All children's museums to visit in California

Spark curiosity and creativity at 37 children's museums in California. These interactive museums offer fun and educational experiences for kids of all ages..

Are you looking for the best places for kids to learn and play? Here are the top children's California

  1. Online discount!Battleship Uss Iowa1

    Battleship Uss Iowa

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Battleship USS Iowa Museum is a maritime museum situated at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, Los Angeles, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a significant piece of naval history in a vibrant and bustling port setting.
  2. Hollywood Wax Museum2

    Hollywood Wax Museum

     Los Angeles, CA
    The Hollywood Wax Museum is a unique attraction located on Hollywood Boulevard in the tourist district of Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It features wax replicas of various celebrities, offering visitors a chance to see lifelike representations of their favorite stars. The museum also has other locations in Myrtle Beach, Branson, and Pigeon Forge, making it accessible to a wider audience.
  3. Children's Creativity Museum3

    Children's Creativity Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Children's Creativity Museum, located in Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, California, is an interactive museum designed for children aged 2–12 years. It provides a unique and engaging environment where children can explore and express their creativity through various interactive exhibits and workshops.
  4. SEA LIFE Aquarium4

    SEA LIFE Aquarium

     Carlsbad, CA
    Sea Life is a renowned chain of aquatic interest centers that are spread across various continents including Europe, Asia, the United States, and Oceania. These centers are owned and managed by Merlin Entertainments, a leading name in the world of entertainment and leisure activities. Visitors to these centers can expect a unique and engaging experience, with a wide range of aquatic life on display.
  5. Fleet Science Center5

    Fleet Science Center

     San Diego, CA
    The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is a renowned science museum situated in the heart of Balboa Park in San Diego, California. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX dome theater, all in one place. The museum is known for setting the standard for major science museums worldwide, being the first to combine these elements.
  6. Bay Area Discovery Museum6

    Bay Area Discovery Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a unique children's museum situated in Sausalito, California. It is nestled within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, providing a picturesque location right at the foot of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. This location not only offers an enriching experience for children but also a scenic view for the adults.
  7. Discovery Cube Orange County7

    Discovery Cube Orange County

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Discovery Cube Orange County, located in Santa Ana, California, is a science museum that was previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center. The museum is home to over 100 hands-on science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These interactive exhibits provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
  8. Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center8

    Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

     Curry Village, CA
    The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, formerly known as the LeConte Memorial Lodge, is a significant structure located within Yosemite National Park in California, United States. This historic building, built in 1903 by the Sierra Club, is a prime example of Tudor Revival architecture and serves as a testament to the Club's mission. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is a notable point of interest for visitors to the park.
  9. Kidspace Children's Museum9

    Kidspace Children's Museum

     Pasadena, CA
    Kidspace Children's Museum is a unique educational institution situated in Pasadena, California. It is conveniently located next to the Rose Bowl, in the former Fannie E. Morrison Horticultural Center. This location provides an enriching environment for children to learn and explore.
  10. Safari West10

    Safari West

     Larkfield-Wikiup, CA
    Safari West is a private wildlife preserve that spans 400 acres. It is situated 12 miles north of the city of Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, California. The preserve is owned and operated by Nancy and Peter Lang. This location offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in a preserved environment.
  11. Discovery Cube11

    Discovery Cube

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Discovery Cube Orange County, previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, is a science museum located in Santa Ana, California. The museum is home to over 100 interactive science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These exhibits provide a hands-on learning experience, making science fun and engaging for all ages.
  12. Martial Arts History Museum12

    Martial Arts History Museum

     Glendale, CA
    The Martial Arts History Museum, located in Burbank, California, is a unique institution in America dedicated to the history of martial arts. It provides an in-depth look into the evolution and impact of various martial arts forms, making it a fascinating destination for enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.
  13. Palo Alto Art Center13

    Palo Alto Art Center

     Palo Alto, CA
    The Palo Alto Art Center, located at 1313 Newell Road in Palo Alto, California, is a multi-purpose center that is open to the public. It offers a variety of art activities suitable for all ages. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a beginner, the center provides a space for you to explore and engage with art.
  14. Downing Planetarium14

    Downing Planetarium

     Fresno, CA
    Fresno's very own planetarium will help you discover and wonder at the solar system, stars, comets and space phenomena.
  15. CuriOdyssey15

    CuriOdyssey

     San Mateo, CA
    CuriOdyssey is a unique combination of a science museum and a zoo, offering visitors the opportunity to explore interactive science exhibits and observe a variety of animals. The museum is home to nearly 100 rescued animals, most of which are native to California and unable to survive in the wild. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about these animals and their habitats in a safe and educational environment.
  16. Oakland Zoo16

    Oakland Zoo

     Oakland, CA
    Oakland Zoo is home to over 440 native and exotic animal species. The zoo has always prioritized naturalistic animal care, aiming to provide the most authentic and comfortable habitats for its residents. This approach not only benefits the animals but also offers visitors a more realistic and educational experience.
  17. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose17

    Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

     San Jose, CA
    The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is dedicated to early childhood education, building and displaying interactive exhibits that cater to this focus. The museum's exhibits, programs, and initiatives have received local, regional, and national attention. Some of its exhibits include life-size replicas of Columbian mammoths, explorable vehicles like a fire engine and a Wells Fargo stagecoach, and five visual and performing arts spaces.
  18. Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland18

    Sea Life Aquarium at Legoland

     Carlsbad, CA
    A small, interactive aquarium where your children will admire manta rays, starfish and sharks, and learn about their habitats.
  19. 19

    Firehouse Museum

     San Diego, CA
    A little gem, just perfect for families with kids. Learn about the history of firefightning through the museum's captivating exhibits.
  20. The New Children's Museum20

    The New Children's Museum

     San Diego, CA
    The New Children's Museum, located in downtown San Diego, California, is an arts-based institution dedicated to fostering imagination, creativity, and critical thinking in children and families. This is achieved through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. The museum provides a unique platform for children to interact with and explore contemporary art, stimulating their creativity and critical thinking skills.
  21. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo21

    Happy Hollow Park and Zoo

     San Jose, CA
    Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, located in San Jose, California, is a compact 16-acre zoo and amusement park. The park, which first opened its doors to the public in 1961, offers a unique blend of animal exhibits and amusement rides. Despite its small size, the park is packed with a variety of attractions that cater to both children and adults.
  22. Fresno Discovery Center22

    Fresno Discovery Center

     Fresno, CA
    Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e
  23. Lawrence Hall of Science23

    Lawrence Hall of Science

     Berkeley, CA
    The Lawrence Hall of Science, located in Berkeley, California, is a public science center that provides a variety of services and resources. It offers hands-on science exhibits that allow visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts and phenomena. The center also designs curriculum and provides professional development resources, as well as after-school science resources for students of all ages.
  24. Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology24

    Raymond M. Alf Museum of Paleontology

     Claremont, CA
    The Raymond M Alf Museum of Paleontology, located in Claremont, California, is a unique institution as it is the only nationally accredited museum situated on a secondary school campus in the United States. This museum is part of The Webb Schools, a renowned educational institution. Visitors to the museum can expect to explore a wide range of paleontological exhibits, all within the unique setting of a school campus.
  25. Bowers Museum25

    Bowers Museum

     Santa Ana, CA
    The Bowers Museum, situated in Santa Ana, California, is an art museum that boasts a permanent collection of more than 100,000 objects. This vast collection spans various regions and periods, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the world of art and culture.
  26. California Living Museum26

    California Living Museum

     Bakersfield, CA
    The California Living Museum, also known as CALM, is a zoo located in Bakersfield, California. The museum's primary focus is on the plants and animals that are native to California, with a particular emphasis on those found in Kern County. This unique focus allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem and the diverse species that inhabit it.
  27. San Diego Children's Discovery Museum27

    San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

     Escondido, CA
    More of a place for younger kids. Smaller, but still features plenty of things to keep the children busy and entertained.
  28. Randall Museum28

    Randall Museum

     San Francisco, CA
    The Randall Museum, located in central San Francisco, California, is a unique institution owned and operated by the San Francisco Recreation & Parks Department, with the support of the Randall Friends. This museum offers a diverse range of exhibits and activities, making it an interesting destination for tourists of all ages.
  29. Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo29

    Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

     Palo Alto, CA
    The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is situated in the city of Palo Alto, California. It is a part of the City of Palo Alto's Community Services Department (CSD). This location offers a unique blend of educational and recreational activities for visitors of all ages.
  30. Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village30

    Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village

     Bakersfield, CA
    The Kern County Museum, situated in Bakersfield, California, is a history museum that primarily focuses on the history of Kern County. This museum provides a comprehensive insight into the county's past, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the region's heritage.
  31. 31

    San Diego Archaeological Center

     San Diego, CA
    This hidden gem explores the past 10,000 years of settlement around San Diego. Excellent for both children and adults.
  32. 32

    Kidzone Museum

     Truckee, CA
    Based on the reviews of excited parents, this place is sure to make your precious darlings happy. Exploration Station, Art Studio and more.
  33. 33

    Alameda Museum

     Alameda, CA
    The Alameda Museum, located in Alameda, California, is a history museum dedicated to the history and culture of the city. It provides a comprehensive overview of the city's past, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about Alameda's rich history.
  34. 34

    The Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center

     Newport Beach, CA
    This interpretive center is designed with children in mind. Hands-on, interactive, comprehensible.
  35. 35

    Fullerton Museum Center

     Fullerton, CA
    Small, but interesting. A local museum with permanent exhibition dedicated to the area and always something for the kids.
  36. 36

    Newport Harbor Nautical Museum

     Newport Beach, CA
    An interesting museum dedicated to all things naval. Your kids will love the touch tanks and models of boats!
  37. 37

    Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert

     Rancho Mirage, CA
    Interactive and fully hands-on: this museum will keep your kids busy for the whole afternoon - and they will learn a lot!