Wonderspaces Through the Eyes of a Toddler

Wonderspaces is a pop-up arts celebration that engages your sight, touch and hearing through 16 different exhibits. Each exhibit was an immersive experience that made Parker feel everything from exhilaration, joy, temporary fear and nervousness. Parker was very engaged as we explored the exhibits and asked so many questions including "Can I touch it?", "Can we get closer?", and "Can you eat that? Is it an egg?" as we stood there watching Blooms (the answer was no). Most of the patrons were adults but there were a few kids there who all seemed to be enjoying themselves. I would say the only exhibits that were not kid-friendly were the VR films. I've always tried to be an artful parent and I'm so glad this pop-up came to town!  Hurry and get your tickets before the pop-up closes July 31.

Wonderspaces

June 2-July 31

Civita Blvd and Russell Rd

San Diego, CA 92108

https://www.wonderspaces.com/

Adults $24

Kids (3-12) $16

**price does not include fees

Mom tips:

-Wonderspaces is located on a dusty dirt lot. Unless you want dirty toes, wear closed-toe shoes. 

-Sign up for the VR films you want to watch once you get through the door. Some of the waits were over an hour.  

-Civita Park is across the street and the perfect place for a picnic pre/post visiting Wonderspaces. 

-Most exhibits were housed inside the air-conditioned tent making this a great hot day activity.

-The space is stroller-friendly. 

-There is a snack bar inside with a limited selection of snacks and drinks.

[Pulse Portal]

[Neon Tunnel]

[The Last Word]

[Sweet Spot]

[Daydream V2 scared Parker a little. He said it looked like two big owl eyes.]

[Not Myself Today really made us all think about how we were feeling at the moment.]

[I explained the exhibit to Parker and he picked "sensitive" and "stressed".]

[We had a fun time making our colorful shadows dance in You + Your Shadows]

[ADA is a giant helium filled ball with charcoal nubs that mark the wall when it hits. I'm so glad we had baby wipes to clean up with after this! Tuan accidentally hit Parker with the ball and he had giant marks all over his face and shirt.]

[Come Together]

[On Tilt was hands down Parker's favorite exhibit. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.]

[Parker tried to shake all their hands when I told him it was time to go. He really fell in love with this exhibit.]

[A Religious Experience was my favorite exhibit. It really made me feel like I was alone in the universe for a moment.]

If you are looking for resources on how to be a more artful parent, check out these great kids art blogs.

The Artful Parent *I have one of Jean's books in my library and it's fantastic.
Art Bar
Meri Cherry
TinkerLab put together a really good list of high-quality art education blogs for kids of all ages.