The museum is free ($5 donations requested), but the parking costs, and today it was limited because yesterday there was a massive water main rupture just north of campus.
We discovered the hard way that this is not such a good museum for young children, at least for a regular family outing (as opposed to a special kid-friendly activity or tour). Our younger two children, particularly the one who cannot yet read, were stymied by the "Intersections" exhibit, although one or two artifacts caught their eyes. One of the older kids was intrigued by it, though. None of the kids (ages 5-12) appreciated the visiting "Earth Matters" exhibit about African art and ecology, although I found it very compelling.
The gallery containing silver -- with a lot of detail about the design, creation, and collection of silver objects -- went over better. The kids also enjoyed the enclosed courtyard. The benches around the fountain make a tranquil place to sit.
Unlike at LACMA, the art is presented in context, with a large emphasis on the geographic, social, cultural, and historical milieu of each artifact presented. (The archeology lab is actually in the basement of the museum.) Visitors who have such interests (I'm one of them) will get a lot more pleasure out of the Fowler's exhibits than those who are looking for a more traditional presentation. Be prepared to read signs and make connections.
Anyway, I recommend the Fowler for teens and adults, but unless you go for one of the kid events or for a scheduled fieldtrip, I'd stay away if you have small kids.
On the up side, before leaving UCLA, we toured the main library and the sculpture garden in front of the Broad Center for Art. The kids enjoyed that a lot more (although there were an awful lot of nudes).