Guide to Bay Area Science Museums We Enjoy with Kids
The Bay Area has some of the world’s best science museums and we are so lucky to be able to play with our kids while teaching them to love science, technology, and nature.
![Child climbing tree](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/06134547/OutdoorNatureLab_fallentree-1.jpg)
The Lawrence Hall of Science is a wonderful hands-on science museum that is terrific for pre-readers and older kids alike. Visiting family will nearly always be impressed by the vast view of the Bay, and the kids will go crazy for splashing in the water area and climbing on the iconic DNA helix. Local Geek Dad, Ken Denmead, says the Chabot Space and Science Center “has become a go-to destination for exploring the wonders of our universe and getting kids jazzed about space exploration.” Children can touch astronaut gear up close. He also likes The Tech Interactive in San Jose also for aspiring mad scientists willing to drive.
![Climbing on the dna double helix structure](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/06140432/Lawrence-dna-helix-Julia-7322.jpg)
Visiting the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley
![girl petting turtle](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/06144600/Lindsay-Wildlife-Petting-Circle.jpg)
Toddlers’ Guide to Lindsay Wildlife Experience
![Curiodyssey Indoor Exhibits](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/06133109/ViewPoint-Curiodyssey.jpg)
Half-Day Trip to CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point
![kids watching albino alligator](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/06140009/Cal-Academy-of-Sciences-Albino-Croc.jpg)
Cal Academy of Sciences Is for Kids of All Ages
![Chabot Space & Science](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/06142616/Chabot-Space-and-Science-Julia-Gidwani-for-510-8888.jpg)
Chabot Space & Science Center is a Gem in Oakland’s Redwoods
![Oakland Aviation Museum airplanes outside](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/06145738/OAM-2-Planes.jpg)
Oakland Aviation Museum for Kids Who Love Things that Go (with discount link!)
![two children playing at train table](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/06135130/Train-Table-CCM-San-Francisco.jpg)
Children’s Creativity Museum in SF
![toddler petting animal fur](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/06135018/Sulpher-Creek-Petting.jpg)
Half-day Trip: Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward
![surprised child wearing bike helmet in a group of others](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/06133632/TTC6.jpg)
The Tech Challenge Showcase Returns April 29+30
![Check out the fog tunnel if you're at the Exploratorium with a 3YO](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/06162927/maren-sea-of-clouds.jpg)
Toddlers’ Guide to the Exploratorium
![child and desert tortoise](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/06144038/mojave-15-wildcare-tory.jpg)
Half-day Trip to San Rafael and WildCare
![Mom and child looking at animals at the Junior Center](https://d12xor56xjll8j.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/06153843/mom-and-kid-animals-junior-center.jpg)
Junior Center of Art & Science
More camps: See our comprehensive Summer Camp Guide for a great list of STEM camps >>