Mini Motors: The Future of Cars Kids Workshop

Most kids' workshops ask children to sit and listen. Mini Motors at the Petersen Automotive Museum puts them to work. It is a monthly, hands-on series that lets kids ages 7 to 11 dig into how cars work, and the November session looks ahead to what we will be riding in next. For parents hunting for things to do in Los Angeles that are free and actually engaging, it is an easy pick.

When: Saturday, Nov 7, 2026, 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Where: Discovery Center, Petersen Automotive Museum, 6060 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles Price: Free with museum admission Ages: 7 to 11

What the workshop covers

This month's theme is The Future of Cars. The museum says kids will explore how autonomous vehicles are changing the way we travel. After that comes the creative part: each child designs a futuristic, self-driving car of their own.

The series as a whole mixes experiments, art projects and time with the museum's collection. The museum's pitch is simple: let your creativity steer the way to the cars of tomorrow. Expect a one-hour session, so it works well as the start of a longer museum day rather than a full outing by itself.

What to know before you go

The workshop itself is free, but it comes with the purchase of museum admission, so budget for tickets for your group. The museum's event page offers a free ticket option to reserve your spot, and it is worth securing one ahead of time. The session starts at 9 AM sharp on a Saturday, so plan to arrive a little early and check in at the Discovery Center.

Petersen members get complimentary parking at its education events. Everyone else should plan on parking near the museum or taking transit along Wilshire. The building sits on the Miracle Mile, at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, and is easy to spot by its ribbon-wrapped steel facade.

Because the workshop wraps up at 10 AM, you will have the rest of the morning to wander the galleries. Kids who just spent an hour thinking about self-driving cars tend to look at the real vehicles on the floor with fresh eyes. If you are building a weekend plan, this pairs well with other LA events this weekend on the Miracle Mile, and the museum posts its upcoming events, including the December 5 Holiday Garages session, if you want to make it a monthly habit.

Why it works

Car culture is part of Los Angeles, and the Petersen is where that history lives. A workshop that connects the past on the gallery floor to the autonomous future gives kids a reason to look closely. It is also one of the more approachable arts and culture offerings for a younger crowd: no experience needed, and the activity is short enough to hold a seven-year-old's attention.

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