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United States/Things to Do in San Francisco, with baby

California Academy of Sciences (with baby)

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How Baby-Friendly is California Academy of Sciences?

81%Baby-Friendly
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What makes it 81% Baby-Friendly: Babies enter free and strollers, elevators, and changing tables ease movement, yet no listed nursing room and under-4s barred from planetarium lower convenience but visit remains feasible.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 5,684 reviews)
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Positives:

  • Free Baby Admission: Children under age 2 enter free every day.
  • Stroller-Friendly Layout: Ramps and elevators let you move between floors easily.

Challenges:

  • Limited Baby-Safe Shows: Planetarium and some workshops are for ages 4 + only.
  • Peak-Time Crowds: Afternoon hours fill quickly, especially at exhibits.
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🏖️ Explore California Academy of Sciences with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around California Academy of Sciences. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is California Academy of Sciences?

  • A natural history museum that integrates an aquarium, planetarium, four-story rainforest dome and extensive scientific collections under one living roof
  • A research institution where scientists advance understanding of biodiversity, climate change and conservation through field studies, laboratory work and specimen curation
  • An architectural landmark designed for sustainability, featuring a 2.5-acre planted roof, solar panels, rainwater harvesting and flood-resistant construction

What is so special about California Academy of Sciences for with baby?

  1. Free admission for baby under 2
  2. Hands-on exhibits and touch pools
  3. Stroller-friendly ramps and elevators
  4. Short animal shows to match baby’s attention
  5. Quiet member hours available

Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours

Why 3–4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Allows time for aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, living roof, and breaks for feeding or naps.

(View California Academy of Sciences on Map)

Baby-Friendly Activities in California Academy of Sciences

Steinhart Aquarium & Penguin Feeding:

See the indoor coral reef and watch penguins at 10:30 am or 3 pm.

Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early for seating at the penguin exhibit.

Osher Rainforest Dome:

Walk under the four-story glass canopy with free-flying birds and tropical plants.

Tip: Use the side ramp to stay on one level with a stroller.

Morrison Planetarium Show:

Enjoy a 75-foot dome show exploring space.

Tip: Pick up your free pass at entry; shows fill up fast.

Living Roof:

Stroll the 2.5-acre green roof with city views.

Tip: Plan this for mid-visit to let baby nap in the stroller.

Naturalist Center & Wander Woods:

Touch specimens indoors and explore the outdoor nature-play yard.

Tip: Visit the center between 11 am and 4:30 pm for crafts and scavenger hunts.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to California Academy of Sciences

  1. Early Entry: Arrive at opening to beat queues and noisy crowds.
  2. Use Coat-Check Alternatives: Email ahead if you need to store a car seat; no formal check.
🏖️ Tour California Academy of Sciences like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in California Academy of Sciences. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of California Academy of Sciences

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Divya Devakumar

Divya Devakumar

Oct 2025

A perfect mix of science, nature, and wonder 🌿🪐 — loved exploring the rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences! The facility is well-maintained, staff are professional and helpful, and the overall experience is both inspiring and informative. Truly a SF must-visit! 💚

Timothy McQuide

Timothy McQuide

Sep 2025

Interesting museum and aquarium. Located across from the DeYoung Museum. Interesting displays with an albino alligator named Claude. There is an enclosed area that you can walk through with many butterflies flying free. There is a small cafe on site.

Jonathan Phan

Jonathan Phan

Jul 2025

Located at 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, this museum is a standout destination that combines science, sustainability, and immersive design. Inside, you’ll find a world-class aquarium, a planetarium with rotating shows, a four-story rainforest dome, and natural history exhibits—all under a living roof covered in native plants. The layout is intuitive, and interactive displays make it engagi...

Robert Curtis

Robert Curtis

Jul 2025

Wow this place was awesome! A great place for all ages to enjoy. View dinosaur bones and many marine species. A Huge indoor atrium that is home to many different species of butterflies that fly everywhere around you...its quite an exciting experience. On the bottom level is the aquarium with many tanks with colorful fish and coral reefs. There is also a natural history museum with life size animal...

Tae K

Tae K

Jun 2025

The California Academy of Sciences is an amazing place that we keep coming back to. It’s spacious and packed with so much to see and explore. One of our favorite parts is taking the elevator down from the rainforest to the aquarium—it’s such a fun transition. The large tank in the aquarium always captures our attention, and we can spend a long time just watching the marine life. Cloud, the white ...

When is the best time to visit California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco, United States)?

Winter brings occasional rain—focus on indoor exhibits. Summer weekends get busy; aim for weekday mornings.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to San Francisco on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult tickets (2 × $25)USD 50
Locker rental (optional)USD 8
Total EstimatedUSD 58

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of California Academy of Sciences

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

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Looking for other Things to Do besides California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)?

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About California Academy of Sciences

Opening Hours

Monday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 415-379-8000

Average price

US$ 25
Book on GetYourGuide

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Average price

US$ 25
Book on GetYourGuide
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