California Academy of Sciences

Perfect Family Destination: California Academy of Sciences

Attention, families: recent visitors said this is the perfect place to bring kids in San Francisco. The California Academy of Sciences brims with plenty of things to see, including an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and even a rainforest.

Aquarium and Exhibits

The Steinhart Aquarium is home to about 40,000 animals representing more than 900 different species. Highlights include a penguin colony from Africa, a swamp with an albino alligator, a shark lagoon, and a 100,000-gallon tank that mirrors the ecosystem of the California coast.

Osher Rainforest

The Osher Rainforest houses more than 1,600 animals, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies, as well as about 100 reptiles and amphibians. This four-story complex is a sight to behold.

Morrison Planetarium

The Morrison Planetarium is known for its 75-foot-diameter screen, which plays "Tour of the Universe" shows daily, offering a cosmic experience for visitors.

Kimball Natural History Museum

The Kimball Natural History Museum boasts dinosaur fossils, an interactive science exhibit, and a unique earthquake simulator, making it both educational and exciting for people of all ages.

Additional Programs and Activities

On top of all the permanent exhibits, each attraction features its own program of presentations and activities. Travelers suggest sticking around to experience the various species on display at the aquarium or the Osher Rainforest. Admission may seem pricey to some, but many travelers say their experience was worth the cost. Visitors were impressed with not only the number of things to do but also the quality, leaving many amazed at what they saw and did in just a single day. And a full day is what you'll need to see everything, so plan ahead if you're on a tight schedule.

Hours

You can find the California Academy of Sciences on the eastern side of Golden Gate Park, along Nancy Pelosi Drive. Multiple public transportation stops are around the park, with the closest being the 44 O'Shaughnessy Muni bus stop. The museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Note that the rainforest operates on different hours.

Tickets

Ticket prices vary by day and time. Adult tickets typically start at around $49, while entrance for children ages 3 to 12 starts at around $39. Teen admission (ages 13 to 18) starts at around $45. For the best price, purchase your ticket in advance, as visitors can save between $3 and $5 when tickets are bought at least three days in advance. Additionally, if you purchased a CityPASS, admission is free.

For more information on the California Academy of Sciences, consult its website.