Los Angeles Area Children's Museums

Summer is upon us and keeping your children entertained has become a top priority. Luckily Los Angeles has some great museums meant for children that will keep your children engaged. These museums will teach your child without them even being aware they are learning!

1. Zimmer Children's Museum

The Zimmer museum offers several interactive exhibits that are meant to engage your child and teach them while they have fun. You and your child can cook together in the Café, read a story together in the bookstore, perform on the theatre stage, fly together in a jet and create music together in the studio. Your child will be able to interact with other children and learn the values of sharing, respect and generosity while playing and having fun.

Location: 6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100 Los Angeles, CA 90048

Hours: Wednesdays 10:00am - 5:00pm; Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays: 12:30pm - 5:00pm;
10:00am - 12:30pm; closed on Monday and Saturday and on most Jewish and national holidays.

Price: Adults: $8.00; Children 3-12: $5.00; Children 2 and under: FREE; Grandparents: FREE if accompanied by a grandchild

Contact Info: Phone: (323) 761-8989; Website: http://www.zimmermuseum.org

2. California Science Center

The CSC offers exhibits that are meant to be both educational and interactive. Permanent exhibits include: Creative World, World of Life, Air & Space Exhibits, Ecosystems, Science Court and Science Plaza. In addition to the permanent exhibits, the Center hosts special exhibits throughout the year. The Center also has an IMAX theater.

Location: Exposition Park 39th Street & Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90037

Hours: The California Science Center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

Price: Admission to the Science Center's permanent exhibition galleries is free; however parking is $8.00 per car. IMAX PRICES: Adults $8.25; Children 4-12 $5.00; Students 13-17 $6.00 and Seniors $6.00.

Contact Info: Phone: (323) SCIENCE; Website: http://www.californiasciencecenter.org

3. Discovery Center @ Los Angeles Natural History Museum

The Discovery Center focuses on natural history, but almost everything the center is touchable. You can dig for fossils, hold them in your hands and learn about where they came from. There is also a live animal museum located within the Center which includes animals such as reptiles, fish, amphibians, including snakes, turtles and skinks. The exhibits within the Center include: T-Rex Puzzle, The Paleontology Dig Pit, Polar Bear, Matamata Turtles and Skeleton of Giant Galapagos Turtle.

Location: 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90007

Hours: The museum is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. The museum is closed on New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Price: Adults $9; Seniors (62+) $6.50; Students 18 and over with ID $6.50; Children 13-17 $6.50; Children 5-12 $2; Children under 4 FREE

Contact Info: Phone: (213) 763-DINO; Website: http://www.nhm.org.

All of these museums offer the best in education and interaction while keeping your children entertained. We all know an entertained child makes a happy parent and you might learn a little, too. Happy Summer!