Best Museums in OC

Discovery Cube Orange County claims the top-ranking spot on our list for the sixth time. The interactive activities at the kids’ museum make science education fun for young visitors. Jump into a hurricane, take a simulated helicopter ride, survive the bed of nails, explore the solar system or go on a dinosaur quest, the immersive attractions can easily offer hours of entertainment. 

discoverycube.org | Santa Ana

Pretend City is an engaging experience. Interactive exhibits allow kids to apply foundational math, reading and science skills in practical real-world settings. Kids can shop at a grocery store, play dress-up at the amphitheater or whip up a delicious meal at a pretend cafe. This is the eighth time Pretend City has won in this category.

pretendcity.org | Irvine

The Bowers Museum showcases an array of international art pieces and artifacts each offering a glimpse into different cultures from unique parts of the world. Other ongoing exhibits relay the early history of California from the natives to the missionaries. The museum also offers family programs that host different festivals, culture days, storytimes, musical performances and art classes throughout the year.

www.bowers.org | Santa Ana

Founded in 1977, The Children’s Museum at La Habra is one of the original kid-friendly museums in California. Unique features include a hand-carved carousel and an outdoor dinosaur garden. One of seven hands-on experiences includes a S.T.E.A.M Lab for kids to test their engineering skills. All the kid-friendly attractions plus a guided tour of a 1942 railroad car is sure to make this a memorable museum visit for the whole family.

www.lhcm.org | La Habra