Natural History Museum

The largest natural history museum in the western United States is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Its collections, which span 4.5 billion years of history, contain close to 35 million specimens and artifacts. This extensive collection includes both onsite and offsite-located research collections in addition to specimens for display.

The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits in Hancock Park and the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum in Newhall are two additional Greater Los Angeles museums connected to this one. To fulfill its shared goal of "inspiring wonder, exploration, and responsibility for our natural and cultural surroundings," the three museums collaborate.

Let’s have a show of hands—who has a kiddo who loves dinos? The Natural History Museum’s Dinosaur Hall is spectacular space, and the multi-media stations are informative and fun for all ages. You can also see animal dioramas from all over the world, and be sure to check out the Nature Gardens and Labs. Mark your calendars for the NHM’s after-hours evenings; that just might be the best time to visit. And don’t forget to visit the theater featuring Dinosaurs of Antarctica 3D.

Need to Know: In the spring and summer you won’t want to miss the Butterfly Pavilion, where you can get up close and personal with beautiful winged creatures. In the fall this becomes the Spider Pavilion—a perfect Halloween adventure!Good to Know: The nature garden is a great area to let the kids run around and let off some steam (if they still have any left), so grab a coffee from the cafe, take a seat and let them climb, roam and splash around.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Hours: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Mon. & Tues.;

Admission: $7 for kids (3-12), $12 for teens (13-17), $15 for adults and under 3 are free. L.A. County residents receive free museum admission between 3-5 p.m.
Location: 900 Exposition Blvd. Los Angeles

Website: nhm.org