Children's Museums in Orange County
Orange County is home to several unique children's museums. From imaginative play to engaging science and history exhibits, these museums allow kids to interact with hands-on activities. Don't miss out on the opportunity to spend a day at one of these exciting museums with your kids to make lasting memories and learn something new together.
Check out all the free museum days in Southern California and how to get free and discounted museum admission.
Children's Museums at a Glance
Not sure which museum to visit? This quick comparison highlights each museum's main appeal. Suggested age ranges are editorial guidance rather than official admission restrictions. Check the official websites for tickets, special events and holiday schedules.
| Museum | Location | Best for | Visitor status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Cube OC | Santa Ana | Hands-on science; preschool to older kids | Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Pretend City | Irvine | Pretend play; toddlers to early elementary | Wed.–Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
| Children's Museum at La Habra | La Habra | Interactive play; toddlers to elementary | Tue.–Sun.; hours vary by day |
| Bowers Kidseum | Santa Ana | Select educational programs | Closed to regular public admission |
Bowers Kidseum
Visitor update: Bowers Kidseum is closed to general public admission and is used for select educational programs. Check Bowers Museum's official calendar for family activities before planning a visit.
1802 North Main Street, Santa Ana
714-480-1520
Kidseum is part of Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, but it is not currently open for regular drop-in visits. Select educational programs may use the Kidseum space; families should consult Bowers Museum's current program calendar before visiting. Bowers hosts regular special events like festivals, art workshops, holiday events, archaeology days, music programs and more. They also offer summer camps and birthday party packages.
Discovery Cube OC
2500 North Main Street, Santa Ana
714-542-2823
Open daily, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; check the official calendar for special closures
The Discovery Cube is the bright-colored building with the giant cube just off the side of the freeway where the 22 and 55 meet. The museum is packed full of exciting, hands-on exhibits that kids love. There are a number of regular and special exhibits plus new special events added on a regular basis. In Mission Control, they'll step inside a replica of a control room from the Jet Propulsion Lab, learn about landing a rover on Mars, and see what it takes to dock the International Space Station. In the Eco-Challenge exhibit, kids learn how to be eco-friendly shoppers and how to identify and dispose of household waste. Don't miss the Shake Shack at the Discovery Cube where you can step inside and see what an earthquake feels like. Discovery cube has a variety of exhibits that are appropriate for ages 5 & up. Discovery Cube also offers packages for birthday parties and sleepovers.
La Habra Children's Museum
301 South Euclid Street, La Habra
562-383-4236
Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday 1–5 p.m.; closed Mondays and major holidays
La Habra Children's Museum is another paradise for little ones where they can put their hands on everything while they play and learn. Exhibits include a 1942 caboose and an outdoor dinosaur garden. Take a nature walk through a large selection of wild animals (most are taxidermy mounts) from California, the Pacific Northwest, and Africa. Kids will learn about science in the STEAM Lab where they'll play with a magnetic tube wall, flight lab tower, and a ramp and stackers kinetic play area. Dig for fossils in the Dig Site and explore the world of trains in the Train Station Gallery. La Habra Children's Museum features a carousel, an art center, and a play area. A truly exciting trip for toddlers and young elementary students. Birthday party packages are also available at La Habra Children's Museum.
Pretend City
29 Hubble Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
949-428-3900
Free parking
Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Mondays and Tuesdays; check for special closures
Pretend City is a must-do for anyone with toddler through elementary aged kids. There's just so much to put your hands on here. Nothing is off limits, and imaginative play for young children is so important. They'll use their creativity and imagination in the Art Studio. In the Amphitheater kids can dress up and put on performances. The Construction Site gives kids the opportunity to use a variety of materials to build whatever they dream up. They'll shop for a pretend family dinner in the Grocery Store, and learn the process of growing food in the Farm exhibit. They'll learn about sea life at the Beach and Marina exhibits. Kids will work together on the Imagination Playground to problem solve and create whatever they want and have fun doing it all while developing social and emotional skills. Have lunch at the Real Café and take a piece of imaginative play home with you from the Mini-Mall. Pretend City is the museum of every kid's dreams. Birthday Party Packages are also available at Pretend City.
Tips for Visiting With Kids
Check admission prices and reserve tickets in advance when required, especially on school breaks and weekends. Verify parking, stroller accessibility, sensory-friendly sessions and food policies on each museum's visitor page. Exhibits and programs can change, so use the official calendar for current activities rather than assuming a particular exhibit will be available.
For toddlers and preschoolers, Pretend City and the Children's Museum at La Habra emphasize imaginative, hands-on play. Discovery Cube offers science-focused activities for a wider age range. Kidseum is not a regular walk-in option at this time.
Free and Discounted Museum Admission
Bowers Museum - Children under 12 are always free at Bowers Museum. Admission to the Key Courtyard for the Family Festivals is free for adults on the first Sunday of every month. General admission is free to Santa Ana residents on Sundays. Active Duty Military receive year-round free general admission with a valid ID, and veterans receive free general admission on Veterans Day. Bowers Participates in the Blue Star Museums Program (dates vary each year).
Discovery Cube - Discovery Cube offers free admission to Bank of America cardholders on the Sunday of the first full weekend of every month. See the website for upcoming dates. Santa Ana residents with proof of residency and a valid ID can receive up to four free admissions on monthly Santa Ana Free Days. Educators can receive one free ticket per family. Visit the website for upcoming dates.
