Exploring the San Diego Midway Museum with a Toddler: A Family Adventure in April 2023

Introduction

Imagine the excitement of boarding a historic aircraft carrier, the USS Midway, while your toddler’s eyes widen in wonder at the sight of massive jets and interactive exhibits. Our family recently embarked on a two-day adventure from Los Angeles to San Diego, and one of our highlights was visiting the Midway Museum. Join us as we share our tips, experiences, and insights from this memorable trip, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable visit with your little one.

Planning Your Trip

Preparing for the Journey from Los Angeles

Our adventure began with an early morning drive from Los Angeles. To beat the notorious Southern California traffic, we set off at dawn, with our toddler comfortably snuggled in her car seat. Packing for a road trip with a toddler can be challenging, but we made sure to bring a few essentials:

• Snacks and Drinks: Easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks like fruit slices, crackers, and juice boxes.
• Comfort Items: A favorite blanket and a couple of beloved toys to keep our toddler cozy and entertained.
• Entertainment: Downloaded a few of her favorite shows and songs to our tablet for some in-car entertainment.

With our car packed and ready, we embarked on the two-hour journey, filled with anticipation for our San Diego adventure.

Staying at Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld

Arriving in San Diego, we checked into the Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld. This hotel proved to be a great choice for families, offering convenient amenities like spacious rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

• Family-Friendly Features: The hotel’s proximity to key attractions, including the San Diego Zoo and Midway Museum that made it an ideal base for our trip.
• Comfort and Convenience: We appreciated the hotel’s focus on family comfort. The motet had all necessary amenities including a microwave and a refrigerator and the rooms had plenty of space for our toddler to move around.

After settling in, we were ready to dive into the days' adventures. On our first day we visited San Diego Sea World while on a day of checking out from the motel we explored Midway Museum.

Visiting the San Diego Midway Museum

Arrival and Entry

Navigating to the Midway Museum was straightforward, thanks to well-marked signs and ample parking nearby. We arrived mid-morning to enjoy the museum before the afternoon rush.

• Parking Tips: The museum offers several nearby parking options, including a dedicated lot. We opted for the nearby Embarcadero Marina Park North parking, which provided easy access.
• Ticketing: We pre-purchased our tickets online, which saved time and allowed us to bypass the ticket lines. The museum offers family packages, which are budget-friendly and convenient.

With tickets in hand, we entered the museum, greeted by the impressive sight of the massive aircraft carrier.

Exploring the Museum

The USS Midway is a treasure trove of history, and it’s incredibly family-friendly. Our toddler’s excitement was contagious as we explored the various decks and exhibits.

• Interactive Exhibits: The museum features several interactive exhibits where children can touch and explore. Our daughter loved the flight simulators and the Junior Pilot Program, which offered hands-on experiences tailored for young children.

• Best Routes: Navigating the carrier with a stroller was manageable, especially with the museum’s detailed maps highlighting accessible routes. We found the lower decks, filled with crew quarters and mess halls, particularly fascinating and stroller-friendly.
• Rest and Play Areas: Throughout the ship, there are designated areas where families can rest. We took advantage of the shaded benches on the flight deck, which provided a perfect spot for a quick snack and recharge.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Managing Your Toddler’s Needs

Ensuring our toddler was comfortable and happy was our top priority during the visit. Here’s how we managed her needs:

• Stroller Accessibility: While strollers are allowed, some areas of the ship are narrow or involve stairs. We brought a lightweight, foldable stroller, which was perfect for navigating the various decks.
• Baby Care Facilities: The museum has several baby care stations and family restrooms. These were lifesavers for quick diaper changes and bathroom breaks.
• Homemade Food: We packed a small cooler with homemade snacks for our toddler, which was convenient and allowed us to have familiar foods on hand. The museum permits small amounts of outside food, making it easy to manage dietary needs.

Safety and Comfort Tips

To make the most of your visit, consider these safety and comfort tips:

• Best Times to Visit: Arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
• Comfort Items: Bring along comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket to help your toddler feel secure in a new environment.
• Emergency Contacts: It’s reassuring to know that the museum has a dedicated security team and first aid stations. Keep these contact details handy, just in case.

Extending Your San Diego Adventure

Nearby Attractions for Families

After our museum visit, we explored a few nearby attractions that were perfect for families with toddlers.

• Seaport Village: Just a short walk from the museum, Seaport Village offers a charming collection of shops, eateries, and beautiful waterfront views. Our son loved open spaces to run around.

• Waterfront Park: Located close to the museum, this park is a fantastic spot for kids. It features interactive fountains, playgrounds, and plenty of green space for picnics and play.

Additional Recommendations

For those looking to explore further, consider visiting:

• San Diego Sea World: The park combines thrilling rides, captivating animal shows, and interactive marine life exhibits, providing an unforgettable experience for families and visitors of all ages.

• San Diego Zoo: A full day attraction and a must see destination for families. Renowned for its diverse collection of over 3,500 animals and lush, expansive habitats, offers an immersive experience for families to explore wildlife from around the globe.

• Balboa Park: This cultural hub offers numerous museums and gardens that are enjoyable for all ages.

• La Jolla: is a picturesque coastal community where families can enjoy stunning beaches, explore sea caves, visit the Birch Aquarium, and watch playful seals and sea lions at the famous La Jolla Cove.

• Coronado Island, with its beautiful sandy beaches, family-friendly parks, and charming village shops, is the perfect getaway for families seeking a relaxing and enjoyable day in San Diego.

Dining and Refreshments

Family-Friendly Dining Options Near the Museum

Exploring the Midway can build up quite an appetite! Here are some family-friendly dining options nearby:

• On-Site Dining: The museum has a café that offers a variety of snacks and light meals, perfect for a quick bite.
• Nearby Restaurants: We found several restaurants within walking distance that cater to families, including The Fish Market and Edgewater Grill. Both offered kid-friendly menus and high chairs, making them convenient dining options.

Dinner at Ali Baba Family Restaurant

On our drive back to Los Angeles, we stopped for dinner at Ali Baba Family Restaurant. This Middle Eastern gem was a delightful way to end our trip.

• Dining Experience: The restaurant had a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a menu filled with delicious, family-friendly dishes. Our toddler enjoyed the hummus and grilled chicken.
• Menu Highlights: We particularly enjoyed the lamb kebabs and falafel, while the fresh pita bread was a hit with everyone.
• Location and Accessibility: Located conveniently off the highway, it was an easy stop on our way back home, with ample parking and comfortable seating.

Practical Information and Tips

Budgeting for Your Trip

To help plan your budget, here’s a breakdown of our expenses:

• Gas and Travel Costs: Approximately $50 for the round trip from Los Angeles to San Diego.
• Hotel Stay: Around $150 per night at Travelodge by Wyndham San Diego SeaWorld.
• Museum Tickets: Family packages were about $40-$50, depending on the number of adults and children.
• Meals and Dining: We spent around $70 on dinner at Ali Baba Family Restaurant and $30 for snacks and light meals throughout the day.

Money-Saving Tips:

• Look for online ticket deals or packages that include multiple attractions.
• Consider bringing your own snacks and meals to save on dining costs.
• Use membership discounts if you have them (e.g., AAA, military discounts).

Capturing Memories

Don’t forget to capture the memories of your visit:

• Photo Opportunities: The Midway offers numerous photo-worthy spots, from the flight deck with its panoramic views to the interactive exhibits below deck.
• Sharing Your Experience: We encourage you to share your photos and experiences on social media or in the comments section below. Connecting with other families can provide additional tips and inspiration for future visits.

Conclusion

Visiting the San Diego Midway Museum with our toddler was an unforgettable experience, filled with exploration, learning, and family fun. We hope our guide helps you plan a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you’re looking to dive into history, enjoy interactive exhibits, or simply spend quality time together, the Midway Museum has something for every family.

So pack your bags, hit the road, and embark on your own San Diego adventure! And don’t forget to share your stories and tips with us – we’d love to hear about your experiences.