Why We Love It: There are so many great places in Santa Monica for families to hang out like the beach, the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, Main Street, and the awesome outdoor Tongva Park. But if you're looking for something to do with toddlers and elementary school kids, head to the top floor of Santa Monica Place (an upscale retail center at the end of the promenade) and enter the Cayton Children's Museum.
This is a bright and happy space with different exhibits play areas scattered throughout. (Fun fact: it was formerly a food hall.) A popular spot is the ball pit and the giant green soft blocks but the space also has a fire truck cab, a helicopter, a play grocery store, a play veterinarian's office, and a massive water table. Cayton also has two art studios where different art lessons happen each day (these are open to all visitors.)
And high above the different areas is an enclosed ropes course! It's really cool.
What Ages: There's no specification for ages, aside from the soft play area for 2 and under. Our older girls (8 and 7) loved the challenge of the ropes course and the wind tunnel that blew fake money, but most of the museum is really geared towards preschoolers. Our 2-year-old did not want to leave!
When to Go: Santa Monica is a popular tourist destination in Los Angeles so the weekends here are busy and parking, which is available in the Santa Monica Place structure, can be difficult. If you're free on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning, it will be nice and easy to get to!
How Much Does It Cost?: Admission is free for children under 1 but $14 for everyone else (Military discounts are allowed and EBT is free.) Each guest has a two-hour window to explore so be sure to make the best of it. Also, you can bring your own snacks and drinks inside but they do have vending machines with healthy options in case you forget yours.
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