The small museum has numerous activities to encourage learning in the STEM field (science,…read moretechnology, engineering and mathematics) for ages three and up. Our little one enjoyed making and flying several different paper airplanes. Many hands on activities on the second floor geared toward the younger generation, I was equally eager to learn. Robotics on the first floor and many other displays, I especially enjoyed the astronaut suits! Planets represented outdoors, also has a native plants garden but it was too hot thus late afternoon.

Came here with the family today since it was part of the SoCal free museum day, and it ended up…read morebeing a nice, easy outing. This is a smaller museum, which actually worked out great with kids. You can go through everything in about an hour without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Good option if you don't want to commit to a full-day museum. Experience: A lot of hands-on exhibits, which kept the kids interested. Simple, interactive, and easy to understand -- especially for younger kids. Not super advanced, but still fun and educational. Value: Hard to beat since it was free today. Even at regular price, it's still reasonable for a short visit. Overall: Nice local spot, especially for families. Not huge or super high-tech, but it does the job for a quick outing. Would come back, especially if looking for something simple to do with the kids.

Imagernium has a few locations for their concept. The peak seasons for the theme is usually during…read morethe Christmas season. I wasn't able to make my way until January and glad the Lakewood locations runs until March. Tickets were very easy to grab on their website. Once purchased, I was emailed a QR code per ticket. There was no specific time indicated so we could come at any time and leave at any time. For parking, there was plenty at around 8:00 pm on a Saturday. There was both an indoor and outside area for exploration. Later at night, we also watched the show as well. My girlfriend and I spent about an hour here. Overall, it was a decent light exhibition. My personal favorite was the circus show (and the cute penguins!)

Took my kids here and they had an absolute blast. It's set…read moreup inside a former retail space (used to be a Forever 21) and transformed into a massive immersive light experience. Think glowing sunflower rooms, swirling balloon installations (like walking through a shower of balloons), lantern decorating stations, misty walkways, and tons of interactive photo ops. It gives indoor theme-park energy, so lots of walking, lots of movement, very hands-on. A few realistic notes for parents: Bring hand sanitizer. This is a highly interactive space and kids will want to touch everything. There's also mist in some areas, so if you have allergies, just be mindful. The only downsides: There was a noticeable mildew smell near the restroom area, and in one darker outdoor section I stepped into a puddle from something dripping overhead. That could've been a slipping hazard, especially for kids. I alerted staff immediately. Creativity and imagination factor? 9/10. Maintenance concerns brought it down a bit. Even with the hiccups, my kids couldn't stop talking about it afterward. It's a fun, visually stimulating experience and worth checking out at least once.

This was a very last minute visit as it wasn't planned but I was in the neighborhood visiting…read moreanother property. This ranch is hidden in plain sight. The area surrounding it is pretty urbanized with apartments across the street and an distribution center nearby. Don't miss the entrance! There is an abundance of things to see! Each building and each room has a lot to take in. If you are into history, antiques and such, this is the place!

This is a great place to take kids for a quick history lesson. The docents were knowledgeable and…read morethe place is a fantastic learning yard. Loved it...

I recently visited Los Cerritos Rancho and had such a meaningful experience. From the moment I…read morearrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who took the time to share the rich history of the landmark, including stories about the Bixby family. Walking through the home and gardens truly felt like stepping back in time. There's something incredibly special about being able to see and feel how people lived in the past--it creates a deep sense of connection and nostalgia that's hard to put into words. For me, the visit was also a moment of reflection--appreciating the lives and efforts of those who came before us, and how their contributions shaped the world we live in today. In such a fast-paced, modern era, it felt especially powerful to immerse myself in a place that preserves history so beautifully. I even remembered visiting here as a child, and coming back as an adult gave me a whole new appreciation for it. It's more than just a historical site--it's an experience that invites you to reflect, learn, and reconnect. I highly recommend visiting. It's a beautiful reminder that Long Beach is full of incredible history and hidden gems worth exploring.

Rancho Los Cerritos is a slightly hidden national historic landmark within Long Beach with…read moreGabrielino-Tongva roots. It was once a sheep ranch, cattle ranch, and even serves as an extension of our public library archives for local history. Entrance is free. Parking is free (and close to the entrance). There are volunteer-lead tours as well as printed maps to help you navigate the property. If you're planning to visit I'd set aside a half hour for everything. Bonus tip: they host events.

Took my mom and family to see this house. It was amazingly beautiful-preserved beautifully. If you…read morelove history, this is a great tour.

This is an old gorgeous house built in the 1890's and wonderfully preserved. It is open on the 1st…read moreand 3rd Saturdays of every month from 1-4 PM. They do tours of the insides and you're allowed to wander around the outside freely. It's free, but if you enjoy yourself you should donate--donations simply go to keeping the house clean. No photos are allowed of the inside, so you'll always be surprised by what you see. If you're interested in old houses and the way things used to be "back in the day" then you need to stop by if you get the chance. It is clear that the people who work here have a definite passion and either feel a sense of wonder for this bygone age or a real connection to something they lived through long ago. For some reason I feel a bit "different" since visiting. Unlike some museums that just show you a bunch of stuff, you really get a feel walking around this house for what it must have been like to live here across the 100+ years it's been here. Definitely something that you should check out.

We had such a great time at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower! From the moment we…read morewalked in, we noticed how incredibly clean and well-kept everything was. The exhibits are organized beautifully, and you can tell they take a lot of pride in maintaining the space. The staff was so friendly and welcoming. They were happy to answer questions and shared interesting details that made the experience even more special. It didn't feel rushed at all, just a warm, inviting environment. It's also located right in the middle of a nice little downtown area, which makes it perfect to visit and then grab a bite or walk around after. Such a hidden gem! We'll definitely be back and highly recommend checking it out. $5 a person and children 12& under are free.

Our homeschool co-op had the opportunity to visit the fire museum and it was great! Children 12…read morebelow are free, 13+ is $5. We booked a docent led tour and learned a lot of Information of the history of fire fighters. We saw fire trucks that dated before the civil war. Bob and John who led the tour were very kind and informative. I would definitely recommend this tour to people of all ages.

A lovely museum worth visiting…read more I felt like a kid in a candy store with all the different rooms to explore. My friend and I had a great time and spent about an hour and a half here. Museum is free and there is parking in the back.

I found out there would be a free event regarding the history and mystery of Turnbull Canyon: A…read moreRoad Unwound. The documentary film by William Ohanesian was shown at the second floor of the museum. The event was interesting and the museum to my surprise was very spacious and has free parking available in back.

It brings the child back into me, as I go down memory lane and remember my first Big Mac. in the…read moresixties and seventies, McDonald's was one of the best known restaurant by kids and probably still is in some cases. Having a museum of its history is symbolic of a kinder and and simpler time in life as we appreciate what we had and hoping our children have the same appreciation.

OK, I'm sort of mid range on this one... I personally love historical sites, especially ones that…read moregive me a small glimpse into the history of a large corporation. It really shows me the roots of what they were compared to what they are now. No, for the museum it's not really much. The sign is really cool but the "museum" is really just a tiny hallway the leads to a set of super nasty bathrooms. Everything is locked away in cabinets and is super faded cracked and damaged from the sun. The area is cramped and you often have to fight people that are more interested in the bathrooms than actually looking at the "history ". Probably the most interesting thing about this place is the actual restaurant itself and the large original sign. Plus, they still serve soft serve! But if you're coming here for the "museum "save yourself a trip and go to the San Bernardino one instead.

The adobe and grounds are a really great place to visit and understand living in the period. Area…read morehistory is interesting and informative. The docents are full of information and friendly. Entry requires visitors to call the office once at the entrance and someone drives down to activate the opening of the entry gate and then they turn around and follow you back in. Since it is an active senior residence security is important.

I booked the Sunday tour as a Father's Day gift for my dad, and it turned out to be the perfect…read morechoice. The ranch is a hidden gem between Compton & Dominguez Hills. The ground & adobe are beautiful & well maintained. Professor Tony was absolutely incredible--patient, engaging, and deeply knowledgeable. Although we had a minor accident that delayed the start of the tour, she was incredibly understanding and accommodating. Despite the unexpected hiccup, my dad had an amazing time and even said this Adobe Ranch tour was his favorite out of all the ones he's experienced. We're truly grateful for such a memorable day!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our experience here at Rubel Castle. Our host, guide,…read moreand local "Rubelligent" volunteer, Ms. Kathleen had all the intel about this historical property. She was so knowledgeable and helped set the stage for us to slip into a forgotten era and get a glimpse of how imagination met inventiveness with a DIY charm. ~ A LITTLE BACKSTORY FOR YOU ~ It's not pronounced Rubel as Barney from Flintstones. Rather, it's like Target is to Targét when we are trying to be fancy. So that's Rubel as in "Roo-bell." Unlike modern-day construction, Rubel Castle wasn't built overnight. It was made of collected recyclables and construction rubble that spanned many decades and took several friends and volunteers to build it. For Michael, however, the lifetime inspiration was first sparked at the age of 9. His love for canons was where it started and the rest is history you can hear about on the tour. But don't just show up like we did randomly one day. To book, visit RubelTours.org and make a reservation. ~ OUR TOUR EXPERIENCE ~ It's as if Michael Rubel, the creator and mastermind of this enchanted dominion had intended it to be--magical. Built in the castle period of wood and tin, every corner captured our interests, from antique cars to the 1890's Seth Thomas Tower Clock with a unique backstory (and only six in existence today). There were old vending machines, tools, trinkets, and machinery that time had long forgotten. Did I mention there was a drawbridge? Yes, and a dungeon too. I was just waiting for a dragon to come swoop down on us next. Walk in the footsteps of famous visitors like Alfred Hitchcock, Dwight Eisenhower, Jack Benny, and Bob Hope. It's a feast for the eyes no matter where you glance. I particularly enjoyed the bottle house that Michael built in 1968 as his "home" as a kid. That independent spirit was quite charming to see. ~ WATERCOLOR NATURESCAPE ~ We were fortunate to have our gracious host lead us on a tour and organize a special art crafting experience outdoors. It was absolutely lovely beneath the trees and between rusted vintage cars from the turn of the century. We each got a small canvas to paint our flowers in watercolor. (This particular experience takes place in the Spring and Fall, weather permitting.) We heard the squirrels rattling in the leaves and birds chirped and sang in the trees above. We discovered that peacocks apparently originated from this property, compliments of Michael Rubel. And did I mention that on the far side of the property, a custom garden was in full bloom? BOOK A TOUR Help support the Glendora Historical Society and keep this magnificently unique city-castle maintained. It's worth it.

A castle in Glendora? Yes, your eyes aren't deceiving you--Rubel Castle is real, it's magnificent,…read moreand it's gloriously eccentric. Thanks to the sheer persistence (and probably delightful stubbornness) of Michael Rubel, we now have this quirky, towering State Treasure sitting right in the middle of Glendora like a fairy tale that accidentally took a detour through a hardware store. This place is beautifully done, and part of its charm is that it's a full-on hodgepodge of relics, antiques, crystal trinkets, and "wait... what is that doing here?" moments tucked into every nook and cranny. You'll marvel, you'll laugh, you'll squint in confusion--honestly, it's everything you'd want in a castle built with love, imagination, and a dash of madness. And let's talk about the makeshift cemetery. Quirky? YES. Fun? Absolutely. Slightly spooky? Only if your imagination is over-caffeinated. But it fits the vibe perfectly--like the castle whispered, "You know what I'm missing? A tiny cemetery." The tours are fantastic, the guides are passionate, and the whole experience feels like you're stepping into a living scrapbook of California history and charming chaos. Overall: Amazing, amazing place. Book your tour. They only do tours every first Sunday of the month, so set your alarms, mark your calendars, tie a string around your finger--just don't miss it. Rubel Castle is truly a California State Treasure, and an absolute must-see for anyone who appreciates creativity, history, and a little eccentric sparkle.