The museum was formerly known as the Zimmer Children's Museum before relocating to the Santa Monica Place mall in 2019.
The interior design includes a 'Courage Climber' net structure that allows children to climb safely to an elevated height within the gallery.
Exhibits are specifically organized around the concept of 'Learning through Play' to promote 21st-century skills like critical thinking and empathy.
The facility was designed with a focus on 'Human Rights' and 'Civic Engagement' as core themes, rather than traditional museum displays.
The site includes a dedicated 'Launchpad' area specifically for infants and toddlers to engage in sensory-rich activities away from older children.
The Cayton Children's Museum is an indoor play space located on the third level of the Santa Monica Place shopping center, specifically designed for children ages 8 and under. It features interactive, hands-on exhibits that emphasize social-emotional learning, community building, and civic engagement. The facility spans over 21,000 square feet of purposefully built gallery space. Children can explore various 'neighborhoods' that simulate real-world environments, such as a fire station, a grocery store, and a vet clinic. The museum focuses on inclusive play, integrating accessibility features to accommodate diverse developmental needs. It is currently operated as a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through self-directed play. The space is entirely contained indoors, providing a climate-controlled environment for families.
The Courage Climber net structure offers a unique perspective of the interior gallery from an elevated position.
Bring a pair of grippy socks, as most climbing structures and soft-play areas require them for safety.
Check the official website to reserve entry in advance, as the museum frequently reaches capacity on weekends and school holidays.
Utilize the Santa Monica Place mall parking structures for easy, direct elevator access to the third-floor entrance.
Do not attempt to visit without checking the online reservation system, as walk-in entry is not guaranteed during peak times.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; operates Wednesday through Sunday.
Socks are required for all children in active play areas; supervision by an adult is mandatory at all times.
