The museum is divided into several zones. Explore interactive outdoor exhibits, such as Hawk’s Nest and Hidden Forts, in Arroyo Adventure. Build giant structures in Imagination Playground Blocks, and learn through hands-on science experiments, such as Bottle Rocket and Ball Bounce, in the Galvin Physics Forest. Indoors, enjoy arts and craft opportunities and nature exhibitions, or play in the Climbing Towers. The Early Childhood Learning Center offers activities for young toddlers, including story and music time.
The museum is ideal for kids aged 1 to 10.
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Lockers are available for rent for a fee.
Outside food and beverages are allowed (but no glass bottles or containers); food and beverages can also be purchased at the on-site cafe.
A change of clothes, towels, and water shoes are recommended.
Shoes are required at all times, other than in the Early Childhood Learning Center, where socks are required for adults.
The museum is located inside Brookside Park, next to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Free parking is available in Lot I, and bike racks are located adjacent to the museum. To access the museum by public transport, take the Metro Gold Line, Metro Bus, or Pasadena ARTS Bus Line.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. From mid-March to early September, the museum is also open on Monday. Free admission is offered on Free Family Night (first Tuesday of each month from 4pm to 8pm) and Pasadena ArtNight (one Friday in March and one in October from 6pm to 10pm). Most activities are outdoors, which may be impacted by inclement weather.
Pasadena offers a wide array of family friendly attractions and activities. Take a family tour at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; explore the Nature Center or the Junior Nature Trail at Eaton Canyon Natural Area; wander around the Children’s Garden at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens; go ice skating at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center; or play a few rounds of old-fashioned pinball at the Neon Retro Arcade.
