Explore LAThree Monday ideas with kids in Los Angeles
Guide dates: 2026-09-21.
Today’s mix covers three very different family stages: open-ended outdoor play for younger children, a free science stop for mixed ages, and an after-school library program just for tweens and teens. Pick the one that suits your crew instead of trying to turn Monday into a whole production.
Kidspace Children’s Museum
This 3.5-acre outdoor children’s museum is the most toddler- and preschool-friendly pick today. Water play is part of the experience, so a spare pair of shoes can save the ride home.
- When: Monday, September 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91103.
- Cost: $17 for adults and children age 1+; $15 for seniors 62+; infants under 1 and members are free. Kidspace is cashless.
- Planning: Tickets are sold online. Indoor galleries are first-come, first-served when capacity is limited. Free parking is available in Rose Bowl Lot I near Jackie Robinson Baseball Field and the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Bring a change of shoes for water play.
Official hours, tickets and parking.
California Science Center
A flexible indoor option for families who want hands-on science without paying a general-admission fee. The permanent galleries work for a broad range of ages; IMAX films and ticketed special exhibitions are optional add-ons.
- When: Monday, September 21, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: California Science Center, 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037.
- Cost: Free general admission; IMAX and special exhibitions cost extra.
- Planning: Exposition Park parking is paid, so Metro’s E Line to Expo Park/USC can be the lower-stress alternative. Check the official visit page for the day’s parking rate and any ticketed-exhibit availability before leaving.
Official visit information · Official hours, address and free-admission confirmation.
Teen Council: Pizza Party With Wii Videogames
This free after-school option is specifically for ages 10–18. Teens can eat pizza, play Wii Mario, Wii Sports and Just Dance on the big screen, suggest future programs and learn about volunteering at the library.
- When: Monday, September 21, 4:15–5:30 p.m.
- Where: Sylmar Branch Library, 14561 Polk Street, Sylmar, CA 91342.
- Cost: Free; pizza, snacks and refreshments are included.
- Ages: 10–18. The official listing does not state that advance registration is required.
- Accessibility: Disability-related accommodation requests can be made through LAPL; the event page asks for five business days’ notice when possible.
Pick by energy level
Choose Kidspace for active younger kids, the Science Center for an all-ages indoor reset, or Sylmar’s library program for a free teen-focused afternoon. Looking for more reliable anytime ideas? Browse the Explore LA family finder.
