Photo: Nelson Yu
Photo: R G
Photo: Joe Perez
Long Beach Museum of Art
★4.5(1,135 reviews)$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger elementary-aged children especially love the interactive art-making studios where they can create their own projects, while tweens and teens appreciate the diverse gallery exhibitions and more sophisticated artistic techniques offered in workshops.🧡 Saved by 46 families
About
The Long Beach Museum of Art offers an inspiring cultural experience where kids can both appreciate art and create their own masterpieces. Set in a beautiful oceanfront location, this family-friendly museum features hands-on art-making studios and specially curated exhibitions designed to engage young minds, making it perfect for sparking creativity in children of all artistic abilities.
Highlights
- ✓Hands-on art-making studios where kids create take-home projects
- ✓Interactive galleries designed specifically for children to touch and explore
- ✓Beautiful oceanfront setting with stunning Pacific views
- ✓Rotating kid-focused exhibitions that change throughout the year
- ✓Family workshops led by teaching artists on weekends
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Friday afternoons when the museum is less crowded than weekends, giving kids more space to explore the interactive areas
- 2.Dress kids in clothes that can get messy,the art-making studios encourage hands-on creativity with paints and various materials
- 3.Check the museum's calendar before visiting for special family programs and kid-focused workshops that require advance registration
- 4.Take advantage of the stunning ocean views and bring a picnic to enjoy on the nearby bluff areas before or after your museum visit
- 5.Allow extra time for the museum store, which has unique art supplies and creative gifts that kids love to browse
Best Time to Visit
Thursday or Friday mornings right at 11:00 AM opening offer the quietest experience with full access to interactive stations. Avoid Saturday afternoons when birthday parties and weekend crowds peak.
What to Know
The museum offers free admission for children 12 and under (adults typically $10). Street parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, and while there's no on-site café, you're welcome to enjoy the scenic outdoor spaces with snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with climate-controlled galleries perfect for any weather. Summer months often feature extended family programming and special children's exhibitions. Note the museum is closed Monday-Wednesday.
Nearby Eats
The nearby Belmont Brewing Company (about 1 mile away) offers a casual kid-friendly menu with oceanfront patio seating, or head to 2nd & PCH shopping center (2 miles) for multiple family dining options including Din Tai Fung and Shake Shack.
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