Kidspace Children's Museum

The Kidspace Children's Museum in Pasadena, California, is an interactive museum for kids located right next to the famous Rose Bowl. Its exhibits are housed in the historic buildings of the former Fannie E. Morrison Horticultural Center in Brookside Park. The museum was originally founded in 1979 as a community project of the Junior League of Pasadena to give children in the San Gabriel Valley better access to the arts, humanities, and sciences. What began as a small prototype featuring robotics and neon lights grew over the years into a fixture of the region's cultural life. After several moves and nonprofit status since 1981, the museum relocated in 2004 to its current spacious campus, which covers more than five acres.

You'll find a varied mix of indoor and outdoor experiences that invite creative, playful learning. One highlight is the Robert & Mary Galvin Physics Forest, an outdoor area set among the trees where kids can explore physical phenomena at thirteen stations. Other major areas include Arroyo Adventure, which fosters a connection to nature with eight new experiences, and the Storyteller Studio, which focuses on the performing arts, puppetry, and fine art. Younger guests will enjoy the S. Mark Taper Early Childhood Learning Center, while the Pepper Tree Music Jam sparks musical creativity. Inside the Roberts Pavilion, you'll also find workshops where kids can bring their ideas to life in hands-on projects.

Beyond the permanent exhibits, the museum offers a wide range of programs for families, schools, and community groups. These include summer and spring camps, special school field trips, and events such as the Sunset Music Series and the Kidspace Campout. The museum works closely with local partners and has steadily expanded its facilities through targeted fundraising campaigns. With its focus on informal education and nurturing imagination, the Kidspace Children's Museum has become an important cultural destination in Southern California, appealing to local families and visitors from across the region.