Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Natural History Museum focuses on natural and human history, revealing the evolution of the Earth, life and culture. Four halls show North American, African and other exotic mammals mounted in backdrops of their natural habitat (i.e., huge dioramas). Take a walk through time in the American history rooms and see stagecoaches, early weapons and other pioneer artifacts. An outstanding rock and mineral collection awaits rock hounds. The Din-O-Scovery room houses lifelike exhibits of dinosaurs in skeletal form, and some that are fleshed out, so to speak. The second floor has an entire wing devoted to preserved birds, eggs and interactive ornithology exhibits.

The Discovery Center is hands-on fun, where kids can put on puppet shows, make rubbings from fossilized shells, go on a fossil dig and touch rocks, skulls and a variety of animal skins. Check out one of the 40 Discovery Boxes that offer different games and activities for all ages. Just up the stairs is the Insect Zoo with cases of live insects. Ask about outstanding special exhibits.