Tucked away in the Jewish Federation building on Wilshire Blvd., the Zimmer Children’s Museum shouldn’t be missed for young children of our area. The only children’s museum in L.A., this delightful space offers two floors of play environments with free classes for baby and toddlers most mornings and afternoons, plus additional music, art or game classes each day for an extra fee.
With dozens of experts emphasizing the crucial role of play in kids’ social and intellectual development nowadays, the Zimmer Museum is one of the few local attractions meeting that need. Much more than ‘gymborie’ equipment or IKEA-type kiddie furniture, the Zimmer offers cute Disney–style environments as a backdrop for pretend play – for instance, a little Main Street with a pint-size store, restaurant, park and bookshop – thankfully not so overdesigned that they quash creativity.
“Toddlers love to put things inside of things,” staffer Jessica Bennett explains, as a two-year old whizzes by to the cash register with her shopping cart full of canned goods. In the café, several three-year olds work the back-of-house preparing ‘food’, while diners order from the menus. Kids can also refuel a real plane, man a true life-raft, or put on a play with stage, audience and ticket booth, to cite just a few of the many free-play activities.
A few stops on Main Street even promote quiet time. Benches have been designed into the spaces for tired parents to take a break while children play close-by. One mom layed out on the pretend ER table next to the real ambulance, had no problem with her ‘doctor’ son’s order to get some rest.
Also emphasized besides parent comfort is cleanliness. Maintenance staff fix any broken exhibits nightly and a separate room for snacks eliminates any food allergy issues. And there’s no place safer than the Jewish Federation building where visitors are subject to car, bag and Xray checks.
Mom Gillian Wee has been visiting the museum since her 2-1/2 year old was six months when he started with the fantastic “sensory” classes. Her son Conrad’s favorite activity? “Fiddling with the paper towel dispenser after splashing in the two water features.” So en guard Mozart-For-Babies and Kumon, old-fashioned play is back on top!
Admission to the non-denominational Zimmer Museum is $8 for adults; $5 for children, with babies 11 months or younger free. An annual family membership at $88 or the ‘afterschool-admission membership’ at $50 makes regular attendance very workable. (Some nannies come every day!) Free parking. Handicap friendly. Closed Mondays and Saturdays, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 761-8984, see the museum website for more information. Geared for children ages 0-8 yrs.
Check out the special Sunday family events, especially the upcoming Superman’s 75th Birthday Bash on June 30 12:30-5 pm when the Caped-Crusader will make a visit. Kids are encouraged to come in costume for an admission discount.
Zimmer Children’s Museum 6505 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 323-761-8984 Tuesday-Thursday: 10am-5pmFriday: 10am-4pm
Sunday: 12:30pm-5pm Closed Mondays and Saturdays
Beautiful children’s museum, so much fun. Also has art project room, special days for families with children with special needs (upcoming July 15, a day the museum is closed to the public but open especially to grant greater access), would recommend you bring an extra shirt for the little ones who immerse themselves in enjoying the 2 ‘water features’–water tables for play. And please note that membership scholarships are available.