Kidspace Children's Museum
About
Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena is a hands-on wonderland where learning disguises itself as pure fun. With both indoor interactive exhibits and outdoor adventures like a climbing tower and Physics Forest, this museum keeps kids engaged for hours while sneaking in plenty of STEM education through play-based exploration.
Highlights
- ✓40-foot outdoor climbing tower with multiple climbing challenges
- ✓Physics Forest with water features, pulleys, and hands-on experiments
- ✓Nature Exchange trading post for budding naturalists
- ✓Arroyo Adventure outdoor nature area with tricycle course
- ✓Indoor exhibits including ant tunnel, toddler play area, and seasonal rotating displays
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (10 AM) on weekdays to avoid school groups and weekend crowds,you'll have the exhibits mostly to yourselves for the first hour.
- 2.Don't miss the Nature Exchange where kids can bring items from nature (leaves, rocks, shells) to trade for other natural treasures,start collecting before your visit!
- 3.Pack a change of clothes in summer months as the water features can get kids soaked, and there's limited shade in some outdoor areas so bring sunscreen.
- 4.The outdoor climbing tower is the star attraction,let kids tackle it early before they tire out from the other exhibits.
- 5.Free parking is available in the adjacent lot, but it fills quickly on weekends; consider arriving 15 minutes early to secure a spot.
Best Time to Visit
Tuesday through Thursday mornings are ideal, especially during the school year when field trip groups typically arrive after 11 AM. Summer weekdays offer the best weather for enjoying the outdoor exhibits without excessive crowds.
What to Know
General admission is around $15 per person (children under 1 are free), with memberships available for frequent visitors. Free parking is available on-site, and while there's no café, you can bring your own snacks to enjoy in designated areas or purchase light refreshments from vending options.
Seasonal Notes
The museum is closed Mondays year-round. Outdoor exhibits are most enjoyable during mild spring and fall weather, though summer mornings work well too. Check their website for special holiday programming and seasonal events like the popular Bug Festival in spring.
Nearby Eats
The Parkway Grill (5 minutes away) offers a kids' menu in an upscale-casual setting, or head to Pie 'N Burger, a Pasadena institution serving classic American comfort food that kids love, just a short drive down Arroyo Parkway.
More Activities Near Pasadena
Norton Simon Museum
The Norton Simon Museum offers a surprisingly welcoming art experience for families, with a stunning sculpture garden that provides breathing room between galleries. While it houses world-class European masterpieces and Southeast Asian treasures, the museum's family programs and manageable size make it accessible for introducing children to fine art without the overwhelm of larger institutions.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington is a sprawling 120-acre wonderland that combines beautiful gardens, world-class art, and interactive spaces perfect for curious kids. The dedicated Helen and Peter Bing Children's Garden features hands-on nature play, a fog grotto, and a prism tunnel, while the expansive grounds offer endless opportunities for exploration, picnicking, and discovering everything from koi ponds to desert plants.
Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens offers 150 acres of natural beauty perfect for families seeking outdoor exploration without long hikes. Kids absolutely love the Enchanted Railroad, a miniature train that winds through the gardens, while parents appreciate the stroller-friendly paths that meander through stunning rose gardens, oak woodlands, and seasonal blooms that change throughout the year.
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Eaton Canyon Nature Center offers families an accessible outdoor adventure right in Pasadena, with its star attraction being the 3.5-mile round-trip hike to a stunning 40-foot seasonal waterfall. The nature center itself features live animal exhibits including snakes, lizards, and birds of prey, plus hands-on displays that make learning about Southern California ecosystems engaging for young explorers.