The California Science Center in Los Angeles, California

The California Science Center is a must-visit if you have never been before! Admission is free for everyone with no reservations needed, which makes this a go-to spot for me and my kids. Perfect for summer days when you need an indoor adventure to stay cool from the day’s heat.

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A quick summary of our visit to the California Science Center

There are numerous free exhibits within the California Science Center and much to explore, including a few optional “pay to enter” exhibits, but with so much to see already, you can spend the majority of the day there without extra costs.

A few must-see exhibits in the California Science Center include the “Ecosystems” which offers a Desert, Kelp Forest, Rocky shore, Poles, Deep-sea vents, Island zone, River zone, L.A. zone, and Global zone exhibits.

Another neat exhibit is “Air and Space”. We had the opportunity to see the Endeavour space shuttle up close (It is no longer on display for the next several years until the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens to the public.) If you enjoy all things aircraft, there is an A-12 trainer (which is the only one ever built) on display outside of the science center. There is a path that leads directly under the A-12, so you get to walk underneath it! How cool is that?!

Here is a link to specs on the A-12: http://californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/air-space/air-aircraft/12-blackbird

Other notable exhibits include the Fire! Science & Safety, World of Life, and Discovery Rooms.

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Final Thoughts

Every exhibit is engaging and offers hands-on activities for everyone. Our favorite exhibits are the ones with wildlife which the California Science Center has plenty of. Not only is this a fun place to visit but my kids are learning along the way, which is a plus in my book. Add this to your list and go explore!

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Plan Your Visit

All the details you’ll need for this next adventure:

• Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

• Hours:

Exhibits open daily from 10:00m to 5:00 pm

Box office (you do need a ticket to enter – pick them up from here)

Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays: 9:30 to 4:30 pm

*Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

• Entrance Fee/Tickets:

Free general admission

IMAX Theater pricing:

Adult(18-64) $9.79,

Child(3-12) 7.59

Student(13-17) $8.79

Senior(65+) $8.79

*There is a $1 discount per ticket if you pick more than one IMAX show to watch

There is an Endeavour Simulator that is $6.00 per person. The line closes at 4 pm. (Riders must be 42 inches to ride)

• Parking: Yes, there is paid parking onsite. This is the best route because street parking in the surrounding area is almost impossible and will be a distance to walk.

Parking is $15 until 5:00 pm (there are 2 kiosks located in the parking garage where you can pay for parking using cash or card)

After 5:00 pm parking is $18

• Accessibility: yes, this center is accessible offering accessible bathrooms, elevators, and other services so everyone can enjoy.

• Restrooms: yes, there are clean bathrooms throughout this center.

• Food/Water: Yes, you can bring food and water but eating is only allowed in designated areas (indoors: food court area. Outdoors: picnic benches at the back of the science center) water is permitted inside the exhibits. Other food options for purchase are pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and kid-friendly meals.

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Other places of interest nearby:

• Natural History Museum

• Californian African American Museum

• Exposition Park and Rose Gardens

• Jesse Brewer Jr. Park

• Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.