The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County opened in 1913 and sits in a Mediterranean Revival building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every exhibit in the museum is wheelchair accessible, and restrooms, including all-gender ones, are spread through the building, so moving around with a family is straightforward.
The programme is what shapes a visit with children. Museum educators run an interactive storytime in the Nature Gardens for caregivers with babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Dinosaur Encounters, a live puppet performance, runs Friday to Sunday, late morning and early afternoon, though the schedule varies. Meet a Live Animal, a daily afternoon session, introduces the museum’s resident critters. The trade-off: several of the headline experiences, including the Butterfly Pavilion, the two 3D films and Dinosaur Encounters, are ticketed on top of general admission, so the day costs more than the entry price suggests once you add them.
The museum is closed on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. For children who find noise and crowds hard, the museum lends free sensory kits with noise-cancelling headphones, a fossil stress ball, a fidget cube and a sensory guide.
Family FAQ
How much does Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County cost?
Adults $18; youth 13-17 and seniors 62+ $14; children 3-12 $7.
What are the opening hours of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County?
Daily 9:30 am-5 pm; closed the first Tuesday of each month except June-August.
Where are the toilets at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County?
Wheelchair-accessible and all-gender restrooms are available throughout the museum.
Is there parking at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County?
NHM Car Park costs a $20 flat rate and is open 9:15 am-6 pm.
