Griffith Observatory ?'s

[damiel]

What can we expect? How long should we plan for? Is it worth a trip? We have a very bright 11 DS that enjoyed Kennedy Space Center in Orlando. Is the observatory kid friendly? The web site really doesn't give much information. Thanks!

 

[fairycat]

I haven't been since the remodel. But it sits on a hill and has a stunning view. Inside is displays, models and a full show. The place is designed for the whole family and I think every Los Angeles area kid has done a field trip there at some point hehe!!

I think its a great place to visit and I would love to go back soon and see it.

 

[StephDale]

When I first moved to LA it was open and stunning. Then they closed it for a few years and I moved away before it opened again. Major bummer!

If you want to go see it, I would recommend renting the old movie Rebel Without A Cause. They shot a lot of scenes at the Observatory, so it was cool for me to watch that movie and then go and see that it looks exactly the same!

 

[starrzone]

I was there last Sunday, and I thought it was amazing! I think your son would really like it there, expecially if he enjoyed Kennedy Space Centre (he sounds like me at that age!). There is lots to read about the solar system, and I believe there is also a film (we just walked around outside). The best part is, most of the things are free of charge. Enjoy!

p.s.- If you are taking your own vehicle and it's a nice day, park a bit down the road and not in the main parking lot at the top of the hill. You'll enjoy a nice walk with great views and you won't have to worry about a crowded parking lot!

Here are a couple of pics from my visit...sorry about the size, but Photobucket is being a real pain right now and closes my browser whenever I try to resize pics.

 

[damiel]

You can see the Holywood sign? Wow - that makes it even better.
So can you see planets and other neat stuff or do you just watch movies and and read signs. Is it hands on? Their web site is awful.
Thanks

 

[TikiIslander]

Griffith Observatory is great! The planetarium show is really cool, but they have two different versions shown during the day. One is for general audiences, but the other show could be scary/disorienting for younger kids. On the website it says that kids under 5 will not be admitted to this show.

Aside from the show, there are amazing views of LA (Hollywood sign included ) and the curators are fairly knowledgeable (and really into what they do). There are a few hands on/interactive exhibits from what I remember- I'm sure your family will have a great time exploring!

 

[tink too]

starrzone - thanks for sharing your pics - they are great!

Thanks for all the information, too - this is something else I'd like to fit into our itinerary for our May visit.