A Magical Day at Kidspace Museum in Pasadena with the Child.
Plan an unforgettable visit to Kidspace Museum in Pasadena with your child! This guide covers everything from trip planning, attractions, and ticketing to travel tips and visitor insights. Discover the magic of hands-on learning and nature play, and make the most of your family adventure.
Imagine a place where your child's imagination can soar, where they can dig for fossils, climb towers, and play in water streams—all in one magical day. This summer, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Kidspace Museum in Pasadena with our child, and it was an experience filled with wonder and excitement.
Our Visit to Kidspace Museum
We visited Kidspace Museum in June, a perfect time to take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor areas the museum offers. With the warm weather, we spent most of our time outside, allowing the child to explore and play in the expansive outdoor exhibits.
Who Should Visit?
Kidspace Museum is designed for children between 12 months and 12 years old. This wide age range makes it an ideal destination for families with young kids and toddlers, offering age-appropriate activities that stimulate both fun and learning.
Outdoor Adventures
Arroyo Adventure:
Our outdoor adventure began with the Arroyo Adventure, an expansive area designed for nature play. We built stick structures, climbed the rock wall, and created channels through the sand. The highlight was definitely the artificial creek, perfect for cooling down on a hot day. The child had a blast controlling the water flow with rocks and sticks, splashing and playing to his heart's content.
Galvin Physics Forest:
Next, we explored the Galvin Physics Forest, where the child engaged with interactive exhibits that demonstrated basic principles of physics. Children were fascinated by the bottle rockets and pendulums, and enjoyed building mini roller coasters. It was a fun way to introduce children to scientific concepts through hands-on activities.
Children engage with interactive physics exhibits at the Galvin Physics Forest in Kidspace Museum, Pasadena, enjoying hands-on learning under the canopy of lush trees.
Kidspace Muddy Boot Farm:
One of the children’s favorite spots was the Kidspace Muddy Boot Farm. This area offered a farm-to-table play experience where they could dig for (pretend) produce, harvest giant carrots, and explore the chicken coop. The kids loved pushing around wheelbarrows and playing in the blue sand of Winding Willow Lake, which also features a real boat for catching toy fish. This farm-themed play area provided endless fun and imaginative play.
Kids enjoy interactive play at Kidspace Museum's Muddy Boot Farm, exploring the chicken coop and a charming farm market setup with colorful produce and a vintage scale.
Indoor Fun
When it got too warm outside, we moved indoors to the Early Childhood Learning Center. This indoor space is perfect for the youngest visitors, offering padded play areas with slides and toys. The kids enjoyed the safe and comfortable environment, and it was a nice break from the outdoor heat.
Practical Information
Location and Hours:
Kidspace Museum is located at 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103. It’s open weekdays from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM and weekends from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays during the fall and winter seasons.
Admission Fees:
Admission is $15.5 per person, with free entry for children under 1 year old. There are discounts available for EBT cardholders and military families. Kidspace Museum offers FREE entrance on the first Friday of every month from 4-7pm, however, it requires an advanced reservation (tickets released approximately 2 weeks prior to the date of visit).
Parking and Accessibility:
Parking is free and plentiful in Lot 1. The museum is stroller-friendly with accessible paths and facilities.
Facilities:
Restrooms are equipped with changing stations and sink step stools, making it easy for families with young children. We brought our own picnic and enjoyed it in the museum’s central courtyard, though there’s also a Kidspace Café that offers a variety of food options.
Tips for Families
- Best Times to Visit: We found that visiting in the afternoon helped us avoid the morning rush. Spring and fall are ideal times to enjoy the outdoor exhibits without the summer heat.
- What to Bring: Extra clothes, towels, snacks, and sun protection are essential. The kids loved playing in the water and mud, so having a change of clothes was very handy.
- Navigating the Museum: Start with the outdoor exhibits and move indoors as the day warms up or if the kids need a break from the sun.
Additional Activities and Events
Kidspace Museum offers a variety of seasonal events and workshops. We plan to return for Butterfly and Halloween Seasons and some of the art, science and nature workshops that cater to different age groups.
Conclusion
Kidspace Museum in Pasadena offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for a family day out with your child. Our visit was filled with exploration, learning, and fun, creating unforgettable memories for our little one. We can't wait to return and discover even more of what Kidspace has to offer!