DAY TRIP California Science Center

The California Science Center is a large museum in Los Angeles dedicated to inspiring scientific learning. In 1912, the State Exposition Building opened where the California Science Center stands today. After World War II, the Exposition Building was remodeled to show people the importance of science and technology in everyday life. The name was later changed to the California Science Center, and it became a state-of-the-art building.

GETTING THERE

Take the I-405 north. Stay on the I-405 north for about 26 miles. Merge onto the I-110 north toward Los Angeles and continue for about 11 miles. Exit Exposition Boulevard, and turn left to Flower Street. Turn left on Flower Street to Figueroa Street. Enter Exposition Park 1/2 block on the right, at 39th Street/Exposition Park Drive. Follow signs to the structure.

HOURS

The California Science Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

ADMISSION

Admission to the exhibition galleries at the California Science Center is free. Admission prices for the IMAX Theater are based on age group. Groups of 15 or more people will be given a discount to the IMAX Theater. The High Wire Bicycle, Motion Based Simulator and Ecology Cliff Climb cost extra money. For $7, a visitor can get a pass to experience all three. Parking is $6 per car and $10 for buses or oversized vehicles.

IMAX THEATER

There are three movies showing at the California Science Center’s IMAX Theater. “The Human Body” follows a family as they go through a typical day and allows viewers to watch the activity happening in their bodies as they participate in normal activities. The film shows an 8-year-old girl listening to her favorite music, and the changes that occur within her. It also shows the bodily reaction of a teenage boy riding his bicycle to school. The audience even gets to witness a baby growing inside Aunt Heather’s stomach.

“Mummies 3D: Secrets of the Pharaohs” is the second movie playing at the IMAX Theater. It explores the history of ancient Egypt by researching the mummies that were left behind. Explorers and scientists study archaeological data and genetic clues to gain insight on the lives of pharaohs.

The last movie showing is “Sea Monsters 3D.” With storytelling, imagery and the help of a large screen, fossil hunters open the eyes of audience members to species of the past. Viewers will learn what happened to many of the now-extinct creatures.

WORLD OF LIFE

The World of Life takes a look at all living creatures from the single-celled amoeba, all the way up to a 100-trillion-celled human being, and studies the connection between them. The life tunnel will help piece together how all life forms are connected. Five process galleries include the Energy Factory, Supply Network, Control Center, Defense Line and Life Source.

CREATIVE WORLD

Want to explore invention? Then the Creative World exhibit may be just the thing. This exhibit shows the technological advances human beings have made to fulfill needs for communication, structures and transportation. Start the tour in Technoscapes and explore the realm of technology. Guests will view the beginning of digital imaging, solar cars and earthquake-resistant buildings.

— Jacquelyn Rumfola