Dozens of paper mache monarch butterflies dangle overhead as ecstatic toddlers scuttle past intricate faux fossils, winding toy train tracks and various wooden contraptions. In a nearby courtyard, water sporadically bursts from holes in the pavement and bottle rockets ascend through the branches of shade trees.
At Kidspace Museum in Pasadena, whimsy is a way of life. Though the facility has no famous paintings, classic sculptures or other mainstays of traditional museums, the Kidspace experience does not lack opportunities for fun and engagement. From the interactive physics games to the grilled cheese sandwich wedges, Kidspace truly caters to kids — and parents can find comfort in the safety, cleanliness and affordability of the facility.
Kidspace, a non-profit educational institution that was founded in 1979, has a sprawling 3.5-acre play area and more than 40 hands-on exhibits for families to explore. The facility also includes an early childhood learning center, which is a designated space for babies and toddlers to learn and grow, without parents having to worry about bigger kids trampling them.
One highlight of the facility is Muddy Boot Farm, which gives kids the opportunity to dig up carrots, harvest fake eggs from chicken coops and pretend to sell their wares to their parents at a market. For parents of rowdy and athletic kids, a must-try is the large tug-of-war game, featuring ropes tied to a 12-foot-tall swaying tower.
Bean Sprouts Cafe, a small and pleasant dining area and restaurant, is located near the center of the campus, with larger-than-life flower structures serving as seating. The cafe serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, pizzas, quesadillas and healthy snacks, and has enough options that it’s a safe bet for parents of picky eaters.
Most entrees range from $9 to $14, which are slightly overpriced for the kid-friendly portions. Each entree comes with a side of a leafy green salad or a cup of grapes, apples and oranges. There are several meals that work for those with dietary restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and soy-free options.
The entrees, including the barbecue chicken quesadilla and the pepperoni pizza, are fresh, light and well-seasoned. The quesadilla has a nice balance of chicken, cheese and red onions in each bite, and it is not unnecessarily greasy.
Admission to Kidspace is $15.50 per person, a price that is not only reasonable compared to other kid-friendly Los Angeles-area attractions, but that’s also justified by the joy that Kidspace brings to children.
Whether it’s on a day off from school or summer break, Kidspace is a worthwhile visit for L.A. families with kids in the age range of 1 to about 9. There’s plenty of adventures to go on at the museum, so it’s a good idea to plan to be there for at least two and a half hours.
Further Information:
Address: 480 N. Arroyo Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91103
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
General Admission: $15.50
