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two girls at the cayton museum playing in bubbles

daily drop-in

Play Your Way—Every Day!

Included with general admission, our Daily Drop-In Programs invite children and their grown-ups to join us for joyful, guided experiences that bring stories to life, get bodies moving, and spark delightful surprises throughout the day.

Programs are designed with toddlers to early elementary children in mind—but everyone’s welcome to join the fun!

9:30 AM

Members-Only Story Time

Ease into your morning with a quiet, cozy read-aloud, just for members. A perfect start to a day of play!
 

  • Times: Daily at 9:30 AM (Members Only)

  • Format: 10-minute read-aloud session in a quiet, cozy setting

  • Content: Picture books selected to inspire curiosity and connection, perfect for easing into the museum day

10:30 AM
Music & Movement

Stretch, bounce, dance, and wiggle with our Play Guides! Featuring music, instruments, props, and puppets, this energizing session supports motor skills and imagination.
 

  • Times: Daily at 10:30 AM

  • Format: 15-minute interactive movement session

  • Activities: Music, props, puppets, and guided dancing to build coordination, rhythm, and imaginative play

11:30 AM

Pop-Up Surprise!

Anything can happen! A rotating activity designed to delight—could be sensory play, bubble time, a puppet show, or an impromptu dance party.
 

  • Times: Daily at 11:30 AM

  • Format: 10–15 minute rotating program

  • Activities: Surprise activities may include bubbles, puppets, sensory bins, mini dance parties, or staff-led silliness

3:30 PM

Music & Movement

Get the wiggles out before winding down! Afternoon sessions feature the same fun as the morning, with a slightly more relaxed tempo.
 

  • Times: Daily at 3:30 PM

  • Format: 15-minute guided musical movement session

  • Activities: Afternoon reprise of Music & Movement—puppets, props, rhythm, and lots of kid-powered fun!

4:30 PM
Story Time

Unwind at the end of the day with a shared story. Each session features a beautifully illustrated picture book aligned with our monthly theme.
 

  • Times: Daily at 4:30 PM

  • Format: 10-minute read-aloud session open to all visitors

  • Content: Thoughtfully chosen picture books that wrap up the day with imagination, reflection, and connectio

No reservations required—just drop in and join the fun! All programs take place in the Derfner Theater and are led by our talented Play Guides.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the FAQ page HERE

Baby crawling in Cayton exhibit

Become a Member

Being an annual member means priority access, discounts, exclusive events, and supporting our nonprofit organization.

Child enjoying confetti at Cayton

Host an Event with Us!

The Cayton is the perfect event space to host any celebration big or small, for babies to adults.

STAY updated

Cayton Email List

395 Santa Monica Place, #374

Santa Monica, CA 90401

LOCATED ON LEVEL 3

 

Phone: 424-416-8320

Email: info@caytonmuseum.org

EIN: 20-1470992

Museum Hours

GENERAL PUBLIC

Wednesday–Sunday

10AM–5PM

MEMBER EARLY ACCESS

Wednesday-Sunday

9AM-10AM

© 2026 Cayton Children’s Museum. All rights reserved.

Cayton Children’s Museum acknowledges that we are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded land of the Tongva (Gabrieleño) people, who have stewarded this land for generations. We honor their enduring connection to this place and recognize their past, present, and future presence in the Santa Monica region.

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