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Top Science museums in San Francisco, United States
Top Rated Science museums in San Francisco
Top Reviewed Science museums in San Francisco
Reviews
Originally we thought $40 was very expensive but once we got in there it just kept going on and on. We had a lot of fun there, but because there was so much stuff to see and do there we did not get a chance to see everything. It was a lot of fun, especially the giant convex mirror, best attraction there.
Visited: 11/06/2023
Really enjoyed the visit to this interactive museum. Worth a pop in for a couple of hours. Plenty to learn about and enjoy, and even better that you interact with some exhibits to help you understand how it works.
My only advice would be to adults without kids, try to visit on a day when kids are in school otherwise you don't really get to do much interaction.
Really enjoyed the visit to this interactive museum. Worth a pop in for a couple of hours. Plenty to learn about and enjoy, and even better that you interact with some exhibits to help you understand how it works.
My only advice would be to adults without kids, try to visit on a day when kids are in school otherwise you don't really get to do much interaction.
There are so many interesting hands-on activities the science practically teaches itself. I love the well curated and thoughtful exhibits - the staff clearly has taken great pride over the years adding to and maintaining the experiences. The place can get pretty crowded on holiday weekends and during the week with field trips, but members hours on Sunday morning leave you feeling like you have the place to yourself.
Attended the Thursday adults only After Dark. Well worth the price and a lot of fun. So nice not having kidlets in the way. Got there at the start so managed to do a lot of activities I wanted to do but midway it was packed so had to wait turns. Very enjoyable, entertaining and educational evening!
It's cool, fun, and modern science center.
They host events where younger audiences can come into one of their open spaces for a music and dance scene, so there are times on the weekend where they stay open late. Highly recommend going with friends!
You can see multiple exhibits for one single ticket in aquatics, forestry and greens, culture and history, and even an earthquake simulator (you do have to wait in line for this). There are places to sit down and eat, interact with the space, and walk around at your leisure. The gift shop is right next to the entrance.
They host events where younger audiences can come into one of their open spaces for a music and dance scene, so there are times on the weekend where they stay open late. Highly recommend going with friends!
You can see multiple exhibits for one single ticket in aquatics, forestry and greens, culture and history, and even an earthquake simulator (you do have to wait in line for this). There are places to sit down and eat, interact with the space, and walk around at your leisure. The gift shop is right next to the entrance.
The California Academy of Sciences is a great place to visit for locals and tourists. It is located in the Golden Gate Park.
It is big and there are lots of things to see. Great for children and adults.
I loved the mix of the different exhibitions. On Thursdays, there was a special event about mushrooms, and some vendors where there to explain and sell things make with them.
The presentation in the Exploratorium was amazing!
It is big and there are lots of things to see. Great for children and adults.
I loved the mix of the different exhibitions. On Thursdays, there was a special event about mushrooms, and some vendors where there to explain and sell things make with them.
The presentation in the Exploratorium was amazing!
It’s an interactive museum. Great place for all ages who love to learn. They had a few student playing wonderful music at the time of my visit. They have a lot of indoor and outdoor seating. Price is reasonably priced, they have pizza, soup, salads, macaroni and cheese.
I would also suggest taking a walk outside the museum as they have a wonderful section to spend time outside.
I would also suggest taking a walk outside the museum as they have a wonderful section to spend time outside.
The California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco is a must-visit attraction! This world-class museum offers a fantastic blend of science, nature, and education. The highlight is the mesmerizing indoor rainforest exhibit, complete with butterflies and tropical plants. The aquarium section is equally impressive, showcasing colorful marine life and even a mesmerizing coral reef. Don't miss the planetarium shows or the rooftop garden with stunning views of Golden Gate Park.
The exhibits are well-curated and engaging for visitors of all ages. The academy also focuses on sustainability and conservation, making it not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking. Plan to spend several hours exploring everything this incredible museum has to offer. Tickets can be booked online to skip the lines. Highly recommended for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the natural world!
The exhibits are well-curated and engaging for visitors of all ages. The academy also focuses on sustainability and conservation, making it not only entertaining but also educational and thought-provoking. Plan to spend several hours exploring everything this incredible museum has to offer. Tickets can be booked online to skip the lines. Highly recommended for families, science enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the natural world!
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a great place to take your family and spend the day having fun. It is a wonderful place to teach kids about science, engineering, art, Marin life, and much more. Everything is interactive, so the hands-on experience makes it fun for the whole family. They have parking across the street and a restaurant plus a coffee shop inside.
It's the first time I have been here in years. I took my boys and they really enjoyed it. My older son enjoyed the planetarium and the little one enjoyed the dinosaur bones and the aquarium. I loved seeing Claude the albino alligator, it brought me back to my childhood.
Eh, it's ok. I can see it being more entertaining in a small group. Lots of knick-knacks and small hands-on experiments to try out. If you come Thursday night for the 18+ after dark special, there's other exhibits as well. Still just a science museum in the end though, so a lot of the experiences I've seen before.
I brought visiting friends here with their children and boy, the very looks on their faces was joy, fascination and wonder. Completely worth it! I love that you can bring your own food for the kids. It can get busy and lines can get long, but nothing more than 10 to 20 minute waits for some exhibitions within the museum. Try to sign up for things in advance. As a local, I go during the week and usually go early in the morning.
The Randall Museum was awesome. We were there for a meeting of the Mycological Society of San Francisco. I could not believe the beautiful view! Parking was easy. It was a great place to visit.
Great place to explore and for kids to learn. there were pull out drawers for interesting facts, an aquarium, outdoor roof, and so much more. I really liked the albino alligator! We went in February on a holiday weekend. It wasn't too bad but we still had to wait in line to buy tickets and some activities in the academy were full and we could not access it. I would highly recommend buying tickets in advance and going earlier in the day. We went the last couple hours of the day so mind when you go during the day. We went at 2 PM and had to wait in line to buy tickets into the academy. It was 50 dollars per adult and it was cheaper for kids. Then you also had to pay for parking so it felt like a money pit. But I would do it again with my kiddos, I would open more budget wise when going. I didn't put too many pictures because being there is better than looking at the pictures.
Unfortunately amateur operation here. This is a business that caters exclusively to children, yet they do not sell food during all of their operating hours — meaning it’s not really a place that’s thinking about the needs of families. They are located high on a hill in a residential neighborhood, easily 10 minutes or more each way to drive, park and find a bodega or somewhere else where you could buy food — and they don’t even have a vending machine inside once the café closes. So, if you plan poorly, and forget to bring a snack for your kid, your trip to the museum is effectively over. Be warned.
A great place to explore biodiversity. The aquarium has a unique collection and its underwater displays are amazing. The butterfly dome is filled with interesting species as well. The habitat is humid and well maintained. Watching the white Alligator move is a must. Overall the building is well organized and filled with interesting fun facts.
This location is significantly larger than anticipated.
Undoubtedly the most impressive science museum I've ever been to, boasting around 200 or more fully interactive exhibits that are thoroughly explained. Each exhibit delivers an immediate and clear impact, coupled with sufficient information for adults or older children to comprehend the reasons behind the effects.
Although we dedicated 3 hours to our visit, we could have easily spent 4-5 if time allowed. It's unquestionably worth a visit for adults; don't be misled into thinking it's exclusively tailored for kids just because everything is interactive!
Undoubtedly the most impressive science museum I've ever been to, boasting around 200 or more fully interactive exhibits that are thoroughly explained. Each exhibit delivers an immediate and clear impact, coupled with sufficient information for adults or older children to comprehend the reasons behind the effects.
Although we dedicated 3 hours to our visit, we could have easily spent 4-5 if time allowed. It's unquestionably worth a visit for adults; don't be misled into thinking it's exclusively tailored for kids just because everything is interactive!
A must visit place for kids, adults, science lovers and for anyone who is curious about or inspired by science.
We went on a weekday so the place was less crowded and we got to explore every exhibit in detail. You definitely need around 6-7 hours to get around the whole place especially on crowded days. But for smaller kids it would be a better idea to cover 2-3 sections only per day lest they lose interest and get tired.
Every section and each exhibit is carefully planned and placed to invoke one’s curiosity. People of any age and experience have something to learn on visiting here. The place is soaked in history and proudly exhibits its journey through over a century in photos and displays.
It is a good place to make your grade schooler fall in love with science and math. So do not miss an opportunity to visit when you plan a trip to SFO..
We went on a weekday so the place was less crowded and we got to explore every exhibit in detail. You definitely need around 6-7 hours to get around the whole place especially on crowded days. But for smaller kids it would be a better idea to cover 2-3 sections only per day lest they lose interest and get tired.
Every section and each exhibit is carefully planned and placed to invoke one’s curiosity. People of any age and experience have something to learn on visiting here. The place is soaked in history and proudly exhibits its journey through over a century in photos and displays.
It is a good place to make your grade schooler fall in love with science and math. So do not miss an opportunity to visit when you plan a trip to SFO..
Very cool place! It was fun to walk around and spend a few hours here. Interactive and got to learn some new things.
A great spot to learn about food waste and its effects on global warming. The Art Studio exhibit was my favorite. Barbara Lim’s work was colorful and intriguing. The “simple pleasures of daily life” are worth capturing on paper.
Visited for the first time today with wife and son for a school field trip. Excellent facility with friendly staff. Clean, professional setting. So many things to do and see. More than one visit can accomplish. Thank you to Ms Marta and Sequoia Grove for hosting an amazing field trip experience. Highly recommended.
Very interesting and fun hands on exhibits. The kids learned a lot without even knowing they were learning. We had to rush through the last exhibits because we ran out of time at the end. This is one of the best science centers we have visited.
This is a great place for families and kids, we visit regularly. There is nothing quite like it in any other city in the world. The Exploratorium is a public learning laboratory where you can explore the world through science, art, and human perception... the exhibits and activities combine science and aesthetics and are experiential, as opposed to traditional museums whose approach is more didactic and magisterial
Normally the ticket is $40, but we went to "after dark" adults 18+ only exhibition happening every Thursday 6-10 PM for half price.
You can consider it as Scientific Night Club.
Buy a drink and be a child again & play everything.
It's super fun.
Don't forget to go to the outdoor part to take a photo with the bay bridge.
I love exploratorium so much that I think it's representing part of San Francisco every tourist should come.
You can consider it as Scientific Night Club.
Buy a drink and be a child again & play everything.
It's super fun.
Don't forget to go to the outdoor part to take a photo with the bay bridge.
I love exploratorium so much that I think it's representing part of San Francisco every tourist should come.
Wonderful treasure house of nature, creativity, history.
Many options for all ages, including littles.
Learn about nature, climate change, plants, animals.
Rescued animals live in the wildlife center.
Lots of places to sit and play outside.
You can also walk up the winding path and stairs to the peak above.
If you don't want to walk or the stairs are inaccessible, you can still enjoy incredible and accessible views.
There is a cafe with an outside area with tables and chairs sheltered by sunbrellas to enjoy your food or drink.
And - believe it or not - it's FREE!
Caution: the road leading down to the Randall is really, really narrow. Yes, it's two way. Be cautious and careful driving on this road. Give way for other drivers as needed.
Many options for all ages, including littles.
Learn about nature, climate change, plants, animals.
Rescued animals live in the wildlife center.
Lots of places to sit and play outside.
You can also walk up the winding path and stairs to the peak above.
If you don't want to walk or the stairs are inaccessible, you can still enjoy incredible and accessible views.
There is a cafe with an outside area with tables and chairs sheltered by sunbrellas to enjoy your food or drink.
And - believe it or not - it's FREE!
Caution: the road leading down to the Randall is really, really narrow. Yes, it's two way. Be cautious and careful driving on this road. Give way for other drivers as needed.
We happened here on Father's Day so perhaps the next comment is unfair - but - it was VERY much crowded with kids and it was a bit difficult to enjoy the otherwise amazing hundreds of individual interactive pieces.
Still, this place is HUGE and was very fun to explore. The last area at the end was probably my favorite, going into colors and weather.
I recommend CITY PASS which was $76/person and let us in here and 2 other attractions so great savings (we did the Blue and Gold boat tour and Conservatory of Flowers which is a MUST).
Still, this place is HUGE and was very fun to explore. The last area at the end was probably my favorite, going into colors and weather.
I recommend CITY PASS which was $76/person and let us in here and 2 other attractions so great savings (we did the Blue and Gold boat tour and Conservatory of Flowers which is a MUST).
Haven't been here since the late 80's and didn't know what to expect. The whole family had an amazing time! Including a hard to impress adolescent. Incredible variety, clean, almost every exhibit open and in good working order. Beautiful views as well.
Amazing experience. Really is great for kids but also wonderful for small attention spanned adults! Tons to play with and lots to do and learn. All science stuff and physics but still makes learning about it fun! I loved all the odd mirrors that changed your perspective.
What a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The museum has a combination of live animal exhibits along with informative displays. Some of the enclosures for the live animals could be improved. Grounds are lovely. Cafe Josephine is a great place to grab a coffee and a snack.
A fun way to spend a few hours! There are live animals to view, even guinea pigs to pet. They have an impressive train set with information on the Transcontinental Railroad. There is also a lot of art on display. There is plenty to view and do, including the incredible views of the city from the hill.
I came with my child on a field trip. It was my first visit there. While there, they did a private showcase and my child had the opportunity to touch a Chilean rose tarantula, a native Rosy Boa snake and a turtle. They taught them about their amazing super senses and how they work. If you come with a group and get a chance to do those things, it’s pretty awesome. The team in the animal area opened up the rat area to let us get a closer look (the rats were shy, just got there yesterday). When we were leaving, the older gentleman sitting down at front entrance was playing the ukulele (really well too), it was a nice touch. Also had a lego earthquake section to let them see if they could build a sturdy tower. They have an amazing miniature train track room. If you a cuckoo for choo-choo’s, you’ll love it! It is really neat. Beautiful view of downtown from the lookout point. A great place to being your child if you have 2-3 hours of time or want to explore about SF. There was a small cafe with food and drinks. Normal SF fees for each. Not sure of prices for admission, came as a chaperone. But, with the options, prides, food and staff, I rate it a 5 star. Everyone was genuine and nice. Didn’t ignore you if you had a question.
Great little museum. We visited it for the bugs day event. It was loads of fun. Kids were able to experience some live bugs and also do some fun activities. My younger son loves model trains and it has very large track where you can watch these trains go around through the glass. They also have other kids activities like some live animals, an amazing bee hive, some mechanical stuff where kids get to build stuff and try out small experiments. They also have dedicated classes where parent child can learn to do carpentering together. Which would be super cool if we were living in SF still but we are slightly further away. All of it was free.. can’t beat that. Very cool children’s activity museum. We shall visit again. Parking can be a problem if there big events like bug day.