The Children’s Natural History Museum (CNHM) has evolved into exhibits and learning activities that challenge children and the public to think about our Earth. The Math Science Nucleus has served education since 1982 and manages CNHM. The museum is mainly used for science field trips and summer science camps, but in an effort to serve the public we have designed this self guided tour.

If you have children with you, please make sure they do not harm specimens. Most of them are real and need to be respected. Only in areas with a logo and the word “Activity” can children touch and move specimens. If the specimen is out without an “Activity” sign, you may touch but not pick up. If specimens are behind glass that means that you can only observe. We reserve the right to ask visitors that do not respect rules to leave.

The Children's Natural History Museum has several exhibits that help the visitor understand the natural history of the local area through a child's eye. The largest hall is Wes Gordon Fossil Hall that includes the Irvington Fossils, Environments through Time, Bones, and the Boy Paleontologists Room. Hall of Small Wonders is full of little creatures including foraminifers, radiolarians, and diatoms. Mineral and Rock Hall has minerals classified by their chemical families and rocks from California. Nature Hall includes specimens of different animals and shells. Tools of Early Humans looks at how Californian Native Americans used natural fibers and rocks to help them survive. Allow at least one hour for each tour.