California Science Center
Los Angeles, CA
Free (Endeavour ticket extra)
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.7(20,690 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
General admission to the permanent exhibits is free, which reviewers rate highly with a family. Hands-on displays, touch tanks, the space shuttle and a play area for under-sevens. Special films are ticketed separately. Budget a few hours. One reviewer was unimpressed by the food in the dining hall.
Hands-on science museum with a busy kids' Discovery Center, plus the Space Shuttle Endeavour — soon to be displayed in an entirely new way. The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, a purpose-built wing standing Endeavour upright in launch position with its full stack, opens November 2026 and will be the only place on Earth to see a complete shuttle system displayed that way.
Plan your visit to California Science Center
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- Plan at least two to three hours for the core galleries and Ecosystems; an IMAX film or a reserved visit to the new Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center adds more time.
- Best time to go
- On school-year weekdays, visit later in the day after field-trip groups leave; on weekends, arrive as early as possible. Expect heavy demand after the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center opens on November 13, 2026, with timed reservations required for that wing.
- Parking & getting there
- The closest parking is the structure shared by the Science Center and the California African American Museum, entered at 39th and Figueroa. On USC football and other big Exposition Park event days, public parking is limited or permit-only, so take the Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC station instead.
- Best ages
- Kids 7 and under have their own Discovery Room with live animals and pretend play, plus a separate area for ages 3 and under. School-age kids head for the kelp-tank walk-through tunnel and touch tank in Ecosystems, and space fans of all ages will want to see Endeavour.
- Food
- Outside food is welcome in the first-floor dining court or on the patio by the north entrance near the Rose Garden, but not in exhibit galleries. The dining court has a coffee bar, marketplace, and grill, and Exposition Park has picnic tables near the Rose Garden.
- What to bring
- Water bottles with screw-top lids (the only drinks allowed in the galleries), a packed lunch to save money, and a timed reservation if you plan to visit the Air and Space Center.
- Rain or heat plan
- The museum is entirely indoors, making it a strong rainy-day or heat-day choice. The Natural History Museum is next door in Exposition Park if you want a second indoor stop.
Common questions
Can you bring food into the California Science Center?
Yes, outside food is allowed in the first-floor dining court and on the patio outside the north entrance. Food is not allowed in the exhibit galleries, and only drinks with screw-top lids are permitted there.
When does the new Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit open?
The Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center, with Endeavour standing upright in launch position, opens November 13, 2026. Timed reservations will be required to enter.
Is the California Science Center good for toddlers?
Yes, the Discovery Room is designed for ages 7 and under and includes a separate space for children 3 and under, with an accessible bathroom and changing area just outside.
What is the best way to get to the California Science Center?
Take the Metro E Line to Expo Park/USC station, or park in the Science Center structure off 39th and Figueroa. Avoid driving on USC game days, when parking is restricted.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Stroller-friendly
- Shade
- Nap-schedule friendly
- Restrooms
- Food on-site
- Works for a wide age range
Happening near here
- EXPO Center Halloween FestivalLos Angeles · <1 miFree
- Smorgasburg LALos Angeles · 3 mi · Sun 10am–4pm
- Downtown Día de los MuertosLos Angeles · 4 mi · Daily 8am–9pm; opening celebration Sat 11am–4pmFree
- Día de los Muertos at Olvera StreetLos Angeles · 4 miFree
700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- E. L★★★★★
I recently visited the California Science Center and had a really great experience. It's amazing that admission is free (except for the IMAX and Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit) for how much there is to see. The highlights were definitely the Space Shuttle Endeavour, the ecosystems with the kelp forest, and all the hands-on exhibits for kids. Everything is very interactive, well maintained, and educational without being boring. Staff were friendly and helpful. Overall, highly recommend, especially if you have kids. You can easily spend 3-4 hours here. We will definitely be back.
a month ago
- Bbricklin Pepito★★★★★
This place is absolutely amazing and perfect for a day out with the family! Getting to see the actual Space Shuttle Endeavour up close is a mind-blowing experience and worth the visit all on its own. The permanent exhibits are completely free to enter, which is a fantastic bonus. They have tons of interactive, hands-on science displays for kids, plus a really cool aquarium section with a walk-through tunnel. Everything is super clean, well organized, and the staff are incredibly friendly. Definitely budget a few hours to see everything. Highly recommend!
2 months ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
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