What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Hands-on tidepools, Wander Woods, Naturalist Center, and junior science kits keep ages 3-12 engaged for hours, with stroller access, family restrooms, and no age ban except the 4+ planetarium rule.
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 3 to 4 hours lets a family see key exhibits, enjoy shows, and fit snack breaks without rushing young kids.
Steinhart Aquarium:
Explore the world’s deepest living indoor coral reef with 60,000 animals.
Tip: Visit right at opening to see feeding and avoid afternoon crowds.
Osher Rainforest Dome:
Walk under a four-story glass canopy filled with free-flying birds and butterflies.
Tip: Head here after the aquarium when kids are warmed up to climb pathways.
Morrison Planetarium Show:
Watch a 75-foot dome presentation about space and stars.
Tip: Get your free planetarium pass at entry; shows fill up fast, especially afternoons.
Discovery Tidepool:
Touch starfish, sea urchins, and other tidepool creatures in a supervised area.
Tip: Go early before school groups arrive for more hands-on time.
Swamp Talk & Penguin Feeding:
See Claude the albino alligator at 3:30 pm and penguins at 10:30 am or 3 pm.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before start to snag front-row spots.
Wander Woods Outdoor Play:
Let kids explore logs, tunnels, and bug stations in a nature play yard.
Tip: Pack a snack and water; there’s space for a quick picnic between exhibits.

Divya Devakumar
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
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
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
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
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 ...
Weekend mornings feature Family Nature Crafts at 10 am—arrive early for limited supplies. In summer, start at 9:30 am to beat school-trip crowds. Check exhibit schedules online for special seasonal shows.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) | 
|---|---|
| 4 General Admissions | USD 100 | 
| Parking | USD 30 | 
| Snacks & Drinks | USD 20 | 
| Total Estimated | USD 150 | 
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
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