Pasadena’s Kidspace Children’s Museum is a gift for California parents.
Summer break is in full swing, and if you’re already scrambling to fill your kid’s open schedule these next couple of months, there’s one destination we have in mind that’ll make the precious (yet long) summer days fly by.
Meet the Kidspace Children’s Museum. Located in Pasadena (a short 20-minute drive from LA), this fan favorite is affordable and great for both sunny or rainy days. The museum’s sizable campus (3.5 acres to be exact) is also loaded with unique hands-on exhibits, outdoor play spaces, and naturalistic water features perfect for cooling down.
Read on to discover why you should add the Kidspace Children’s Museum to your summer agenda!
Top 5 Reasons We’re Fanning Over the Kidspace Children’s Museum
1. Your Kids Will Be Occupied for Hours
If we told you that you only needed to take one quick drive to find a full day of adventure and discovery for your kids—would you believe us? The Kidspace Children’s Museum features fun exhibits that children 10 and under can explore and connect with at their own pace.
We’re talking an interactive garden and market where your little farmer is in charge, an epic tricycle track that allows drivers to twist and turn down a mini highway, and the “Physics Forest” where they can put science into motion through life-sized, hands-on exhibits.
2. There’s Outdoor Water Play for Hot Days
Hands down, the most talked about feature at Kidspace is its Arroyo Adventure, an outdoor man-made stream where kids can splash knee-deep in water and make mud pies (like we once did during our own childhood).
Curious minds can also cool down at Arroyo Pequeño, a new extension of Arroyo Adventure, where they can play with water tiny pools of water where “frogs,” “turtles” and other creatures roam. Next to the stream, children can also go “fishing” in a massive, lake-shaped sandbox and start a pretend campfire where s’mores are always on the menu.
Parent tip: Bring water shoes, sunblock, a change of clothes, and a towel!
3. You Can Relieve Yourself of Lunch Duty
Packing up a cooler for lunch, on top of getting your kids, their stuff, and your stuff out the door (all without losing your phone we might add) is a feat. We love and appreciate the on-site cafe at Kidspace for lunchtime and snack breaks.
Not only are the meals picky-eater approved, they have a wide variety of options for anyone with specific dietary restrictions and challenges. We’re talking vegetarian and vegan meals along with gluten-free, dairy-free, casein-free, nut-free, egg-free, and soy-free options as well.
Of course, if you still prefer to bring your own lunches or snacks, there are plenty of spaces to snag a seat or set up a picnic.
4. It’s a Great Outing for Grandparents, Too
While there’s no doubt that kids-at-heart parents will have a blast here, you can send your little ones off with the grandparents for the day, free of worry. Kidspace has over 40 different exhibits that spark independent play, in addition to engaging staff-supported activities that group little ones together while grandparents can sit back and watch.
Toddlers also have dedicated play areas outside at “Kirby’s Pit Shop,” a real nod to California car culture with a mini trike track, “car wash,” and even “e-vehicle charging” stations.
5. You Can Capture Perfect Photo Opps
There’s nothing like savoring the moment with a photo, especially when your kid is having an absolute blast. And Kidspace creates plenty of these adorable moments that you’ll regret not capturing—and, of course, sharing to social media (and the Tinybeans app).
Our favorite spot that’ll have your friends asking for your location is the outdoor’s art installation. Called “Los Trompos,” the interactive area features kid-sized, spinning tops that your children can actually climb, sit and spin on.
Reserve your Kidspace Children’s Museum tickets in advance online and select your timed entry! Walk-up tickets may be available in limited quantities but cannot be guaranteed.
