SAN DIEGO ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER

Kids Free San Diego
2024-10-02 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Calling all Junior Archaeologists! This October, present your Kids Free San Diego coupon to receive free admission to the Center and a take-home pottery kit for kids 12 and under.
Journey through the museum on a family-friendly Archaeology Quest. Use your excavation skills to uncover the past. Examine and record your findings in our field lab – just like a real archaeologist! Then continue the fun at home with a pinch pot kit.
Pottery kits and museum admission are free for children 12 and under with Kids Free San Diego Coupon plus paid adult admission. To participate, visit the San Diego Museum Council website to download your coupon. Then present it when you visit the Center to receive free admission and pottery kits for up to two children (12 and under) with one full-price paid adult ($5+). Limit 1 pottery kit per child.
Organized by the San Diego Tourism Authority with support from the San Diego Museum Council (SDMC), Kids Free San Diego is an opportunity for thousands of families to enjoy museum experiences each year. Visit SanDiego.org to view participating museums and terms. A full directory of participating venues can also be found on the SDMC website.

Kids Pottery Workshop
2024-10-05 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Get creative this October! Join us for a pottery workshop and museum open house. Create your own piece of pottery to take home with you. Journey through the museum on a family-friendly Archaeology Quest. Use your excavation skills to uncover the past, then examine and record your findings in our Field Lab – just like a real archaeologist!
Museum admission and pottery workshop are free for kids 12 and under. Adult museum admission: Pay what you wish (suggested $5/person). No registration required.

Living Room Lecture - Recycling for Death: Coffin Reuse in Ancient Egypt and the Theban Royal Caches
2024-10-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
In this lecture, Kara Cooney will discuss her latest book, Recycling for Death, a meticulous study of the social, economic, and religious significance of coffin reuse during the Ramesside and early Third Intermediate periods. Funerary datasets are the chief source of social history in Egyptology, and the numerous tombs, coffins, Books of the Dead, and mummies of the Twentieth and Twenty-first Dynasties have not been fully utilized as social documents, mostly because the data of this time period is scattered and difficult to synthesize. This book is the culmination of fifteen years of coffin study, analyzing coffins and other funerary equipment of elites from the Nineteenth to the Twenty-second Dynasties to provide essential windows into social strategies and adaptations employed during the Bronze Age collapse and subsequent Iron Age reconsolidation.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Registration is closed.

About the Author
Kara Cooney is a professor of Egyptology at UCLA and Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures. Specializing in social history, gender studies, and economies in the ancient world, she received her Ph.D. in Egyptology from Johns Hopkins University. Her popular books include The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut’s Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt, When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt, and The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World. Her latest books include Ancient Egyptian Society: Challenging Assumptions, Exploring Approaches (Routledge, 2023) and Recycling for Death: Coffin Reuse in Ancient Egypt and the Theban Royal Caches (The American University in Cairo Press, August 2024).

Girl Scout Field Trip Day
2024-10-12 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for a field trip at the San Diego Archaeological Center, where you’ll learn what archaeology actually is, where we work, the variety of tools we use, and how we study the past here and all over the world. Complete an Archaeology Quest guiding you through 12,000 years of local history and multiple interactive exhibits then make your own piece of pottery to take home. Register now to save your spot. Program is $10 per scout, pay at door.

Julian Natural Wonderfest
2024-10-26 14:00 - 23:00 | Menghini Winery, 1150 Julian Orchards Dr., Julian, CA, 92036, United States
Join the Volcan Mountain Foundation for the Julian Natural Wonderfest, a day of fun, education, wildlife, science, wonder, preservation and dark sky appreciation for the whole family! Free event — community sponsored! This afternoon and evening gathering at Menghini Winery will include a late night astronomy star party, wildlife ambassador encounters, games and activities for families, presentations of music and art, and outreach booths from land preservation and other local nature-focused organizations, food vendors and access to the winery tasting room adjacent to the event venue. Free parking convenient to the event grounds.

Archaeology Day
2024-11-02 09:00 - 16:00 | Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center, 200 Palm Canyon Dr, Borrego Springs, CA, 92004, United States
Join the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society for Archaeology Day at the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center. Events include local indigenous artists, exhibits, paddle-anvil pottery making and rock painting activities for kids, video “field trips” to La Rumarosa in Baja and Morteros Trail in Blair Valley, guided tours of the Begole Archaeology Research Lab and Library, and in-person field trips to Mine Wash Village and Blair Valley cultural sites.
View Archaeology Day Flyer
This event is hosted by the Colorado Desert Archaeological Society. For more information, questions, and registration, please contact the event organizer.

Ancient Echoes: 10,000 Years of Beer
2024-11-09 15:00 - 18:30 | BattleMage Brewing Company, 2870 Scott St #102, Vista, CA, 92081, United States
Come join the San Diego Archaeological Center and celebrate San Diego Beer Week at BattleMage Brewing with a free presentation delving into the murky, storied archaeological past of our favorite malted beverage. From ancient Sumerian hymns to Egyptian tombs, to the secretive monasteries of old Bavaria, we’ll uncover how archaeological findings, such as brewing tools and ancient recipes, reveal beer’s influence on culture, economy, and social life throughout history. Presentations start at 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM.
About Ancient Echoes
In our adult friendly Ancient Echoes series, we look back into the archaeological record at the origins of many of our favorite things and breaking the conceptions of their modernity. Have you ever wondered about the roots of mead, chocolate, or beer? What about the importance of art, dance, and music to Ice Age hunter-gatherers? Ancient Echoes explores these topics and more, offering an interactive experience aimed at connecting us back with our deep past.

Fall Into Archaeology Day Camp
2024-11-25 08:30 - 16:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We are excited to announce our brand-new autumn day camp for elementary school students! This a la carte style day camp will take place the week of Thanksgiving. Choose individual days or choose them all!
Whether your child or grandchild is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, our camp offers something for everyone. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! Space is limited to 30 campers per session. Sign up now and let the adventure begin!
Grades: K-5
Schedule:
Monday, November 25: Archaeology and the Ancient World – Come discover what archaeology is, is not, and what is bad archaeology. Explore the museum, get a behind-the-scenes tour of our collections laboratory, make coil pots, and practice your beadmaking skills.
Tuesday, November 26: Ancient Games Day – Discover a world before video games, as we explore the 5,000-year-old Game of Twenty Squares, and learn to make your own ancient Egyptian Senet board. Learn to play mancala, backgammon, and chess, or try your hand at Apal Uumarr, or the game of stones.
Wednesday, November 27: Ice Age Extravaganza! – Enjoy our final camp day making your very own ice age rock art. Learn cordage weaving, and basket making, and hone your atlatl throwing and archery skills.
See our Archaeology Camp Page for more information.

Beadmaking, Cordage, and Basketry Workshop for Girl Scouts
2024-11-30 11:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us at the San Diego Archaeological Center for a beadmaking, cordage, and basketry workshop. Register now to save your spot. Program is $15 per scout, pay at door.

Sip & Sketch Holiday Art Class - CANCELED
2024-12-07 10:30 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
This event has been CANCELED – Sip, sketch, and color at our holiday art class with archaeological illustrator Donna Walker. Learn how to draw the native plant Toyon Berry, also known as California Holly, then color your drawing with Prismacolor, an oil-based color pencil that blends and looks like a watercolor painting when you’ve finished. You’ll learn techniques that will give your objects depth and definition – gone will be the flat-looking images, yours will look 3-D! Then turn your drawing into a personalized holiday card for friends and family!
All art supplies will be provided. Tickets include drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) and light refreshments. This event is 21+.
Cost: $35; SDAC Members $30

Ancient Echoes: Ice Age Pigments - Handprint Edition
2024-12-14 10:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Have you already taken Pints & Pigments*? Ready to step up your Pleistocene rock art skills to the next level? Put on your dirty painting clothes and come to the SDAC for this all-ages outdoor art event where we’ll be spraying, blowing, and flinging our favorite ancient pigments like an Ice Age Jackson Pollock!
All art materials will be provided. Tickets include coffee, tea, and light refreshments. Note: Child tickets do not include the use of traditional pigments (modern acrylic paint will be used instead).
*Prior participation in our Pints & Pigments workshop is not required.
About Ancient Echoes
In our Ancient Echoes series, we look back into the archaeological record at the origins of many of our favorite things and breaking the conceptions of their modernity. Have you ever wondered about the roots of mead, chocolate, or beer? What about the importance of art, dance, and music to Ice Age hunter-gatherers? Ancient Echoes explores these topics and more, offering an interactive experience aimed at connecting us back with our deep past.
Cost: $35; SDAC Members $25; Kids (12 & under) $15
Registration is closed. Limited tickets available at door.

Senior Wednesdays
2025-01-08 10:00 - 16:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Seniors 65+ can enjoy free admission to the Center on Wednesdays. Discover the science of archaeology through our interactive Archaeology 101 exhibit, explore the cultural periods of San Diego, and uncover the Lives and Lifestyles on Block 112: The Untold Story of San Diego’s Working Class.

2nd Saturday Lecture Screenings
2025-01-11 10:30 - 14:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us every 2nd Saturday of the month for two screenings of our Living Room Lectures by archaeologists, experts, and authors. Lecture screenings start at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM and are included with museum admission. No reservations needed. Seating is first come, first served.

Living Room Lecture - Beyond Bones: How Human Osteology Can Facilitate Wellbeing, Healing, and Inclusion
2025-01-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
In this lecture, Giselle Király will discuss the power of human osteoarchaeology, and how, with the right facilitation, it has the ability to promote wellbeing, healing and inclusion. This has been most notable in archaeological sites with military service people, but also seen on sites with people with low mental health, neurodivergence, ADHD, or autism. Giselle will look at sites ranging from Sutton Hoo to World War II, where archaeology, and specifically human remains, have changed peoples lives. Note: This lecture will contain images of human remains.
This lecture will be held on Zoom.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Registration is closed.

About the Speaker
Giselle Király is a commercial fieldwork project officer and human osteoarchaeologist for PCAS Archaeology in England, conducting excavations and analysing skeletal assemblages ranging from the peaty Mesolithic to WWII plane crashes. She also collaborates with Operation Nightingale, of the Ministry of Defence, helping veterans on their path to recovery through archaeology. She has led fieldwork in Europe, Georgia, and across the UK, teaching osteology and field techniques to students, veterans, volunteers, and police forces. She can be seen on History Hit TV, Digging for Britain, and most notably, the revived Time Team.

Museum Month
2025-02-01 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
The San Diego Archaeological Center is proud to participate in San Diego Museum Month during the month of February. Presented by the San Diego Museum Council and the San Diego Foundation, this month-long promotion offers fifty percent off admission for up to four people at over sixty museums and attractions throughout San Diego County.
San Diego Museum Month passes can be picked up for free at public libraries throughout the County or downloaded from the San Diego Museum Council website.

Historic Archery Day
2025-02-15 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We’re stringing our bows for a spot of archery right here at the San Diego Archaeological Center! Shoot some rounds and learn about how different cultures around the world crafted, hunted, and fought with bows and arrows. Register now to save your spot.
This event is family friendly. Kids will enjoy a supervised range at the front of the museum all to themselves, with an adults-only range for more powerful bows in the back.
No previous experience required. Please bring your own gear if possible. A limited amount of gear will be available to borrow – first come, first served.
Cost: $15; GSUSA $10; SDAC Members Free
Tickets include museum admission. No registration needed for SDAC Members.
Registration is closed. Please pay at door.

MUSEUM CLOSED for Private Event
2025-02-26 10:00 - 2025-02-27 16:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Flintknapping Basics: The Ancient Art of Stone Tool Making
2025-04-05 10:00 - 12:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Step back in time and discover the fascinating craft of flintknapping in this hands-on class! Flintknapping is the ancient technique of shaping stone into tools through the application of controlled force, a skill that has been used by humans for hundreds of thousands of years.
In this class, you’ll learn the basics of flintknapping, including how to create cutting tools, points, and other useful implements by striking and shaping raw stone. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll gain insight into the historical and cultural significance of flint tools and understand the precision involved in the process.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a survival skills aficionado, or simply curious about ancient craftsmanship, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with a time-honored tradition. You’ll leave with not only new skills but also a deeper appreciation for how early humans created the tools that helped shape civilization.
All materials are provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Ages 12 and up. Participants under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult participant.
Cost: $45; SDAC Members $35; Scouts (GSUSA & Scouting America): $25
Registration is full.

Member Exclusive: Bayside Trail Guided Walk at Cabrillo National Monument
2025-04-11 17:30 - 19:30 | Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Monument Dr, San Diego, CA, 92106, United States
SDAC Members are invited to join the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation for an exclusive, guided moonlight walk along Cabrillo National Monument’s Bayside Trail against the backdrop of the night sky, downtown, the bay, Coronado Island and the Pacific Ocean. Witness the majestic Old Point Loma Lighthouse illuminated at night, enjoy a complimentary cup of hot cocoa, and take a stroll under the moonlit sky after hours in this exclusive member experience.
Current SDAC membership and RSVP are required. Must RSVP by April 9. Space is limited to 30 members. No pets permitted. Wear walking shoes and warm clothes. Bring water and a flashlight.

Annual BBQ
2025-04-26 15:00 - 18:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for an afternoon of food, lively entertainment, and a gathering of San Diego’s archaeological community.
Back by popular demand, we’re serving up all-you-can-eat carne asada, pollo asada, carnitas, and jackfruit adovada tacos from Frida’s Taqueria. Sip colorful agua frescas from Frida’s, craft beer from Pizza Port, and local wine from Rancho Guejito Vineyard at our open bar while you enjoy live music from Probable Caws.
Test your aim at our archery and atlatl range for all ages, enter our opportunity drawing for a chance to win cool prizes, and meet our newest staff and board members. Students can connect with professional archaeologists from local CRM firms.
Proceeds from this event provide funding for the Center’s programming and preservation efforts. We hope to see you there!
Cost: $50; SDAC Members $40 (pre-sale only); Students $20; Tribal Members $20; Kids 12 & under: $15
Pre-sale has ended. Please purchase tickets at door.

The Center is looking for generous individuals and businesses to support the BBQ. For more information, see our BBQ Sponsorship page.
Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors!

The Big Exchange
2025-05-01 - 2025-05-18 | Multiple Locations
Every spring, San Diego’s museums come together for something truly special: The Big Exchange, happening this year from May 1–18. During this limited-time event, your membership at the San Diego Archaeological Center gives you FREE general admission to more than 50 museums all across San Diego County! You can find more about The Big Exchange, including a listing of participating museums, on the San Diego Museum Council website.
Not a member or need to renew? Purchase SDAC Membership

Open Archery Range
2025-05-31 09:00 - 13:00, 2025-06-07 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We’re stringing our bows for a spot of archery featuring fresh hay bale targets right here at the San Diego Archaeological Center! Shoot some rounds and learn about how different cultures around the world crafted, hunted, and fought with bows and arrows.
This event is family friendly. Kids will enjoy a supervised range at the front of the museum all to themselves, with an adults-only range for more powerful bows in the back.
No previous experience required. Please bring your own gear if possible. A limited amount of gear will be available to borrow – first come, first served.
Cost: $15; SDAC Members Free

Archaeology Summer Camp
2025-06-16 10:00 - 14:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
We are excited to announce our summer day camp for elementary school students! Whether your child or grandchild is a budding archaeologist or just eager to experience the past in a whole new way, our camp offers something for everyone. Get ready for a week filled with adventure, discovery, and endless fun! With our a la carte style day camp, you can choose individual days or choose them all! Space is limited to 20 campers.
Grades: K-5
Dates: June 16-20, 2025
Schedule:
Monday: Welcome to the Ice Age
Tuesday: Fun with the Ancient Maya
Wednesday: Ancient Egypt
Thursday: The Roman Empire
Friday: Kumeyaay Day
Hours: 10 AM to 2:30 PM
Extended care hours: Early drop-off (starting at 8:30 AM) and late pickup (ending at 4 PM) are available for an additional fee.
Pricing:
Full Session (Monday-Friday): $425 $395
Daily Rate: $85 per day
Extended Care Hours: $20 per camper per day
A late charge of $1 a minute begins accruing after scheduled pick-up time.
Enroll Your Child in Archaeology Summer Day Camp
Registrations are non-refundable. Enrollment information will be sent within 7 business days of registration. Please note that registration is not confirmed until SDAC staff send a confirmation email with enrollment information.
Many of our activities are outside in the San Pasqual Valley. All campers MUST wear close toed shoes, and bring a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Campers must provide their own snacks and a lunch brought in a clearly labelled brown paper bag. All lunches are stored in our communal fridge, so we ask that no peanut products be brought to the San Diego Archaeological Center for the safety of those who may have a severe allergy.

Lecture: Modeling Mesoamerican Masks
2025-06-28 10:30 - 12:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Discover how a 3D modeling project at San Diego State University is bringing a historic collection of Mesoamerican masks into the digital age. This in-person lecture will explore how these digital models are enhancing teaching and public interpretation while tracing the deep history of masks as ritual, funerary, and ceremonial objects in ancient societies like Teotihuacan. The presentation will also examine how these traditions endure today in community practices such as danzas, offering a look at the ongoing cultural significance of masks across centuries of change.
Cost: Pay what you wish
Registration is closed. Please pay at door.

About the Presenters:
Keith Chan is a local anthropology instructor at Grossmont College, MiraCosta College, and SDSU. He is especially interested in using immersive technology in his teaching to bring students face-to-face with culture and biology. He created the virtual anthropology museum AnVRopomotron, which won the first Poly Award for Best Educational Experience, and is working on PaleoCalifornia, which turns the Pleistocene into a virtual reality theme park ride. He was also a recent research fellow at SDSU’s Virtual Immersive Learning and Teaching center, in which he launched the current project on masks.
Irene Gonzalez received her M.A. in Latin American Studies from SDSU, where her research focused on cultural preservation. Her work has explored the importance of community museums, specifically in Mexico, where she conducted field research in Oaxaca. She is currently the Collections Coordinator for the Mesoamerican Mask Collection at SDSU’s Center for Latin American Studies. Irene is passionate about bridging technology and cultural heritage in ways that are equitable and grounded in deep respect for Indigenous knowledge systems.

Art with an Archaeologist: Mesoamerican Masks
2025-06-28 12:00 - 13:30 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Following our lecture on Modeling Mesoamerican Masks, join us for a special Art with an Archaeologist workshop and make your own tissue paper mask. All ages (including adults) are welcome.
Pro Tip: Attend our lecture on Modeling Mesoamerican Masks: Using Photogrammetry to Bring Cultural Heritage to Life to get inspired!

MUSEUM CLOSED for Independence Day
2025-07-04 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Historic Archery Day
2025-07-05 09:00 - 13:00 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States

Museum Temporarily Closed for Construction
2025-07-09 - 2025-07-12 | San Diego Archaeological Center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA, 92027, United States
Join us for pop-up programming throughout San Diego County this summer.

Clay Pinch Pots & Free Summer Lunch at College-Rolando Library
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | College-Rolando Library, 6600 Montezuma Road, San Diego, 92115, United States
Join us at the College-Rolando Library to Create air-dry clay pinch pots while learning about ceramic as the first synthetic material and why it is appreciated by both artists and archaeologists.
Free Summer Lunch at San Diego Public Library is offered Monday-Friday from 12-1 PM. Lunch can only be served to youth ages 0-18. In addition to providing summer lunch for youth, San Diego Public Library aims to bridge the summer learning gap by hosting enrichment programs, provide access to community resources and inform families of opportunities. For more information, please contact the College-Rolando Library.
