51 Awesome Museums You Should Visit with Your Kids in 2026! 🏛️🦕
Updated: Oct 10
The Best Kid-Friendly Museums in And Near Los Angeles
LA Families don’t have to travel far to explore some of the best kid-friendly museums. With 51 awesome museums to choose from, you can be sure there is something to interest everyone. Whether you’re looking for interactive exhibits, educational experiences, or just a day of fun, Los Angeles museums have it all. From the Natural History Museum to the California Science Center, you’ll find something to keep the kids amused for hours. So, get out and explore all that Los Angeles has to offer with your family – you won’t be disappointed!
🗓️ Updated for 2026: We checked every museum on this list for 2026, added notes about big changes (like the La Brea Tar Pits museum renovation and the brand-new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center), and added 9 new kid-friendly museums, including the brand-new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art!
✨Quick Links: ✨
Best Museums for Kids in Los Angeles
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
​​The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is an extensive natural history museum with beautiful displays of North American and African mammals, and a hands-on, interactive Discovery Center with live animals, shells, rocks, bones, insects, and other specimens. It protects over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years, and serves as an authority on the "big picture" of the planet, encompassing both the natural and cultural worlds. Watch for special exhibits like the butterfly pavilion, spider pavilion, and dinosaur lab.
L.A. County residents receive free Museum Admission from 3-5 pm Monday through Friday. Additional tickets are required to view special exhibitions, the Butterfly and Spider Pavilion, the 3D Theater, and other select ticketed experiences.
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
The La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park had pits of tar in which animals got stuck and died during the latter part of the last Ice Age (10,000 to 40,000 years ago). The animals thought the black pools of tar were water and got stuck. The black ozee preserved the bones that have been excavated and are still being excavated today.
Explore the tar pits and get the inside story of the La Brea Tar Pits by watching how an actual Ice Age dig site works. When the renovated museum reopens, it will once again showcase skeletons of mammoths, mastodons, dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and a variety of birds.
Take your lunch, or grab something nearby, and have a picnic in Hancock Park right in the middle of the La Brea Tar Pits, and roll down the hills with the kids!
Heads up for 2026: The La Brea Tar Pits museum building closed on July 7, 2026, for a major renovation and is expected to reopen in summer 2028. Hancock Park, the bubbling tar pits, and the outdoor excavation sites are still open and free to explore, and some La Brea fossils are on view at the Natural History Museum in the meantime.
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
​The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films for free. The Science Center offers self-guided experiences of Permanent and Special Exhibit galleries, Big Lab interactive programs, and IMAX Movies. The IMAX Theater is great for older kids.
The Discovery Rooms are filled with hands-on experiments, including a kitchen, a garden, a construction site, and a kid-sized TV studio with costumes, which are perfect for exploring for kids 6 and under. After your exploration, you can enjoy a meal from one of the dining options located on the Science Center's 1st floor or grab a snack at the IMAX Theater's concession stand.
Admission to the California Science Center is always free.
Coming November 13, 2026: The new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens with Space Shuttle Endeavour standing upright in launch position. General admission to the Science Center stays free, but you'll need a timed reservation (with a small service fee) to see Endeavour.
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
The Skirball features an extraordinary museum, changing exhibitions, engaging music, theater, comedy, film, family, and literary programs, Zeidler's Café, Audrey's Museum store, and an interactive family destination inspired by the Noah's Ark story—all in a stunning architectural setting.
Play, climb, build, explore, make-believe, and make friends–all while exploring a floor-to-ceiling wooden ark, filled to the rafters with whimsical animals.
All of the Skirball exhibitions are free to the public on Thursdays (12 pm-5 pm). The Noah's Ark portion of the museum, while also free on Thursdays, requires a timed ticket to enter.
6060 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
The Mission of the Petersen Automotive Museum is to explore and present the history of the automobile and its global impact on life and culture using Los Angeles as a prime example. At the Petersen Automotive Museum, you get to drive into the world of the automobile in lots of different ways. There are interactive exhibits, art projects, automotive awareness workshops, and more.
Through a groundbreaking partnership with Disney/Pixar, you can be a part of the Cars Mechanical Institute, inspired by the animated film CARS. At this permanent Exhibit, you can learn about the mechanical systems that make cars work. You can also paint and personalize virtual cars as well as race and color your own Cars character to take home. And the littlest car enthusiasts can zoom toy cars around a racetrack.
6067 Wilshire Blvd,
Los Angeles, CA 90036
The seven-story, 300,000-square-foot museum showcases various exhibits that focus on the history and art of filmmaking. The museum offers ongoing educational and family programs, including Family Studio Activities, Teen Programs, and School Field Trips, throughout the museum, in exhibition galleries, and in the Shirley Temple Education Studio.
Reserve timed entry to the Academy Museum in advance online. General admission tickets grant access to the museum's galleries.
221 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Broad is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The Broad is home to more than 2,000 works of art in the Broad collection, which is among the most prominent holdings of post-war and contemporary art worldwide.
While you are there, you must check out Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room–The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. This must-see installation only accommodates one visitor at a time for 45 seconds each. Download The Broad’s free mobile app to access guided tours, including a family tour for kids called Looking with Levar.
Admission to The Broad is always free, but you must reserve your tickets online.
10899 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90024
Hammer Museum is one of three public art institutions of the School of the Arts and Architecture at UCLA. It is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs, including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances.
The Hammer holds over 2,000 contemporary art collections and hosts a series of more than 100 contemporary exhibitions and installations featuring local, national, and international emerging artists. The Hammer offers over 300 programs each year, some of which are family-friendly and all of which are free.
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
​Discover the art, history, and cultures of the American West! Located in beautiful Griffith Park, the Autry features world-class galleries filled with Native American art and artifacts, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, and more. Throughout the year, Autry also presents a wide range of public events and programs, including lectures, films, theater, festivals, family activities, and music, as well as performs scholarship, research, and educational outreach.
The Autry’s collection of more than 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts includes the Southwest Museum of the American Indian Collection, one of the largest and most significant collections of Native American materials in the United States. Kids adore the chance to pan for gold, to be in a cowboy movie, and be fascinated by the newest permanent exhibit,
Admission to the Autry in Griffith Park may be purchased onsite or online. Advance reservations are not required at this time. The museum is free on the second Tuesday of each month!
5905 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
This world-class art museum is an excellent introduction to art for kids of all ages. The Boone Children’s Gallery is a free, creative space where visitors of all ages are invited to explore the art of brush painting. No prior art-making experience is necessary. Friendly and helpful staff introduce painting techniques, offer tips, and even provide high chairs for very young artists.
Visitors sit at communal tables in this fun, family-friendly, and resourceful place to relax, create, and make new friends. While you're here, explore Material Play, a collaborative artwork made by families and artist Zheng Chongbin.
Children (12 and under) and Teens (13–17) residing in L.A. County are admitted free every day. L.A. County residents can visit for free on weekdays after 3 pm with a valid ID. All visitors are welcome to visit for free on the second Tuesday of each month.
New in 2026: LACMA's David Geffen Galleries opened on April 19, 2026, giving the museum's permanent collection a stunning new home that stretches across Wilshire Boulevard. Note that LACMA is closed on Wednesdays.
1200 N Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
The Getty Center, also known as the J. Paul Getty Museum, is a museum complex located in Los Angeles, California. It is home to a collection of art, architecture, and gardens. The museum's collection includes works of art from the Middle Ages to the present, with a focus on European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The center also houses the Getty Research Institute, a facility dedicated to the study of the arts and humanities. The center is located in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles and is a popular museum for all ages.
Admission to the Getty Center is always free.
Plan ahead: The Getty Center is scheduled to close on March 15, 2027, for about a year of modernization and reopen in spring 2028. Until then, admission is free with a timed reservation, and parking is $25 ($15 after 3 pm). The Getty Center is closed on Mondays.
17985 Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The Getty Villa is another facility of the J. Paul Getty Museum, located in Pacific Palisades, California. It is modeled after the Villa of the Papyri, an ancient Roman country house in Herculaneum, and features a collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art. The museum's collection includes Greek and Roman sculptures, vases, frescoes, and other decorative arts, as well as a collection of Roman and Greek manuscripts. The villa also features gardens and a theater that hosts lectures, concerts, and other events. The Getty Center also hosts family-friendly events almost every day of the week.
Good news: The Getty Villa reopened on June 27, 2025, after closing because of the Palisades Fire. Admission is free with a timed-entry reservation (parking is $25), and the Villa is closed on Tuesdays.
5200 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
The mission of Travel Town is to educate the public about railroad history as it pertains to the development of the Southwest Region of the United States, particularly the Los Angeles area. At Travel Town Railroad, you can travel around the Travel Town Museum. After riding the miniature train, you can explore dozens of old-time railroad locomotives and cars. On the 2nd Saturday of each month, guided tours are offered.
The Travel Town Museum is always free.
2800 East Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of Southern California's most popular attractions. It is 1,134 feet above sea level and is visible from many parts of the Los Angeles basin.
At Griffith Observatory, you can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
Admission to the building and grounds is always free.
11800 Foothill Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 91342
Discovery Cube is a hands-on science education center that delights, challenges, and encourages kids. This nonprofit museum is dedicated to teaching STEM proficiency, promoting early childhood education, encouraging healthy living, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Discovery Cube offers permanent exhibits, including the Planetary Research Station, Science of Hockey, 3D Theater, Helicopter Tour, Discovery Market, Race to Zero Waste, Aquavator, Inspector Training Course, and park science, as well as new interactive exhibits that change every few months.
800 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Grammy Museum explores and celebrates the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, the history of the Grammy Awards, and the premier recognition of recorded music accomplishments.
Kids will enjoy seeing photos, hand-written lyrics, costumes, and more. You can even play electronic musical instruments in the “Roland LIVE” section.
The history of African American firefighters in Los Angeles spans over 100 years, providing a unique glimpse into the evolution of firefighting, race relations, and segregation in the City.
African American Firefighter Museum's exhibits display a wide array of firefighting paraphernalia including vintage engines (a 1940 Pirsch ladder truck and an 1890 hose wagon), uniforms from New York, LA County, and LA City firefighters, badges, helmets, displays of African American women firefighters, photographs, and other authentic firefighting artifacts.
The Museum of Illusions comes Instagram-ready with a completely 3D Illusions and Upside-Down House exhibit that will take your breath away, transporting you to a world of fantasy and imagination! The 30+ 3D illusions produce eye-popping pics, inspired by cartoons, art, current events, movies, and more! The Upsidedown house features 7 unique rooms, all flipping the world as you know it, upside down!
Experience the fun and lore of railroading at the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum in Griffith Park. Founded in 1956 by a group of train enthusiasts, they educate the public on railroad history and show live steam, gas-mechanical, and electric railroad technology in actual operation. As you look around the facility, almost everything you see, including the trains, was built by members.
All riders must be at least 34″ tall to ride (no infants in carriers or on laps) and weigh less than 350 pounds. Public train rides are a suggested donation of $4.00 per person.
5814 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Craft Contemporary is dedicated to contemporary craft and design. The museum is located in the Mid-City neighborhood of Los Angeles, in the former Millard Sheets Art Center building. It was established in 2015 as the Craft and Folk Art Museum but changed its name to Craft Contemporary in 2018 to reflect its focus on contemporary craft and design. The museum presents exhibitions, educational programs, and public events that explore the intersection of craft, art, and design and how they shape our world. It is a non-profit organization and is supported by donations, memberships, and grants.
425 N Los Angeles St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Chinese American Museum is a museum in Los Angeles, California that is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Chinese Americans in the United States. The museum's collection includes artifacts, photographs, and other materials that tell the story of Chinese immigration to the United States and the contributions of Chinese Americans to American society. The museum's exhibits focus on the history of Chinese immigration to the United States, the experiences of Chinese Americans in California and the Western United States, and the role of Chinese Americans in the development of the United States. The museum also hosts educational programs and events for the public, including lectures, workshops, and cultural performances. If you're interested in Chinese American history and culture, the Chinese American Museum is a great place to visit.
395 Santa Monica Pl Suite 374
Santa Monica, CA 90401
The state-of-the-art space in the Santa Monica Mall spans 21,000 square feet and is filled with immersive elements, including a full-size helicopter, a fire truck, and a veterinary clinic. The kids get to shop for groceries, eat at a café, play chef, visit the vet, become firefighters, or pretend to be pilots.
"The Together We" section offers group activities and team-building exercises, and the "Reflect On" section is where children learn to connect more deeply with nature. You’ll also find the “Courage Climber,” an entire level made from nets, which kids find extremely fun to explore. There is a separate space for infants to 2-year-old kids to explore through touch, and it is intended to help them strengthen their coordination.
The Museum of Flying features a display and exhibit area of nearly 22,000 square feet. The museum features approximately a dozen aircraft chronicling flight from its beginning with a replica Wright Flyer and Lockheed Vega both of which are featured in the film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
The Museum also features a broad collection of aviation art, rare artifacts, and ephemera from famous aviators, as well as an extensive collection of photographs of historic aircraft and aircraft manufacturing. Kids would love watching the planes and riding them.
2612 Main St.,
Santa Monica, CA 90405 Heritage Square Museum is a living history museum in Los Angeles, California, that is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Southern California. The museum is situated on a 2.5-acre site that features a collection of historic houses, commercial buildings, and other structures built between 1887 and 1912. The museum's collection includes artifacts, photographs, and other materials related to the history of Southern California, with a focus on the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.
The museum's exhibits focus on the history of Los Angeles and the surrounding region, including the city's development, the growth of the region's transportation networks, and the oil industry's impact on the area. The museum also hosts educational programs and events for the public, including guided tours, workshops, and special events. If you're interested in the history of Southern California, Heritage Square Museum is a great place to visit.
9341 Venice Blvd.
Culver City, CA 90232
The museum is known for its unique and unusual exhibits, which often focus on obscure or obscurely related subjects. The museum's exhibits range from historical artifacts to contemporary artworks and are presented in a way that encourages visitors to question their understanding of the world. The museum is also recognized for its innovative approach to exhibitions and its utilization of unconventional materials and techniques. Some of the exhibits at the Museum of Jurassic Technology have included a collection of micro-miniature sculptures, a display of rare and unusual plants, and an exhibit on the history of the homing pigeon.
10101 Jefferson Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232
The STAR Eco Station is an environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue facility in Culver City, California. The center's mission is to promote sustainability and ecological awareness through education and hands-on exhibits. The STAR Eco Station is home to a diverse array of animals, including exotic species such as parrots, reptiles, and small mammals. It also features a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs, including animal encounters, nature hikes, and workshops on topics such as composting and water conservation.
10808 Culver Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90230
The Wende Museum, located in Culver City, California, is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history and culture of the Cold War era. The museum was founded in 2002 and is named after the "Wende," the German word for the period of change that marked the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reunification of Germany. The museum's collection comprises over 70,000 objects, including photographs, artwork, film, and other cultural artifacts from the Cold War era. It also hosts exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs that explore the history and legacy of the Cold War.
1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
639 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
The Los Angeles Fire Department Museum is dedicated to the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD). The museum is situated in the former Fire Station 27, which was constructed in 1922 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum features exhibits on the history of the LAFD, including firefighting equipment, photographs, and other artifacts. The museum also hosts educational programs and public events.
Old Station 27 includes a Fire Service Research Library and a learning center where fire and life safety lessons are shared with both children and adults. If you're interested in the history of the LAFD and firefighting in Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum is a great place to visit.
6201 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Funko is a leading pop culture lifestyle brand. They provide a connection to pop culture with a product line that includes vinyl figures, action toys, plush, apparel, board games, housewares, NFTs, and accessories. As the world’s largest proprietor of licenses, entertainment enthusiasts display their fandom through the lens of Funko products. Funko Hollywood is like a museum for Funko Pops. There are lots of places where you can take pictures with Funko Pops on Display, and find all different types of Funko Pops.
13110 Bluff Creek Drive
Los Angeles, CA, 90094
Ballona Discovery Park is a museum without walls where visitors can learn about the natural and cultural history of Ballona Wetlands. From the always-buzzing native plant demonstration gardens, including pollinator and medicinal gardens, to the serene walk along the riparian corridor where coots and other birds can be spotted hidden in the waters below, there is plenty to explore. Children and parents can stroll through the interpretive Watershed Walk, following the movement of water through every habitat from the mountains to the ocean.
23200 Pacific Coast Highway,
Malibu, CA 90265
Overlooking the ocean at the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, the Adamson House is an architectural beauty with an unusual interior that has earned it the moniker “The Taj Mahal of Tile.” The Spanish Colonial Revival style home—today a National Historic Site, California Historical Landmark, and a California State Park—casts a magical spell, allowing visitors to evoke old California in a way few places can. Built in 1929, it occupies one of the most idyllic oceanfront spots in all of Southern California.
Situated near the Malibu Pier, between popular Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Lagoon, the house boasts an exotic mix of Spanish and Moorish influences, featuring dazzling displays of decorative tiles and one-of-a-kind craftsmanship. This includes hand-carved doors, hand-painted frescoes, molded ceilings, distinctive cast ironwork, and lead-framed bottle glass windows. Equally compelling is the story of the close-knit family that once lived here, whose aura continues to permeate the interior, where most of their original furnishings remain.
Poverty Encounter is a 16,000-square-foot exhibit that immerses you in four distinct environments from the developing world. After boarding an airplane and taking a simulated flight, you will visit a dump in Guatemala City, walk the earthquake-damaged streets in Haiti, go inside a brickyard in Nepal, and enter an underground sewer in Romania. Each environment highlights the story of a real child living in these circumstances. Each tour includes a service activity, enabling you to offer both assistance and hope to those in need.
Battleship USS Iowa served our country proudly in WWII, Korea, and the Cold War. Today, the historic U.S. Navy ship is an iconic Los Angeles landmark and is considered one of the region’s best outdoor museums for families and visitors of all ages.
During your visit and tour, you will follow in the footsteps of sailors and mischievous mascot Vicky the Dog, and experience firsthand why she is known as the “Battleship of Presidents”, “The Grey Ghost”, and “The Big Stick”.
639 S. Harbor Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Old Fire Station 36 is housed in one of the oldest buildings still standing in San Pedro, California. At the southern-most tip of Los Angeles, San Pedro is home to the Los Angeles Harbor, Ports O Call Village, and some of the most unique seascapes in the LA area.
Old Station 36 features some remarkable LAFD apparatus, artifacts from the San Pedro area, and is home to some of the most famous fires in this part of the city, among other notable features. A small store offers up a variety of goodies, ranging from authentic LAFD merchandise to memorial bracelets.
40 Presidential Drive
Simi Valley, CA 93065
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a presidential library located in Simi Valley, California, dedicated to the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. The library is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and is the burial site of President Reagan and his wife, Nancy Reagan. The library's collection includes documents, photographs, and other artifacts related to Reagan's life and presidency.
The museum features exhibits on Reagan's life and career, including his time as an actor, his tenure as governor of California, and his presidency. The museum also features interactive exhibits, such as a simulated White House press briefing room and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. If you're interested in the life and presidency of Ronald Reagan, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is a great place to visit.
480 North Arroyo Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91103
There is always so much to do at Kidspace Children's Museum. The hands-on exhibits inspire children to be the innovators and creators of tomorrow. From the bottle rocket, tennis ball launcher, and pulleys, there are activities to touch, teach, and nurture children's love of science. Discover adventure and uncover possibilities in the Arroyo Seco Exhibit.
For the little ones (ages 0-3), a space is designed to inspire wonder, stimulate exploration, and prompt interaction between children and their parents. Crawlers and early walkers can enjoy the tactile nature of the Shiny Stream, exploring different surfaces, climbing, and sliding.
Kidspace hosts a free Family Night on the first Tuesday of every month (except September) from 4:00 – 8:00 pm.
29 Hubble
Irvine, CA 92618
Pretend City Children’s Museum is “the world in a nutshell.” This Museum is designed for children to learn how the real world works. The museum is a child-sized interconnected city built with rich educational intentions, where children can assume various real-world roles.
Through interactive exhibits and activities facilitated by highly trained professional staff, children learn foundational math, reading, and science skills while fostering curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The Museum is a nut-free facility.
2500 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Discovery Cube is a hands-on science education center that delights, challenges, and encourages kids. This nonprofit museum is dedicated to teaching STEM proficiency, promoting early childhood education, encouraging healthy living, and fostering environmental stewardship.
Discovery Cube Orange offers permanent exhibits, including Mission Control, Helicopter Tour, Water Gallery, Inspector Training, Petersonville Healthy Kitchen, Science of Hockey, Discovery Theater, Eco-Challenge, Planetary Research Station, and other interactive exhibits and shows that rotate every few months.
1802 N. Main Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana showcases art and artifacts from cultures around the world, plus rotating special exhibitions that make for a great family outing.
Please note: Kidseum, the Bowers' hands-on children's wing, is now used only for school and education programs and is not open to the general public.
Kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult (adult admission is $18). The Bowers is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am–4 pm, and Santa Ana residents get in free on Sundays.
The Huntington consists of a Library, an Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Spanning approximately 120 acres, the botanical gardens comprise 16 stunning themed gardens. Featuring several innovative interactive exhibits, the Garden provides "hands-on" experiences primarily for young children ages 2-8. In four separately themed areas, exploring primary natural elements —air, water, earth, and fire —whimsical displays and playful interactives invite and engage children to better understand scientific principles related to their natural world.
The Children's Museum at La Habra features 7 dozen hands-on exhibits, many of which remain unique to the field today. In addition to these exhibits, the Museum features an outdoor dinosaur garden and a historic 1942 caboose, as well as an exhibit that changes twice a year.
Visit with "real" wild animals, as children can explore through their senses by seeing, touching, and hearing taxidermy mounts from Africa, the Pacific Northwest, and our own Southern California wildlife zones.
22550 Van Buren Blvd.
Riverside, CA 92518
The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of March Field and the United States Air Force, and to honoring the men and women who have served in the Air Force. The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including aircraft, uniforms, equipment, and other artifacts from the history of military aviation. The museum also hosts educational programs, events, and special exhibitions. It is a non-profit organization and is supported by donations, memberships, and corporate sponsorships.
✨ New Kid-Friendly Museums Added for 2026
One Lucas Plaza, 3800 S. Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
The newest museum in Los Angeles opened in Exposition Park on September 22, 2026, and it's all about storytelling. Star Wars fans can see real costumes, props, and concept art, while the Children's Stories gallery displays original illustrations from beloved books like Peter Rabbit and Winnie-the-Pooh. Little ones love riding the glass elevators, free films screen throughout the day, and 11 acres of gardens surround the building.
Kids 17 and under are free; adults are $25 and seniors are $21. Everyone, including babies, needs a timed-entry reservation. The museum is closed on Tuesdays, and the park, gardens, and library are free to visit without a ticket.
12400 Columbia Way
Downey, CA 90242
Built on the site where parts of the Apollo spacecraft and the Space Shuttle were made, this hands-on space science center is the perfect size for young astronauts. Kids can explore interactive space exhibits, and the center hosts Saturday workshops and fun family nights like Astronomy Night.
Admission is $5 for ages 4 and up and free for kids 3 and under. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am–5 pm.
459 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91101
This cozy play museum is a sweet, low-key spot for toddlers and preschoolers. Its Wild California exhibit lets little ones scale a climbing wall, balance on surfboards, explore a toddler tide pool, and play camp-out in Joshua Tree, and other exhibits rotate throughout the year.
Admission is $12 per person (ages 1 and up), free for babies under 1, and $5 with an EBT card.
14998 Cal Aero Dr.
Chino, CA 91710
Aviation-loving kids will be wide-eyed among nearly 100 aircraft from World War I through Vietnam, and many of them still fly! Plan your visit around a monthly flying day to watch vintage warbirds take off, and stop by the Aviation Discovery Center for hands-on learning.
Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 5–11, and free for kids 4 and under. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.
19300 Ike Jones Rd.
Santa Ana, CA 92707
Right next to John Wayne Airport, this sparkling hangar is filled with World War II aircraft, vintage cars, and motorcycles. Kids also love watching real jets take off and land just outside.
Admission is $15 general, $9 for ages 5–17, and free for kids under 5. Open daily, 10 am–4 pm.
2201 S. A St.
Perris, CA 92570
Home to more than 200 locomotives, streetcars, and trolleys, this museum is a dream for train-loving kids. On weekends, families can hop aboard vintage trains and trolleys for a ride, and the museum hosts special seasonal train events throughout the year.
The grounds and parking are free (open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am–5 pm). Weekend train and trolley rides are $8–$13 per person.
2345 Searl Pkwy.
Hemet, CA 92543
Dinosaur and Ice Age fans will love this museum, which displays real fossils, including an enormous Pacific mastodon. Watch for Science Saturdays and hands-on labs for kids.
Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for ages 5–12, and free for kids 4 and under. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am–4 pm.
7900 Balboa Blvd., Hangar C 3 & 4
Lake Balboa, CA 91406
Two airport hangars are packed with San Fernando Valley pop culture: giant glowing neon signs, classic and movie cars, BMX bikes, and vintage arcade games. Kids love the colors and cars, and parents get a big dose of nostalgia.
Admission is $15 and free for kids 10 and under. Open Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–3 pm (the entrance is on Stagg St.).
216 S. Brand Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91204
Glowing, flickering vintage signs and moving neon artworks make this small museum feel a little bit magical to kids. A visit takes under an hour, so it pairs perfectly with a stroll around the Americana at Brand across the street.
Kids 12 and under get in free with an adult; general admission is $10. Open Thursday through Sunday, starting at noon.
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