San Francisco’s Exploratorium with Kids

Many thanks to San Francisco’s Exploratorium for providing free admission for my family. We had so much fun and will now be asking the grandparents for a membership for the holidays!

Visiting San Francisco’s Exploratorium with kids is truly a treat. As a hands-on science museum, there’s so much to touch and interact with, both for kids and adults. And, don’t forget the views (visiting grandparents will be impressed!). I recently took my four kids, ages 6, 8, 10 and 12, and each one found things to entertain and amaze them. Ultimately that’s what’s so fabulous about the Exploratorium – you can touch and dive into everything! Sure, it’s not cheap (what is these days?), but as far as value, it’ll feel like money well spent.

What’s amazing about the Exploratorium

As soon as you walk into the Exploratorium you’re in the thick of things in the best possible way. Start by quenching your thirst at the toilet bowl water fountain (Insta gold!), and you’re off to the races. The vibe is part science museum, part steampunk maker space.

There are hundreds upon hundreds of hands-on exhibits, from engineering and art to biology and social science. With so many exhibits and so much space, there’s always something to try or touch without waiting in line. And I don’t know about your kids, but mine aren’t especially excellent at waiting.

There are several spaces where you even can settle in to make things, like sewing a jacket for your stuffie. And thankfully they have kind and patient staff on hand to help those of us who have no idea how to do that.

What Little Kids love about the Exploratorium

This is not a place where you ever have to “shhh” your kiddo. It’s big, and open and there’re just so many exciting things to see and touch. Toddlers and younger kids won’t understand the science being demonstrated a lot of the time, but they won’t care! From touching fog and making huge bubbles, to creating electricity and playing the drums, the joy of being immersed in the novelty of hands on science is the stuff kids’ dreams are made of.

My six-year-old loved the Shadow Box exhibit, since it involved full-body exploration and fun. My eight-year-old is more into biology, so he was super excited when we found some termites and decomposing rats to examine.

What Bigger Kids love about the Exploratorium

School age and bigger kids will actually understand a lot of the science on display. The concepts are generally explained in clear and simple terms, and the interactive elements really make the concepts come to life. My 12-year-old was fascinated with the Sip or Squirt exhibit, which is fabulous way of introducing the Prisoner’s Dilemma. We’ve since had many lively conversations about Game Theory (how cool is that?).

My 10-year-old was fascinated by the high-voltage exhibit, even asking to do some research about electricity when we got home (my electrical engineer husband was so excited someone was finally taking interest in what he does all day).

Other things to consider when visiting The Exploratorium with kids

• Getting There: Going into San Francisco from the East Bay with a gaggle of kiddos isn’t always the easiest or cheapest proposition. You can drive, but then you’ll have to park. Ferry or BART are admirable non-car options that are pretty fun for little kids and adds to entire experience. However you choose to go, plan it out ahead of time so the travel part of the day isn’t hectic.
• Food: It’s not a surprise that the food is expensive. It’s San Francisco afterall. So to save yourself the sticker shock, brown-bag-it. Or, if the Grandparents are treating, check out the beautiful Seaglass Cafe. The food looks tasty and the views to die for.
• Membership: There’s no way around it, visiting the Exploratorium is expensive. But as I said before, it feels like you’re getting what you pay for. So if you’re as impressed as my family was with our visit, you’ll likely want to consider a membership. That way you don’t have to feel like you need to see ALL THE THINGS in one go of it. Explore a few rooms, have lunch, then go home for naptime (or explore the Ferry Building if you have older kids). So much less stressful than trying to see everything in one visit!

Upcoming Events for kids at the Exploratorium

• Storytime Science for Kids — The Exploratorium hosts weekend storytime sessions every Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm and 2 pm from June through August! Enjoy a storybook read-aloud followed by an astounding science demonstration. Come hear a story, get hands-on, and embark on thrilling adventures.
• Annual Buoy Pull — Always a crowd favorite, the next annual Buoy Pull is happening on Saturday, August 3rd. Once a year the CO2 Research Buoy is pulled up for servicing and the museum invites visitors to see all the organisms that have collected. They set up microscopes, cameras and monitors to show and discuss the findings. So cool!

Plan your visit to the Exploratorium

• Admission is $40 for adults, $30 for kids, with lower rates for seniors, students, teachers and the disabled. You can also check for more free and reduced ticket options. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended; in order to minimize lines and avoid overcrowding. For families, buying a membership will pay for itself within two visits, so that may be something to consider.
• Pack a lunch and eat it outside. That’s the cheapest option, or enjoy the $10 hot dog at the cafe (I bet it’s delicious though!).
• Wear comfy shoes since it’s all concrete in there and can be tiring on the feet.
• There are a few fun gift shops that are difficult to avoid; have a price limit set before entering!
• For more information, visit www.exploratorium.edu.