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The La Habra Children’s Museum, situated in the historic 1923 Union Pacific Train Depot, is a hands-on, interactive museum designed for children aged preschool through fourth grade. Spanning 10,000 square feet, the museum features seven galleries with 14 unique hands-on exhibits, an outdoor dinosaur garden, and a historic 1942 caboose. Play, Learn, and Explore: Why the Children’s Museum at La Habra is a Must-Visit!
Features and Exhibits at the Museum
Inside, you will find galleries filled with hands-on exhibits that will entertain your kids for hours. The interactive exhibits include a STEAM Lab, a Model Train Village, a Nature Walk featuring touchable taxidermy animals, a Mini Market, a Green & Clean Energy Station, a Soft Tot Spot for toddlers, and a Family Art Center for creative projects.
Unique Attractions: Kids can ride a kid-sized carousel, walk in dinosaur footprints, pet taxidermy animals (such as a lion, bear, or raccoon), pump gas, drive a bus, or dig for fossils. Exhibits change three to four times a year to keep experiences fresh.
Model Train Village: One of the museum’s key exhibits, the Model Train Village, pays homage to the depot’s rail history. It features a detailed miniature train setup with locomotives, tracks, and scenery, engaging children in the history of rail travel while encouraging imaginative play.
Caboose Exhibit: The 1942 Union Pacific caboose, parked outside the depot, is a highlight for visitors. Kids can climb aboard, explore its interior, and learn about its role in freight trains, offering a tangible connection to the depot’s past.
History of the La Habra Union Pacific Depot
The Children’s Museum at La Habra, located at 301 South Euclid Street, La Habra, CA 90631, is housed in the historic Union Pacific Train Depot, a significant landmark with a rich history.
Construction and Original Use: Built in 1923, the depot was a key stop for the Union Pacific Railroad, serving La Habra’s agricultural community, particularly for shipping citrus, avocados, and other produce. Preservation: By the 1970s, the depot faced potential demolition as rail services waned. Community efforts led to its preservation, and in 1977, it was repurposed as the Children’s Museum at La Habra, becoming one of the first children’s museums on the West Coast.
La Habra Children’s Museum Birthday Party
The museum offers a birthday party room that can accommodate up to 40 guests. To book a party, please schedule it at least two weeks in advance. Guided tours, which last 90 minutes, are available for elementary classes, preschools, day camps, church groups, and special needs groups. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more children aged three years and older.
La Habra Children’s Museum Hours & Admission
The La Habra Children’s Museum is a fun place to take kids seven and under. Admission is affordable, current pricing $12 per person, and there is plenty to do for an enjoyable afternoon outing with your children. Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. Friday: 10 AM–4 PM (9 AM early entry for members) Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM. Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM. Visit the museum website for details.
Getting There
La Habra Children’s Museum 301 South Euclid Street La Habra, California. Located near La Habra Blvd and Lambert Rd, the museum is easily accessible, with parking available. It’s a walk-in-friendly venue with a casual dress code. Dogs are not allowed. No food is sold on-site; however, picnic tables are available for those who wish to bring their packed lunches. There is plenty of free parking.
Nearby Points of Interest
Laguna Lake, Fullerton
Laguna Lake Park, a unique haven nestled in the heart of Fullerton, offers a distinct escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Here, you can immerse yourself in various activities, such as fishing, picnicking, and hiking. The 7-acre lake, embraced by majestic, mature trees, casts a generous shade and a serene atmosphere.
Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
The Fullerton Arboretum is a 26-acre botanical garden located on the northeast corner of the California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) campus at 1900 Associated Rd, Fullerton, California. It’s the largest botanical garden in Orange County, boasting over 4,000 plant species from around the world.