The Children’s Creativity Museum, located next to Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco, is a hands-on, multimedia art and technology experience for kids. Best for kids over 5 who can take advantage of the cartoon production, short film making, and computer studio, there are also exhibits for preschoolers.
Having watched plenty of stop-motion animation together, mostly of the LEGO variety, my son and I were thrilled to visit The Children’s Creativity Museum in San Francisco and make use of their kid-friendly Animation Studio to produce our own little movie. But first we had to go down a slide in front of a green screen five different times so that my 6-year old could see himself sitting on clouds, inhabiting a Star Wars-esque environment, and oh, wait, can I push that button again?
The mission of the Children’s Creativity Museum is next generation innovation
Our mission is to nurture creativity and collaboration in all children and families. We believe that creative expression, innovation, and critical thinking are core to fostering the next generation.
Various core studios and traveling exhibits keep the museum fresh and, well, creative at every visit. Create a video one day; touch everything; sing karaoke with 2,000 choices; practice coding on robots; sketch and scan; use the green screen to fly high; admire other children’s art in the gallery; and always choose a different animal on the carousel right outside.
As of this writing, the Community Lab has been overtaken by Sketch Town, a virtual city spanning an immense projection surface. Kid guests have the opportunity to draw buildings and vehicles, scan them, and interact with their creations as the town changes. Sketch Town offers children an interactive way learn about building healthy communities, urban planning, city living, and transportation.
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In the Imagination Lab, the littlest guests can play with tactile materials in novel ways. Or they can chill out a bit in the Storybook Park, a Literacy exhibit for the under-six crowd.
Plan your visit to the Children’s Creativity Museum
Location and logistics to Children’s Creativity Museum
The Children’s Creativity Museum is located in San Francisco at the corner of Fourth and Howard Streets in Yerba Buena Gardens. 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA.
Nearest BART Station is Powell St. Find parking suggestions here >>
Hours: Weekend sessions only, offered from 10 am – 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm – 4 pm, reservations required.
Admission Prices: Most humans $15 | Under 1 year: FREE | Members: FREE (The Museum participates in the Discover & Go program for FREE admission) Tickets>>
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Right outside The Children’s Creativity Museum is the LeRoy King Carousel, a fully restored 1906 carousel. Your kids will notice!
Carousel Price: $5 per person (good for 1 ride rides), $3 with paid museum admission
Open Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 am – 4:30 pm
Website for more information >>
[Photos provided by The Children’s Creativity Museum unless otherwise noted]
