If you’re looking for an enriching, hands-on adventure where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) come to life in the most engaging and interactive way, then Discovery Cube Los Angeles (DCLA) is your go-to destination. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this renowned children’s museum offers a fantastic combination of education and fun, making it the perfect place for kids and families to explore, discover, and ignite their curiosity. Whether you’re a parent seeking a weekend outing, an educator aiming to inspire young minds, or simply a science enthusiast, DCLA delivers a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impact on visitors of all ages.
An Overview of Discovery Cube Los Angeles: Where Science and Fun Meet
Discovery Cube Los Angeles, a sister site to the original Discovery Cube in Orange County, opened its doors in 2014. This innovative museum is part of the Discovery Science Foundation, which has dedicated itself to fostering a love for science and a deep understanding of the natural world in young learners. DCLA has become a major hub for experiential learning, offering visitors more than 71,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and exciting programs that make science accessible and enjoyable.
What makes Discovery Cube unique is its focus on hands-on, immersive experiences that allow children to explore complex scientific principles through play. From environmental sustainability and space exploration to health and nutrition, DCLA brings science to life with exhibits designed to spark curiosity and promote critical thinking. The museum’s motto, “Empowering young minds to change the world,” perfectly encapsulates its mission to nurture the next generation of innovators, scientists, and thinkers.
Engaging Exhibits That Inspire Lifelong Learning
Discovery Cube Los Angeles is home to a variety of fascinating exhibits that cater to diverse interests and learning styles. Whether your child is a budding astronaut, an aspiring engineer, or simply loves discovering how the world works, DCLA has something for everyone.
1. Eco Challenge
The Eco Challenge exhibit is one of the most popular experiences at DCLA, and for good reason. Here, kids can learn about environmental responsibility in a fun and engaging way. The exhibit is divided into three distinct areas: the Race to Recycle game, the Discovery Market, and the Eco Garage.
- Race to Recycle allows children to test their recycling skills by sorting waste into the correct bins while racing against the clock. It’s a thrilling, fast-paced game that teaches the importance of proper waste management.
- Discovery Market is an interactive grocery shopping experience that emphasizes the importance of making eco-friendly choices. Participants are challenged to pick out items while considering their environmental impact, giving kids a tangible lesson on sustainability.
- Eco Garage demonstrates how energy efficiency can be applied to everyday life. Kids can explore ways to conserve energy and water in a virtual garage setting, learning practical tips that they can implement at home.
Through these exhibits, the Eco Challenge fosters environmental stewardship and shows children how small actions can make a big difference in preserving our planet.
2. Science of Hockey
In partnership with the Los Angeles Kings hockey team, DCLA offers an immersive Science of Hockey exhibit that blends sports with science. Here, kids can explore the physics, physiology, and engineering behind one of the most exciting sports in the world.
- Skating Kinetics allows visitors to see how players move across the ice, delving into the science of speed, friction, and balance.
- Thermal Imaging highlights the role temperature plays in ice hockey, explaining the concept of thermal conductivity through engaging visuals.
- Player Health examines the science of the human body in sports, with a focus on endurance, strength, and injury prevention.
This exhibit is particularly appealing to young sports fans, as it provides a unique opportunity to see the connection between their favorite sport and key scientific concepts.
3. Rocket Lab
Space enthusiasts will find the Rocket Lab exhibit especially exciting. This hands-on exhibit encourages kids to design, build, and launch their own rockets, giving them a practical introduction to physics and engineering.
- Design Your Rocket lets children experiment with different shapes, sizes, and materials to build a rocket that can fly the farthest or reach the highest altitude.
- Launch Station provides the thrilling experience of seeing these rockets in action. Kids can launch their creations and watch them soar, all while learning about aerodynamics, propulsion, and gravity.
The Rocket Lab helps ignite a passion for space exploration and engineering in young minds, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
4. Helicopter Tour: The Aquifer Adventure
The Helicopter Tour exhibit takes visitors on a virtual helicopter ride, offering a bird’s-eye view of the Los Angeles watershed. This interactive experience teaches kids about the importance of water conservation and the science behind aquifers, groundwater, and the water cycle.
- The Aquifer Adventure focuses on water management, showing how water is collected, stored, and used in Los Angeles. Visitors learn about the challenges of supplying water to a large urban area and the impact of human activities on natural water sources.
This exhibit raises awareness about one of California’s most pressing environmental issues and encourages children to think critically about water conservation and sustainability.
5. Healthy Living
DCLA is committed to promoting not only scientific literacy but also the health and well-being of its visitors. The Healthy Living exhibit encourages kids to adopt healthy habits and understand the science behind nutrition, fitness, and overall well-being.
- Supermarket Nutrition Game teaches kids about making smart food choices by challenging them to select nutritious items while shopping in a virtual grocery store.
- Exercise Lab shows the science behind physical activity, encouraging kids to get moving and understand the importance of exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
- Interactive Kitchen introduces the concept of balanced diets and allows children to explore how different foods contribute to a healthy body.
This exhibit makes the concept of health and wellness both fun and accessible, equipping kids with knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Beyond its exhibits, Discovery Cube Los Angeles offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and seasonal events designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for learning. These programs are aimed at providing more in-depth exploration of scientific concepts in a fun and interactive way.
1. STEM Lab
DCLA’s STEM Lab hosts workshops and demonstrations that cover a wide range of topics in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These hands-on programs allow kids to dive deeper into topics like robotics, chemistry, and environmental science. The lab is a great place for children to apply what they’ve learned in the exhibits to real-world problems, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking.
2. Field Trips
Discovery Cube Los Angeles partners with local schools to offer educational field trips that align with California’s STEM curriculum. During these trips, students can participate in guided tours, attend special science demonstrations, and engage in hands-on activities that enhance their classroom learning. These field trips are designed to inspire young learners and help educators bring science lessons to life in an interactive and engaging setting.
3. Cube Camps
For kids who want a more immersive experience, DCLA offers seasonal Cube Camps during summer and winter breaks. These week-long camps provide in-depth exploration of topics such as space exploration, eco-science, and engineering. Each camp is designed to be both educational and fun, allowing kids to develop new skills while fostering a love for science.
Events and Community Outreach
Discovery Cube Los Angeles is not just a museum—it’s a community hub. The museum regularly hosts special events, community outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations to extend its impact beyond its walls.
1. Superhero Science Night
Superhero Science Night is one of DCLA’s most popular annual events. Kids and families are invited to come dressed as their favorite superheroes while learning about the science behind their powers. From physics demonstrations to chemistry experiments, this event combines the fun of comic book heroes with real scientific concepts, making learning an exciting adventure.
2. STEM Saturdays
On select Saturdays, DCLA hosts STEM Saturdays, which offer special workshops and activities for kids to explore various STEM topics. Whether it’s coding, building robots, or conducting chemistry experiments, these activities allow children to engage in hands-on learning while having a blast.
3. Community Outreach Programs
Discovery Cube Los Angeles is committed to making science accessible to everyone. Through partnerships with local schools, libraries, and community organizations, DCLA brings its educational programming to underserved communities across the region. The museum’s mobile outreach programs ensure that children from all backgrounds have the opportunity to experience the magic of science.
Why Discovery Cube Los Angeles Is the Ultimate Learning Destination
In an era where science, technology, and innovation are driving the future, fostering a love for STEM in young learners is more important than ever. Discovery Cube Los Angeles does just that by making science fun, interactive, and accessible to all. Whether it’s through thrilling exhibits like the Eco Challenge, hands-on workshops in the STEM Lab, or community outreach programs, DCLA empowers children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and find creative solutions to real-world problems.
Not only does DCLA ignite curiosity, but it also nurtures the skills that kids will need to succeed in the future—problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. By making learning an exciting adventure, Discovery Cube Los Angeles has earned its place as one of the most beloved educational destinations in Southern California.
So, whether you’re a parent, teacher, or simply a lifelong learner, make Discovery Cube Los Angeles your next stop. It’s a place where fun meets learning, and where young minds are empowered to change the world—one discovery at a time.