Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States, and its Dinosaur Hall alone makes it worth the visit for any family. Housing one of the most significant paleontology collections in the world, the museum combines genuine scientific specimens with engaging, kid-friendly presentation.

Dinosaur Hall spans two floors and features over 300 real fossils, including a complete T. rex skeleton -- one of the few real (not cast) specimens on public display anywhere. The centerpiece is a dramatic tableau of a T.

rex confronting a Triceratops, mounted in lifelike poses that bring the Cretaceous to life. What sets this exhibit apart is the growth series: a baby T. rex, juvenile, and full adult mounted side by side, showing how these animals changed as they grew.

For dinosaur-obsessed kids, this alone justifies the trip.

The Discovery Center on the lower level is designed specifically for children ages 2-7. Touch tables hold real fossils, animal pelts, seashells, and minerals that kids can handle and examine with magnifying glasses. Live animal displays feature tarantulas, snakes, and insects with docent-led presentations.

This space gives young children a tactile, sensory-rich experience while older siblings and parents explore the more detailed upper galleries.

The Nature Gardens surrounding the museum building are an overlooked treasure. This 3. 5-acre living laboratory features over 600 plant species native to Southern California and attracts genuine wildlife -- butterflies, hummingbirds, lizards, and even the occasional hawk.

The seasonal Butterfly Pavilion (typically March through September, additional fee) allows families to walk through an enclosed garden filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Butterflies land on clothing, hair, and outstretched hands, creating a gentle magical experience that captivates children of all ages.

The museum sits in Exposition Park alongside the California Science Center (free admission), the California African American Museum, and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Families frequently combine two museums in one day -- the Natural History Museum in the morning and the Science Center in the afternoon. Shared parking ($15) serves both museums.

The Metro Expo Line stops at Expo Park/USC station, making car-free access feasible from many parts of LA.