The Randall Museum in San Francisco is a hidden treasure for families and little kids. It’s a FREE wildlife museum (yes, you read that right, FREE) where you can see native Californian animals like raccoons, snakes, and a weasel, or explore the railroad-themed exhibit with moving miniature trains. Add to your visit with a Saturday art or science class, a hike up the hill next door for epic city views, or a stroll down to the States Street playground. It’s a surprising find and definitely worth checking out if you haven’t been yet.
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The Animals at the Randall Museum
Like the Lindsay Wildlife Experience, the Randall Museum’s animal exhibits showcase native species found in California’s diverse habitats. You’ll find snakes and lizards in the Desert area, crows and raccoons in the Urban habitat, and sea stars and urchins in the Ocean habitat downstairs. All of the animals are rescues that can no longer live in the wild. The animal keepers are happy to answer questions from curious toddlers and parents alike, and during the Animal Ambassador program, visitors can even interact with some of the creatures. Downstairs, several aquariums display fish, sea stars, and other native sea life, though truth be told, that part of the museum is a bit underwhelming.
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The Trains at the Randall Museum
If you have a train crazy toddler, you’ll want to head straight downstairs. They have moving trains and intricate models of Bay Area landmarks and neighborhoods that’ll entertain both kids and adults. There’s are several train tracks to play with, pack your own trains as a back up plan, on our last visit all the trains had magically disappeared.
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Bonus: Art and Science Classes at the Randall Museum
There are drop-in art classes for kids ages 5 to 7 on Saturdays from 1 pm – 4 pm. They cost $10 per adult/child combo and $5 additional person. Just register at the desk when you arrive. Projects include works of art like a Pool Noodle Monster, Valentine’s Day Cards, Plantable Seed Paper, and Nature Suncatchers. Check their Instagram for more information on drop-in classes. They also have multi-week seasonal classes, such as Art and Animals, Woodworking, Ceramics, 3-D Printed Robots, Robotics, and more. You’ll need to pre-register for these classes through the San Francisco Rec and Parks, and they cost from $110-$355 for the series. More info here >
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The Bottom Line on San Francisco’s Randall Museum
The Randall Museum is a great destination for families who like to see animals up close and enjoy a low-key museum experience, and you cannot beat the price. This is not the Cal Academy or the Discovery Museum, and it’s not trying to be. It’s a small museum where you can take your time and enjoy a leisurely morning or afternoon with little kids, take in the views at lunch, and then head home for nap time. What’s great about the Randal Museum is that there’s no pressure since it’s free, and the vibe is more relaxed. If you keep all that in mind, you and your kiddos will have a lovely, laid-back day.
The Randal Museum Details
Location:Â 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, Open 10 am to 5 pm, Closed Sunday and Monday
Cost: FREE. Classes are extra $$
Parking: FREE. There’s a small parking lot in front of the museum
Food: There’s a nice little cafe with outdoor seating, with coffee, pastries and sandwiches. You can also bring your own and enjoy lunch on a blanket on the grass outside.
Hike for a view > (Though it is a bit steep terrain with loose gravel at points)
Contact:Â (415) 554-9600;Â info@randallmuseum.org
Have you been to the Randall Museum? Do you have any other tips?
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