California Science Center (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is California Science Center?
What makes it 80% Baby-Friendly: Wide aisles, elevators, stroller rentals, and diaper tables aid babies, but crowd noise and no listed nursing room reduce comfort, so the stop is good yet less perfect for infants.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly: Wide aisles and elevators make it easy to navigate with a stroller.
- Free Admission: Permanent exhibits cost nothing, helping you manage your budget.
- Baby Facilities: Diaper-changing stations in all restrooms and benches for feeding throughout galleries.
Challenges:
- Crowds at Peak Times: Midday weekends can be busy, making galleries congested with strollers.
- Limited Nursing Rooms: No dedicated lactation room; you may need to use a quiet bench or ask staff for a family restroom.
- IMAX Suitability: Loud sounds and bright screens may overstimulate babies; choose shorter films or skip this.
What is California Science Center?
- A science museum in Exposition Park showcasing interactive galleries dedicated to physics, biology and earth sciences
- Home to the retired NASA Space Shuttle Endeavour, preserved as the centerpiece of its aerospace exhibits
- Features a giant IMAX theater and immersive live ecosystem displays, from marine kelp forests to desert habitats
What is so special about California Science Center for with baby?
- Free stroller-friendly exhibits with smooth paths
- Giant kelp tank tunnel that engages young eyes
- Hands-on GAME ON! stations teach simple physics
- Optional IMAX shows with advance booking
- Convenient diaper-changing stations and feeding benches
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: A visit lasting 2–3 hours lets you explore free galleries and hands-on exhibits without overtiring your baby.
Baby-Friendly Activities in California Science Center
Explore Permanent Galleries:
Walk through Ecosystems, Creative World, and World of Life on stroller-friendly routes.
Tip: Use wide aisles and plan shortcuts to avoid crowds during midday.
Visit the Kelp Tank Tunnel:
Stroll through an underwater tunnel featuring fish and kelp in a 188,000-gallon tank.
Tip: Push the stroller slowly and pause near the glass to let your baby watch fish float by.
Play in GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play:
Interact with over 25 stations demonstrating physics through sports movements.
Tip: Choose simple stations where your baby can observe while you test the exhibits.
Watch an IMAX Film (Optional):
See family-friendly science films like “A Beautiful Planet” on a giant screen.
Tip: Book shorter films in advance and sit near an exit for quick breaks if needed.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to California Science Center
- Arrive at Opening: Enjoy quieter galleries and smooth stroller access first thing in the morning.
- Use Family Restrooms: Ask staff for private family restrooms for more space during diaper changes.
- Plan Outdoor Breaks: Take breaks on Exposition Park benches for fresh air and nap opportunities.
Reviews of California Science Center
Michel'le Bailey
His birthday was a few days later. Thought to give him some scenery and relaxation 😌. We'll that lasted about 30 minutes. The middle schoolers that traveled for a field trip that day in their red Christian school shirts made the science museum trip even more worthwhile. They walked him through exhibits and it was just so cute. The family's we met were so kind and the staff was unbelievably awesom...
Jonathan Johnson
The California Science Center is one of those museums that manages to feel genuinely hands on without ever dumbing anything down. There is a lot to see, from interactive exhibits that kids can throw themselves into to larger displays that reward slow reading and attention, so it works well for both quick visits and longer afternoons. Seeing the space shuttle exhibits up close gives the whole place...
Liz M
Love this place! They take donations, other than parking, the place is free to visit. There are extra activities that charge such as the IMAX theater, space simulator, rock wall and hurricane tunnel simulator. They have space exhibits, tons of interactive areas, an aquarium and sports building. It wasn’t very crowded. The kids and I really enjoyed it. We touched some starfish, a wall of ice, play...
charisma barriger
big museum with tons of interactive displays and different exhibit rooms. i especially loved the fish tanks and the touch tank outside. there was also a fun room where you played with ping pong balls. i didn’t go to their current exhibit but it was still enough to do then i got cookies in the cafe. the only downside is swarms of kids everywhere bc of field trips but not too bad. i also liked the f...
Amber Wilcox
We enjoyed our visit to the California Science Center, but it definitely had some highs and lows. The biggest downside was that many parts of the exhibits were closed or under renovation, which made the experience feel a bit unfinished. On the plus side, the aquarium section was nice, and the exhibits that were open kept the kids entertained and curious. There’s a new construction area in progres...
When is the best time to visit California Science Center (Los Angeles, United States)?
Summer weekends bring larger crowds; visit on weekday mornings for quieter galleries. In winter, midday light through the glass roof warms exhibits—dress in layers.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Admission (Permanent Exhibits) | USD 0 |
| Stroller Rental | USD 10 |
| IMAX Tickets (2 adults) | USD 28 |
| Meal at Food Court | USD 12 |
| Total Estimated | USD 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of California Science Center
Address: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
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About California Science Center
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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