Little Sparks: Car + Emotions at the Petersen

Little Sparks is the Petersen Automotive Museum's program for its youngest visitors, and the November 21 session, Car + Emotions, pairs the museum's cars with a morning of play and making. It is a good pick if you are building a list of things to do in Los Angeles with a small child and want something that is not another screen.

When: Saturday, November 21, 2026 (start time to be announced on the museum's page) Where: Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles

What to expect

Petersen's Little Sparks sessions are designed for children roughly ages 3 to 6 and a grown-up who comes along. Each month has a theme, and this one looks at how cars connect to feelings: the thrill of speed, the calm of a long drive, the pride of a favorite ride. Sessions in this series typically mix a short museum-floor exploration with a hands-on craft or activity, so expect little hands to be busy and a bit of glue or paint to be involved. The museum has not published a detailed activity list for this date, so check the event page before you go.

Planning your visit

The Petersen says Little Sparks sign-ups open on the first of the month for that month's session, and that arriving without signing up may mean the materials run out. Reserve ahead through the official event page rather than counting on a walk-up spot. The series has generally been offered along with museum admission, but confirm the price on the event page, since it was not listed when this post was written.

The museum sits at the corner of Wilshire and Fairfax on the Miracle Mile, across from the La Brea Tar Pits and a short walk from LACMA. That makes it easy to turn a morning session into a full day out. Street parking nearby is limited, so most families use the museum's own garage or the lots along Wilshire. Rideshare drop-off is straightforward at the front of the building.

Make a day of it

If you are scanning for LA events this weekend with kids in tow, pair the workshop with a walk through the galleries afterward, when your child can spot the cars they just talked about. The Miracle Mile also has plenty of casual spots for lunch within a few blocks. For more ideas, browse our arts and culture listings and the Los Angeles page for what else is happening nearby.

Little Sparks runs on a monthly rhythm, so if this date does not work, the museum posts future topics ahead of time on its site.