Discovery Cube Orange County
An interactive science museum in Santa Ana with over 100 hands-on STEM exhibits for kids and families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
School groups depart, fewer crowds.
Discovery Cube Orange County
Best Time
School groups depart, fewer crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An interactive science museum in Santa Ana with over 100 hands-on STEM exhibits for kids and families.
"An engaging spot with plenty of hands-on exhibits that keep them curious and active."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dino Quest
Main exhibit hall
Roar into the past with life-sized dinosaur skeletons and interactive fossil digs. A must-see for young paleontologists!
Ocean Encounter
Aquatic exhibit
Dive deep into marine life with engaging displays and hands-on activities exploring the wonders of the ocean.
Rocket Engine Exhibit
Interactive science lab
Experience the thrill of space exploration with a massive rocket engine and a virtual blast-off simulation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Everything
Budgeting for Your Visit
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
🚗 Parking Fee
Factor in the $8 parking fee when budgeting for your visit. +1
🍎 Nut-Free Cafe
Great for kids with allergies; they use sunflower butter.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing tickets in advance.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so wear comfy shoes!
🚗 Parking Fee
Factor in the $8 parking fee when budgeting for your visit. +1
🍎 Nut-Free Cafe
Great for kids with allergies; they use sunflower butter.
⏰ Arrive Early
The first hour is often less crowded, making for a more relaxed experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Discovery Cube Orange County for its engaging, hands-on STEM exhibits that keep children entertained for hours. The variety of attractions, from dinosaurs to ocean life, makes it a hit with families. However, some find the admission prices a bit steep, and weekday visits can be chaotic due to frequent school field trips.
"We’ve had an annual pass to Discovery Cube and really enjoyed bringing the kids there to explore. It’s an engaging spot with plenty of hands-on exhibits that keep them curious and active. It does get crowded, so timing your visit is key. Overall, a fun, educational space for kids to play and learn."
Ray Lin
"The personal dessert pizzas are really elaborate cookies 🍪 and they are 😋 yummy. The cafe is nut free so they have sunflower butter instead of peanut butter. If you have a child with allergies this is a good place to visit. There are two locations, the other is in LA. If you get a membership it's 180 annually for two adults and up to four children. (This might be good for play dates.) Also, you can get discounted tickets for companions if you have adult friends who are bringing their children. Parking is 10$. All in all I think it's a good value."
Samantha Colon
"Me and my family went here over the weekend and had quite a bit of fun. There's multiple floors and many different exhibits that my little sister had a blast doing the ocean and sea themed exhibits. The only problem we had was that it was a little pricey with tickets being $20+, but other than that it was a great experience all around that thought everyone new things."
NamesJustA (A)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Discovery Cube Orange County is located at 2500 N Main St, Santa Ana, CA 92705. It's conveniently situated just off the 5 freeway. +1 Many visitors drive, and there is a paid parking lot available on-site.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Santa Ana is served by various bus lines. Checking local transit schedules for routes near Main Street would be advisable.
From the I-5 Freeway, take the Main Street exit and head north. The museum will be on your right.
Yes, there is a paid parking lot available at the museum. The fee is typically $8 per day.
Yes, you can be dropped off at the entrance. The parking lot is adjacent to the museum for easy access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission for adults (ages 15+) is around $23-$24, and for children (ages 3-14) it's about $18-$20. Seniors (62+) also pay around $20.
Look into programs like Bank of America's Museums on Us for free days if you have a cardholder. Resident days and potential online promotions might also offer discounts.
The museum is generally open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any holiday closures or special event hours.
It is highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially for special events like Bubblefest, to secure your spot and potentially save time.
Yes, an annual membership is available and can be a good value for frequent visitors, often covering two adults and multiple children.
🎫 🔬 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Dino Quest, Ocean Encounter, and a fascinating rocket engine exhibit with a virtual blast-off. There are over 100 hands-on STEM exhibits.
Yes, it's a great place for toddlers with many interactive exhibits. Visiting during sensory-friendly hours can enhance the experience for children with special needs. +2
While geared towards children, adults can still appreciate the engaging science exhibits and the educational value. Some adults have reported enjoying it even without children.
Yes, they host special events like Bubblefest, which offers bubble-themed activities and shows.
Most visitors spend around 3-4 hours exploring the exhibits, but you could easily spend longer if you engage with all the hands-on activities. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe or restaurant inside the museum that offers food options, including personal dessert pizzas which are elaborate cookies.
The cafe is nut-free and uses sunflower butter instead of peanut butter, making it a good option for children with allergies.
Outside food policies are not explicitly mentioned, but it's common for museums to allow small snacks or baby food. It's best to check their official policy.
The cafe offers various items, including cookies that resemble personal dessert pizzas, and other kid-friendly meals.
Being in Santa Ana, there are numerous restaurants and fast-food options within a short driving distance if you prefer to dine outside the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography is allowed for non-commercial use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts or for the comfort of other visitors.
The Dino Quest exhibit with its large skeletons, the rocket engine, and interactive displays offer great photo opportunities. Special events like Bubblefest also provide unique backdrops.
Similar to photography, personal video recording is usually permitted for non-commercial purposes. Be mindful of others and any specific exhibit restrictions.
While personal use is fine, commercial photography or filming without prior permission is typically not allowed. Always check the museum's specific guidelines.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing memories. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider bringing a versatile lens, but be mindful of space and crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children, the museum is very accommodating, and visiting during sensory-friendly hours can make the experience even better if your child has special needs. Consider visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the peak crowds from school field trips.
🧑🏫 Educators & Homeschoolers
The museum also supports educators, sometimes offering free tickets for teachers.
💡 Curious Adults
Consider visiting with friends who have children, or take advantage of potential adult-only events if offered. The rocket engine exhibit and the Dino Quest are particularly impressive and can be appreciated by adults for their scale and educational content.
It's a chance to reconnect with your inner child and learn something new in a fun, engaging environment. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits: A World of STEM
The museum also features a prominent rocket engine exhibit, complete with a virtual blast-off simulation that uses smoke and sound to create an exciting experience. These exhibits are not just for passive observation; they encourage active participation. Children can engage in experiments, solve puzzles, and learn through play. This interactive approach makes complex scientific concepts accessible and fun, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many visitors highlight how engaging these exhibits are for hours on end.
Beyond the permanent installations, Discovery Cube frequently hosts temporary exhibits and special events, such as the popular Bubblefest. These events add an extra layer of excitement and offer unique, time-limited experiences that keep the museum fresh and engaging for repeat visitors.
+1Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips from the Community
When it comes to budgeting, be aware of the admission fees, which are typically around $20-$24 per person, plus an $8 parking fee.
+1 However, there are ways to save. Keep an eye out for special programs like Bank of America's 'Museums on Us' for free entry days, or check for resident discounts. +1 Purchasing tickets online in advance is also a smart move to streamline your entry. For families with young children or those with special needs, the museum offers sensory-friendly hours, which provide a more comfortable and less overwhelming environment.
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