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Located in Downtown Santa Monica just blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the Cayton Childrens' Museum offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits and immersive play. CMS Core Values Everyone Belongs Here Every child and family is welcome here—across cultures, languages, and abilities—treated with dignity, care, and respect. Play Brings Us Together Play helps children connect, cooperate, and understand one another, building relationships grounded in care and empathy. Discovering What’s Right Play gives children the space to explore right and wrong, shaping honesty, courage, and respect in how they act and relate to others. Caring For The Community We foster fairness and shared responsibility, helping children see that their actions matter beyond themselves. Exploring What’s Possible Children are invited to ask questions, imagine possibilities, and think for themselves as they make sense of the world around them. Understanding Ourselves We support emotional understanding, balance, and moments of rest & renewal that help children build resilience over time. Respecting Nature We encourage children to care for nature, understand shared responsibility, and recognize how today’s choices shape tomorrow. Learning Together Children learn best when trusted adults explore alongside them—sharing curiosity, asking questions, and discovering together. Our Vision for 2026 Hands-On Exhibits We aim to create immersive, hands-on exhibits that invite children and families to explore ideas through play, curiosity, and open-ended discovery, supporting joyful and self-directed learning. LEARN MORE Interactive Programs We intend to design interactive programs that bring children together through guided play, creative expression, and shared experiences, helping them practice communication, collaboration, and emotional growth. LEARN MORE Community Connections We aspire to foster community connections that extend play beyond the museum, strengthening relationships among families and linking shared experiences to the broader civic and cultural life around us. LEARN MORE Our History LEARN MORE A Legacy Built Through Play The Cayton’s story spans decades of imagination, learning, and community—from its early beginnings to the Zimmer Children’s Museum, and today’s Cayton. Each chapter reflects a deep belief in the power of play to shape kinder, more connected generations.

Explore exhibits and your creativity. Cayton members have priority access and expedited check-in during museum operation hours. ADMISSION ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP GENERAL ADMISSION FAQ ANNUAL MEMBERS GENERAL ADMISSION General Admission Annual Membership General admission: Free for members and children under the age of 1 Daily entry from 9AM-4PM $18 walk-in / $16 online Twilight entry after 4PM $12 walk-in / $10 online Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may experience a wait during peak hours. Capacity limited daily. Members have priority walk-in entry. Being a member at the Cayton means you get to play at the museum as many times as you like without paying admission. LEARN MORE BOOK TICKETS General Hours Wednesday–Sunday 9AM-5PM FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE

The Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits, from a real-life helicopter to a miniature marketplace to immersive augmented reality —and so much more. Add on art studios, a state-of-the-art theatre, and adaptable community spaces: you and your child can experience the Cayton differently every time. EXPLORE OUR SPACE LAUNCH YOUR LET'S HELP REACH FOR REFLECT ON TOGETHER WE COMMUNITY SPACES FAQ It's Time To Play The Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of discovery-based exhibits, from a real-life helicopter to a miniature marketplace to immersive augmented reality —and so much more. Add on art studios, a state-of-the-art theatre, and adaptable community spaces: you and your child can experience the Cayton differently every time. Exhibit Wings Launch Your Let’s Help Reach For Reflect On Together We LAUNCH YOUR Launch Your Launch Your is a special space for our youngest visitors (ages 0-2)—who are just beginning to explore and discover newfound skills and strengths. A moving mobile of colors and shapes brings the ceiling to life as little ones slide, crawl, and make new friends. Crawl, Climb & Grow Our littlest guests stretch their minds and bodies as they climb over hills and valleys, make faces in the mirror, and meet new friends! This special enclosed section gives babies and toddlers a safe, engaging space to practice crawling, walking, and getting to know their community. Skyscape Generously donated by Erwin Rautenberg Foundation Skyscape engages our youngest visitors and all of us who gaze upwards. With gently moving mobiles and a flock of artistic flying shapes, Skyscape combines color, movement, air, and whimsy to stimulate our senses and engage our minds. LET' HELP Let's Help Generously donated by Dr. Gabriel Chiu & Christine Chiu Let’s Help teaches children the many ways they can serve and support their community as active citizens who help one another, respond, rescue, and play. Jump into Community Generously donated by the Danhakl Family Foundation How do we measure up to our best selves? Jump into Community! Watch as a slow-motion video replays each jump attempt and records how much height visitors gain as they leap. Each time visitors return, they can challenge themselves to jump even higher and exceed their goal, gaining confidence and perseverance every time. Fire Station Fire stations are pillars in every community. They are home to our unsung heroes, who are brave enough to put themselves on the line every day for the safety of local citizens. At our own Cayton Fire Station, our visitors imagine themselves as real-life heroes in our communities. With an accompanying closet of bunker gear and fire hats, aspiring firefighters can play the part with pride as they practice responsibility through rescue. To the Rescue! Generously donated by DiPaola Family Foundation Made from a recycled Coast Guard rescue boat, To the Rescue! floats in a ball-pit sea where young visitors imagine their roles as first responders. To the Rescue! prompts ideas of selflessness, community responsibility, and compassion for all those in need of help, as visitors work together with life-savers, vests, and ropes to jump to safety. Help-a-Copter Generously donated by The Birkhofer Family, The Freed Family, and Richard and Suzanne Norton. This exhibit is more than a helicopter. Our Help-a-copter, powered by friends, is covered in chrome and shines its message of rescue throughout Let’s Help. When entering the Help-a-copter cockpit, visitors heed a call to action as first responders flying to rescue, fueled by the power of imagination. Our Animal Hospital In Collaboration with the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Treating animals, fixing what is broken, and caring for animals in need: Our Animal Hospital provides accessible and imaginative ways to practice caretaking and healing. Children and youth can become veterinarians-- and the animals in need of care!-- at Our Animal Hospital. Costumes line the walls, and with an examination table, instruments, and more, the creative play possibilities are infinite. Community Market In Collaboration with the Westside Food Bank The Community Market is a discovery-based space for our visitors to play, shop, and serve. Complete with a working scanner and register, the Market gives little visitors the opportunity to take turns playing the part of shopper, stocker, and cashier, helping them to understand what it means to serve in a community. Surfside Café Generously donated by The Kallick Family The Surfside Café serves as an homage to the modern food truck culture renaissance pioneered in Los Angeles in 2008. It offers a reimagined food experience that explores diverse cuisine and expands visitors food play beyond the Café and nearby Market. REACH FOR Reach For In Reach For, children discover their individual ability to achieve. These exhibits inspire children to test new heights and strive further with each visit. Reach For is our platform for visitors to see the world through new perspectives. Courage Climber Suspended from the ceiling in a canopy of colorful ropes, the Courage Climber gives children opportunities to experience many different vantage points and perspectives. Climbers can safely reach different levels of the exhibit per their ability and work their way up to greater heights over time. Sinking circles, rocky valleys, flexible tunnels, and lookout perches join together in this exhibit of challenges and discoveries. REFLCT ON Reflect On Through introspection, reflection, and connection, children learn to listen and observe the world around them. Reflect On provides the opportunity for our visitors to interact with each other gently, and practice being calm, quiet, and introspective. This area can be a great space for sensory sensitive visitors who need a break. In Tune With Nature This room uses immersive technology to recreate lively nature scenes to nurture our appreciation for the stillness and beauty of the environment. When you enter the space full of energy, movement and sound, butterflies scatter and leave the walls--but when you are quiet, still, and calm, the butterflies return, encouraging us to slow down, notice, look, and reflect. Hello Booth Generously donated by The Braun Family Inspired by the Telephone of the Wind in Japan, this is a very special and profound exhibit at the Cayton. A small, telephone booth-like space, the Hello Booth is filled with traditional, corded telephones. Calls can reach anywhere you desire because they’re activated by the most powerful and effective network in the world: your imagination. Ripple Effect Generously donated by The Perlstein Family With touch, Ripple Effect shows the patterns of currents and flow. As the exhibit spins, so too do the suspended particles. The rotation produces patterns that resemble the currents of the ocean, the spirals of our galaxy, and the wonder of infinity. Calming, patterned, and quiet, the experience focuses us on thought, imagination, and observation. Wishing Wall Generously donated by Larry & Stacey Kohl A profoundly moving exhibit in the museum, our Wishing Wall is created with inspiration from many cultures, sacred spaces, sites, and memorials throughout the world. Here, open-ended prompts invite children and adults to draw and write their own wishes, ideas, and thoughts, in any language or format. This wall prompts reflection, response, and questioning, evolving every day as it fills with the hopes and dreams of our visitors. Glow With Us Always glowing dimly, Glow with Us shines brighter with each hand that touches it. As little visitors add their hands to the wall, a symphony of sound, light, and vibration creates a full sensory experience that represents the way our inner light is magnified when we connect with others. Infinite Reflection Generously donated by The Held Foundation Here, a child’s reflection is represented infinitely, highlighting each person’s ability to make a difference simply with their existence. There are ripple effects to what one says, how one acts, and how one shows up in all parts of life; this space helps young people visualize the extraordinary impact of their presence. TOGETHER WE Together We Teamwork is at the heart of Together We, where exhibits are designed to encourage collaborative play, communication, and discovery to explore what is possible when we work together. Together We is a collection of exhibit experiences that you can do on your own, but the experience is amplified when done together with others. Together We is a space that reminds us that we need each other and celebrates the magic that happens when we come together. All Systems Go! Generously donated by Simms/Mann Family Foundation This interactive Rube Goldberg-inspired ball machine engages children and adults of all ages, sizes, and abilities in a constantly moving process. Balls move upward with solo play, but visitors find the activity exponentially more complex and fun when working together as in a group. Teamwork Table Build, collaborate, and construct using magnetic tiles, building blocks, and so much more on this imaginatively shaped fidget table. Masterpiece Makers Generously donated by The Younes & Soraya Nazarian Family Foundation A larger-than-life two-sided art and technology experience engages visitors instantly at Masterpiece Makers. On one side, every move you make triggers sweeping bursts of colorful light, and on the other, interchangeable magnets can be shaped and stacked in infinitely different ways to create a new network of patterns every time. Wisdom Wall As Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” The Wisdom Wall is where we aim to inspire by sharing the wisdom of great thinkers, artists, and leaders. This exhibit uses real train-station split-flap technology to share thousands of quotes every day, providing an ever-changing treasure trove of inspiration. Together We Celebrate Together We Celebrate is an enclosed, clear booth ready to be filled with celebration. Press the magic button and watch the confetti and colored fabric swirl all around the air. This experience illustrates how even the smallest actions can illuminate our surroundings and inspire joy in one another. Bubbles, Bubbles, Bubbles Generously donated by Sydney D. Holland Foundation This exhibit allows visitors to create larger-than-life, iridescent bubbles. Little ones can work together to raise the bubble bar and blow through the shimmery layer to produce mesmerizing shapes that float throughout the museum space! The exhibit is currently being repaired, and will be back on the floor soon. Leave Your Footprint Generously donated by Jennifer & Curtis Cohen Leave Your Mark features a ceiling projection that gives our visitors the opportunity to leave footprints for others to follow. Engaging virtual landscapes make visitors dance and chase the shifting patterns, leaping and turning as the environment responds to their movements. COMMUNITY SPACES Community Spaces Community spaces are just that: for the whole community. These spaces bring together people from all walks of life into a welcoming and accessible space, transforming for a wide range of events. S. Mark Taper Foundation Brilliant Blue Room Generously donated by S. Mark Taper Foundation The S. Mark Taper Brilliant Blue Room seamlessly blends into the Cayton play space, combining creative aesthetic and functionality. It provides an adaptable space for after-school programs, art workshops, museum programming, and an endless variety of events tailored just for you. To book this space for your next celebration, click here . Generosity Garden Words cannot fully express our gratitude to all the donors who contributed to making the Cayton Children’s Museum possible. “Blades of Grass” adorned with the names of our donors of $25,000 and above run the length of our Lobby’s south wall, creating a garden of gratitude to our community of dreamers and supporters. Nursing Nook At the Cayton, we strive to create spaces that support, welcome, and encourage a family experience. The Lounge is where families rest and recharge in between play. Tucked just behind The Lounge is the Nursery Nook— our designated breastfeeding room for visitors who prefer some privacy while feeding their babies. The Derfner Theater Generously donated by The Derfner Foundation Imagination leads the way in the Derfner Theater, the Cayton’s central place of gathering. Our carpeted Theater features Big Green Blocks generously donated by Bright Day, and transforms for story times, music and dance, and so much more. The Theater offers state-of-the-art media capacity and an adaptable environment for a wide range of events, providing an ideal space for product launches, fundraisers, and more elaborate celebrations. To book this space for your next event, click here . Museum Store Highly curated and thoughtfully imagined, the Cayton’s Museum Store is a reflection of all of the values and principles that live within the museum’s exhibits and programs. Costumes give children an opportunity to put themselves in the shoes of a first responder, veterinarian, or superhero in their own homes. Book titles by local authors educate visitors on universal values, injustice, and social responsibility. Exhibit-inspired toys like fire trucks and helicopters let them practice what they learn in the museum beyond our walls. From puzzles to plush animals, every item sold in our store has been brought here with intention and purpose. And, as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, every dollar spent in the store goes back into the museum to underwrite free admission for L.A. County residents. Kevin & Chelsea Washington Art Studio Generously donated by Kevin & Chelsea Washington The Kevin & Chelsea Washington Art Studio is our pivotal center for creativity. From our daily free art studio programs to compelling classes, the Art Studio invites visitors to explore, create, imagine, and play. Pick up a paintbrush, mold some clay, or gather materials to build a collage--anything is possible here. Art Studio II In Art Studio II, visitors don’t just make masterpieces--they become them. This studio is primarily used for our littlest creators at Art Crawls, where they put on paintable onesies or diapers and are free to paint the floors, walls, and whatever else they please. Masterful spills, globs, fingerprints, footprints and more fill the room with energy, joy, giggles, and inspiration. The Grand Exit Generously donated by Rayni & Branden Williams Strike a pose in front of the massive mural, snap a photo and capture your memory in the most photogenic space of the museum. The Grand Exit is the place for a final gathering of groups, families, and events before leaving the museum, so our guests can say one final goodbye--until next time! FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE

The Cayton Children’s Museum is a nonprofit organization that is committed to making play available for all. Visit us today! plan your visit HOURS AND ADMISSION GROUP TRIPS EXPLORE OUR SPACE CAYTON EXPECTATIONS GETTING HERE ACCESSIBILITY FAQ HOURS & ADMISSION Hours and Admission Museum Hours Wednesday–Sunday 9AM-5PM General Admission General admission: Free for members and children under the age of 1 Daily entry from 9AM-4PM $18 walk-in / $16 online Twilight entry after 4PM $12 walk-in / $10 online Advance reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may experience a wait during peak hours. Capacity limited daily. Members have priority walk-in entry. BOOK TICKETS Closed on the following holidays in 2026: Nov 26 (Thanksgiving) Dec 25 (Christmas) Annual Members Annual membership starts at $150 for an adult and a child. Members are free to come anytime during museum operating hours and receive priority entry and expedited check-in. We encourage visitors who enjoy the museum with frequency to explore their options for purchasing a membership. As a member, you won’t just save while you play all year long—you will also have access to a bunch of other cool perks! BECOME A MEMBER Special Museum Open Days in 2026: Jan 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day) Feb 16 (Presidents Day) May 25 (Memorial Day) Jun 19 (Juneteenth) Jul 3 (July 4th Observed) Oct 12 (Indigenous People's Day) Nov 27 (Day after Thanksgiving) *Subject to change PLAY4ALL Pass Holders For those families experiencing financial hardship, the Cayton offers a year-long PLAY4ALL membership for $27.50. Households receiving Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), CalWorks (TANF), or CalFresh (Food Stamps) are eligible. For visitors who qualify, passes can be activated by presenting proof of eligibility at the museum check-in desk upon first visit. LEARN MORE Peak Hours Peak hours vary and may occur on weekends, holidays, and rainy days. GROUP TRIPS Group Trips Are you ready to bring the whole play crew to the Cayton? Whether you are a large family or an awesome youth group—we are the ideal space for kids ages 0–8. With our discovery-based exhibits and experiences, your group will be immersed in creativity and exploration. Join us at the Cayton and play your way to a better world! LEARN MORE Explore Our Space Explore Our Space Ready to see the Power of Play? The Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of hands-on, discovery-based exhibits—from a real-life helicopter to a miniature marketplace—designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection. With art studios, a welcoming theater space, and adaptable community areas, families can explore, learn, and play together in new ways every time they visit. EXPLORE OUR SPACE VISITOR AGREEMENTS Cayton Community Expectations The Cayton Children’s Museum is a special shared space for families. To ensure that everyone is safe, comfortable and able to play, we ask that our visitors follow a few basic rules. Arrival Drop-offs are not allowed. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (and all adults must be accompanied by children) while visiting the museum. To ensure that all our guests have a great experience, the Cayton requires at least one (1) chaperone for every five (5) children. Children must always be supervised by their adults. Some exhibits have age restrictions, please be mindful of signage throughout the museum. Please be aware of our current health protocols . Please follow directions from the Cayton Play Guides and staff Cayton Children's Museum is a safe space for children. No knives, firearms, or weapon-like objects of any kind are permitted on the museum's premises. Please store any of these objects off-premises prior to entering the reception area. When Inside Disruptive, disrespectful and/or abusive behavior may result in immediate removal from the museum without refund and may be grounds for revoking membership. We encourage walking instead of running. Each exhibit may have signage reflecting special conduct (i.e., no shoes, age restrictions, etc.). If you have any questions about these restrictions, please inquire with one of our team members. Strollers are not allowed in the museum. We do provide a stroller parking zone for guests, underwritten by Babyletto . Please do not leave your valuables in the stroller. Please be mindful of your belongings. The Cayton Children’s Museum is not responsible for any lost or missing items. Please be mindful of other visitors in the space when taking photos of your family. Visitors may be filmed, recorded or photographed by the Cayton Children’s Museum for educational and promotional uses. Please inform the front desk staff if you would prefer not to be photographed. You may review our privacy policy here . Our staff is here to help while you and your family are in our venue. Please respect them. We won't tolerate any yelling, intimidation, threats, swearing, or any other inappropriate behavior. Anyone who is aggressive toward staff or other guests will be asked to leave. For the health and safety of all our visitors, smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the museum. This includes e-cigarettes and vaping. When Leaving Please remember to collect all your belongings. The Cayton Children’s Museum is not responsible for items left behind. Any “Lost & Found” items should be turned in to Guest Services. We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions, comments and suggestions you might have after your visit. You can do this in person, over the phone or via email at info@caytonmuseum.org . We may send you a follow-up survey to ask about your visit. Most importantly, we hope you enjoyed your visit! GETTING HERE Getting Here Where is the Cayton? You can find the Cayton Children’s Museum in Downtown Santa Monica. We are located on the 3rd level of Santa Monica Place off of 4th Street & Broadway. 395 Santa Monica Place, #374 Santa Monica, CA, 90401 Call 424-416-8320 Email info@caytonmuseum.org Take the Metro Take the Metro Expo Line and exit at Downtown Santa Monica, which is the last stop on the line. You’ll end up on Colorado and 4th. You can find Santa Monica Place on the opposite corner. For more information about going Metro, click here . Parking Parking is available in Structures 7 and 8, owned and operated by the City of Santa Monica, which are immediately adjacent to Santa Monica Place. The first 90 minutes are free, with a fee after that. Please note, we do not validate. To see a map showing S7 and S8, click here . Easy access and Disability parking are available in parking structure 8 off of Colorado Ave, on Level 5, as well as parking structure 7 off of Broadway on Level 4. Elevators are available close to the Mall entrance on all levels in the parking lots. Driving Directions From I-10 W: Take exit 1A for 4th Street. Turn right onto 4th and left onto Colorado. Santa Monica Place will be on your right. ACCESSIBILITY Accessibility The Cayton Children’s Museum meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Here, accessibility means more than compliance with federal law. We are committed to making our Museum a rich and rewarding experience for all individuals. Wheelchair Access The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, including all bathrooms and water fountains. Handicapped-accessible parking is available in the Santa Monica Place parking garage. Santa Monica Place also offers complimentary wheelchair loans upon request. To arrange, please call security at 310-260-8399 . Restrooms And Changing Tables Family restrooms are located near the ballpit or to your left of the security checkpoint. Additional restrooms are located in the back of the museum near the art studio. Changing tables are located in the wheelchair-accessible stalls in each restroom. Health regulations require that all diaper changing be done in restrooms. Service Animals The Cayton Children’s Museum welcomes service animals. Under federal law, service animals are dogs trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of people with physical or mental disabilities. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the handler’s disability. Additionally, service animals must remain under their handler’s control at all times while inside the museum. Dogs or any other type of animal or pet whose sole function is to provide comfort, companionship or emotional support — such as a support animal — do NOT qualify as service animals under federal law and are not permitted in the Museum. Nursing Areas Mothers are welcome to nurse children wherever they feel comfortable at the Cayton. However, there are two designated areas in the Lounge that provide more privacy, if preferred. Cayton Children’s Museum Staff Cayton Children’s Museum staff receives ongoing professional development to offer visitors with disabilities and their families enhanced support. Please ask a Cayton staff member for assistance. We Want To Hear From You The Cayton is eager to hear about new ways to serve the children in our community, and we welcome your feedback, suggestions, questions or concerns. Please share your thoughts with us at info@caytonmuseum.org . Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE FAQ

At the Cayton, we specialize in offering fun and age-appropriate activities designed specifically for your youngest students. infant-toddler (0-2 years) PERFORMING ARTS VISUAL ARTS LITERACY SCIENCE MATH SOCIAL SCIENCE FINE PRINT FAQ At the Cayton, we specialize in offering fun and age-appropriate activities designed specifically for your youngest students. We wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate infants and toddlers through engaging programs. For our youngest field trip visitors, we kindly request a 3:1 ratio, with a maximum of 20 students, ensuring a safe and immersive experience for these budding explorers. Field Trip Reservations for 2026 are now open. REGISTER PEFORMING GARTS PERFORMING ARTS Dance, Baby, Dance Craft Musical Memories! Infants and toddlers will enjoy a heartwarming storytime featuring Babies Around the World Dancing by Tamara Barker and Violet Lamay, exploring the joy of dance across cultures. Following the story, little ones will decorate their personal noise makers in a supported open art activity, igniting their creativity and rhythmic spirit. California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Interactions with Adults, Interactions with Peers, Recognition of Ability, Identity of Self in Relation to Others, Expression of emotion, social understanding; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, Interest in print; Cognitive Development: Cause and Effect, Imitation, Attention Maintenance; Physical Development: Perceptual, Gross Motor, Fine Motor VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS Color Mixing Magic Experience the wonder of colors! Children will delight in the timeless tale of Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh. After the story, they'll have the chance to unleash their creativity by mixing colors using our sensory, magical dough. It's a hands-on adventure in the art of color blending! California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Interactions with Adults, Interactions with Peers, Recognition of Ability, Impulse Control; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, interest in print; Cognitive Development: Cause and Effect, Imitation, Classification, Attention Maintenance, Personal Care Routines Literacy LITERACY Little Feelings, Monster Feelings Join us as children explore their emotions through the beloved book The Color Monster by Anna Llenas. Afterward, they'll collaborate to craft a vibrant emotion quilt, inspired by Rothko's art, learning how to express their feelings through colors in a creative and heartwarming project. California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Identity of Self in Relation to Others, Expression of Emotion, Emotion Regulation, Impulse Control, Social Understanding; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, Interest in print; Cognitive Development: Attention Maintenance; Physical Development: Perceptual, Gross Motor, Fine Motor SCIENCE SCIENCE Paper Party Embark on a windy adventure inspired by Carol Thompson's book, Wind (Whatever the Weather) . Children will dive into the enchanting world of wind and weather through a captivating story and an open-ended exploration of paper and wind, by using fans to bring their imaginative paper creations to life. California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Impulse Control, Social Understanding, Relationships with Peers, Recognition of Ability; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, Interest in print; Cognitive Development: Cause and Effect, Spatial Relationships, Problem Solving, Attention Maintenance; Physical Development: Perceptual, Gross Motor Math MATH Get In, Shape In this engaging session, children will be captivated by the delightful story This is a Book of Shapes by Kenneth Kraegel. After the story, they'll team up with an adult to craft sensory bottles, choosing from a variety of shapes and colors, adding a tactile and visually stimulating dimension to their exploration of shapes. California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Interactions with Adults, Emotion Regulation, Impulse Control, Social Understanding; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, Interest in print; Cognitive Development: Cause and Effect, Number Sense, Problem Solving, Spatial relationships, Attention Maintenance; Physical Development: Perceptual, Gross Motor, Fine Motor Social Science SOCIAL SCIENCE Community Counts Discover the cherished tale of Counting on Community by Inosanto Nagara, where young readers embark on a duck-filled adventure on every page. After our story session, children will dive into a creative adventure. They'll express themselves through handprint and heart art, letting their imaginations and emotions flow onto paper in a beautiful display of artistic exploration. California Infant Toddler Learning & Development Foundations S-E Domain: Identity of Self in Relation to Others, Expression of Emotion, Emotion Regulation, Impulse Control, Social Understanding, Relationships with Peers, Recognition of Ability; Language Domain: Communication Skills and knowledge, Interest in print; Cognitive Development: Memory, Cause and Effect, Spatial Relationships, Attention Maintenance, Personal Care Routines; Physical Development: Perceptual, Gross Motor FINE PRINT Fine Print Actual field trip schedules may vary depending on the arrival of groups. Los Angeles traffic is unpredictable! Please allow ample time for your drive to the museum. If you are late, we CANNOT extend your field trip time, and museum playtime may be shortened. Memberships, discounts and promotions do not apply to Field Trips NO REFUNDS will be granted for groups that cancel within two weeks of the scheduled visit NO REFUNDS will be granted for any child or adult chaperone that has prepaid, but does not attend on the day of visit Any excess funds that cannot be refunded will be considered a museum donation FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE

letter from Ce o Dear Cayton Visitors, Members, and Supporters: What a ride these past few years have been! When the Cayton reopened in August 2021 after a 17-month COVID closure, we were committed to demonstrating our role in the healing and recovery of kids and families in the Los Angeles area. We knew that safe, purposeful, community-oriented play was needed more than ever. So, we made the decision to waive admission fees for all LA County residents for at least one year and adopt a pay-as-you-wish model. Despite knowing that this meant giving up much-needed revenue for our nonprofit, we believed this program was worth piloting because of its potential impact on our community. We put the power of play into action! More than 100,000 visitors have benefitted from our pay-as-you-wish admission since the program’s launch. We are so proud of its success. During these challenging times, it has been a joy to see so many enthusiastic families coming back to play at the Cayton. Still, as so many other organizations are finding, the recovery from the pandemic has been slow. Our operating costs have increased dramatically, while philanthropic giving has not. In the absence of significant underwriting from a major donor or corporate sponsor, the Cayton’s pay-as-you-wish admission is just not sustainable. Securing the long-term financial health of the museum needs to be a priority. Therefore, starting November 2, the museum will begin charging admission for all visitors again. Tickets will be $15 per person for children (ages 1+) and adults. Our regular membership pricing is remaining the same, so the value of membership for those who visit the museum more than a few times a year is clearer than ever. We understand that for some the cost of admission is prohibitive. For families facing financial hardship, the Cayton will be introducing the year-long PLAY4ALL Pass . Households receiving Medi-Cal/Medicaid, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), CalWorks (TANF), or CalFresh (Food Stamps) are eligible. For visitors who qualify, passes can be activated by presenting proof of eligibility at the museum check-in desk upon first visit. We know that these are big changes and that these are tough economic times for many. Rest assured that the Cayton remains committed to bridging the play divide for all families—even those who may not qualify for the PLAY4ALL pass—so we are continuing to pursue other ways to increase accessibility for everyone. Stay tuned. We are so grateful to you for sharing your family time with us and for believing in the value of the Cayton Children’s Museum now and long into the future. So much creativity, learning, and possibility is on the horizon. Together, we can play our way to a better world! Warm regards, Jessica Aronoff

Host your next celebration at the Cayton Children’s Museum! Located steps from the Pacific Ocean in vibrant Downtown Santa Monica, the Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of 20+ hands-on exhibits, play space, art studios, theater, a gallery pop-up space and community space—all in the center of retail and hospitality at Santa Monica Place. CELEBRATE AT THE CAYTON ABOUT THE DETAILS BUYOUTS AND FILMING FAQ TERMS & CONDITIONS PARTY RENTALS Party Rentals Host your next celebration at Cayton Children's Museum! Located steps from the Pacific Ocean, the Cayton offers 21,000 square feet of play space with hands-on exhibits, private party rooms, art studios, and a spacious theater—all in the center of retail and hospitality at Santa Monica Place. Exclusive Member Benefit Planning a birthday celebration or special event at Cayton Children's Museum? Members receive 15% off all birthday party and private event bookings. In order to apply your member benefit, please contact us at events@caytonmuseum.org . Ready to host an event? BOOK YOUR PARTY Please read below to learn all you need to know about Birthday Party Room Rentals. While we recommend booking at least two weeks in advance, we may be able to accommodate last-minute requests. Please contact us at events@caytonmuseum.org to check availability. THE DETAILS The Details Every celebration is unique. Choose from a number of add-on services to create the party that’s best for your family! Parties can be booked on Saturdays and Sundays at the following times: 9am - 11am 12pm - 2pm 3pm - 5pm Birthday Parties at The Cayton Birthday Party Room Rental ($1,000) Use of either the Brilliant Blue Room or Orange You Glad Room for 2 hours Museum admission for up to 40 party guests, including your family! Guests can check in 15 minutes prior to the start of your party time Tables and chairs sized for children and adults Ice water and cups Tableware Package – Flatware, napkins, and tablecloths provided in red, fuchsia, orange, teal, light blue, navy, lavender, black, and white (feel free to mix and match!) Cayton Event Facilitator to help throughout your party Catering Packages and Add-Ons Select from our Preferred Vendors and Add-Ons to create a custom package. Note: We do not accept substitutions to the below menus. Curious Palate - $200 1 Tray Chicken Tenders 1 tray Mac & Cheese 1 Fruit Salad, and 1 Platter of 20 sandwiches (Turkey & Cheese, PB&J, or Cheddar Cheese) HomeState Tacos - $200 A selection of HomeState tacos including: Brazos (black beans, Monterey jack) Eggs & cheese (eggs, cheddar) Emo's (black beans, guacamole, cabbage, pickled onions) - vegan optional Chicken (chicken, guacamole, cabbage) Add-Ons Honest Juice (32 juice boxes) - comes with a serving bowl and ice - $25 La Croix (24 cans) – comes with a serving bowl and ice - $15 Serving Bowl + Ice - $5 Cake Serving Supplies (knife, cutting board, cake server, gloves, lighter) - $15 Preferred Vendors Looking for more customization? Reach out to any of our preferred vendors (see list below) to place the order yourself, or we can coordinate for you for an added cost of 20% of the total. If you plan on placing the order yourself, just let us know so we can anticipate your vendor’s arrival on the day of your event. Food The Curious Palate Bagel Nosh Caked By Day Gourmelatas Ice Cream & Coffee McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams LuxeBites Coral Tree Cafe HomeState Catering Hey, Sunshine Nagila Pizza Cookie Good SusieCakes Brentwood Raising Cane's VIEW MENUS Orders placed with outside vendors (not on the lists below) for food delivery, catering services, entertainment providers, bakeries, etc., will incur a $175 outside vendor fee. Outside vendors need to present a Certificate of Insurance to ensure that your guests stay safe on our premises. Entertainment + Decor BalloonLA Henna Shoppe Bubblemania Princess and Me Parties Rainbow Painted Smiles Clara Ribot Photography Creative Faces VIEW VENDORS Party Rooms When you arrive, your room will be set up with three (3) Kid tables, 24 kid-sized chairs, two (2) Adult Tables with 14 adult-sized chairs, two (2) present tables, and one (1) dessert table and any additions you booked. If you’d like to make any changes to the layout, just let us know! Each room comes with admission for 40 guests, with your family included in that total. Each additional guest can enter with an $18 General Admission ticket or their Cayton Museum membership for up to 60 guests. Children under 12 months are included in the count but enter for free. EVENT TERMS & CONDITIONS Buyouts and Filming If you’re interested in reserving a buyout for a private event or film/photo shoot please reach out to events@caytonmuseum.org . Need More Information Thank you for considering the Cayton Children's Museum as a venue for your event! Cayton is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and by booking an event with us, you are directly helping fund our mission of bringing the essential experience of play to all! Not ready to book just yet? No worries! Please fill out this form with your information and we will get back to you as soon as possible! First name* Last name* Phone* Email* Event Type Event Dates/Times: Month Day Year Time : Hours Minutes AM Description of the event: How many guests are you expecting? Are you interested in catering? Yes No Maybe Are you interested in entertainment? Yes No Maybe Would you like to see our preferred vendor menus? (Food and/or Entertainment) Yes - Food Yes - Entertainment Yes - Both Neither Are you interested in adding any activities to your event? Yes No Maybe Do you have any questions for us? Submit Frequently Asked Questions For any questions before you place your order, you can contact us at events@caytonmuseum.org or 424-417-8327. You can also check out the FAQ page HERE

Learn more about Cayton's ticket, reservation, and refund policies. Tickets / Reservations Any and all fees and/or donations paid for museum admission are non-refundable. Tickets are valid for the designated day and time only. Please print your reservation bar code or have your bar code ready on your mobile device when you arrive. Due to our variable admission pricing structure, we may ask to see proof of address/zip code of ticket holders. Capacity is limited. To allow as many guests and families to visit as possible, we ask that guests reserve only tickets they plan to use. Excessive bookings may be subject to cancellation. A limited number of walk-up reservations may be available, but advance reservations are strongly recommended. If you need to reschedule your visit due to illness, please email info@caytonmuseum.org , and we will be happy to rebook you. The Cayton reserves the right to close select exhibits and/or areas of the museum for any reason, without providing refunds or discounts.

Your preschooler will thrill at the age-appropriate, fun projects we offer at the Cayton. Each project begins with a captivating story to set the stage, followed by a process-based art activity designed to enhance their skills in alignment with the California Preschool Foundations. preschool (3-5 years) PEFORMING ARTS VISUAL ARTS SCIENCE FINE PRINT FAQ Your preschoolers will thrill at the age-appropriate, fun projects we offer at the Cayton. Each project begins with a captivating story to set the stage, followed by a process-based art activity designed to enhance their skills in alignment with the California Preschool Foundations. Field Trip Reservations for 2026 are now open. REGISTER PEFORMING GARTS PERFORMING ARTS Art Is For Everyone Children will dive into the world of Gerald the Giraffe in Giraffes Can't Dance by Andreae and Parker-Rees, a tale of determination and rhythm. After the story, they'll bring their creative vision to life by crafting their very own dancing jungle animal. For those eager to explore further, there's an optional performance art collaboration where they can showcase how their animal might move, celebrating the joy of storytelling and artistry. S-E Domain: Self, Social Interaction; Language Domain: Listening & Speaking, Reading; English-Language Development: Listening, Speaking, Reading; Visual & Performing Arts; Physical development Domain VISUAL ARTS VISUAL ARTS Taco Tummy Trouble Students will enjoy the story Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin followed by a fun open art project. They'll explore the magic of color mixing while creating and naming their very own unique potions designed to soothe a dragon's upset tummy. S-E Domain: Self-regulation, Social & Emotional understanding, empathy and caring, group participation; Language Domain: Concept about print, vocabulary; Math Domain: Number sense, Algebra, Measurement, Geometry, Mathematical Reasoning; Visual & Performing Arts: Artistic Perception, Creative Expression SCIENCE SCIENCE Loving Lava Prepare for excitement as we delve into Harry and the Hot Lava by Chris Robertson. After the thrilling story, get ready to explore the world of sensory science as we concoct our very own slime creations. S-E Domain: Self-Awareness, Self-regulation, Social & Emotional understanding empathy and caring, initiative in learning, group participation, cooperation, responsibility ; Language Domain: Language use and conventions, vocabulary, grammar Concept about print, phonological awareness, alphabetics and word/print recognition, comprehension and analysis of age appropriate text, literacy interest and response; History Domain: Sense of time; Science Domain: Scientific Inquiry, physical sciences; earth sciences; Visual & Performing Arts: Artistic Perception, Creative Expression Fine Print Fine Print Actual field trip schedules may vary depending on the arrival of groups. Los Angeles traffic is unpredictable! Please allow ample time for your drive to the museum. If you are late, we CANNOT extend your field trip time, and museum playtime may be shortened. Memberships, discounts and promotions do not apply to Field Trips NO REFUNDS will be granted for groups that cancel within two weeks of the scheduled visit NO REFUNDS will be granted for any child or adult chaperone that has prepaid, but does not attend on the day of visit Any excess funds that cannot be refunded will be considered a museum donation FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE

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! 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! 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 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. 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 connection FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Check out the FAQ page HERE