Top 5 Museums for Rascals: Los Angeles
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I love visiting museums, but I’m always nervous that my kids might not love them as much as I did as a child. While not all museums will be child-friendly, we have found a few that we can all enjoy together.
If you’re in Los Angeles, here are a few of the best museums approved, loved, and explored by our rascals. One note: these are not classified as children’s museums, but there is something you can find for each family member at these unique places.
The Top 5 Museums for Rascals: Los Angeles
Petersen Automotive
Photo by Meric Dagli
This may seem like an odd place to start, but if you have a car buff in your family, or just generally like racing, this is a must visit. Their website describes the museum as a place “to explore and present the history of the automobile and its impact on global life and culture using Los Angeles as the prime example.”
What is prime about LA? The movie industry! While the museum boasts all kinds of cars, it is the collection of well-known vehicles from various movies, stages, and times throughout America’s cinematic history that often impresses the younger crowd. My rascals’ favorite thing here happens to fit in that category, because the museum has a life-size Lightning McQueen on display.
There’s also an interactive center that allows kids to build their own lego vehicles and race them.
If you’re not that big into cars, it’s okay. We think you’ll still enjoy this museum, even if it’s a one-and-done stop for you.
Click here to plan your visit the Petersen Automotive.
California Science Center
As their website says, the California Science Center is “a dynamic destination where families, adults, and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs, and awe-inspiring films.” They are correct on all accounts!
The first thing you should note,is that this museum was created with families in mind. Not only is general admission free, but they also have a number of family friendly options including special exhibits and IMAX shows.
Many of their exhibits are hands-on, allowing you to keep your young ones engaged and wanting to interact while simultaneously learning about the world around them. And since many of the exhibits rotate regularly, you can revisit your favorites while also having new things to see, learn, and do on every trip.
Click here to plan your visit the California Science Center.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a beautiful stop in the middle of Exhibition Park in Los Angeles. The museum timeline starts from the beginning of the earth and covers exhibits including all types of mammals, gems, insects, and more. My rascals recommend the dinosaurs - with multiple exhibits such as Dinosaur Hall, historical fossils, and dinosaur bones, they are always their favorite part.
In addition to these fun exhibits, the Natural History Museum also explores the formation of Los Angeles. Not only is the museum housed in L.A.’s oldest museum building, it also has a whole presentation and nature garden dedicated to local history and emerging culture.
Click here to plan your visit to the Natural History Museum.
GriffiTh Observatory
Photo by Hansel Wong
This is one of my favorite places. The Griffith Observatory is another free museum, located on a beautiful hilltop in the center of Los Angeles. It is the perfect place to look out and see all that L.A. has become.
Purported as “Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos,” visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, and see live shows. There’s even an a view of the Hollywood Sign on a clear day! The best part for families is that this museum has plenty of room to run around. It will be a wonderful stop for you and your rascals to let off some steam and enjoy a perspective of L.A. that is sure to charm.
Click here to plan your visit to Griffith Observatory.
LACMA
Photo by Ruben Gutierrez
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a gem. Many of the exhibits here may hold more of your interest than your rascals’, however, I have found that asking my kids for their thoughts, opinions, and interpretations of the art ends up encouraging them to enjoy the museum much more than I originally anticipated.
Our personal favorite exhibits are the Metropolis II and Rock of Ages.
Since the museum has modern art, there are several interactive exhibits where children can run and play. For example, the exhibit outside titled “Urban Lights” (pictured above) is both an interactive exhibit and a place they can relax. If you want something a little more structured, the museum also offers regular classes and storytimes aimed at kids to inspire them to be creative and make their own art.
There’s so much to do here; you will not be bored. As an added bonus, we love how inclusive they are with all of their programming. The website says it well: “Family is family—regardless of biology, residence, gender, or marital status.“
Click here to plan your visit to LACMA.
By: Ngoc Nguyen Lay, Mother of two rascals. Age 4 and 6.
