Temecula Valley Spotlight

Located in Old Town Temecula at 42081 Main Street, Pennypickle’s Workshop is one of Southern California’s attractions for families seeking educational entertainment. This 7,500-square-foot interactive children’s museum invites young explorers to step into the eccentric home of the time-traveling Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle, where science and imagination meet in exciting ways. If you’re planning a family outing that combines fun with learning, this award-winning destination should be at the top of your list.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Pennypickle’s Workshop, from practical details to insider tips that will help you make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a local family looking for weekend activities or visitors to the Temecula/Murrieta area searching for unique attractions, read on to discover why this quirky workshop has earned multiple awards and continues to engage children and adults alike with its mission of discovering science through play.

Introduction to Pennypickle’s Workshop

Pennypickle’s Workshop, officially known as the Temecula Children’s Museum, is an imaginative science-focused playground disguised as the cluttered home of fictional inventor Professor Phineas T. Pennypickle. This engaging space is filled with hands-on inventions, gadgets, and experiments designed to spark curiosity and foster learning through interactive play. The Workshop has garnered impressive recognition, including a THEA award from the Themed Entertainment Association, two awards from the California Park and Recreation Society, and Nickelodeon Networks’ Parents’ Pick Award for Best Museum and Best Birthday Party Place.

The educational mission at Pennypickle’s is simply to help children and their families discover science through play. As visitors explore the Professor’s unique domain, they’ll find countless opportunities to experiment with scientific principles while having so much fun they won’t even realize they’re learning. The Workshop’s charm lies in its detailed backstory—Professor Pennypickle is described as a mysterious genius who has traveled through time to collaborate with brilliant minds like Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci. His tiny field-mouse friend Beaker adds to the whimsy, supposedly keeping an eye on the Workshop when the Professor is away on his time-traveling adventures.

Visitor Information

Planning your visit to Pennypickle’s Workshop is simple once you understand their unique operating structure. The museum operates on a session basis to ensure everyone gets to enjoy the exhibits comfortably. They offer three sessions Tuesday through Saturday (10am-noon, 12:30-2:30pm, and 3:00-5:00pm) and two sessions on Sunday (12:30-2:30pm and 3:00-5:00pm). The Workshop is closed on Mondays. Admission is $10 for adults and children 18 months and older, while children under 18 months enter free. No advance registration is needed for regular sessions, though special events may require pre-registration due to limited space.

One of the most helpful planning tools Pennypickle’s offers is their “Busy-ness Schedule,” which helps families avoid peak times when school field trips might fill the Workshop. For the best experience, check this schedule before your visit and consider skipping the first session of the day, which tends to be busiest. Parking is conveniently available in multiple locations, including a free public parking structure at the corner of Mercedes and Second Streets, as well as a small lot behind the Workshop accessible from either Main Street or Front Street. For visitors with accessibility needs, handicapped parking spaces are available, and the facility is designed to accommodate all guests.

Attractions and Activities

The Workshop is full of scientific wonders designed to engage children’s natural curiosity while teaching fundamental concepts through hands-on exploration. Throughout the 7,500-square-foot space, visitors will discover an array of interactive exhibits that demonstrate principles of physics, chemistry, optics, magnetism, and more. Each gadget and gizmo in the Professor’s collection invites children to pull levers, press buttons, turn cranks, and observe fascinating cause-and-effect relationships. From gravity-defying contraptions to light and sound experiments, every corner of the Workshop offers new opportunities for discovery.

What makes Pennypickle’s truly special is that the learning happens naturally through play. As children engage with the various exhibits, they’re absorbing scientific concepts without even realizing it. The Workshop staff, portrayed as the Professor’s assistants, are strategically positioned throughout the space to answer questions and provide additional insights about the experiments. During field trips, the museum also offers special experiment demonstrations for an additional fee, where children can witness science in action with expert guidance. The immersive environment, complete with the Professor’s quirky décor and inventions, creates a magical atmosphere where imagination and education blend seamlessly, making it an engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

Special Programs and Events

Pennypickle’s Workshop offers a variety of special programs that extend beyond regular admission sessions. Their birthday party packages are particularly popular, providing unforgettable celebrations with the help of the Professor and Beaker. Several different party options are available, and reservations can be made by calling 951-308-6376. These parties have earned such a stellar reputation that the Workshop has been recognized as the Best Birthday Party Place by Nickelodeon Networks’ Parents’ Pick Award. Field trips are another significant offering, available for school groups of 25 or more people with special pricing and a 90-minute guided experience.

Beyond birthdays and field trips, Pennypickle’s has tailored programs for specific interests and groups. Scout troops can participate in specialized workshops designed to fulfill badge requirements, with options like “Explore Space Science,” “Junior Detective,” and “Brownie Home Scientist.” Similarly, charter and home school groups can choose from science labs focusing on topics such as “Rocks, Minerals, Fossils,” “Mission on the Moon,” “Nanoscale Science Lab,” and “Let’s Do Chemistry.” The Workshop also runs recurring special events like Kids Only Club and Girls Only Club. To stay informed about seasonal events and limited-time offerings, visitors are encouraged to follow Pennypickle’s Workshop on Facebook and Instagram (@pennypicklesworkshop) for the latest updates on upcoming activities.

Practical Tips for Families

No visit to Pennypickle’s Workshop would be complete without exploring the Professor’s gift shop, a charming market filled with science-oriented toys, books, and gadgets suitable for all ages. The shop features unique time-travel inspired clocks, optics, magnets, light sources, science kits, and microscopes, with many impulse items priced at just $5. Gift cards are available for purchase and can be used toward admission, gift shop items, or special events, making them great presents for science-loving children. All proceeds from the gift shop help support the Workshop’s operations, as it’s run by the Friends of the Temecula Children’s Museum, a non-profit 501c3 organization.

To maximize your family fun day, consider these insider tips: Check the Busy-ness Schedule before visiting to avoid school field trip crowds; follow their social media accounts for last-minute updates and special promotions; bring a camera to capture your children’s delighted reactions (but respect the museum’s guidelines about photography); and allocate enough time to fully enjoy the exhibits without rushing—the 2-hour session format is perfect for most families. Old Town Temecula itself offers many dining options and additional attractions within walking distance, making it easy to plan a full day of family activities around your Workshop visit. For those who want to deepen their connection to the museum, inquire about volunteer opportunities or consider becoming a sponsor to support this valuable community resource.