My kids had such a great time! Plenty of things to explore and they have a parking lot across the street so it was convenient to get there. Indoor and outdoor activities and also a food court inside. read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such a fun place to go for everyone of all ages!! We planned to come for around 2 hours but we easily could have spent all day here! All of my kids (age range from 2-13) loved all the hands on learning! Even if they didn't understand (or take the time to read), they loved how hands on it was. We will probably come back every time we're in town. read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a unique science museum that allows for the exploration of movement, energy, magnetic forces, light, math, sound, you name it! One could spend all day and would not run out of things to do! They have an inside and outside area. It may get crowded on weekdays during the first two hours due to field trips. My kids enjoyed the black magnetic sand, giant dominoes, experiencing different rain, the parabola and multiplayer snake game. Employees were friendly and restrooms were conveniently located in two areas. They have in and out provides for the same day with a stamp. There is discounted parking available at Pier 15 and 19.5 (check the website for a code). read more

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Really fun place to visit. There was many great things for kids to learn and explore! They also have a nice dine in cafeteria area. Only thing that was tricky was parking. Overall staff was great and had a great time. read more

I came here during their After Dark Thursday night event (6 PM to 10 PM), when tickets are only $22.95. This is only for adults (ages 18+) so it was nice that there were no children around. They do serve alcohol (beer, hard seltzers, and wine) as well. You can park in the Pier 15 Parking lot that's open 24/7. If you use the code 4302100, you can get discounted rates ($10 flat after 4 PM), otherwise, there is metered parking around, but limited. I thought it was very cool that Dr. Oppenheimer, the man who invented the atomic bomb, actually founded the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is a hands-on science museum. There are all different kinds of props and activities that are designed to help you understand science. read more

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I thought this would be a fun activity to do with my 9 year old while in town and I was right. We spent about 3 hours there and I think he would have been happy to play longer, but we had a bunch of other fun things to do in SF. I think this place is for everyone from toddlers to adults. In fact, i heard they have a weekly adults only night since adults enjoy it so much. I love that! You can either turn right or left when you first walk in. I found the right side to be a little more kid friendly so I'd start there, but he loved it all. They did have an AI exhibit, which was pretty mature, but it kept him busy. Bring lots of hand sanitizer since it's a very hands on musuem (i think i went thru half a bottle :)), but it was a lot of fun and a highlight of our trip! read more

I grew up going to the old school Exploritorium back in the day for yearly field trips in school, and enjoyed my times then. I'm glad they have moved and renovated since over the years, and have really created a beautiful and interesting museum at the edge of the city. I really like that they have kept a lot of their older exhibits from back in the day, including the speakers outside the museum, and the giant bubbles. I also like that they've incorporated newer ones too, like the fog bridge. My husband had one of his tech company parties here at the Exploritorium back in the day, in the era of nice company holiday parties, and he had a great time here. At first, I wasn't sure if bringing my 2 year old was the best idea, but I'm glad I did. She of course didn't understand much of the science, but loved running around and was curious pressing, watching, and interacting with many of the exhibits. This museum does seem perfect for that 7-10 year old age group though. I would say the membership is probably worth it, except it does suck that parking can be quite expensive in the area. Can't wait to return with my daughter! Looking forward to coming here in the upcoming years! read more

This is a cool place! However, it is way way to packed. My son didn't have the patience to wait at every exhibit that had someone there and the some more people. Also, it's super cool but I think for older kids? My son is 6, autistic, and so many exhibits were wordy and just not super engaging for him. Having more sensory, less wordy and more visual exhibits for the younger kids I think would be super fun! Overall, I think if you have older kids who can read well, have patience to wait, etc. it's a fantastic place to explore. read more

An amazing museum at Pier 15. What a wonderful place for kids and adults to explore the wonderful world of science! Epic !!! Consider becoming a member and supporting this 501c3 read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

I've been going to the Exploratorium for over a decade--probably more than a hundred times, no exaggeration. I started taking my son when he was a toddler, and now he's 13. It's always been one of our favorite places. I used to be a member, but after my financial situation changed, I was so grateful to learn that the Exploratorium participates in the Museums for All program. It means EBT card holders can get tickets for just $3 each, which makes a huge difference. This past Sunday was our first visit in a long time, and it felt like coming home. We were thrilled to see the toothpick exhibit again, along with many of our favorite stations still going strong. The museum is just as magical for teens as it is for little ones. We had a great day. Our favorite exhibits are still the bubble station, the outdoor area, the tactile dome (where you navigate in complete darkness using only your sense of touch), and of course, the incredible toothpick sculpture built by Scott Weaver--a volunteer who created this massive, intricate structure entirely out of toothpicks. I had such a nice time, I'm now begging my friend to let me take her 7-year-old daughter (who feels like a niece to me) so she can experience it too. The Exploratorium is truly a gem, and I'm so thankful it's still part of our lives. read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

What a great place to visit in the city for all ages. There are street parking and the location has 6 different exhibits. I would recommend allocating at least 3-4 hours if you want to fully explore the facility. There was SO MUCH to see and learn. Every corner had an interactive activity and they were all so informative. Both are fun for kids and adults!! Weekends can be crowded and there may be lines for each activity. Everyone starts with the human phenomena (exhibit 1) so start with the opposite side if you can! From 6-1. read more

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Came for their Thursday night life and I really enjoyed my time here with friends! From 6pm - 10pm, it becomes 18+ so you'll need ID to enter. Lots of hands on exhibits revolving science so it was a fun learning experience. I felt like a kid again checking out each station and got to see/learn some cool things. Great for date night or just a fun night out with friends! I'll definitely be back as it was so big, I didn't get to check out the other half of the place. + Great view of the bay bridge. read more

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after dark event is pretty cool and nice because not so crowded. i loved how they area a couple bars in different places so we dont have to walk all the way back. tickets are $26. only wish the hand sanitizers were working or filled just because we are touching everything. read more

Exploratorium - dna. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I love the exploratorium. It is great for myself and my two year old who loves interactive exhibits . There is always something new. Our membership was worth it. But I do want to say the exploratorium parking lot has a learning curve. The biggest signs to pay for parking are a QR code for metropolis -- $30.99 for the day. I tried to use the website but it wouldn't accept any of my cards. Ultimately I saw that you could also pay at the station. Better deal for exploratorium visitors - $15.00 for the day and I was able to pay without much trouble. The payment "code" is posted to the left on the wall. A week later I get text messages from metropolis hounding me for payment and threats of a late fee when I had already paid. I sent them my bank statement but they wanted the actual receipt I put on my dashboard. Long story short. Don't use the QR code, don't use metropolis if visiting exploratorium, just pay at the machine. read more

We took our 11 year old granddaughter to the Exploratorium yesterday, and it was an excellent experience for all three of us. We thought a Monday might be less crowded, and there turned out to be a comfortable amount of people there. I worried about SF parking, but it was a breeze. There's a parking lot right across the street that offers a discount if you use the code on the Exploratorium website. We bought our tickets in advance on the website as well. We arrived right after the 10am opening, and from the moment we walked in, the 11 year old was interested and engaged in the exhibits/activities. She often has a short attention span, but not at the Exploratorium. She enjoyed figuring things out and seeing how things worked, and we often had to nudge her to leave something because there was more to see and do. Hubby and I enjoyed it all too! There's a cafe there where you can get coffee and other drinks, along with pastries, etc., and there's a full restaurant there as well. We chose to take a break at the restaurant and it was a good choice. It's a combination of self serve prepackaged items you can pick up, and items you can order to be delivered to your table. We chose to order food delivered to the table. I had a rice, bean, chicken bowl that was excellent, and sustained me through the rest of the day. 11 year old had a big bowl of pasta with a meat marinara sauce, and hubby had a hot dog and prepackaged noodle dish. We all chose cookies from their bakery section, and OMG, they were good. We sat in the dining room with a lovely view of the bay. The prices were surprisingly reasonable. Despite arriving at the 10am opening, we felt rushed as the 5pm closing approached. There was still so much more to see and do! On the drive home, we all talked about our favorite activities, and it was a long list! The fog table, 'making' a pinball machine in the tinkering area, the monochromatic room (or was it orange??), Scott's toothpick creation, the magnetic black sand, a crazy mirror that manipulated depth perception, the game show style game of choosing doors, the list is endless! Only too mild complaints. We wished it was open longer, and one ladies room was closed. Otherwise, a perfect day. read more

Very neat science museum. Tons of hands on exhibits that are well maintained. A lot of staff led interactive stations. Nice outdoor area. A little pricey but does have ASTC reciprocity. Probably 9 to 11 is sweet spot kid age for max enjoyment. A place worth checking out. read more

Exploratorium for adult night was epic. It's from 6-10pm but 4 hrs is hardly enough time to get through all the exhibits. They have multiple bars open & the food court open. We got a veggie burger and fries & was overpriced but food was good & well made. Will definitely be back to see the rest of the exhibits. read more

Exploratorium - Veggie burger and fries - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

We had such a nice time visiting the Exploratorium as a family. From the moment we stepped inside, the entire experience was very hands on and kept our two girls very busy moving from one area to the next. The staff was super friendly and encouraged our girls to go to specific stations and explained what they were observing. Their favorite stops were the sand tables, the bubble station, and the dry ice and laser table. One headache is that there is not a space to take a quiet phone call if needed. It's very busy and loud and I couldn't find a spot for a quiet moment. Another thought is I didn't seen anyone regularly cleaning. It's so hands on that it would be nice in the four hours spent there to see some intermittent cleaning. read more

This place is amazing! A couple of hours is not enough to explore all the interactive exhibits. Plan to spend a whole day here! There are so many exhibits to see and learn and play with. Great for the entire family! Definitely a must see when visiting SF. read more

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I loved the Exploratorium when I was a kid (at the old location) and now that I have a kid, I was excited to be able to share that experience with the next generation. We got an annual pass (for a family it will pay for itself in 2-3 visits) and headed out! Parking is not always easy so it is good to arrive early before the lots fill up and also note that there is discounted pricing for Exploratorium visitors at a couple lots. It was my first time at the new location and overall I enjoyed it. They have several different sectors/themes, you may want to start at the last one and work your way backwards- that may help alleviate crowds a bit, especially when you first arrive. However it seems like it is always busy- weekends with families, weekdays with schools and such (ranging from elementary to high school). So many great hands on exhibits, so much to learn! You'd be hard pressed to pack everything into a single day here, so we felt that membership was well worth it for our family. We've done science museums at several cities around the west coast and this one is our favorite! read more

We made the trip to San Francisco specifically to visit the Exploratorium, and it was 100% worth it! Honestly, you could spend days here and still not see everything -- a full day barely scratches the surface. There are hands-on exhibits for all ages, from kids to adults, and every corner sparks curiosity and excitement. The museum is located right on the Embarcadero, which makes it super convenient if you're planning to explore nearby piers or grab a bite at one of the many local restaurants. There's also a café inside the Exploratorium itself, which is perfect for a quick snack, drink, or lunch without having to leave the museum. If you're in San Francisco -- especially with kids -- the Exploratorium is an absolute must. Fun, educational, and endlessly entertaining! read more

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Pro Tip: Try to budget at least 4 hours here... to explore and engage with the whole Exploratorium even in 2.5 hours is difficult! - - - - - - At a recent conference, a keynote speaker mentioned SF Exploratorium, and I was astonished that I had never been despite visiting SF so many times... I have to admit, though, even if you come as an adult, plan to be learning and engaged for an entire day! The exploratory features creative demonstrations that appeal to the physical science, life science, engineering, and even areas of psychology, ecology, etc. Like museums, they do have discounts for various groups (ie student, teacher, etc.) so make sure to double-check in case. For educators, there are many demonstrations that could be taken back to the classroom. Even for the arts, there are a variety of exhibits that showcase interesting applications or inspire creative avenues. read more

Exploratorium - Marker outside so you can't miss it! - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

I think my review from late 2023 still holds up. My son is six now, and we came for another visit. I love how close it is to the Ferry Building so we came come super easily from Richmond on the ferry. Can't get any easier (or cheaper) than that for a nice way to travel to San Francisco. My son didn't remember coming two years ago, but that's okay. He still had a great time running around from exhibit to exhibit. We came on a weekday this time, so the museum was full of lots of kids on field trips, but it wasn't overly crowded. He's only in kindergarten, so he can't read very well yet, but that's ok. Since almost everything is hands-on, he just dives right in an gives it a shot. "ooh look at this! ooh look at that!" While the museum is great with hands-on exhibits for any age, I think older children (maybe 8+) and adults would get the most out of it, because they can actually read and start to understand the scientific underpinnings for each item. read more

We love visiting the Exploratorium. Always see something new and interesting.. They have the earthquake simulator and outdoor play area for smaller kids. read more

Exploratorium - Outdoor kids play area - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

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One of my favorite places in the bay area. One of the places I always take visitors, if they'll let me. So many interesting exhibits. Don't miss the upstairs area with a little library and observation deck. If you don't have kids with you, I definitely recommend going on one of the Thursday nights when it's grownups-only. read more

I love coming here as of late as an adult! They always have fun exhibits and I recently did the after dark event with my bf and we had a blast. It was Halloween themed. I've been trying to find more events that are engaging and fun and tapping into my child side and this place has it all. read more

One of the coolest museums ever! It is huge so wear comfortable shoes for the amount of walking you'll do. Recommend going after hours on Thursdays, where they have bars and snacks available throughout for visitors. Can't wait to visit again and recommend if you are looking for something fun to do in San Francisco with kids, solo trip, or date day or date night! read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Exploratorium has always been recommended to me, but I never got around to visiting until recently when my boyfriend and I decided to go as part of my birthday celebration. We attended the Thursday After Dark event and were pleasantly surprised. At first, we were taking our time through the exhibits, thinking we had seen most of it. However, by around 9 PM, we realized there was a whole other section we hadn't explored yet. I highly recommend taking the time to explore all six sections (if I'm not mistaken), rather than just sticking to the first few visible ones near the lobby. I particularly enjoyed the human experience exhibits and the interactive activities. There were some cool AI-based games, though I found it a bit odd to have platforms like ChatGPT and MidJourney included as part of the exhibit. I felt there could be more innovative uses of AI, but overall, the experience exceeded my expectations. I will definitely be coming back. read more

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I love the Exploratorium! It's a great place for all ages alike--everyone will find something to enjoy there. I'm only knocking off a star because some of the displays are very dirty/worn down/broken/or need better instructions. The pi disc one had more discs than the instructions called for?! read more

The Exploratorium must stay in Pier 15 as a perfect location, so that I get to explore again since back in the Palace of Fine Arts. A couple of decades ago, I was with my classmates and my teacher tried out unique exhibits. I sure missed the Tactile Dome. If I have a rare opportunity this year for myself, I might do it since it's safe according to experts who put together an amazing obstacle! Last Saturday, my brother, my daughter, and I got to visit and try out some of the unique exhibits once. Like me, my daughter explored many different things around us. I'm glad she had a good time; hopefully, she learned something new for a change. Though none of us got to dine in to Seaglass restaurant, we had to go somewhere to eat based on my daughter's likings. I might try the Seaglass restaurant the next time I visit the Exploratorium. read more

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I remember when the Exploritorium was located in the Palace of Fine Arts. That is a beautiful building rich in San Francisco history. It has artifacts from the original World's Fair that was held in San Francisco. But I recall how the exhibits became outdated over time. And then the museum moved to the Fisherman's Wharf and became something amazing. I have loved going there ever since they moved to their new location. I have been there for their after dark and other events. This museum brings excitement into science! One kind of exhibit I would love to see the Exploratorium present someday would be science in art. I think it would be interesting especially surreal and sublimation art like the kind by MC Escher. It would remind people that science is all around us even in art. Even the use of art in advertising with how its hidden messages and influences get consumers to buy their products. read more

Fun but Overwhelming! We had a blast at the Exploratorium, but I do miss the old location. The new spot is awesome but definitely overwhelming--there's just so much to look at and do! Everywhere you turn, there's something new, and it can be hard to focus on what you really want to see. Wish we'd researched and checked a map before we went. The outdoor area was a nice break from the chaos inside. Honestly, it doesn't take many people to make it feel crowded because there's so much going on in every corner. Plan to spend the whole day if you really want to see everything! read more

We came here today (Sunday) with our 4 year old Izzy. For those from San Jose consider this place a bigger and more engaging version of the Tech Museum. They have exhibits for Mars, the Moon, and so many things that are also so educational for young kids. We just let Izzy lead the way. There is parking across the street (little pricey but it's 24/7). Just note your license plate # if parking here. read more

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I've actually never been to the Exploratorium before and I had no idea what it really was besides some sort of walking museum. I was really excited to go with a handful of children to watch them experience while engaging in all their 5 senses. I especially loved how all the auditory, learns could partake in certain activities, while the visual learners were over stimulated in the Lens/prisms section. Not to mention, there's definitely something for EVERYONE that's a kinesthetic learner! I'm not too sure if I'd attend this hands-on museum with adults, but it was breathtaking to watch the young children I was with explore and learn and then ask me questions as the activities expanded their minds. I would definitely love to come back here with another group of children. I think I'll attend the Cal Academy of Science with my friends for an After Dark/21+ night! Hee. read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

Fun interactive museum especially for kids. They have a lot of optical illusions and things like that to learn about the senses and science. It's quite expensive and can get very crowded. There's are so many people and kids touching things and there is a lot of hands on exhibitions so be careful and wash your hands or bring wipes. read more

Exploratorium - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - San Francisco, California

It should be a five-star, I know but memories... I was shocked when we pulled up because I remember the old location. Before the pandemic, my husband and I did a staycation and we walked by. The people who greeted us told us that this was a temporary location while they were remodeling. So imagine my surprise when we pulled up. No longer the dark, cavernous place with the high ceilings and the good thing is that it isn't too far off the freeway or too far from BART. The bad news? This isn't the place I remember and I do have feelings about this. The good... 1. They are still around 2. They managed to cram a lot of stuff into this location - so much to see! 3. The field trip check-in process - I felt cared for. The bad... 1. Too many kids 2. They managed to cram a lot of stuff into this location - too much to see in one visit 3. Their food is way too expensive. I don't know how they expect kids, parents, teachers to want to pay those prices. The verdict... I won't be back unless I'm chaperoning on a field trip, not because I don't like it, but because it was way too much to take in at one time. This says more about me than it does about them. But, the nice, laze-like stroll though there read more

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Wonderful spot for a fun and nerdy date night on Thursdays at exploratorium after dark. Today was a lunar new year special with lion dancing, Chinese dance and we even learnt to play mahjong! Highly recommend. And of course this place is always a hit when we are with our 4 year old during regular hours on a weekend. read more

This is a classic science museum that has aged well. I remember some of the same exhibits from the 80s, plus much more. Now there are gorgeous views of the Bay. The museum focuses a lot on perception and the senses, engineering, and physical science. It has hands on and engaging activities. There are a couple of floors. Highlights: the view from the camera obscura deck, the monochrome room, the different exhibits with lights and colors, the altered perception room outside. And more! This is best for ages 4-13. Expect to spend 4-5 hours here. The food is outrageously priced, but you can bring your own. It can get bananas crowded. read more

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We spent most of the day at the Exploratorium. Took the Ferry to get there (which was really easy), and it had so many things to explore, we couldn't get to them all. It was clean, and well staffed, they were always around if we had questions. The exhibits were really cool and a majority were interactive. But they also had many art exhibits on display. My kids had trouble with all the reading you had to do in order to try something and have it work successfully. Adults or children with more patience had no issue with this. Overall, it is a great experience for all ages, because it has something for everyone! read more

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Apart of a huge school group and a mandatory obnoxious pointless "orientation"?? It's ridiculous, please stop these. Let us just GO enjoy the thing we paid good money for. read more