Four Thumbs Up for the California Science Center

The California Science Center is free. Just southwest of downtown Los Angeles at Exposition park, they'll charge you $10 to park, but it was worth the 35 mile trip from our house to watch Alex check-out the many interactive exhibits. Across from the Imax, the Coliseum and another half-dozen of other unique museums, the CSA will soon be home to the retired Space Shuttle Endeavor.

The museum explores ecosysstems, the tiny cells of human biology, space, transportation and structures. Older kids and adults can ride a high-wire bicycle three stories in the air. Designed for ages 6 months to 14 years old, the top floor features a hands-on space where kids can build their own house, go fishing with magnets, tinker and line-up dominos. Serene had fun chasing her brother through the exhibits and Alex thanked me for taking him to such a cool place, so it gets four thumbs up from the kids.

At Santa Susana Depot the Past Meets Present

The Santa Susana Depot in Simi Valley, California is the perfect stop for train aficionados of all ages. The quaint, little museum offers a glimpse into train stations of the last century back when the telegraph alerted engineers of the next trains entering the station. The museum also features a miniature train set built by hobbyists who can tell you the history of California through trains. Be sure to stay to watch as today's modern trains speed by just a few feet from the station's platform at more than 100 mph.

Lightening McQueen Lights Up Hollywood

El Capitan Theater in the heart of Hollywood opened in 1926. The elegant architecture is restored and maintained by the Disney Company and features kids shows with special productions. For Cars2, they turned the back lot into Radiator Springs. Lightening McQueen, Finn McMissile and Mater were on the red carpet for the the kiddopapparazzi & their parents. Children could race cars on their own race course, build Lego cars and test their speed on ramps, jump on trampolines, slide down the giant slide and climb a mountain of tires.

I left my heart in San Francisco

Haight Ashbury is a strange place to take kids in San Francisco, but if you are looking for comic books stores and Japanese toys, its got a few off-beat shops working hard to defy the trends. China Town features all the delights that China can offer from sharkfin soup to knock-off toys and cheap jade and silk. Alex and Serene actually gave up after a few hours of playing tourists and went back to the hotel to swim. For the little ones, save these trips until their older. And, buyer beware...the shopkeepers are experts and getting even the little kids to buy their goods. Alex walked down one street and bought something at every shop! Its a good thing, the aunties, uncles and cousins were along to help.

Riding the Rails....

Roaring Camp outside of Santa Cruz, California offers two chances to catch trains in Northern California. The 90 minute steam train travels through narrow gauges into the Redwoods, while a Diesel takes 3 hours to make a roundtrip to the beach at Santa Cruz.

Curiosity @ CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point

Coyote Point is located just south of San Francisco in San Mateo, CA directly on the Bay. The beautiful eucalyptus trees line the park and provide stunning views great for walking, running & biking for big kids and little kids. Bring a picnic and hangout by the giant play area featuring a three story viewing point offering one of the best view of the Bay. Alex and Serene hooked up with cousins at the CuriOdyssey Museum also located on the small peninsula. This science museum and small zoo is perfect for little children. On the science side, children can test gears, turn wheels, touch fog machines, make soft sponges float high in the sky over lightly blowing machines and watch bees make honey. On the zoo side, there are Golden Eagles, bobcats, vultures, frogs, slugs and lots of other critters. All the animals are rescued and deemed not able to return to the wild.

The best trip is to the pool