KidSpace Field Trip
I have to admit I was not sure if this trip was going to be worth it. I was worried that there would not be enough stuff to engage the attention span of my oldest son (2.5 yr old), but I was pleasantly surprised that I he had a fantastic time at the KidSpace Children’s Museum in Pasadena.
Like most kids his age it is all about the tactile experience and it seems this museum does a fit job at creating an all encompassing experience for all ages. Pictured above (left) is the kaleidoscopic entrance way, complete with prismic mirrors, lights and a goofy soundscape. There are lots of typical displays for the kids to learn from; cross sections of ant farms, an area where the kids can dig up fossils, live scorpions, and displays on the eating habits of cockroaches and such.
As much as he enjoyed all of this stuff (the Climbing Tower was a big hit as well), the pinnacle of the visit for my son was the wet play area in the back of the 3.5 acre park. In general there seems to be a thoughtful balance of stuff for both kids young and younger. There are some wonderfully tactile experiences – like the Digging Deeper Gallery and the Early Childhood Learning Center (tucked away behind the ticket booth), as well as little shows scheduled throughout the day that give us all a chance to rest our weary feet and soak up some entertaining and informative plays put on by staffers.
Fortunately my wife read their website and opted to bring a change of clothes for him. I guarantee we will be going back. It seems as if they’re in the process of expanding as well.
A friendly tip: pack a lunch and snacks. The Wolfgang Puck Cafe was understaffed and out of many items (and characteristically overpriced).
