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About La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum is one of the most unique family attractions in Los Angeles — and one of the only places in the world where you can watch real fossils being excavated in the middle of a major city.
Right in the heart of Hancock Park, this bubbling, mysterious site has been pulling in curious visitors for generations. And for families? It’s one of the most memorable day outs in the city.
What makes it so special? The tar itself! Sticky asphalt seeps have been bubbling up from below ground for tens of thousands of years. During the Ice Age, animals like mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and giant sloths wandered into the tar and got trapped — leaving behind bones that have been beautifully preserved in time.
Inside the Page Museum, you’ll find an impressive fossil collection including life-sized skeletons, reconstructed Ice Age animals, and interactive displays. Kids can compare the tooth of a saber-toothed cat to that of a lion, touch a real fossil, or learn about the animals that once roamed LA.
The Fossil Lab is a highlight — where real scientists clean, study, and preserve bones found right there on-site. Kids love watching paleontologists at work, seeing tiny brushes clean huge mammoth tusks through glass.
Outdoors, you’ll find bubbling pits and observation points where tar is still rising today — a fascinating (and slightly surreal!) sight. The Lake Pit even features a dramatic sculpture of mammoths trapped in tar, which kids love pointing out and photographing.
There are also grassy areas and pathways through Hancock Park, plus Ice Age animal statues dotted throughout — great for little ones to run around, explore, and imagine what LA looked like 10,000 years ago.
Whether your child is dino-obsessed, loves science, or just enjoys a weird and wonderful outdoor museum, La Brea Tar Pits is a brilliant way to mix learning with fun.
Allow 2–3 hours to explore, or more if you catch a film in the museum’s theater or join a guided tour.
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Suggest editHow much does it cost?
Suggest editAdults $15.00
Children $7.00 (Ages 3 to 12)
Free Under Under 3s and LA County residents (select hours)
Last Update 2025
Discount Students, seniors, EBT cardholders
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La Brea Tar Pits and Museum FAQ’s
Doing our bit
La Brea Tar Pits is part of the Natural History Museums of LA County and focuses on conservation, education, and sustainability. The museum supports green landscaping, eco-friendly practices, and public science outreach.
Do they have baby facilities?
Yes — there are baby-changing stations in all restrooms, wide stroller-friendly walkways, and plenty of seating areas for nursing or feeding. Staff are helpful and welcoming to families with infants.
I’m Hungry! Can I get food at La Brea Tar Pits and Museum?
Yes! The on-site cafe offers sandwiches, snacks, hot food, and drinks. There are also shady picnic areas in the park where families often bring their own lunch or snacks — especially on warm days.
During events or busy weekends, you might also find seasonal food trucks nearby along Wilshire Blvd, and there are several cafes and restaurants within a short walk (including vegan and kid-friendly options).
Any top tips when visiting?
• Arrive early for easier parking and fewer crowds
• Don’t miss the Fossil Lab — it’s a big hit with kids
• Bring sunscreen and a hat — the outdoor areas are sunny
• The gift shop gets busy midday, so stop in before lunch
• Pair with a visit to LACMA or the Petersen Auto Museum nearby
Does La Brea Tar Pits and Museum have a gift shop?
Absolutely — and it’s a favorite for kids. Inside you’ll find fossil dig kits, plush mammoths, science toys, tar pit-themed souvenirs, and educational books. It’s one of the best museum gift shops in LA for science-loving kids.
Teachers corner
The museum offers standards-aligned field trips focused on earth science, paleontology, and environmental change. Options include guided tours, lab visits, and digital teaching tools for classrooms and homeschoolers.
Do they have baby facilities?
Yes — there are baby-changing stations in all restrooms, wide stroller-friendly walkways, and plenty of seating areas for nursing or feeding. Staff are helpful and welcoming to families with infants.
Does La Brea Tar Pits and Museum have healthy eating or Vegan options?
The café includes vegetarian and some vegan choices like wraps, salads, and fruit snacks. You’re welcome to bring your own food — great if your kids have specific dietary needs. There are plenty of nearby options too, including cafes along Fairfax and 6th Street offering plant-based menus.
Is La Brea Tar Pits and Museum fully accessible?
Yes. The museum and outdoor park are both wheelchair and stroller accessible. Paths are wide and smooth, and there are ramps throughout. The museum offers sensory-friendly tools and quiet zones, and staff are trained to assist families with special needs.
Any additonal information?
• Be sure to check the museum’s event calendar — they often host family fossil days, free admission nights, and special science weekends
• The museum is also included in many Go Los Angeles and LA CityPASS bundles, which can save money if you’re visiting multiple attractions
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