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Museums

Kidspace Children's Museum

4.6 · 2,923 reviews
Energetic, educational, and highly tactile.
Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
Interesting facts
1

The museum is situated on the site of the former Pasadena public swimming pool in the Arroyo Seco area.

2

The Arroyo Adventure outdoor exhibit is modeled after the local watershed's topography.

3

The museum features a 'Physics Forest' designed to demonstrate gravity and momentum through interactive kinetic sculptures.

4

It is located directly adjacent to the Rose Bowl Stadium.

5

The museum underwent a major multi-million dollar expansion in 2014 to better utilize its outdoor space.

6

The institution focuses on the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education.

7

It hosts an annual 'Butterflies' exhibit featuring a habitat filled with live California native butterflies.

Overview

Kidspace Children's Museum is located in Pasadena's Brookside Park and integrates 3.5 acres of indoor and outdoor interactive learning environments. The museum focuses on STEAM-based play through physical, sensory, and educational exhibits. The Arroyo Adventure area features a massive flood-control-inspired water feature and a climbing structure known as the Galvin Physics Forest. Children can engage with natural environments, including a pollinator garden and a re-created Arroyo Seco stream. Indoor galleries focus on developmental stages, including a dedicated toddler area for sensory exploration. The facility is designed for children aged ten and under to facilitate kinesthetic learning. The museum maintains a strong connection to the local Southern California ecosystem through its landscape design.

Photo spot

The 'Galvin Physics Forest' climbing towers provide a high-vantage point with the Arroyo Seco foliage in the background.

Insider tips

Bring a complete change of clothes and a towel, as children will inevitably get wet in the water play areas.

Wear closed-toe shoes to safely navigate the outdoor climbing structures and gravel paths.

Check the museum's online calendar before visiting, as they occasionally host private events or school field trips that impact capacity.

What to avoid

Avoid arriving without a pre-booked online reservation, as capacity limits are strictly enforced and walk-ins are often turned away.

Good to know

Closed on certain Mondays; always check for holiday closures on the official website.

Etiquette

Adult supervision is required at all times; socks may be required for certain indoor play structures.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds.
Address
Kidspace Children's Museum, 480 N Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103, United States
34.155, -118.164
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsArroyo Adventure, Galvin Physics Forest, and the Butterfly Landing.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings during the school year to avoid peak weekend crowds..

The 'Galvin Physics Forest' climbing towers provide a high-vantage point with the Arroyo Seco foliage in the background.

Close by you'll find Rose Bowl Stadium, Norton Simon Museum, Old Pasadena.