Be prepared for big crowds and great fish. The California Science Center , in Los Angeles is a new addition to the museums clustered in Exhibition Park. While you are there you might want to visit the Natural History Museum or the Museum of Science and Industry. They are closed Mondays. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is on PCH south of Warner Ave.
Admission is free.
Call for information, esp. The L.A. Zoo is in Griffith Park. They are open every day. I do not know whether students receive a discount, but would guess they do. The Santa Anna Zoo is at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave.