Southern California Children's Museum — Attraction in Pasadena

This place is absolutely horrible!They ruined my son's birthday party as they double booked his party with someone else's too! As i went to confirm what we planned they said to me oh sorry we booked another birthday .... I had booked my son's birthday for sun nov 4th ,paid a deposit 2 month in advance (in person) then sent the invitation to my 50 guests and believe it or not 3 days before party I accidentally went there to measure the wall for his back drop , and suddenly the confused and irresponsible staff told me ,your party is on nov 11 not nov 4th, since we highlight that day for you (with a smile), and we have two other party that day ,and they booked one month later after me. I was so shocked and hurt didnt know what to do , I couldn't believe they would do that to me , I asked them to call the manger, she said there was nothing she could do! How could a company be so irresponsible , I asked to talk with manger since she didn't even bother herself to talk with me , i asked her to talk with other guest to see if there is possibility for them to change date or figure something out for me but, she did nothing for me , all she said was sorry! So rude! Since that day she was off !!!!!.... wow! Sadly i had to move locations and re-do invite in just 3 days ! Im so hurt by this place and will never go...

August 2025. Small indoor playground, reasonable price. Also participating in museum for all program for reduced ticket pricing. Has private and street parking. Entrance will be in the back private lot. Clean bathrooms. Air conditioning which is a plus in summer and hot days. Nursing room/lounge with diaper changing stations. Upper floors are off limits for staff only. They have a classroom and also offer private parties. Great for kids under 5. We enjoyed the space for our 3 yrs old to run around and go wild without the stress of getting lost or damaging things. Very safe space to explore and we spent a good 2hrs here. My toddlers favorite station was the ice cream cart. Other kids favorite stations were the vet office and campground/tent. The cushion playground and slide is a great addition to watch babies/toddlers go up/down independently without having to chase them up the playground. Based on previous reviews and past visits, this location rotates play areas and features in their space. So it is an every changing space with old and new play features for guest to interact and be surprised on their next visit. Would recommend on those hot days and/or if you are in the area. Wouldn’t drive out here just for this but it’s a great addition to Pasadena and what it offers to...

This Children's Museum is so close to my house, and I desperately want to like it. Unfortunately, it often falls short. It is incredibly expensive for what you get.

First, the hours are quite limited. Closing at 1:30pm 3 days in the week is insane for a children's venue... especially since the price of admission is not discounted on those days.

Also, the website says the price for admission is $8. However, they don't only charge for kids. Each adult has to pay $8 also. That being said, never bring the grandparents with you. In addition to the $16 you have to pay for you and your kid, you will be forking over an extra $16 for the grandparents to share just a couple of hours of kid time. I don't think any other indoor kid playground charges for adults. Do they really want us to just drop off our kids and leave?

The worst is when the museum is supposed to be open (as per their website), so you pack your kid up only to find that the place is closed for a private party. Yup, that happens too.

And the staff isn't very friendly. And it isn't a museum either.

Do yourself a favor, and take your kid to Kidspace, Peekaboo, or even Amy's Playground in South Pasadena. Or a public park. Or Giggles and Hugs. Or...