It took us one hour to drive to the Autry Museum in LA -- officially named the Autry National Center which houses the Museum of the American West. I had heard good things, but wasn't prepared for how much I loved it!
Directions to The Autry in Los Angeles: It's directly across the street from the LA Zoo -- off Zoo Drive in Griffith Park. We took the 405 to the 110 to the 5 North. But you could take the 5 straight up from Orange County. See the Museum's map for directions.
Highlights:
- Check the Family section on the website for special family activities
- The Visitor Guide you get after paying your admission has a map with a horseshoe marking "Family Activities"
- We attended during their summer program "Wednesdays are West Days" which is designed for families.
- The Family Discovery Gallery was a highlight, but it was also the last stop of our day. It is basically 3 experiential play rooms that take us back in history to a 1937 home and old Chinatown restaurant and curio shop. It was designed in a hands-on style. This "immersive environment encourages visitors to touch, play, and experience the life of a Chinese American family in the 1930s." Very cool!
- Kids liked panning for gold outside in the Trails West courtyard
- Everything was extremely hands-on! We went to storytime (Boomtown by Sonia Levitin), made a travel journal, packed a covered wagon, sat in the saddle of a horse, panned for gold, played with old-fashioned toys, and touched Native American artifacts.
- Personally, my favorite room was The Saloon with its real saloon and the Law and Order section with Wild Bill Hickok's gun with the date and his name on the strap. Whoa! I made a real connection with history -- knowing the stories and then actually seeing something he actually owned and touched. Amazing!
- I was impressed with the imaginative displays for the Katsina in Hopi Life exhibit. I've never seen a more interactive display blending video screens with photos on a wall - or using a real life table to showcase the kitchen.
- The museum guards were friendly and seemed to enjoy the kids.
- There's an outdoor picnic area if you want to bring your own lunch -- or there's also a Crossroads West Cafe for an on-site dining option.
- Every 2nd Tuesday is FREE
Be Aware:
- Probably best for ages 5 and over.
- If you bring toddlers, they will probably like the Family Discovery Gallery and Trails West outdoor areas - and you just won't spend as long.
- There's the possibility of camps, tours, and field trips which can make parts of the museum feel crowded at times.
- Our whole stay at the museum lasted FIVE hours including lunch -- and I still felt we didn't have enough time. A total surprise because I thought we'd hang in there for ONE hour tops.
Checklist:
- Parking is FREE!
- Restrooms are nice and located both inside and outside the museum
- Adults $10, Kids (3-12) $6 -- but you can get 10% off with AAA card. It was a deal!
Nearby Attractions:
- All the usual Griffith Park attractions are nearby: Travel Town (free), LA Zoo, Merry-Go-Round, the Observatory, Pony Rides and more.
