BE ADVISED: On Saturday, April 20 and Sunday, April 21, nearby events at Exposition Park and the University of Southern California will impact traffic, parking, and wayfinding in the area. Please consider riding the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at USC/Expo station.

Get Dirty Zone

Dig in compost or get creative with stumps and branches in this hands-on zone.

Girl jumps from one tree stump to another

The soil beneath our feet is full of life and you can literally play in it here. Dig in the bins to see creatures that turn plants into compost, build with natural materials, and play hide and seek in a giant willow house.

Girl and boy play with dirt in the Nature Gardens compost bins

Playing with compost in the bins.

A worm in a child's hands from the Get Dirty Zone's compost bins

A hidden treat.

View of the Get Dirty Zone at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Compost bins, willow house, and nature build area.

Boys run out of a house made of willow branches

Exploring a house made of willow branches.

Young girl inside the willow house

Inside the willow house.

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Playing with compost in the bins.

A hidden treat.

Compost bins, willow house, and nature build area.

Exploring a house made of willow branches.

Inside the willow house.

Things to see and do:
 

  • Hunt for earthworms and pillbugs in the compost bins.
  • Make your own fort out of loose leaves and branches.
  • Test your balance on our tree stumps.