- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Kidspace Children's Museum
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
480 N Arroyo BlvdPasadena, CA 91103
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 449-9144
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
66 reviews for Kidspace Children's Museum
Review Highlights
"My kids love the water play on hot summer days, in the..."
(in 6 reviews)
"Take advantage of the early childhood room if you have a..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...have have a few animals you can pet which the kids love too."
(in 6 reviews)
Loading...
66 reviews in English
-
Review from Maureen W.
South Pasadena, CA
2/7/2012
Things to touch and play with, check. Babbling brook to wade in, check. Bugs to hold, check. Big things to climb on, check.
Add a little cafe (Wolfgang Puck, no less) and you have your perfect "day out with kids." Especially when you have 3+ hours to kill. There is a ton to do at Kidspace and your kids will be WORE.OUT. when they are done.
Ah, nap time for all! -
Review from Matt C.
Talk about a cool place for kids. They always offer special events for kids like snow day where they bring in 40 tons of snow for the kids to play in. They have an awesome garden that's labeled so kids can learn about the different flowers, lants, and herbs and they have a machine that educates kids on how precipitation works. The inside has a giant ant hole that lets kids get a feel for what it's like to be an ant and the staff has educational games and presentations to get the kids involved with learning. They even have a mineral and rock exchange program where you can turn in rocks that you have found and they help you identify what they are and learn about them, then you can decide if you want to give it to them and collect points to save up and cash in on their other rocks. Its a fun way to learn about both geology and economy.
They even do Birthday parties, I'll update this in April when we have our Daughters B-day here. -
Review from Natasha K.
Los Angeles, CA
When I thought that there wasn't too much more to do in Pasadena... Yelp is to the rescue once again!! Kidspace. WOW. So many activities and things to learn, see, and do. Since 1979 when they launched at the California Institute of Technology, Kidspace Children's Museum, a non-profit has obtained their mission for over 30 years. "The mission of KCM is to provide creative environments that inspire learning through self-directed, interactive experiences and play in the arts, sciences and humanities that enrich children, families and the community." -KCM
Their exhibit highlights include: a kaleidoscope entrance that's beautifully crafted and eye-catching as you walk in, splash dance fountains that immediately get the lil one's attentions, an early childhood learning center where they hold music time and story time, the busy bee learning store which has so many interesting books, toys, and games that any kid would love and play with for hours, and their celebration center where they hold birthday parties, etc.
Outside the Wisteria Courtyard have tike tracks...these cute little painted tracks for toddlers and big kids that are intertwined with Kirbys kid's corner. They can freely hop on one of three different bikes, which all come with helmets that are required for their safety. Kirbys kid's corner is an awesome lil area where they can run around, in and out of things, and play with water. The stone hollow amphitheater is the outdoor arena at the base of the Kidspace Gardens, in addition to the beautiful landscape, there's a water symphony area where they can shoot water against vertical drums to make a sick beat.
The Digging Deeper Gallery is amazing and includes: a bug collection, Bugsy's Diner (interactive and stimulating game), fossil hunt w/ brushes n sand, free take-home art activities for kids to do with their parents, inter-antics climber..a huge netted structure put together imitating plant leaves n stalk above a human sized ant hole that the kids can climb and go underneath to learn and see how ants work and live. The nature exchange area is a cool concept for those kids who already find rocks and shells... they can bring in their findings and turn them in for points. In the same area, plenty of books, puzzles, and games are offered to learn about plants, animals, natural resources, minerals, etc. Not to mention, they have a 4000 year old meteorite on display. Did you know each meteorite gram cost 20$? Kidspace also has a raindrop climber, wisteria climber, where you can actually see the entire museum and many more!! I'm only allowed 5001 characters per review, so you'll have to go for yourself! Highly recommended and a must if you're in the area. This is as close as it gets to the Museum of Science, Boston...Word Up!
Admissions $10 Adult & 1+ (worth it...support local NPOs)
December, 2011-Christmas Eve-Saturday, 12/24
The Museum will be open today until 3pm
(Kidspace will be closed Sunday, December 25 for Christmas Day)
SNOW DAYS-SNOW DAYS-SNOW DAYS
Monday, December 26, Tuesday, December 27 and Wednesday, December 28
It's a winter wonderland in the middle of Pasadena! So, break out your mittens, jacket and hat, and get ready to play in real snow during Kidspace's annual Snow Days. Kidspace trucks in tons of snow for you to play in. Come make snowmen, snowballs and even snow angels! Learn how snow is formed in nature and enjoy traditional winter crafts.
Noon Year's Eve Balloon Drop-Saturday, 12/31
Kidspace will be open from 10am to 3pm
Please arrive early, the Balloon Drop is at 12-noon SHARP!
Ring in the "Noon" year at Kidspace with live music, streamers, sparkling cider, and a balloon drop as we celebrate the end of 2011 and beginning of 2012. Arrive early to make party hats and noise makers, dance to music, and participate in the countdown to the "noon" year at 12:00 noon. A special live musical performance begins at 11:30 a.m. This Kidspace tradition is a fun way to ring in the New Year with young children! Please note that Kidspace will be closing at 3pm on New Year's Eve.
January, 2012-New Year's Day-Sunday, January 1
Kidspace will be open today from 10am to 5pm. Come celebrate the first day of 2012 by coming to Kidspace and making natural party poppers and a time capsule you can open next year.
Kidspace will be closed on Monday, January 2 for the Rose Bowl Football Game.
Free Family Night - Come Celebrate the Chinese New Year
Tuesday, January 3, 4 to 8pm
Museum admission is FREE between 4 and 8pm
The Chinese New Year happens later this month so come out to Kidspace and let's start celebrating! Kidspace will have a Chinese storyteller on-site that's guaranteed to enchant young listeners with tales of myth and folklore from ages gone by. And after the storytelling, join us for a calligraphy workshop. The storytelling starts at 6pm. See you there!
For more info, check out the link below for the 2012 calendar of events !!
http://www.kidspacemus...Listed in: Local Favs
-
Review from Omar R.
Long Beach, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Bring Yo Kids, Bring Yo Wife..
`Antoine Miller's educated cousin -
Review from Jody F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/30/2012
My toddler loves this place! I take her here at least once a week and parking is free!
-
Review from Yvonne J.
Alhambra, CA
1/29/2012
Chas and I visited Kids Space and he had a great time. He made me my first piece of jewelry and he was so proud of it, Me too. He and I both climbed to the top of the glass tower. He enjoyed building things with huge blocks in the construction site that they had set up outside. He climbed up the net and he even went into the ant hole which was surprising to me. This is a a really nice place for kids.
-
Review from Howard T.
11/19/2011
If you have kids, you have to bring to Kidspace. Its a fantastic facility with beautiful
educational environments. Hands on learning centers will keep your kids entertained all day long.
The staff are all friendly and ready to answer any questions you might have. Kids can ride tricycles along a race track or take a short hike up a hill to a small waterfall and stream. During the summer it can get crazy hot but fortunately all the rooms are fully air conditioned.
For kids under 4, I suggest the infant/toddler room. Its full of soft toys and mats and it keeps them safe from the larger kids running around.
They also offer birthday events in a private room. The staff plays games with the kids and will bring a bug for show. You can spend the entire day here and it was worth every penny. -
Review from Vanessa C.
Beverly Hills, CA
What a great place! I've been wanting to go here since we moved to LA but Pasadena always still seems like such a trek. What can I say? I hate going places that include driving on the freeways.
This place is a very hands on science experiment for kids. There are great Dino digs, bug zones and even indoor climbing structures that probably are nearly three stories high. (it gets frigging hot up there though!)
Outside there are tracks for driving trikes, water play areas and a trail to walk along. There's many things to stop and see ( and do) on the trail.
There's a cafe, gift shop and another water play on the way in/out. With a park next door it's a great family day! $10 per person (adults and kids alike) and free parking.
Great for little scientists and great for kids on the ASD. (very tactile things for the stimulation kids on the spectrum need) -
Review from Nicole N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/5/2011
Kidspace is fun. We wish we could go more often than we do, but the price is a little outrageous.
Since every person's admission is $10 (babies under one year are free) my husband & I have to pay $30 to take our baby here. Baby just turned one year, so now costs full price. We only play outside in the water a bit & the rest of the time is spent in the Early Childhood Learning Center (a room specifically for babies & kids under 4, I believe). $30 for us to let our kid climb on some puffy toys is just hard to make sense of. -
Review from Mike S.
Glendale, CA
9/3/2011
We've been members of Kidspace for a few years now and try to make it out every month. It's a great place for the kids to run around in the water, tool around on trikes and explore the grounds.
Among our kids favorites are the creek at the top of the hill, the water drop tower, the little water "kitchen" behind the main building, and the little kids room in the front. But they really do enjoy the whole area.
It's a great way to spend the morning or the afternoon and it allows the kids to have a great time and learn (a little) about nature.
Definitely try to make the butterfly release in mid-April. They have other fun events throughout the year like pumpkin festival and summer concerts. Some of which cost extra.
The admission is a bit pricey, but if you get a membership and go more than four times in a year, it will more than pay for itself.
Have the kids wear bathing suits and aqua socks, bring some towels and some extra clothes. They WILL get wet.
We also generally bring a picnic lunch with us. They do have food, but save yourself some time and money and pack your own.Listed in: kidstuff
-
Review from Ms M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Not so much a museum as an open-ended creative play space.
Avoid weekends here unless it is after 3pm. All of LA with their children tend to patronize this place and the yokels make it intolerable.
Take advantage of the early childhood room if you have a baby. It's next to the gift shop.
Pack towels and swimsuits as well- as there are many tempting water features. -
Review from Deborah M.
Los Angeles, CA
8/20/2011
Fun place to spend a few hours with the kids under 12, or least that was the interest age cut off with my group.
I suggest purchasing a membership. It is tax deductible, they have a reciprocal memberships with several museums throughout the country and you can come back as often as you wish.
They have indoor and outdoor areas to explore. My kids love the water play on hot summer days, in the garden area. Dress them in clothes they can get wet in and water shoes, you don't want the kids barefooted here.
Otherwise they love to climb through the various indoor structures and play in the bug restaurant. We usually go weekdays, late morning, early afternoon. It can be crowded at times but never intolerable when we have been there.
The staff are very fun and sweet, they seem to enjoy their jobs.
They have a cute gift shop and a place to grab lunch or snacks. Parking is free!
I gave it three stars because it is a bit of a drive from my house and also because it is the same setup every time we go, which can get boring after a few visits. -
Review from Greg T.
7/10/2011
took my 2 yr old and her 5 yr old cousin on a Sunday and we all had a blast. Loved the indoor/outdoor arrangement. Indoors offers a good selection of exhibits ranging from learning about excavating, insects, and crafts. We loved climbing the multi-story leaf towers and crawling thru the bug tunnel. Craft time provided a nice respite before we headed outside for fun with trikes and other self-propelled vehicles, water and a nice walking garden. We especially liked the creek where the kids could walk up and down thru the water and explore. Make sure to bring some kind of water footwear as this is required if you want to jump in the creek.
$10 admission + free parking = win. -
Review from Team P.
Los Angeles, CA
4/8/2011
Great for preschoolers on up, but not much to offer for the younger ones. They have a room for babies and toddlers, but there's really nothing more there than you would find at a generic mall playspace/your living room ...except a $10 charge per person to get in. My husband and I took our 13 month old and paid $30 for her to play with some blocks on a rubber mat for half an hour.
We'll try again when she's old enough to appreciate some of the more interactive exhibits. -
Review from Mari H.
Berkeley, CA
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Kidspace Children's Museum is excellent for a fun afternoon with the kids! Indoor exhibits feature lots of bees, spiders, cockroaches, ants, and other little critters. You'll also find a variety of sea-things (shells, starfish, fish fish, sand dollars, etc.) up for trade. Track outside for the little ones to ride bicycles. Plenty of gardens, and playgrounds, as well as a creek, mini-waterfall, and other means of getting wet on those hot summer days. There is also a park next to the parking lot for the kids to play at upon leaving the museum. Did I mention free parking? Yes, free parking.
Truly a fun and educational experience for any child, young and old. Interactive exhibits, $10 charge per person. Call in advance, does often get crowded on weekends. -
Review from Ellen C.
Woodland Hills, CA
7/14/2011
My husband and I took our 16 month old son to this place last Sunday. There was a flea market at the Rose Bowl so parking was a hassle but the museum itself was not too crowded.
It was our first time so we didn't know what to expect. The place was smaller on the inside than I expected. But they have really fun interactive exhibits that my son LOVED. He especially loved the exhibit with the water color paints and leaf. Every time we tired to steer him away from it he would just run back.
They also have a great outside area. There are tricycle tracks (helmot provided), outdoor toys and slides and a really cool water table. Son loved that too. As we explored the outside area we also found a water music station and a pond where the kids can play. Also a HUGE hit. My son did not want to leave this place and as we walked away, he tried to pull us back inside.
The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is the price. It's $10 per person, no matter how old. I think that's a bit much considering the adults brining the kid are really just there to supervise. Also we ate at the cafe, which was okay but kind of pricey for what you are getting. But they did have several healthy kid friendly options, which was a good thing.
Our son loved this place and we are looking forward to going back. -
Review from todd g.
Van Nuys, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is okay...we went on their "free on the first tuesday of every month" day and i have never been before. My 3 year old enjoyed himself but i could never imagine paying for a membership. Its not worth it...But if you are going to come on the first tuesday of the month, then YEAH..its worth coming.
He rode the bikes and climbed on the structures and played alittle in the water.....fun times. My son got wet and we didnt bring extra clothes so we took him home so i know there is alot we didnt get to see and check out so when we go back next month, we will be better prepared and see everything they had.....so maybe it is quick to say its not worth the membership, but i read that its $99 for a 6 month membership or $10 a person....id rather go on their "free tuesday" nights -
Review from Belle B.
Walnut, CA
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I have been here several times with my little cousins and nephews over the years. I thought it was a bit crowded before they moved, but now they have a much better facility. There are a number of interactive, physical and imaginative activities for the little ones. This museum is probably best for toddlers to primary school kids. This is wonderful because you can touch everything. Instead of constantly hearing "NO!" from parents, you hear... "go ahead!" I love that. It's probably not too exciting for grown ups unless you enjoy watching your little ones have a blast or you like to be hands on with the kids like I do. Highly recommended!!
-
Review from Amy H.
Canyon Country, CA
4/16/2011
Free parking.
Fun.
Educational.
Bring the family. It's a good time. -
Review from Deborah G.
Altadena, CA
11/4/2010
I just had to add my own review after reading what others have said. Frankly, I am amazed at the complaints, especially about the $10 admission price. Have you people not taken your kids to ANYTHING in the L.A. area? I've been to dirty indoor playgrounds that cost the same, movie theaters that cost more, the list could go on and on. $10 for a beautiful, large, clean, interactive museum where you could easily stay all day sounds like a BARGAIN to me.
We have been taking our three children to Kidspace for many years. Babies and toddlers do well in the Early Childhood Education Room and gardens. For older kids, the dinosaur digging area and ant hill are usually the favorites. My kids also love looking at stuff through microscopes and attending the educator-led lessons. They're not all great, but they're usually at least entertaining and my kids have never complained about them. Kidspace usually has a craft station set up as well, and my kids love to make something to take home.
Then there's the outdoor section. It's large and full of lots of different areas. There is a little water play area for younger kids, tricycles (best for ages 2-6 I would say), gardens to explore, a rock climbing wall, and tons of water features. If you want your kids to be able to get wet, have them wear a swimsuit and water shoes.
The food for sale is expensive, although nicer and more interesting choices than most museums. But we usually pack a picnic and eat at the outdoor tables, or leave the museum and go to a nearby restaurant (one of our favorites is Mijares Mexican Restaurant).
I highly recommend Kidspace for families, especially for children ages 2-8. -
Review from Carlos G.
Redlands, CA
8/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
We always go on the first Tuesday of the month when we want to visit because it is free from 4-8 pm. My two girls 6 & 12 really enjoy our trips here. They like to ride the bikes, get wet in the water areas and do the art work projects that the kids can do. It is an interactive and social play experience for them. I love it because I always leave with more great memories of my kids playing and having fun just being kids.
-
Review from kaela h.
1/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I would say that to bring a child less than 1 year old, it's very limited. You only get one room where children can climb and play with toys. We made it for the 3 PM singing time. The guy was pretty good, and I think my baby had fun. But he lost interest fast (not that the guy was boring, but he's just at that age). The books and toys were nice for him to play with. And for $10/adult, it's not too bad. But I just wish there were more exhibits for him. We might have to come back when he's few years older.
We did hang out at the park by the museum, which was fun. Otherwise, there was nothing else for him to do. -
Review from Lauren A.
Claremont, CA
9/7/2011
We love this museum! My daughter got stung by a bee(She is not allergic) and the staff was awesome! They don't have epi pens on hand so bring your own. It's filled with so many educational exhibits. There are a couple of exhibits in which you or your child will get winded because it was so challenging physically...the river was a nice change. Make sure you bring an extra set of clothes and towel. Enjoy :)
-
Review from Mariane D.
Newhall, CA
9/5/2011
Maybe it's because my daughter's preschool was awesome. Maybe it's that we just have more fun at home. I dunno, but I can tell you that $10 per person including adults is ridiculous. I might, maybe, mmm, probably not but still consider returning here if only the children were charged for, but to charge $10 per adult is just silly. And, to be honest, my 5 year old was not impressed...she'd rather any number of places before returning here. I feel badly because I want to give Kidspace a better review, but it's just completely missed the mark.
-
Review from Tiffany P.
Arcadia, CA
8/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love it here. Interesting day! Think I spotted a celebrity from CSI Miami. He waved hi.
-
Review from Pha L.
Rosemead, CA
3/11/2011 6 Check-ins Here
Great place to take the little one especially when they're young. We started our daughter about 13m, wishing we should've started earlier.
They have an infant area startin at 6m to 2 where they have music & story time each day, along with all the brain development toys to go around & muscle exercise. We hang out in this rm a lot.
There's also other areas outside & play areas in other buildings, which are more cater to older kids 3-5. I'm a big kid myself & wish my parents knew about this place when I was growin up.
In all, great environment for kids to learn & play -
Review from Jonathan O.
Monterey Park, CA
7/23/2011
Took our 2 year old here today for the first time and I got to tell you I wasn't too impressed. I felt it's pricey for the small space and outdated displays. My son did enjoy getting wet in their water wheel pond.
-
Review from Katie G.
Northridge, CA
10/5/2011
My daughter always has a good time when we come... digging for fossils, playing/touching everything etc.. (And especially in the summer time with all the water play...) But it's just so expensive it's ridiculous. $10 for a child over the age of 1!? (because what exactly is there for a 15 month old to do except play in the little room designated for them, or get trampled by the big kids in the main museum?) And, you're charging the adults full price too!?? I'm sorry, what was in it for me? Will you let me ride the tricylces next time i come? It's just ridiculous that a family of four would have to pay forty dollars for a couple hours of playtime.
-
Review from Greg P.
Covina, CA
7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Fun place for kids 2 thru 12. Has a play room for the youngsters, and climbing things for the older ones. Learn about bugs and many other things. Play in the creek when it's hot, and lots of cool special events. 10 bucks, but they have very affordable membership packages and you will go often if you get one.
-
Review from Tanya S.
Glendale, CA
I'm so glad my coworker put me on to Kidspace, I had no idea it even existed! I gave this place four stars because I took my cousin there yesterday and he absolutely had the time of his life. It seemed like he had more fun @ Kidspace yesterday, than when I took him to Disneyland a few months ago. (Obviously he has a lot to learn because NOTHING is better than Disneyland).
I do agree that $10 admission for kids and adults is too expensive. I think kids should be $5 or something. One of the reviews mentioned that the food accommodations @ Kidspace is basically cafeteria food, and I agree with that as well.
I liked it here because it was very simplistic and nature based. A huge change of scene from places like Chuck E. Cheese, where you are indoors and surrounded by bright plastic EVERYTHING. The thought of getting in the ball pit or the mazes makes me cringe because I'm sure they don't clean it thoroughly every night. I'm not knocking Chuck E. Cheese though, because I grew up going there and loving it. You didn't need to worry about getting shanked for your prize money back then though...
If you are gonna bring your kids to Kidspace you should probably dress them up in their swim gear and bring a change of clothes for later. My cousin wanted to spend all of his time @ the water symphony and the water fall, needless to say he was DRENCHED by the time we were done. They also have a pretty cool bug exhibit with spiders, centipedes, bees and other creepy crawlers! -
Review from sandy t.
Monrovia, CA
4/12/2010 3 photos
I had a 5 year old and a 8 yr old visiting me from out of town and a family member recommended Kidspace. After looking at their website, the 8 yr old did not seem that enthusiastic. "Looks like something a 5 yr old would love" he says.... But I figured he'd make the best of it. Afterall thats what big brothers are for.
I'm so glad we went because they BOTH had a blast! So we went on spring break on a SATURDAY. Parking was a breeze. We parked a bit far but there were quite a few spaces left if you went out far enough. Surprisingly it wasn't that crowded...well at least not UNcomfortably crowded.
We didnt have to wait to see any exhibits. There were on site educators on hand to give the kids some info which is great if you've got inquisitive children. The two main climbing structures are great. The raindrop one is a bit more adult-friendly. Just beware, its like climbing stairs with big steps and you have to hunch down a bit. Your legs will get a workout. The second structure (looked like leaves with netting) isnt as adult friendly. You just gotta hope your kid doesnt get stuck up there...
Awesome bug exhbits...tarantulas and scorpions. Yuck but at least the kids get a close up view. Love that the museum is interactive.
Outside area is not as big as I thought it would be but nonetheless, kept the boys busy for another hour. Really dig this place... -
Review from Tracy S.
8/18/2009
This place has a lot of neat things for kids to do. Your kid will love it. Here are a few reasons YOU may not:
--Lack of AC. Those rooms get really hot on a warm day, making chasing your kid around from exhibit to exhibit not so fun. The infant/toddler room has AC, which is where we ended up spending most of our time to avoid heat stroke.
--The staffing. There is not a whole lot of staff on site, leaving kids to just kind of run around and do their own thing, which would be fine if every parent took the responsibility for controlling their kids. I was consumed with rage more than once as some older kid pushed my toddler aside while she was waiting her turn to play with something. Grrr...
--The price. $10 is a lot in my mind, when most kids would have been just as happy with the playground in the park outside the museum for free. I don't think the "educational" benefits of Kidspace merit spending $10 on a glorified playground.
But like I said, your kids will love it, so if the above aggravations won't bother you, then you should definitely go. -
Review from Heidi M.
Los Angeles, CA
7/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
Came here during Family Night. You know how the malls are frantic & crowded during the holiday season? This was worse.
Even so, I liked the exhibits (almost all hands-on) and the amount of physical activities (climbing, bike riding) that were available for my 3 & 9 year old. I'll come back on another day. -
Review from Nancy Y.
Los Angeles, CA
11/2/2009
Few things in life brings me more joy than the giggle of my little niece. So when my fourteen month old niece was visiting L.A for the first time, my sister and I thought we wanted to give her the Disney experience... only to face reality that tickets have skyrocketed to an outrageous $72 per ticket. Eeek.
We didn't mind so much coughing up the cash, but let's face it: Disneyland would be to humor us not her. In fact, she might not like being out in the heat all day waiting for rides... we wanted to keep fussing and whining to a minimum. So we squashed the dreams of making her a Disney princess for now to be reserved for later years of her life.
Per a suggestion of a friend, we decided to try out Kidspace in Pasadena. For us adults, this place may seem small and tiny but for the little one this is an absolute adventure for them to explore. So much for them to touch, so much for them to see, so much for them to learn at this place.
The coolest thing here is the Mark Taper Foundation Rain drop climber. My niece was too small to enjoy it, but I can see 5 year olds having a ball climbing all the way to the top of the ceiling.
The outdoors is the most fun.. with a neat water play, kids corner, garden, and trike tracks.
It's $10/person.. but kids under 12 months are free.. if you think it's too pricy, Brookside park features lots of space and playgrounds for little tykes to play in. It's adjacent to the Rose-bowl.Listed in: Kid-tested, Auntie Approved!
-
Review from Calvin F.
Monterey Park, CA
3/16/2010
Like my other review of the Aquarium, I think this review is more a review from the eyes of my son.
We were recommended by friends about this museum and we went there with high expectations. Unfortunately for my son & us (the parents), we are disappointed.
Parking: There are plenty of parkings nearby unless you go there on a day there is football in Rosebowl.
Eshibits: Be honest, this Museum is pretty small and they don't have much exhibits. We spent perhaps an hour and a half and we were done. Not to mention that my son spent a great deal of time with the "water" (the little pond and stream). Otherwise, I think we would get out of there in less than 45 mins. Also, I am not sure they are short of fundings or manpower, they did not fix some of the broken exhibits. Which is sad for the kids.
Bottom line: I think there are other choices (museum) in LA that would worth more for the parents spending their day with the kids. This is surely "not a must go" place. -
Review from Danielle C.
West Los Angeles, CA
12/18/2006
This place is THE BEST for taking your young'in.
First time here, you think it's pretty small and maybe doesn't have a lot going on. Oh no. Let the child wander and you realize there is just enough going on to keep him occupied for hours.
The first open area you come into has fun little water fountains, and different activities that constantly change. This weekend they had an awesome Bob The Builder area with foam building blocks and tons of Lego's. Next to that, the kids could pretend they were ice fishing.
Behind the open area there is a learning center, that's just a little to close and creepy crawly for me, but my kid loves it. What I meant was, it's a bit crowded when there are a lot of people in this building at once with all their kids running all over, and the displays and activities are mostly about bugs and nature and earthquakes.
Behind this building is more open play area, with tricycles for various age, crafts, water activity table and slides, plus a huge garden area with lots of paths and tunnels to run through.
The food is adequate, so eat before, bring your own snacks, you know the drill with these kinds of places if you are a parent. The coffee wasn't horrible (but I'll drink just about any if I really need it) and we all liked the cheese and grapes cup.
Bonus Tip: If the kids haven't had enough play time, but want out of the museum, there's a park with lots of fun jungle gyms on your way back to the parking lot.Listed in: It's for Kids!
-
Review from Valerie H.
Chino Hills, CA
10/1/2008
After viewing the artfully crafted website - I decided to make the LONG trek from Chino Hills all the way to Pasadena to expose my daughter (a pre-schooler) to a kid-friendly museum experience.
However, I was woefully disappointed. The water features highlighted on the website (and mentioned in several 'safety warnings') were inadequate and mediocre at best. My daughter has more fun in the backyard sprinklers than in the cemented over 'stream' or the water-toy fixtures behind the building. The gloroius '17 gardens' were there - if you call an 8x8 patch of dirt a 'garden'.
The inside of the museum was dusty, musty, curty, and hadnt been sanitized for who knows how long. It wouldnt suprise me to find a dirty diaper stuck in one of the displays.
The restaurant - touted as being affiliated with the world famous 'Wolfgang Puck".... is nothing more than an elementary school cafeteria walk-up window.
The gift shop was fully stocked... with so many things that it was impossible to decide what to purchase without needing a truck to haul it all home.
There is an inside activity center for the toddler-set... but you get more activities and value if you belong to a LIttle Gym instead.
I dont know who Kidspace thinks they are kidding... my daughter had more fun at the jungle gym in the public park across from the museum entrance than at the museum itself. -
Review from Rob M.
Los Angeles, CA
5/13/2010
KidSpace is ok. I think it is a little expensive. $10 per person with no break for larger groups is a lot to pay. My kid had fun, but I thought there should have been more somehow.
To be continued. . . -
Review from Herman S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Our 5 year old has loved Kidspace for the past 2 years and we're members. It's one of the very best places to take your children to play in a safe and somewhat educational setting. Finding it and the parking the first time can be challenging. So don't give up! And make sure you check the schedule before you go - since they do close for some Rosebowl events and all USC home football games.
I wish the "Educators" were sometimes a bit more motivated and trained. They don't seem quite as well trained in early childhood development and how to teach/interact with young kids as you would expect. Some of them are much more so than others.
Bottom line: the kids love the place, and there is really nothing bad for them here. For good, healthy, somewhat educational fun - highly recommended! -
Review from Lisa L.
Anaheim, CA
3/12/2010
My two year old adores this place. He's good for about three or four hours before he realizes how tired he is and asks to leave. Unfortunately it's too far of a trek for us to go very often, but it makes for a great place to meet up with friends from the LA area.
My toddler especially loves the early childhood room where you play with a variety of fun and interesting toys. On our last visit we happened to be in there when it was story time which was a nice bonus. I've noticed that the employees stationed in there are constantly cleaning the toys and working to keep it a safe and healthy environment.
I can't recommend this place enough if you have an active toddler. Great way to spend a big chunk of the day and wear the kiddo out.
The food they have available for purchase is definitely better than average. They even have some healthy choices.
