With the 2026-27 school year underway, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is welcoming students and educators back with a variety of educational programs offered both at the museum and in classrooms throughout the region.
The Natural History Museum in Exposition Park offers school groups opportunities to explore science, history and the natural world through tours, live-animal presentations, Dinosaur Encounter puppet performances, lectures, film screenings and other educational activities.
Museum officials expect tens of thousands of students to visit during the coming school year. Last year, approximately 120,000 students participated in school group visits to the Natural History Museum and La Brea Tar Pits.
School group admission is offered at no cost to accredited California Pre-K through 12th-grade schools, as well as qualifying educational organizations. The museum is also taking its programs directly to students through its Mobile Museums. More than 16,000 students participated in the traveling programs last year.
Three Mobile Museum experiences are designed for different grade levels. Students in kindergarten through second grade can explore a program centered on the La Brea Tar Pits, while students in grades three through five are introduced to archaeology. Students in grades six through 12 can participate in an ocean-focused program.
Educational programming connected with the La Brea Tar Pits will also continue while the on-site museum in Hancock Park is temporarily closed for renovations. Excavation work will remain visible to the public, and special behind-the-scenes tours will be offered. La Brea Tar Pits scientists are also expanding classroom visits with presentations and activities based on the site’s Ice Age research. The Natural History Museum offers additional resources and programs for teachers throughout the year.
One of Los Angeles County’s oldest cultural institutions, the Natural History Museum maintains collections ranging from ancient meteorites to newly discovered species. Permanent attractions include Dinosaur Hall, Age of Mammals, the Nature Gardens and Nature Lab, Becoming Los Angeles, the Gem and Mineral Hall, Discovery Center and Dino Lab.
The museum also recently opened NHM Commons, a community-focused addition exploring connections among science, nature and culture.
Museum Information
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The museum is closed the first Tuesday of each month, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
General Admission: $18 adults; $14 seniors and students; $7 children. Museum members receive free admission.
More information about school and educational programs is available at NHM.org.
