If you are in Los Angeles or planning a visit to Los Angeles make sure to visit the Zimmer Children’s museum. The museum’s mission is to promote values that help make a better society through interactive learning, creative self-expression and art experiences for children and families. The Zimmer is located on Museum Row in Los Angeles and features hands on exhibits for children 0-8. My two year old daughter and year old son had a fantastic time.

The museum has 9 exhibits split between two levels. The lower level of the museum holds most of the exhibits. My children’s favorite exhibit was the Zimmer neighborhood located on the lower level of the museum. The exhibit is made up of different displays. There is a corner market where the kids can shop for groceries. A home complete with kitchen and dining room where your children can cook up a meal . The neighborhood also has a synagogue where kids can explore and learn about Jewish traditions. There is also a bookstore and puppet theatre, a community park, toddler playland and the Blue Bagel cafe where your children can take turns playing a restaurateur or customer.

People helping people is an exhibit that shows children that being a true hero is helping others. The exhibit has a full size ambulance where the kids can learn about saving lives and even take turns “driving”. There is a section where you can make well cards for patients at local hospitals and a hospital desk where you can intake patients. This exhibit was a big hit with my two year old daughter . She loved “driving” the ambulance.

My personal favorite was the replica of the Western Wall (the Kotel) in Jerusalem . Here you can write your wishes or hopes for the future on a piece of paper and tuck the note between the stones of the wall as people do at the wall in Jerusalem.

The lower level also contains a water exhibit where kids can learn about conserving water and can also splish slash around. There is a water table that was a big hit with the kiddos where you can sail a boat or a duck through a water maze. Music Island is the Zimmer’s newest exhibit and allows children to compose their own music or play a musical match game. There is also a newsroom where kids can learn about what goes on in the making of a newspaper.

The ground level has the Zimmer plane exhibit which allows you to be a pilot for a day. Put on your safety vest and be prepared for a ride. My two year old was able to “pilot” the plane which is equipped with navigation tools, a flight simulator and electrical control panels. I had to literally pry my two year old and also my 23 year old baby sister from this exhibit. There is also a theater complete with a blue screen that allows you to be star. You can change costumes and partake in as many productions as your heart desires.

I can’t rave enough about this little museum. If you visit you will discover why Los Angeles magazine named it the “best little known museum”. It truly is a gem!!

Zimmer Children’s Museum
6505 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Located on the lobby level of The Goldsmith Jewish Federation Center

Parking when available is free in the west parking structure

Museum Public Hours
Wednesdays 10:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Sundays: 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Fridays 10:00am – 12:30pm
Closed Monday and Saturday and on most Jewish and national holidays.

Admission
Adults: $8.00
Children 3-12: $5.00
Children 2 and under are FREE
Grandparents are FREE when accompanied by a grandchild