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Aquariums

California Science Center

πŸ“ South Los Angeles, CA

β˜…4.7(19,929 Google reviews)πŸ’°FreeπŸ‘ΆAll ages

California Science Center offers free admission to interactive galleries covering ecosystems, space, and life sciences, plus a kelp forest aquarium, IMAX theater, and sports science exhibits.

βœ“ Free admissionβœ“ Kelp forest aquariumβœ“ Sports science exhibitsβœ“ IMAX theaterβœ“ Under renovationβœ“ Interactive galleries
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Jenny Ma

Such a great (free!) place to visit with children. The exhibits were informative and interesting with some live animals to observe, and is pretty well-maintained. A big highlight is the Game On! interactive exhibit (in a separate building) where you can practice in a batting cage, shoot some free throws in a basketball area, time your shuttle runs, make some soccer goals, measure your volleyball block height, time your rock climb dead hang, and more! The first exhibit out front in the parking lot near the entrance where you can left up a Toyota Tundra with a lever, is really cool, too. It took our family of 6 a good amount of effort. Overall, this is a highly recommended place to visit on a rainy day!

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with curious kids who want hands-on science without admission costs. The aquarium and sports exhibits engage school-age children most deeply; the ecosystems garden works for all ages. Visit in the morning before crowds build.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Core museum admission is free β€” budget separately for parking and any IMAX or simulator add-ons
⏰Visit in the morning to access exhibits before crowds arrive
🎟️Check the museum website for current renovation closures before your trip
πŸš—The Game On! sports building is a separate structure β€” don't miss it when planning your route

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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19,929 Google reviews

Free interactive science exhibits45%
Aquarium and sports building highlights30%
Ongoing renovation limits access15%
Gets crowded after midday10%
J

Jenny Ma

a month ago

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β€œSuch a great (free!) place to visit with children. The exhibits were informative and interesting with some live animals to observe, and is pretty well-maintained. A big highlight is the Game On! interactive exhibit (in a separate building) where you can practice in a batting cage, shoot some free throws in a basketball area, time your shuttle runs, make some soccer goals, measure your volleyball block height, time your rock climb dead hang, and more! The first exhibit out front in the parking lot near the entrance where you can left up a Toyota Tundra with a lever, is really cool, too. It took our family of 6 a good amount of effort. Overall, this is a highly recommended place to visit on a rainy day!”

N

Niranjan S

a month ago

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β€œVisited with my family on January 4, 2026. I used to live in Los Angeles between 2015 and 2019, and I visited California Science Center several times back then. It was always an amazing science hub and one of my favorite places in the city. During this recent visit, however, a lot of renovations were happening. The Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit was closed and under construction, and overall the place didn’t quite have the same vibe I remembered. I’m hoping once the renovations are complete it will return to the vibrant experience it used to be. One nice thing is that there is still no entrance fee, though they charge $20 for parking.”

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Liz M

5 months ago

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β€œLove this place! They take donations, other than parking, the place is free to visit. There are extra activities that charge such as the IMAX theater, space simulator, rock wall and hurricane tunnel simulator. They have space exhibits, tons of interactive areas, an aquarium and sports building. It wasn’t very crowded. The kids and I really enjoyed it. We touched some starfish, a wall of ice, played with some interactive exhibits. There’s a food court on the first floor, a rose garden and several other museums right outside of the science center. We were there for several hours and did not get a chance to see everything.”

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Ayaan Singhal

3 months ago

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β€œIts a very big museum mostly focused on ecosystems and life. Very cool though. Cool aquarium too. The 3D Imax shows they have are for sure the highlight though. They are really good, however you will need to buy some tickets.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

This free museum in Exposition Park houses a kelp forest aquarium, the Game On! sports science exhibit with batting cages and free throw simulators, and Life! Beginnings displays tracing human development. An ecosystems garden explores LA's natural environments outdoors. The IMAX theater, space simulator, rock wall, and hurricane tunnel carry separate charges. Several exhibit wings are undergoing renovation β€” verify current availability before visiting.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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