Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is a treasure trove for curious minds, featuring one of the world's most impressive dinosaur halls with towering T-Rex skeletons and hundreds of fossils. Beyond prehistoric giants, kids can explore sparkling gems, live animals in the Discovery Center, and hands-on exhibits that bring natural history to life. With its engaging displays and interactive opportunities, this museum turns learning into an adventure that captivates children of all ages.

• ✓The massive Dinosaur Hall with over 300 fossils including a Tyrannosaurus rex growth series
• ✓The Gem and Mineral Hall featuring dazzling crystals, gold nuggets, and a walk-through vault
• ✓Discovery Center with live animals, marine touch tanks, and fossil handling opportunities
• ✓The Nature Lab where kids can examine specimens under microscopes
• ✓African and North American mammal dioramas with realistic habitat displays

1. 1.Arrive right at opening (9:30 AM) to beat school groups and enjoy the dinosaur halls with fewer crowds.
2. 2.Head straight to the Discovery Center first, as it's most popular with younger kids and gets crowded by mid-morning.
3. 3.Download the museum's app before visiting for interactive scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged throughout your visit.
4. 4.Parking is available in the Exposition Park lot for $15, but arrive early on weekends as it fills up quickly.
5. 5.Pack snacks and use the outdoor picnic areas in Exposition Park to save money, as the on-site cafe can be pricey.

Weekday mornings (Tuesday through Thursday) are ideal for avoiding large school groups and weekend crowds. Visit during fall or winter months when fewer tourists are in town, making it easier to explore exhibits at your own pace.

General admission is moderately priced (around $15 for adults, $7-12 for kids), with free admission on certain weekdays. Parking costs $15 in the Exposition Park lot. The museum has a cafe, but many families bring their own food to enjoy in the surrounding park areas.

Open year-round with consistent hours. The museum hosts special seasonal events like Butterfly Pavilion (spring/summer) and Spider Pavilion (fall), which require separate timed tickets but are hugely popular with kids. Holiday-themed programs often run in December.

The Exposition Park area has food trucks on weekends near the Rose Garden. For sit-down meals, head to USC Village (1 mile away) which has multiple family-friendly chains like Chipotle, Blaze Pizza, and Sweetgreen with outdoor seating.