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

California Academy of Sciences (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is California Academy of Sciences?

95%Kids-Friendly
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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.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 5,684 reviews)
California Academy of Science.  HOW TO?  Top Family Attraction San Francisco
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Positives:

  • Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on tidepools, mystery boxes, and crafts keep kids engaged.
  • Stroller Friendly: Ramps and elevators let you navigate all floors with a stroller.

Challenges:

  • Crowds & Waits: Popular shows and feedings can have lines—plan around off-peak hours.
  • Age Restrictions: Under 4s cannot enter planetarium—have backup activities for toddlers.
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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 kids?

  1. Combine aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and nature play in one visit
  2. Hands-on touch pools, live animal demos, and crafts keep kids active
  3. Stroller ramps, elevators, and lockers make logistics easy
  4. Weekend crafts and weekday mornings are best for smaller crowds
  5. Science backpacks and free shows add extra fun without extra fees

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

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.

(View California Academy of Sciences on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in California Academy of Sciences

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.

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

  1. Grab Planetarium Passes: Head to the ticket desk first to reserve free planetarium seats.
  2. Use Science Backpacks: Pick up a free field science backpack for a self-guided scavenger hunt.
  3. Pack Portable Snacks: Keep snacks handy to avoid long cafe lines and extra costs.
🏖️ 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)?

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.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
4 General AdmissionsUSD 100
ParkingUSD 30
Snacks & DrinksUSD 20
Total EstimatedUSD 150

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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