If you haven't seen a space ship up close, go and ...

If you haven't seen a space ship up close, go and see one here. The California Science Center is both home to NASA's youngest and most advanced space shuttle, Endeavour, and great low-budget way to keep kids entertained for a day, and maybe help them learn something too.

The Endeavor exhibit lets you get right up close to the orbiter, and even lets you touch the tires of a ship that flew to space. They also have many other space capsules from the Apollo, Gemini and Mercury eras. On other levels you'll find all manner of exhibits, from California wildlife (including some real animals on exhibit) to earth sciences, as well as a rotation of other high-end exhibits (check the website for more info)

There is also an IMax screen that has been recently upgraded to the latest technology.

The Endeavor exhibit costs $2 per person (tickets must be bought in advance) and the rest of the museum is free (though a small donation will help them keep it that way)