Inside the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles, there are so many great things to do with kids. But one of our favorite places to go is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC). Our dinosaur-loving kids (ages 6 and 9) are obsessed. If you haven’t been, you might want to move it to the top of your list.

Situated inside Exposition Park, this landmark is a favorite of families, design lovers and curious travelers alike. Open daily from 9:30am to 5pm (closed only on major holidays), it’s not just a gorgeous spot for the whole family but it’s an educational experience for kids.

What to See

When visitors step inside, they are greeted by a grand rotunda crowned with a stained-glass dome, a beautiful Instagram moment. Beyond that, the museum is a treasure trove. Here are a few must-see highlights:

Dinosaur Hall

The Dinosaur Hall is one of the museum’s biggest attractions, featuring more than 300 real fossils and 20 complete dinosaur skeletons. It’s the first spot our kids always want to go. Highlights include an impressive Tyrannosaurus rex growth series, showing a baby, juvenile, and adult T. rex side by side. Visitors can get close to towering specimens like Triceratops and Stegosaurus while learning how paleontologists study fossils to understand dinosaur behavior and evolution.

Becoming Los Angeles

“Becoming Los Angeles” traces the history of the region from its Indigenous peoples through Spanish settlement, Mexican ranchos and the growth of modern Los Angeles. Artifacts, multimedia displays and historic photographs document key moments such as the rise of the film industry, aerospace innovation and the city’s diverse cultural communities. The gallery offers a timeline of how Los Angeles developed into today’s metropolis.

Gem & Mineral Hall

The Gem & Mineral Hall showcases one of the largest public collections of its kind in the United States. Inside, visitors find cases filled with sparkling crystals, rare minerals and cut gemstones from around the world. Notable pieces include massive quartz clusters, vibrant opals and gold nuggets from California’s mining past. Interactive displays explain how different minerals form and why they display such striking colors and shapes.

Nature Gardens & Nature Lab

Outside the main building, the Nature Gardens provide three acres of landscaped pathways planted with native flowers, trees and grasses. Birds, butterflies and small reptiles are often seen among the greenery, giving guests a look at local urban wildlife. Nearby, the Nature Lab offers hands-on exhibits about animals and plants that thrive in Los Angeles, including live specimens like lizards, spiders and beetles.

Seasonal and Special Exhibits

Throughout the year, the museum hosts seasonal experiences such as the Butterfly Pavilion in spring and summer and the Spider Pavilion in fall. Both require separate tickets and give visitors a chance to walk among live species in carefully designed habitats. In addition, rotating special exhibitions cover topics from ancient civilizations to cutting-edge science. The museum also screens 3-D films, like its popular T. rex feature, providing another engaging way for families to explore natural history.

For a mid-visit breather, check out NHM Commons, the museum’s new wing with airy gathering spaces, a theater and a laid-back café.

Tickets & Insider Tips

General admission is $18 for adults (discounts for seniors, students and kids; under-2s are free). Add-ons such as pavilions or films are an extra $5–$10. LA County residents score free entry Monday-Friday from 3-5pm, something we try to take advantage of since our kids get out of school early on Fridays. Teachers, active or retired military, EBT cardholders, USC students and museum members enjoy additional perks.

Pro tip: Book online in advance, especially on weekends or holidays; special exhibits can sell out fast. Aim to arrive near opening time if you want to explore at a leisurely pace and avoid the crowds.

Getting There & Parking

If you’re driving, there’s an on-site lot off Bill Robertson Lane with a flat $20 daily fee (credit cards only), plus ADA spaces. Another option is the Blue Structure lot on Exposition Park Drive. Game days at nearby USC can get hectic, so allow extra time.

If you prefer to skip parking altogether, hop on the Metro E (Expo) Line and exit at Expo/USC or Expo/Vermont, both a short walk away.

Make a Day of It

The museum sits amid some of LA’s best cultural playgrounds. Within Exposition Park you’ll find the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, sports venues and rose gardens perfect for an afternoon stroll. Pack comfy shoes, bring water for exploring the outdoor Nature Gardens and leave room in your bag for finds from the museum store.

Southern California in general and Los Angeles in particular have so many things for families to do but the Natural History Museum keeps us coming back again and again. We love the history and science and the educational exhibits that prompt our kids to ask interesting questions and spark their imaginations. And even if you don’t have kids, this museum will leave adults awestruck as well. Visit the Natural History Museum website to plan your visit.