown San Luis Obispo with immersive, puzzle-filled themed rooms for groups.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Central Coast Veterans Memorial Museum

    Free

    A San Luis Obispo museum honoring veterans with military artifacts, uniforms, firearms and recorded oral histories.

    1.0 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Estrella Warbirds Museum

    Under $25

    A military aviation museum at Paso Robles Municipal Airport with restored World War II era warbirds and vehicles.

    27 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Quirky Fun

    Woodland Auto Display

    Under $25

    A vintage and racing car museum sharing the Estrella Warbirds Museum grounds in Paso Robles, California.

    27 mi awayMore like this