Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in west la, CA

Four Reasons to Visit the Petersen Automotive Museum

by Susan Choi

August 18, 2009

My toddler son and I visited the Petersen Automotive Museum the other day with a friend and her son. If you have a little one who loves cars, definitely check out this museum. As much fun as we had, I can only imagine how much more my son would love this place as he grows up. Here is what I love about the Petersen Automotive Museum:

1) The Discovery Center on the third floor of the museum is full of activities exclusively for children. There are books, dress up clothes, and toys all related to cars, planes, and transportation. There is a 1910 Ford Model T, a CHP motorcycle and an Indianapolis 500 race car on display for the kids to climb around and pretend to drive. I think the Ford Model T occupied my son for a good 30 minutes. He loved it. On the other side of the Discovery Center are some interactive display boards which help explain various things like how an engine works or why engine oil gets dirty. There are a lot of other hands-on exhibits in the Discovery Center which is also staffed with helpful volunteers who are more than eager to talk about all things automotive.

2) Cool cars are on display. I don't think that my son can tell the difference yet between a Honda Odyssey and a Ferrari GT. Even so, he was impressed with the cars on display as far as I can tell (the fact that he didn't complain about being strapped down in the stroller while we walked around is a good indicator for me).  The "Batmobile" and "Herbie" cars from the movies are on display in the Hollywood exhibit as well as other well known cars such as "Black Beauty" from the Green Hornet TV show and the race car from Speed Racer the movie.

3) The Hot Wheels Hall of Fame permanent exhibit boasts walls and walls of those tiny diecast cars as well as a rotating display of full-size versions of some of the most beloved models. I actually think it was a little painful for my son to be walking through this exhibit and being unable to grab the display cars. The Hotwheels arch captivated my son whenever it lit up like a christmas tree.

4) Johnny Rockets is on the first floor of the museum and a perfect place for lunch with the kids. The wait staff was very friendly and accommodating to our kids and the food came very fast. It is so convenient to have a place to eat that is reasonably priced, easily accessible inside the museum, and very kid-friendly.

Our visit to the Petersen museum was very manageable for a morning visit. It is conveniently located, has plenty to do for the kids, and children under five are free. They also have a monthly family program on the first Saturday of every month from 1 pm to 4 pm called Discovery Days where they host a story time and free crafts. So cruise on over to the Petersen Museum and enjoy a fun playdate with a friend!  Read more...