California Science Center (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is California Science Center?
What makes it 93% Kids-Friendly: School-age children have Discovery Rooms, live animals, simulators, and kid-priced IMAX films, plus plentiful restrooms and food options, making the museum a nearly ideal day out.
Positives:
- Free permanent exhibits: No admission fee for all permanent galleries lets families explore on any budget.
- Stroller-friendly: Wide aisles and elevators make it easy to move around with young children.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: Exposition Park museums draw lines on weekends and during school breaks.
- Limited show slots: Discovery Rooms and simulators have limited capacity and fill quickly.
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 kids?
- Explore free permanent galleries with live animals and science exhibits.
- Engage kids in hands-on fun at Discovery Rooms and GAME ON! galleries.
- Catch an educational IMAX film for the whole family.
- Try balancing and flight simulators together.
- Get up close to the Space Shuttle Endeavour display.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets your family enjoy key exhibits, interactive galleries, and an IMAX film without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in California Science Center
Discovery Rooms:
Three rotating play-and-learn rooms for kids under 7.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a 15-minute slot before they fill up.
Ecosystems Gallery:
Live animals and a 188,000-gallon kelp tank with underwater tunnel.
Tip: Walk the tunnel slowly to watch fish and sea stars up close.
GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play:
Over 25 interactive stations teaching the science of movement.
Tip: Challenge each other in the speed and distance zones for extra fun.
IMAX Theater:
Giant-screen science films in 3D like Journey to Space.
Tip: Book tickets online to save the $4 service fee and guarantee seats.
Simulator Rides:
High Wire Bicycle and Endeavour Together simulators for balance and flight basics.
Tip: Check height and health restrictions and reserve your spot early.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to California Science Center
- Online IMAX booking: Reserve IMAX tickets in advance to avoid service fees and sold-out shows.
- Plan gallery order: Start with popular interactive exhibits like Discovery Rooms at opening to avoid lines.
- Check film schedule: Review IMAX film times online before your visit to fit it into your plan.
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)?
During summer and school holidays, galleries fill fast; arrive at opening or after 2 PM for shorter lines.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| IMAX tickets (2 adults, 2 kids) | USD 50 |
| Food court meals | USD 40 |
| Simulator rides | USD 40 |
| Total Estimated | USD 130 |
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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