Mount Wilson Observatory

Located at the summit of Mount Wilson in Pasadena’s San Gabriel Mountains, this observatory is open to the public every day. You may have to obtain a special forest permit to drive through the Angeles national park road that leads there, but it’s well worth it to see your children marvel at the cosmos through a giant telescope. Guided tours are available on weekends, and be sure to check weather conditions before heading up.

Contact number: (626) 440-9016

Location: “Mt. Wilson Peak, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles, CA 91023”

Learn more here.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses a plethora of creatures and now also functions as a botanical garden. In addition to zoo favorites like monkeys and elephants, the zoo also has more exotic wildlife like condors and Komodo dragons. Your children may end up hypnotized by penguins, or enthralled by alligators. Check the website for seasonal offerings like the currently running “Spider City.”

Contact number: (323) 644-4200

Location: 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1498

Learn more here.

Griffith Park Observatory

Newly refurbished after a long shuttering for remodeling, the Griffith Park Observatory remains one of LA’s iconic landmarks. The filming site for the famous knife fight in “Rebel Without A Cause,” a questionably lifelike bust of James Dean ornaments the patio. Take your children through the Observatory’s stunning exhibition halls where they can learn about the cosmos before observing them firsthand through state of the art telescopes. New features have been continually unveiled since the museum reopened to the public last year, be sure to check the website for up to date information and to make the (required) reservations.

Contact number: (213) 473-0800

Location: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299

Learn more here.