This week, The Big Explorer is attending day camp at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. As a soon-to-be second grader, he’s part of the Junior Dinosaur Institute learning about all things paleontology.
Needless to say, he’s loving it.
The Natural History Museum is just one of several spots we like to explore within Exposition Park. The Park’s 160 acres also house the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, the Rose Garden, the Los Angeles Coliseum and Sports Arena, the EXPO Center and more. In addition to the museums, there are ample large, green spaces for kids to roam.
All this right in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
Here’s the scoop on some of our favorite spots within Exposition Park to connect with the natural world.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
I’ve written about this place a few times because we’re such big fans. There’s more here to see and do than can be done in one outing – especially if your child is a fan of insects, dinosaurs and/or rocks.
In addition to the ever popular, annual Pavilion of Wings and Spider Pavilion, the Museum recently added to its exhibits with the 14,000-square-foot Dinosaur Hall.
The light-filled galleries provide a spectacular look at all things paleontology – from fossil displays to interactive screens that explain how a dig works, what tools are involved and more. The scene-stealer here is the triad of T-rexes found front and center.
The California Science Center
Our favorite gallery at the California Science Center hands down is “Ecosystems,” which transports you to eight of the world’s varied ecosystems – from deserts to polar regions and islands – each designed to illustrate a different ecological principle. The best part is that these exhibits are interactive and kid-friendly.
We’re also pretty excited that in the coming years, the California Science Center will become home to the Space Shuttle Endeavor – a huge draw for any aspiring astronauts you might know.
The Rose Garden
We usually plan our visits to Exposition Park to include a picnic lunch in the Rose Garden. It boasts 15,000 bushes featuring 145 varieties. Yeah. Wowza!
The space isn’t just gorgeous, it’s also the perfect spot for a game of hide and seek – or just a good run. The large fountain smack dab in the center of the Garden is also a big hit with the little ones.
Jesse A. Brewer, Jr. Park
That’s right – it’s a park within a park. Confusing, no? Across from the Natural History Museum, you’ll find another great place for kids to play. There are a few picnic tables here alongside the play structures, plus animal tracks any explorer would love to follow.
Exposition Park Amenities
- Entrance to the California Science Center, the Rose Garden & Jesse A. Brewer, Jr. Park is FREE
- Ample parking at Exposition Park is available for $10
- Plenty of food options can be found within the museums; plenty of scenic picnic spots on the grounds surrounding them
- To avoid crowds, plan your visits for days that don’t coincide with events at the L.A. Coliseum or Sports Arena
Exposition Park is located at:
700 Exposition Park Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
