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California Science Center
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Science & Nature Museum
California Science Center Description
Kids are hearing a lot about saving energy these days, and at this wildly interactive museum they'll learn the science behind solar cars, wind sailors and fuel cells. They'll also have a good time building buildings, then seeing if they can stand up to an earthquake. Other exhibits include a digital jam session, a cell lab and an involved look at the human digestive tract (gross and fun at the same time). Aviation buffs can man the controls of a real helicopter and investigate "used" space capsules.
Kid Tips
School-Age Kids: They'll dig all the virtual games and touchable learning.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Even they will love the clever exhibits, such as the cell lab and human digestive tract exhibit.
Planning Notes
- Weekday afternoons are the best time to visit. School groups come in the morning. Avoid days when there's a USC football game at the nearby Coliseum.
- The center also has an Imax theater. Check the Web site for the schedule.
- There's more. The Natural History Museum is right next door if you still have energy left.
- Consider bringing a lunch. Although there's a cafeteria and two fast-food franchises, you may want to bring a lunch and eat in the impressive Exposition rose garden (with child-mesmerizing fountain) just steps away.
Just the Facts
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; some major holidays excepted
Fees: Free
Recommended Time: 2 to 4 hours
