iCalifornia Science CenterExposition Park
GAME ON! Science, Sports & Play
17,000-sq-ft exhibition with 25+ interactive activities exploring the science of sports and movement, featuring LA-based mentor athletes; on view through the 2028 Olympics.
More in Los Angeles
Rachel Garcia's pitches come at you on a screen, and you get under half a second to see, decide and swing. At the LA Times preview, the Olympic pitcher tried hitting against herself and missed the first time. If Rachel Garcia can't hit Rachel Garcia, your whiff is in good company.
The 17,000 sq ft gallery fills the space that used to hold Space Shuttle Endeavour, with over 25 stations and no set order. LA athletes coach on video: Freddie Freeman in the batting cages, the Thompson sisters of Angel City FC at a kicking drill, Jamal Hill in a virtual pool, Debbie Allen on dance. Every sport comes with its physics: projectile motion at the free-throw line, Newton's laws on the pitch.
It's free with general admission and needs no skill. The climbing wall is the one paid extra ($10, $9 for members). Since 8 September 2026 the gallery closes at 3pm, with last entry at 2:15pm. Groups of 20 or more must book on 213-744-2019.
Look for
Rachel Garcia's fastball
Stand in the softball cage and try to see, decide and swing in under half a second against the Olympic pitcher's video pitches.
The HitTrax batting cages
Freddie Freeman coaches your swing on screen while the tracker reads out your exit velocity and launch angle.
The virtual pool
Follow Paralympic champion Jamal Hill's strokes on screen and watch your avatar swim alongside him.
The Nike heat map
Stand in front of an infrared camera from the Nike Sport Research Lab and see which parts of your body run hot and which run cool.
The TOCA soccer drill
Automated ball feeders and light-up smart targets, with an instant video replay of every kick.
Good for
- Cheap Culture
- Rainy Days
- Small Kids
- Teenagers
Skip if
You want objects and specimens rather than batting cages: nearly everything here is a hands-on station.
With kids
No sports skills or special clothing needed, but fitted closed-toe shoes are recommended. The climbing wall costs $10, needs fully enclosed shoes, and staff help with the harness.
Also at California Science Center
On now nearby
Nearby
Image credits
7
- GAME ON! Science, Sports & PlayCourtesy of California Science Center
- Spider PavilionCourtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- The Declaration in ProgressCourtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- Unearthed: Raw BeautyCourtesy of Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- California Science CenterPrayitno / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles CountyDavid Leigh Ellis / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Lucas Museum of Narrative ArtJeremy Thompson / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0