The Getty Center454

A must-see on everyone's list is The Getty Center, featuring the J Paul Getty Museum sitting high atop the Santa Monica Mountains.

A world class art collection, including Van Gogh's famous Irises, magnificent gardens designed by artist Robert Irwin, 360 degree city-to-ocean views, and spectacular architecture, built by renowned architect Richard Meier, put The Getty Center at the top - literally - of L.A.'s cultural offerings.

The fun begins with the kid-favorite monorail people-mover train that transports guests from the parking lot to the museum: while the wait might be long, the trip up the mountainside (and down again at the end of your visit) is often a highlight for the younger ones. Try to get a spot at the front!

The Family Room is located in the Museum Courtyard, near the East Pavillion, and it's a great place to start your day (or relax about halfway through it). Friendly staff are on hand to help you plan your visit, and children ages four to 14 can pick up materials and games to use in the galleries. The game, Art Detective, encourages kids to solve a mystery while exploring the galleries, gardens, and architecture. Families can also stop by to make a mask, build a sculpture, draw an insect, read stories, or simply relax.

The GettyGuide Audioplayer and accompanying headset, available in the Museum Entrance Hall (for $5 and a photo ID deposit) offer a self-guided tour of the museum's collection. Families can also find out more information about works of art in the collection at a GettyGuide Interactive Multimedia Station. Stations are located in the GettyGuide Room in the West Pavilion and throughout the museum. The stories, fun facts, and guided questions about art will give your kids something to think about (and just may work their way into an upcoming homework assignment!).

Family Art Stops begin in the Museum Entrance Hall, under the stairs: these half hour hands-on gallery experiences get families up close and personal with a single work of art. Included are an introduction to the Family Room and an activity-filled visit to the galleries. No reservations are necessary - tours are generally held Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm and 2:30pm. Space is limited; reservations are available at the Information Desk beginning at 1:30pm.

Story Telling: Don't miss these kid-friendly performances offering insight into the myths and legends connected to the museum collections. Sign up at the Information Desk; no reservations necessary.

It used to be that advance parking reservations were required, making last-minute visits nearly impossible (street parking is severely limited). Nowadays, no reservations are required for either parking or entrance to the museum.

Our favorite time to visit is around 7pm on a Friday or a Saturday - you'll only be able to stay a couple of hours till closing, but the view at sunset - including the twinkling lights cascading down the freeway - is simply magnificent. Visit an exhibition or two, grab a snack from one of the snack carts, find a comfortable bench, and watch your kids unwind from a busy day against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas.

The Getty Center is closed Mondays and major US holidays.