The Holiday and Travel Magazine

Exciting News! The readership of this Magazine has recently passed 8 million. An innovative new way of promoting tourism in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales in Australia, selected Australian cities and featured overseas countries. Featuring MICE and Corporate Travel news, destinations, hotels, musicals and events. On the right hand side of the page you will find an index of articles by date, by world location, and by popularity. Happy reading!

Saturday, 9 August 2025

Discover, Explore, Play: The Best Family-Friendly Museums in Los Angeles

Natural History Museum

Los Angeles is a city built on imagination, discovery, and storytelling — and that spirit is alive and well in its world-class museums. From interactive science centers to historic landmarks and art spaces made just for kids, families will find endless ways to learn and have fun together across the city. Whether your children are budding scientists, curious historians, or creative explorers, here’s where to go for unforgettable museum experiences in the City of Angels.

Exposition Park: A Full Day of Discovery

California Science Center
This hands-on museum features space shuttles, ecosystems, and interactive science exhibits that make learning fun. Kids can walk through a real space shuttle with the Endeavour on display, explore life sciences, and enjoy the dynamic ecosystem exhibit.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Located next door, this beloved museum is home to towering dinosaur skeletons, insect zoos, and the new NHM Commons gathering space. It's the perfect mix of education and awe.

California African American Museum
Introduce children to powerful stories of heritage and culture through rotating exhibitions, programs, and public art that highlight the African American experience in California and beyond.

History and Culture at El Pueblo

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
Step into the city’s oldest district and explore a living museum filled with rich history and cultural charm. From the Avila Adobe to the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, the area’s museums reflect the multicultural origins of Los Angeles. Don’t miss the colorful Olvera Street marketplace for food, music, and artisan souvenirs.

Museum Row on Wilshire

La Brea Tar Pits
Families can explore Ice Age fossils, bubbling tar pits, and ongoing excavations right in the middle of the city. The museum includes interactive exhibits that dive into Los Angeles’ prehistoric past.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Explore the world of filmmaking with exhibits dedicated to animation, movie technology, costumes, and storytelling. Their Family Matinees on Saturdays make it an excellent weekend option.

LACMA, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Craft Contemporary
From art to cars to hands-on creativity, this trio of institutions offers engaging exhibits for all ages. LACMA’s Boone Children’s Gallery encourages kids to paint and create, while Petersen’s impressive car displays are sure to wow gearheads of all ages.

Griffith Park’s Educational Gems

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory
Let your child’s curiosity about the stars soar at this historic observatory, where telescopes, exhibits, and planetarium shows open up the wonders of the universe.

Autry Museum of the American West
This museum explores the stories and cultures of the American West and includes a weekend Family Play Space as well as an annual Great Big Family Play Day each May.

Travel Town Museum and Live Steamers Railroad Museum
Train lovers will delight in exploring historic locomotives, taking miniature train rides, and even visiting Walt Disney’s personal barn. These two attractions provide a mix of nostalgia and fun in a relaxed, outdoor setting.

Creative Play and Imagination

Noah’s Ark

Noah’s Ark at the Skirball Cultural Center
This award-winning exhibit is an 8,000-square-foot interactive wonderland inside a wooden ark filled with handcrafted animals and play spaces that foster imagination and collaboration.

The Getty Center and Getty Villa
Both Getty campuses are beautiful destinations in their own right, but they also offer engaging activities for kids, including hands-on art stations and family tours that make fine art feel accessible.

Cayton Children’s Museum
Located in Santa Monica Place, this innovative museum is built on the "power of play" and features everything from a full-size helicopter to immersive virtual reality experiences.

Kidspace Children's Museum
In Pasadena, Kidspace offers indoor and outdoor exhibits that encourage children to explore science, nature, and art in joyful, kid-driven ways. Water features, climbing towers, and art studios help children of all ages connect through creativity and curiosity.

For more information, visit:

Exposition Park: https://expositionpark.ca.gov
California Science Center: https://californiasciencecenter.org
Natural History Museum: https://nhm.org
El Pueblo de Los Angeles: https://elpueblo.lacity.gov
La Brea Tar Pits: https://tarpits.org
Academy Museum: https://www.academymuseum.org
Griffith Observatory: https://griffithobservatory.org
Autry Museum: https://theautry.org
Travel Town Museum: https://traveltown.org
Skirball Cultural Center: https://www.skirball.org
The Getty: https://www.getty.edu
Cayton Children's Museum: https://caytonmuseum.org
Kidspace Museum: https://kidspacemuseum.org

For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/