Watch CBS News

Best Family Friendly Museums In Los Angeles

cubeDiscovery Science Center
(credit: Discovery Science Center)

Culture in Los Angeles has evolved from the first days of the gold rush to the early days of motion pictures. Los Angeles is brimming with decades of culture and history to enjoy. The museum selection is as vast as the freeway system. Whatever you want to learn can be found in a variety of museums around town. Here are just a few Los Angeles favorites.

la brea tar pits mammoths
(credit: Joseph A./Yelp)

La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(213) 763-3499
http://www.tarpits.org/

If you go to no other museum in the Los Angeles area, the La Brea Tar Pits museum is one you must see. An ancient burial ground for dinosaurs and giant fossils from another time, these extinct creatures were trapped in deep pits of black tar in the ice age and have been recovered at this location in the center of the Miracle Mile of Los Angeles. The teams work daily to discover new fossils, so you never know what you'll discover when you visit! The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the William S. Hart Museum are nearby and can be seen in the same day.

california science center
(credit: california science center)

California Science Center
700 Exposition Park Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90037
(323) 724-3623
www.californiasciencecenter.org

A great place to spend the day with the family, general admission here is free and they are having an exhibition on the Dead Sea Scrolls until September 2015. You don't need to take the car for this family adventure either. Instead, Ride the Metro Expo Line to the Science Center, located at the Expo Park/USC station. With 3D IMAX movies and unique exhibits year round, this is a great place to enjoy and learn about science.

getty museum
(credit: istockphoto)

The Getty Museum
1200 Getty Center Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.edu

Known all over the world, The Getty Museum displays some of the finest art in the world. A visit to the Getty is a jaw-dropping experience of beauty and artistic accomplishment at the highest level. If you're looking for a great family entertainment experience, check out the Getty 360 calendar. This includes music festivals and outdoor activities for the whole family.

Related: Guide to Kid-Friendly Museums in Los Angeles

Discovery Cube Los Angeles)-Inspector-Training-Course-1030x686
(Credit: Discovery Cube Los Angeles)

Discovery Cube
11800 Foothill Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 91342
(818) 686-2823
www.discoverycube.org

A new museum for the San Fernando Valley area has recently opened to the public and promises to be a great resource for families with young children. The featured exhibits include a Thomas & Friends blue engine exhibit to explore the rails in a child's wonderland of adventure. They explore the science of environmental sustainability, they also offer special events for schools and teachers promoting recycling and conservation.

George Lopez Wax Figure Unveiled At Madame Tussauds Hollywood
(credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Hollywood Wax Museum
6767 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-5991
www.hollywoodwaxmuseum.com

See Hollywood as you've never seen it before! This fascinating walk through Hollywood history is open every day of the year and has something for everyone. The stars look absolutely real, but what's most special is that you are in the room with them. With commemorative photos available with your favorite wax figure personality, everyone in the group can have a unique experience with their favorite star.

Related: Best Free Admission Museums In Los Angeles

As a creative professional in Los Angeles, Cat West brings versatile skills to any topic. Whether freelancing as a writer or designing digital art from her studio, Cat provides excellent creative product with content driven artwork and photography. Examiner.com

.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.