Located in Exposition Park, this interactive museum makes science and technology fun. Feel a simulated earthquake, design a car, and marvel at the inner workings of a 50-ft (15-m) long robot named Tess. The adjoining Air and Space Gallery focuses on the principles of flight and space exploration.
This theme park attached to the world’s largest movie studio is LA’s biggest tourist attraction. A ticket buys a day of thrill rides and live action shows, and includes encounters with Spider-Man, King Kong, and other movie icons. A must-do is the narrated tram tour to the famous backlot sets.
This engaging museum pays homage to the entire animal kingdom, including extinct species such as the perennially popular dinosaurs. Special child-oriented facilities include the Discovery Center, stocked with puppets, storybooks, and a fossil-rubbing station, and the Insect Zoo, home to a host of creepy crawlies.
3720 Stephen White Drive, San Pedro • 310-548-7562 • Open noon–5pm Tue–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat & Sun • Donation • www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
This facility offers an entertaining introduction to life in Southern California’s ocean waters. The playful yet educational exhibits are ideal for children. Activities, include guided tide pool walks, a marine laboratory workshop, and supervised “camp-outs” for kids.
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach • 562-590-3100 • Open 9am–6pm daily • Adm • www.aquariumofpacific.org
Take a virtual dive through three regions of the Pacific Ocean at this aquarium. Explore the kelp beds of Southern California, the stormy shores of the north Pacific, and the coral reefs of the tropical Pacific. “Dive charts” help you identify the species.
Pet a sea cucumber, take to the skies in a Ferris wheel, or watch local fisherfolk reel in their latest catch at this pier. These are just some of the activities on California’s oldest amusement pier (see Santa Monica Pier), whose attractions draw over three million people a year. During summer, a free concert series takes place on Thursday nights.
Over half a century after it first opened its doors, the “magic kingdom” (see Disneyland® Resort) continues to be right on top of most children’s must-see lists. A one-, two-, or three-day visit is guaranteed to delight, amaze, and exhaust the kids, especially since expansions have added a second theme park, Disney’s California Adventure®, and the Downtown Disney® entertainment district to Disneyland®.
Five discovery “coves” highlight different art forms from sculpture to photography (see The Getty Center). Children can decorate an illuminated manuscript, build a tube sculpture, or design a mask. A treasure-hunt wall focuses museum works that you can later visit. “Detective cards” allow kids to become active observers once in the galleries.
395 Santa Monica Place • Open 10am–7pm Mon–Sat, noon–7pm Sun • Adm • www.caytonmuseum.org
Located in the Santa Monica Place mall, this new venue features free-form objects, round rooms and an open air plan. Hands-on exhibits include the Courage Climber rope canopy and the Hello Booth with phones powered by imagination.
5333 Zoo Drive • Open 10am–5pm daily • Closed 25 Dec • Adm (free for under 2s) • www.lazoo.org
The Elephants of Asia exhibit and the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo, both are favorites at the LA Zoo. Pet barnyard animals at Muriel’s Ranch, greet the baby animals in the nursery, and dress up for interactive play and storytelling at the Adventure Theater.