Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles

We had a very good time here with our 9 month old daughter. I wasn't expecting there to be as much for her to do as there was, but the dress-up/movie section was the highlight for us, since being parents is exciting and new, still. The collections here are really incredible, especially the weaponry section. That's what makes museums so wonderful, seeing objects you've heard and read about firsthand. We went on a Bank of America customer appreciation day, so my husband was free. Check their calendar before visiting, there are various free dates each month.

Great way to explore how Europeans got to and took over the west. Great exhibit on the native tribes and their displacement. Coverage of the different ethnic groups which arrived. Tons of artifacts from stone tools and baskets, knives, guns wagons, stagecoach, fire truck. Examples of the ways they all lived. Took the guided tour which was a great way to be reintroduced to all the different areas of the museum. Outer garden area is wonderful. Also an entire area of the rise of the westerns from radio, silent film, to movies an TV. Nice looking cafe for eating, but nothing gluten free.