California Science Center

Science museum · Exposition Park

California Science Center

Science museum · Exposition Park

5

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037

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California Science Center by null
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California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
California Science Center by null
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Highlights

The California Science Center offers free admission to its engaging, interactive exhibits, perfect for kids, plus IMAX thrills and fascinating space displays.  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Get directions

californiasciencecenter.org

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700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037 Get directions

+1 323 724 3623
californiasciencecenter.org
CaliforniaScienceCenter
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@casciencecenter

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Jul 12, 2025

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@cntraveler

"California Science Center in Los Angeles is recommended for educational exploration by Chris Bergaust."

How to Travel With Kids, According to Globetrotting Parents
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@travelleisure

"Located in Los Angeles, the California Science Center is a world-class science museum offering free admission to its permanent galleries. It features the Space Shuttle Endeavor simulator and is known for its hands-on approach to stimulating curiosity." - Travel + Leisure Editors

19 Best Museums in Los Angeles, According to Local Experts
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@infatuation

"Does your dream night entail getting kind of drunk while walking around a science museum? If so, snag tickets to Brewsology Beer Fest. The one-night-only event is being held on Saturday, November 13th at the California Science Center from 7-11pm. There will be close to 50 different brewers present and guests will have special access to museum exhibits and science demonstrations. We haven’t been here yet, but want you to know this spot exists." - Team Infatuation

Brewsology Beer Fest - Review - Los Angeles - The Infatuation
View Postcard for California Science Center
@infatuation

"Does your dream night entail getting kind of drunk while walking around a science museum? If so, snag tickets to Brewsology Beer Fest. The one-night-only event is being held on Saturday, November 13th at the California Science Center from 7-11pm. There will be close to 50 different brewers present and guests will have special access to museum exhibits and science demonstrations." - brant cox

6 Exciting Things To Do & Eat Between November 10th-14th
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@goop

"The Space Shuttle Endeavor is parked on-site, there’s an IMAX theater, and you can ride a high-wire bicycle perched 43-feet above the ground. Those are just some of the flashiest thrills: Little ones can experience the ice walls of the arctic, the aridity of the desert, and a view of the ocean floor. Plan to spend multiple hours."

The Los Angeles Kids Guide
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Alastair Aitken

Google
Admission to the Science Center is free! This area of Los Angeles is very safe during the day, especially when large school groups are visiting the Science Center. The Science Center focuses on Air and Space as well as Ecosystems. The anchor of the Air and Space Exhibit is the Space Shuttle Endeavor. The Center is creating a new display for the Endeavor and solid rocket boosters. Seeing Endeavor up close and speaking to former engineers who build and designed her is an amazing experience. The Ecosystems displays are interactive and fantastic for children of all ages, even if you are 91 years old. Plan to watch one of the IMAX movies on the screen that is seven floors tall! The selection is extensive, the seats very comfortable, and accommodations have been made for handicap access. Plan to spend at least 4 hours hear. When we come with our family, we spend the whole day. There are tasty choices for food and drink, or enjoy the inside and outdoor tables when you bring your own lunch. I highly recommend a visit.

mackfrack

Google
A very fun science museum with free entry! We went on a summer weekday, and it wasn’t very crowded. There are lots of school and summer program groups who come through, so if you come without kids, be prepared to be around a lot of them. Everything was fun to see, and they have a nice little variety of exhibits. When we went, a few of the interactive things were not functioning properly or completely out of order, which was a bit of a bummer. Overall, we had a great time!

Charly Aldebs

Google
This place is a must-see if you’re taking a trip to LA!‼️ First, it’s free to the public (aside from the $20 parking fee for the day), and second, you’ll enjoy exploring science and human evolution over the last century. Plus, your kids will love it! There are plenty of science games and interactive learning experiences. It usually takes about two to three hours to see everything. There’s also a food court inside, as well as an IMAX theater (which isn’t free—you’ll need to pay separately to watch a movie).

Manuel Ibarra

Google
Great place to bring your kids. It's Free to the public on the majority of the Museum. The only attraction that you will have to pay is the IMAX or a Temporary exhibit. It's well laid out and there were rarely any lines. It's a fantastic place if you want your kids to get an introduction to science and biology. Just be aware they do have an exhibit of reproduction. They make it fun but if you're not ready to have the conversation of the birds and the bees, just be aware.

Andrew Diaz

Google
Had a great time! They have a good selection of land and marine life to see and touch. I particularly liked the ecosystem displays they had. The food onsite maybe a bit pricey but there's nothing stopping you from bringing a home lunch as long as it's not eaten at exhibits. Can't wait to see the full exhibit of flight/aerospace they're currentpy working on.

Nate Ulsh

Google
Came on a weekend and enjoyed the experience. Plenty of items to explore inside, interactive play and very informative activites and information. Highly recommend for kids 4+ and people who are curious about life. Although free entry you need to pay for parking ($20). Definitely a great amenity for LA!

Todor Nicholas Nikolov

Google
A Must-Visit Family-Friendly Destination in LA – California Science Center Review Visited the California Science Center this past Sunday with my family and had a fantastic experience from start to finish. First off, parking was a breeze. There was ample space available in the nearby lots, even though we arrived around 12 PM—which, surprisingly, still gave us plenty of time to enjoy a big chunk of the center. However, if you're planning to explore all the buildings and take your time with each exhibit, I highly recommend arriving closer to 10 AM. We only managed to cover some of the buildings, and we easily could’ve spent several more hours there without getting bored. The layout of the Science Center is very open and family-friendly. The walkways between the buildings are wide, scenic, and easy to navigate, even with strollers or small children in tow. Each building has its own theme or area of exploration, and we found ourselves immersed in hands-on exhibits, interactive stations, and educational displays that were genuinely engaging—not just for the kids but for us adults too! What really stood out was how interactive and immersive the entire experience was. This isn’t one of those “look but don’t touch” museums. Kids are encouraged to touch, explore, press buttons, climb, and get hands-on with everything. From physics and biology to space exploration, every exhibit sparked curiosity and excitement. The staff and volunteers were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and patient, especially with kids asking a million questions. They took the time to explain how different exhibits worked and even offered recommendations on what to see next depending on your group’s interests and ages. There’s also a food court on the lower level, which was super convenient. The food was decent—nothing fancy, but good enough to grab a quick bite and recharge before diving back into the exhibits. There’s a good variety of options for both adults and children, and plenty of indoor seating space. If you're coming with little ones, this place is absolutely perfect. The younger kids in our group were fascinated by the Discovery Rooms and the Ecosystems exhibit. The older ones loved the space shuttle and the earthquake simulator. Everyone found something to get excited about. Pro tip: If you're local or live in the LA area, it’s worth checking out their membership or upcoming events and rotating exhibits. Also, admission to the general exhibits is free, which is a huge bonus—though they do ask for donations and have separate pricing for special exhibitions or IMAX shows. All in all, this is one of Los Angeles’s hidden gems for families, tourists, or science lovers. Whether you're coming from nearby or out of town, this is the kind of place that offers fun, learning, and memories all wrapped up in one visit. We’ll definitely be coming back, especially to check out the exhibits we didn’t get a chance to see this time. Highly recommend spending a full day here with your family—you won’t regret it!

R MarKC

Google
This is a great museum to take your family to. Parking was $20 but entrance was free! There is a lot of exhibits for all ages. There’s also a cafeteria area that has food options for everyone. There’s also coffee here is great! Note that you aren’t allowed to take your drinks to the second floor which is where the exhibits are at. The museum was well kept and bathrooms were clean. Overall we had a great experience coming here!

Omar A. M.

Yelp
I visited the California Science Center today to watch the Blue Angels movie in 3-D IMAX. It's an experience you owe yourself. The IMAX technology has grown, and now we can see and experience movies differently. I felt like I was in the film; they were flying these planes at super high speed. I highly recommend that you come over here to the California science center take a look at the IMAX movie definitely the blue angel one and then just stroll on over across the other way and look at some of the displays I just saw a display about life that blew my mind, all right now. ***Omar A. MUHAMMAD*** and as always keep your hands clean and your heart pure you will always win with that peace and love. #YelpElite2025

Carissa A.

Yelp
What an amazing place! My sis is a 3rd grade teacher who took her kids on a field trip here so we decided to take my kiddo for the holiday. Parking was $20 but there is no entrance fee. The facilities were clean and well kept. There are lots of cool exhibits for kids of all ages. Most notable for me was the reef exhibit that had all kinds of sea animals. It was fun to see the scuba divers at the top of the tank who swam to the bottom and fed fish in front of us. There are a lot of different things to explore - fire safety, animals (sea and land), space, the human body. There's something for everyone! We also paid for the 3D blue whale show. That was my favorite part of the day. It was informative, easy to follow and so cool to watch! The theater was big and the seats comfortable. I highly recommend this place for kids of all ages. It is a nice place to visit. If we were more local, I'd bring my kiddo often, even if it was for short periods of time.

Mallory C.

Yelp
A cool, free museum option! When I walked in, I had no idea it was free admission (until I googled it). There are no signs and no admissions or info desk that states it. Lots of interesting exhibits; I really enjoyed the interactive fire safety exhibit upstairs. Fun even for adults! Just beware that it can get super crowded with lots of kids and school trips!

Jenina M.

Yelp
The California Science Center provides the Los Angeles community with such a wealth of hands on learning opportunities! It introduces kids to so many cool experiences in science. I took my 29 students to the CA Science center and the process of doing that was so easy! It was so much fun, so I decided to come back weeks later to bring my nephew. Great job, CA Science Center.

Bee B.

Yelp
This place is awesome and absolutely free! I go here a lot. Great place for dates and hanging out if you want something different to do all while learning new things. It's also very family friendly-- lots of kids! Gets extremely busy during popular months: summer, holidays, mornings-early afternoon, school field trips taking place. If you have a few hours to spare, right before they close is usually the best time. I find that it's less a lot crowded and more calm. There are free exhibits to walk through on multiple levels. Parking is paid. They offer different and special exhibits throughout the year where tickets can be purchased. I've purchased tickets for all of their IMAX movies they currently show and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. Haha. My favorite is the space one. Super cool. They have a food court area for eating and the food isn't bad at all. I actually like their cheese pizza and Taquitos. Their iced coffees aren't bad either. You can also pack your own food and snacks to eat at the food court area. They're currently working on the Endeavor space shuttle exhibit, which I was able to get a sneak peek; it looks really cool and interesting. That's definitely going to be a popular exhibit once finalized. Tip: follow them on IG, they'll post about busy events taking place in the area, so you can plan accordingly with heavy traffic, crowd, and other factors.

Grace G.

Yelp
The science center has such a great variety of activities and exhibits for all ages. We paid $20 for parking and admission into the center was free. We wondered around for 2 hours and my 11 and 14 year old were entertained. Some of the exhibits were Goosebumps- the science of fear, Ecosystems and Space. When the expansion is complete with the Endeavor we plan to come back.

Rosabell M.

Yelp
This is a great museum to take your family to. Parking was $20 but entrance was free! There is a lot of exhibits for all ages. There's also a cafeteria area that has food options for everyone. There's also coffee here is great! Note that you aren't allowed to take your drinks to the second floor which is where the exhibits are at. The museum was well kept and bathrooms were clean. Overall we had a great experience coming here!

Nicole D.

Yelp
The best thing about the CA Science Center is that it is free! Many of the exhibits are wonderful too, but the fact that it is free makes it great to be able to stop in for a quick amount of time, since you aren't feeling like you have to get a full ticket price worth of activity in. It's conveniently located around lots of other attractions, like the Natural History Museum, the rose garden at Exposition Park, and the LA Zoo. So if you are paying to attend something nearby, it's nice to be able to add on a little extra visit to the Science Center without having to pay for another place. The down side is that it can sometimes become overwhelmingly crowded, and the exhibits become too obstructed to enjoy. My personal favorite area is the space exploration. I many not make a special trip just for the Science Center itself, but would definitely recommend it to those already visiting the area.

Julie L.

Yelp
I stopped by on a Sunday and it was not crowded considering this is a free admission museum unless you are going to check out the IMAX screen. There is a gift shop and a cafe/deli restaurant on the first floor. As you go up to the next 2 floors, that's where the adventure begins. We were here for about 3 hours and my son didn't want to leave. The museum is not only geared around science. The theme is about life and all the ecosystems that co-exists together on earth. There are different exhibits rooms such as Global Zone, River Zone, Rot Room, Kelp Forest, Discovery Room, Endeavour. etc. The different zone is very educational for kids of all ages and even for as an adults, I also learned quite a bit about our ecosystems. I loved how the exhibit was interactive so it makes it fun while the kids are learning. One of the most amazing attraction to check out is to see the Space Shuttle Endeavor. It's so mind blowing to see it in real life and just knowing it has travel out of space and returned safely back on Earth. I am so amazed how much mankind has accomplished in our exploration outside of Earth. They are building an extend of the Science Center to include more exhibits of our space shuttle. So I can't wait to come back when the construction is done in the near future.

Sammi S.

Yelp
The permanent exhibits are free to visit, so it was an attractive deal for my family that had younger kids. There's a food court on the first floor and exhibits are mainly on the 2nd floor. The 3rd floor has a fire safety area that's interactive and good for kids. There's paid additional exhibits and 3D movies which I didn't go to this time. My personal favorite was the aquarium and sea animal petting zoo area, but there were a lot of good information to be learned across the museum. Another must-see has to be Tess the 50-foot human. The biggest downside to getting food at the food court is that you can't bring any food or drinks to the gift shop and/or to the upper floors. The food is also very expensive (as you may expect from the museum). Parking is available for $20/day, and it shares a lot with the USC Coliseum, so definitely avoid home game days if you don't want to be stuck for an hour going in/out.

Jenai C.

Yelp
I took my dad and stepmom here during their vacation to visit me. I had never been to this museum before, but I discovered this museum and the California of American Americans museum (CAAM) while my fiancé and I were going to a women's soccer match. I thought the exits were pretty cool. I absolutely loved seeing the fish in the aquarium and learning about different types of starfish. Since we went on a weekday it wasn't very crowded so it felt nice to explore and not worry about long lines or moving out of people's way.

Becky L.

Yelp
The museum location on 'Exposition Park Dr.,' Los Angeles, CA., was super easy to navigate to. I had revisited California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA., just to shop at the souvenir shop because I learned that They carry a wide variety of souvenirs to buy as the following that I have shared. I even bought some Coin Pouches, pens and postcards. Like I said all the rest of the pics must be down in my camera roll some where: I will get around to sharing them again. These are just a tiny bit of souvenirs I bought. Service: 5/5. The museum shop clerks were always friendly here. Ambiance: 5/5 what an extremely educational museum and museum shop to come shopping if you are looking for souvenirs to gift friends or friends' kids. These were just merely a few examples of what I spent time and money on. There were a lot more stuff I bought of course. I will be back to add more pics. I bought 2 shot glasses and 2 coin pouches. Gotta find the rest of the post cards I bought!

Lisa V.

Yelp
The California Science Center is a great free place to take the whole family! Parking is $20 in the structure that is literally steps from the door. There are hands on exhibits on 3 floors , a rose garden, IMAX (for $) and traveling exhibits ($ and reservations). We visit every few years and there are always new things to see! We can't wait until 2027 when the air and space museum will open as well!

Stephanie V.

Yelp
I absolutely love this place! I always come here to watch all of their IMAX movies which are on a constant rotation. They are absolutely amazing and educational! They have a big parking which is normally about $10-15 There is some limited street parking in the residential area but it's kind of a long walk if you don't mind it. The science center itself is free to go in, everyone is always so nice and friendly and there's plenty to see and explore. They have aquarium too! You have to pay extra for their rotating special exhibit if you really want to see it. And on the other side there's a beautiful rose garden with a big water fountain to take a stroll and smell the roses. There's a few museums within walking distance so it's a fun place to spend the day with the family or just yourself!

Katherine L.

Yelp
Next to the BMO Stadium and the Coliseum. Parking is $20, cash or card. General entry is free but things like the 3D IMAX documentaries, Endeavour shuttle, and special exhibits like the Da Vinci one we did today are extra. Note: It ends next week for you STEM, art, and music fans. That's also a Science of Fire exhibit. The Bodies and dogs were past exhibits we've done! Awesome place for field trips too!

Van D.

Yelp
California Science Center is located at Exposition Park in LA. They have a Metro stop right here or you can pay for parking ($15). Admission to the permanent exhibits at California Science Center is free. You have the opportunity to pay for fancy exhibits or activities throughout the museum. No ticket reservations needed. My boyfriend and I decided to come here to explore on a rainy day and it seemed like everyone had the same idea as us, because it was unpleasantly packed and in some areas a bit stinky. So the four permanent exhibits are Ecosystems, Life!, Air and Space, and Endeavour Together. These exhibits are very family friendly with many kid-height interactive activities. I wish the parents did a better job tending to their kids. They get pretty wild and rough with the equipment, and it doesn't look like there's much staff maintenance or cleaning going on. Bring your own hand sanitizer. My favorite parts was definitely the section where I was able to pet some starfish, even though this starfish was bumpy and not as soft as the one I saw at the aquarium in Seattle. They had the petting bins sectioned off so it looked like they cared about the sea critters getting rest and rotating. I also really enjoyed and learned about space and the astronaut's experience in space. Super neat. The section I could have done without is the Life! area where they had this game kids where playing where sperms where trying to invade the egg. Too graphic for my liking. Not sure I would want to expose my kids to that if I had kids. The downside is definitely the crowds and unkept equipment. A lot of the equipment seemed dated and old, and some broken. Maybe if they charged a lot cost for attendees they can better manage the space. Or if they kept it free, then have the ticket times spread out so admission can be better regulated. I would be okay with paying for special night time hours to avoid kids too, but I'm sure that's an unpopular opinion I'll get heat on. Overall a nice free adventure, but has room for improvement. Avoid the weekends. Avoid busy rainy days. If you have a kid, it might be worth it to ditch school on a weekday and come here for a less busy experience.

Steph C.

Yelp
Came on a Friday afternoon. Parking went up to $20/ day before 5pm. (It's been a while since my last time here). Staffs are friendly. Nice exhibit. Will check what's the next special exhibit for sure!

Anthony A.

Yelp
Have been coming here for a while and have Always loved bringing my son here for bonding time , but I DO NOT LIKE the fact that you still charge people $20 for parking when I only have 20 mins until you close ! You should be more mindful about your pricing after 4:30 especially being in south LA to give people a chance to bring their kids to feel the experience

Ratika N.

Yelp
What a great museum! Doesn't matter if you are in the mood for a solo museum day or want to come here with your family/friends, there is always something for everyone. They have plenty of free exhibits which I love. They also have amazing paid exhibits which are here on a temporary basis. I came here for the Mayan one and then for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit. Both were excellent and you learn so much. Parking is $15 dollars and if you are smart, you will just take the metro as it's a short walk from the expo station. I will be definitely coming back!

Dianna D.

Yelp
FREE admission, just walk in. Special exhibits and shows may require tickets. I've been here a handful of times with my nephews and always have a fun learning experience. Kids would love it! There's so many things to see and learn from the various sections like the ecosystem, rot room, mission control, space and air, kelp forest, touch tanks, and the large aquarium. Parking is $15 so make the most of it and give yourself enough time to check out the LA Natural History Museum (LAHS) which is walking distance from the science center. Pro tip: If you're an LA resident with ID, LAHS is free admission between 3-5 PM Monday through Friday.

Jason P.

Yelp
Lovely free Science Center/Museum in Exposition Park southwest of Los Angeles near the University of Southern California. Parking was $15 and paid by ticketed machine at entrance and exit. Science Center was surprisingly big given the free price tag. Lots of interesting exhibits throughout...thoughtfully organized by region/category. I particularly enjoyed the space area which had a space shuttle simulator ($6). There is a wonderful children's area with lots of puzzles and activities for younger ones. This includes an outdoor area with a play area. Really appreicated having this available for our 4-year old. Great way to spend a few hours. (Estimate about 2-3 hours to see and read everything they have to offer)

Neal G.

Yelp
It's air conditioned!!! And amazing, and fun, and educational. We've spent 3 hours here and no one is bored. As a matter of fact, the kids (ages 10-12) are mesmerized by all the interactive displays. There are things for all levels here, so if you have outgrown your ability to return to Neverland you may still tap into that childlike curiosity and feel yourself transported. Best deal in LA for the price of parking. I recommend to brown bag it to keep the expenses low. Hope you enjoy as much as we have.

Sandra A.

Yelp
This review is for the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit! Here's the deal. Artists in Italy studied Da Vinci's drawings and built many of the machines such a flying machines, boats and musical instruments. It sounds really cool. But it's not satisfying because you can't touch anything. Imagine a giant wheel with a crank on the side that plays music! It is a new object made of wood. No you cannot turn the crank. There were a few exhibits at the end where you could touch a couple of items but the foot paddle boat with a video screen did not seem to work right and seemed like a random thing. The build a bridge exhibit also did not entertain much and was low tech. Bummer. If you love technology like I do, skip Da Vinci and go to the cities of the future Imax instead! Great movie with ties to Los Angeles!

Erik G.

Yelp
One word: Free. No need to spend money to visit this museum. You'll see many school field trips coming here. There's lot's of interactive exhibits for children to utilize. If you have children, you must come here. There's food to be purchase inside and outside as there are vendors outside as well. I suggest bringing a packed lunch and eat it inside or outside. The space shuttle exhibit is closed as they are building a separate wing. I was kind of disappointed we couldn't see it upclose, but you can see it from a distance. Your child will never be bored here. There's some many different things to touch, feel, see and experience.

Norbert K.

Yelp
The California Science Center, in Exposition Park, is a great place for adults and children. It is the largest science center on the West Coast. I love bringing visitors here to see the permanent exhibits on a range of topics, including ecosystems, space exploration, and human inventions, as well as the IMAX theatre and the Space Shuttle Endeavour (which is currently off exhibit). I particularly like the aircraft and spacecraft displays, including a DC-8 jetliner and the Mercury and Gemini capsules. The Center is free to explore, but there is a charge for the IMAX and special exhibits. There is on-site parking in Exposition Park, and both bus and Metro Expo (E) Line public transportation stop at Exhibition Park.

Edge N.

Yelp
This place is awesome!! Located somewhere in California (I was a tourists not going to try to explain lol) Upon entering they have an actual SR 71 on display outside and two F20 fighter jets hanging from the ceiling. There are special exhibits (they arent free) they had the Leonardo Da Vinci at the time ($21) but we only did the free one and ran out of time to see everything Its super cool that its free!! However parking was $15 but definetely worth it! 3 Floors of interactive displays from space shuttle ...to tides and fish (Tunnel through the aquarium tank was awesome) Science and interactive games was real cool... A definite cool place to visit!!

Shinesh P.

Yelp
Event: California Science Center: Cities of the Future 3D and Leonardo Da Vinci exhibitions are educational and fun! I was expecting it to be information overload but turned out the Cities of the Future 3D exhibit gets you thinking about sustainability and what can be done at an individual level but also as a community. As you walk over to the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit you see that innovation at play. leonardo's ideas and concepts are made into models that immerse you into imaginative thinking. there are some elements that are interactive. I will say i did enjoyed the last supper art analysis walk through. Food: there is a food court on site but no food allowed in the exhibits. service: the staff at the event were super nice and well informed. Ambiance: great for any group. Parking: parking lot on site Payment: apple pay and card are both options. not sure about cash

Giselle M.

Yelp
I truly recommend coming to this museum if you're looking for something to do. Decided to plan a last minute "date day" and it was honestly the best. The admission is free but parking is $20. They also have an iMAX theater that shows various movies at all hours of the day. The movie costs around $13 but less if you're a member. There's a lot to see and do and the employees are friendly too. There's activities to partake in as well. I just wish there was hand sanitizer available around the rooms because it felt gross touching everything one after the other especially since the bathrooms are kinda far from the main areas. Other than that, this is a fun date experience and fun for kids as well.

Daniella P.

Yelp
Such a cute place to come visit. The building is mainly targeted for children but also has some fun activities for all ages. My favorite things were their aquarium and the rose garden. They had lots of seating in front of the tanks in case you wanted to sit and watch the fish, which I enjoyed. I also loved how large the rose garden was, even though it was easy to get lost in. I suggest not to come on weekends as it gets incredibly packed. Neat place.

Irene Y.

Yelp
**December 2023: Friday Afternoon Visit** My friend wanted to see the Endeavor Space Shuttle before the end of the year so we took a quick trip to check it out. Perks: Admission is free and there's lots of great educational displays. Drawbacks: I guess take it as you will, but there were a LOT of children running around and parents who just couldn't care less. Obviously that's not the museum's fault, but I definitely wanted to limit my time given the clientele. Parking I believe is $15, and the park outside is a beautiful place to walk around.

Steve W.

Yelp
Each time I go, I'm blown away by something new. Recently, we went to the Uncorked Wine Tasting event at the Center and were allowed to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit. I felt so lucky to be able to see the displays with no crowds! We savored the rich material accompanying the replicas of the flying machines, inventions, Last Supper, paintings, and drawings. We were in awe of his genius and foresight. There's even a chance to paddle one of his boats accompanied by video to 'steer'. He also had a "robo knight" and a self-propelling cart (the precursor to the remote delivery food carts). There are 3 floors of amazing sights with much to take in. With the Space Shuttle Booster being built, this place will continue to get better and better. Well, done California Science Center!

Natalya D.

Yelp
We love the science center and especially that it's donation based. The space shuttle and the hands on sections have been our favorite in the past. They also have the best food court which even includes a nursing pod.

Magnolia B.

Yelp
We didn't experience much of the Science Center, just the space housing the Endeavour after a day at the Natural History Museum. It was amazing to see it up close, in person!

Jared F.

Yelp
Great place to come and see some cool things! We went during the Leonardo Da Vinci pop up and it was well worth it. There are plenty of activities and interactive things, so I would definitely recommend bringing the kids and family!

Michele H.

Yelp
This place was a ton of fun to visit. They had so many great exhibits. It would be nice if staff were more engaging in the exhibits instead of just standing as if they were security. And there were a lot of things within the exhibits that were being repaired. Overall, our family had a great time.

Daniel A.

Yelp
3....2...1... Lift Off! Make sure you try to see the shuttle before it's no longer available by the end of this year while they move it to its new location for the lift off center. My kids really enjoyed seeing the space shuttle my son wanted to grab it and take it home, my daughter wanted to put on her flight suit like a little teddy bear had in the gift shop. Great place to take your family no cost to enter for the permit exhibits they do charge if you're trying to see the IMAX movies you do pay for parking, which isn't expensive at all. So grab your stroller, wagon or baby carrier and strap in for your space adventure!

Toshi G.

Yelp
Been wanting to visit this museum for the longest now, and I finally got to! To be transparent, I definitely got my hopes up on this one, and I wasn't as exciting as I thought it be (lesson learned). The museum itself was full of education and easy enough to soak up the knowledge of the hands-on-experience. From education based on ecosystems and the environment on Earth, to the human body system and NASA artifacts; this is the place to take the kids. A lot of the stuff was hands-on, so you're able to move things around and see what does what, as well ask employees for further information based on each artifact. Cleanliness of the museum would probably be a 3/10, and it smelled like a big bathroom every room I would step into. I saw they had a new exhibit for the Da Vinci artist and the employee standing there (around 4pm on a Friday evening) was so rude and obnoxious. I get it kid if you don't like your job but it doesn't hurt to be nice from time to time? Lol. Customer service 2/10, another employee was also another who disrupted me without me even finishing the start of my question about the exhibit. $6 per person for 7 minutes only, just to go inside a car-sized simulator that's supposed to make you feel like you're in space- definitely NOT worth it. Parking is fair $20 and they start charging you $5+ after 3 hours from your visit. They said it should take you two hours to see everything but I got out of there in less than an hour. Average museum, but could work on the overall cleanliness and customer service part of the business.

Julie D.

Yelp
This is truly the perfect place for everyone. Of all ages. My brother from another mother wanted to take my nephew as a reward for helping us move my couch. He didn't do anything aside from keep us company and he did such an amazing job. There's so much to see and do here. I forgot how interactive some of their exhibits are. I'm not gonna lie, I feel like I had more fun than my nephew. More than anything, I had such a great time watching him enjoy everything he saw and got to touch like the starfish in the tanks.

Rodrigo C.

Yelp
Great pastime and educational experience. A new section which will feature aerospace and the Space Shuttle Endeavor is currently under construction for several years. This month's special exhibition is Leonardo Da Vinci's ideas, inventions, and art work. The museum's entrance is free from 3 pm to 5 pm. If you desire to enter early, a fee must be paid at the box office. The special exhibition cost today was $82.00 (two adults and two teens) April 1st. Overall, it was fun, busy and educational.

Anna H.

Yelp
Came here specifically to the Wallis Annenberg Center for a fundraiser event and the space was beautiful. Loved the indoor trees on one side and a fountain in the middle created a magical feel to it all. At the entrance of it faces the Rose garden and by sunset, the view was spectacular. If you are up for it, the garden was still open to us anyway and you can easily take a nice stroll after dinner. Acoustics was also excellent. Evening parking is $18 plus free EV charging. The Blue parking lot is a short walk to the Wallis Center. If you get a chance to come here for any event, say yes!

Jannie K.

Yelp
The California Science Center is an absolute treasure! I was thoroughly impressed by the variety of exhibits and how engaging they are for both kids and adults. The museum is also free!!

Michael Y.

Yelp
I gave a 3 start review it was mainly the fact that we purchased food and then were told they are closed leave (but politely). Would've been nice to be told that they were closing and we would have to leave. Their displays were disappointing as I thought there would be more science with lots of planes and rockets. The space shuttle exhibit is closed due to remodel and one of the main exhibits about babies was at best average. I hope they will change the museum of science back to rocket and airplanes and less about babies growing. But that's just my opinion

Danielle F.

Yelp
Took my nephews because they had never been and it was just as fun as I remember from childhood! The best part is that admission is free! We went on weekday while school is back and it was empty. If you are like me and don't like big crowds I'd recommend doing the same thing. I cannot wait till the new aero space area is finished. I will definitely be back to see it!

Zsanae K.

Yelp
This was my first time visiting. The parking was a little confusing. I parked in an area that was for the Natural History Museum it was close to the Science center too. The Maya movie was really interesting. I wish I could of watched the whole movie but my 5 year olds couldn't sit still. The maya exhibit was so fun and interesting. I loved the artifacts. You really felt immersed in the experience. This was really well done.

Jenn W.

Yelp
I love coming here mainly because they only charge for parking and special exhibits. This place is right across the way from the LA Natural Hisory Museum and the soon to be Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. I can't remember all the exhibits names currently available for everyone to see. They can change depending on how long they keep the current one on display. My favorite was the sea kelp exhibit whereif you go at the right time, you can see divers feeding the fish. My other favorite was how life begins from conception to growth with even a game for guiding the sperm to the egg. While a lot of the space and flight exhibits have been put in storage for now while they build the space shuttle exhibit, you still can see some astronaut suits and capsules. My one gripe is that not all of the hands on exhibits were working or broken a times. Parking is now $20/vehicle and i do suggest you bring a lunch in a cooler because I think they only have McDonalds on site for food choices. Wear sneakers/trainers because you will be doing a lot of walking. If you want, you can also take advantage of the IMAX theater while you're there and watch a movie on their insanely huge screen. And believe me, they take advantage of that monstrous screen to the full extent.

Jennifer T.

Yelp
our family loves going to museums and this was such a cool museum. Everything was so educational. We can spend hours here. they have like an aquarium and we saw a scuba diver dive in and feed the fishes. Our favorite part of the museum was a kids place that we can play and rest and nursery baby in and they had pretend groceries. They had a little toddler crawling area and it was super cool. Our girls loved that and played their for the time that we can play, they limit families though, and we had to wait for the next opening each room was so cool and loved everything! it was pretty packed too this museum was free and I was so shocked actually !! you just have to reserve a time online ! the hours of the museum was 10 AM to 5 PM like the normal museums. definitely coming back here whenever we are in the area LA is pretty far from where we live and the traffic is pretty terrible

Jay C.

Yelp
During a weekend getaway to Los Angeles to celebrate my wife's graduation, we stumbled upon the California Science Center. Seeking a unique and intellectually stimulating experience, we ventured into this intriguing space. The initial challenge was navigating amidst the surrounding buildings, which could have been mitigated with clearer signage. However, the center quickly captivated us with its centerpiece - the legendary spaceship Endeavor. Witnessing this iconic artifact up close was an awe-inspiring moment that brought to life the realms of human exploration and innovation. Transitioning from aerospace marvels to aquatic wonders, the center's enchanting aquariums transported us into a captivating underwater world. The immersive experience was heightened by the opportunity to interact with starfish in a dedicated petting area, thoughtfully followed by a convenient handwashing station. While the California Science Center offered a diverse array of scientific exhibits, the standout attractions were undoubtedly the spaceship exhibit and the captivating aquariums. This combination of awe-inspiring technology and immersive exploration left an enduring impact. If you're on the lookout for an engaging and enlightening experience, the California Science Center promises a dynamic fusion of education and wonder that everyone can experience.

David R.

Yelp
A summer treat to beat the heat! Free to enter. Science Center has lots of exhibits for you to explore and be entertained with, about two to three hours worth, but the information absorbed will last a lifetime. Family friendly so invite all the branches in your family tree. Close distance to the Natural History Museum. Parking costs $15.00 before 5pm. Would recommend visiting the science center to everyone.

Dora H.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite spots to visit whenever I'm in the mood for some science! Recently visited but found that a lot of the exhibits were currently closed or under maintenance. Some of the interactive exhibits were also broken, and a lot of them did not work the way they were supposed to. The good part is, that it seems like they are aware of this and are making an effort to fix them! So maybe in a few months, there will be some updated exhibits and new things to see! Upon my most recent visit, I was pleased to see that they had little desert foxes available to view! They were so adorable, but they are very shy, so they like to sleep and hide behind the rocks. I also learned that you can now visit the Endeavor for free. It is no longer a paid exhibit, so if you haven't seen it yet, you can now take a photo next to the giant space shuttle! My favorite part is the aquarium, I hope that area gets fixed soon.