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Exploratorium
Category: Arts & Entertainment Museums Museums [Edit]
3601 Lyon St(at Jefferson St)
San Francisco, CA 94123
Neighborhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 563-7337
- Hours:
Tue-Sun 10 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
644 reviews for Exploratorium
Review Highlights
"And don't forget to check out the Tactile dome."
(in 114 reviews)
"And the surrounding Palace of Fine Arts is breathtaking."
(in 46 reviews)
"For a kid interesting in science, it's heaven."
(in 192 reviews)
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644 reviews in English
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Review from Bill H.
2/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
I think I had more fun visiting as an adult than I did as a kid. It's easy to knock the exhibits as out-dated, but everything is fun an interactive. This place easily has the highest ratio of stuff-you-touch to stuff-you-read of any museum that I've been to recently.
The 80s-era computer simulation games (simulate dice rolling! simulate the game of Life!) were my personal favorites, though I also enjoyed a lot of the magnetic games, too.
I'd recommend bringing a group of science-y minded friends, or at least folks that wouldn't think twice about getting their hands on a bunch of stuff that kids have been playing with all day. -
Review from Ashley T.
San Francisco, CA
2/6/2012
This is definitely a great place to explore, especially if you like hands-on exhibits. I would forewarn that there are A LOT of kids running around, so be prepared for slight mass chaos.
This is probably one of the only places where pretty much everything is hands-on, which is pretty cool. I personally liked the sound exhibits, more than anything.
I found some of the stuff slightly outdated and a little corny, but I may not be the prime age demographic ;) -
Review from Conny L.
Palo Alto, CA
1/28/2012
Great place to spend the day, and certainly a challenge for all senses.
All of the exhibits are hands-on, which I loved! I give one star less, since the Tactile Dome is currently closed.
There is so much to do and see, that it's hard to described. After trying to see and do everything they had there, I felt pretty exhausted. Great if you come here with kids, but if you're a grown-up enjoying playing and learning as I do, you'll have the best time here.
I have been in many touch-to-learn museums, but this one had many experiments that I have not seen before. I love how the displays are grouped into different areas: touch, smell, hear, etc.
Make sure to take your time though, we tried everything, but never stayed long with any of the exhibits, and it took us about 3.5 hours to get through. Plan more time if you want to read everything in detail or if you bring kids.
I was positively surprised by the comparably low entrance fee: 12 USD for students, 15 USD for adults.
The Exploratorium is situated close to the Golden Gate Bridge and is surrounded by one of the most beautiful park areas in San Francisco. Make this a day trip, and you'll have a fantastic time. -
Review from Molly B.
San Francisco, CA
1/17/2012
While I feel like regularly regress to childhood-like antics most nights while I am under the influence of a drink or 10, it is a rare but treasured opportunity to unleash my inner elementary school science nerd self like I can do at the Exploratorium!!
This museum has a vast array of interactive exhibits that are educational and fun for everyone. Well worth the entry fee which I think is just like $15. The activities really are perfect for any age. There are plenty of kids around, but don't feel bad going just as an adult! (can I call myself that?)
The place is organized into different sections based on categories like sound, touch, optical illusions, electricity, space, materials, human body etc. The Palace of Fine Arts, where the museum is located, is picturesque as well in and of itself. It is moving over to by Piers 15/17 at the Embarcadero at some point, but I am not sure when (see http://press.explorato...).
Visitors can easily make a trip to the Exploratorium into a several hour endeavor that could be easily combined with time in nearby Crissy Field, Presidio, Marina Green, or Marina District. Golden Gate Bridge is not that far away either (bikeable distance). They have a nice evening event with drinks, music etc. one Thursday a month -- check out reviews for Exploratorium After Dark. Only main drawback is accessibility; parking is a royal pain and so you HAVE to take Muni or a Cab (or bike I guess) to get here.Listed in: Out of Town Guests
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Review from Drew P.
Hayward, CA
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is for the "AFTER DARK" event that is the first Thursday of every month.
Basically they open the museum for adults only and add 2 bars, and some special exhibits at night.
It is definitely a good time and you will love it!
Drinks are 5-7$.
This place is worth visiting whether it is after dark or during the day, a lot of fun things to do here and the outside is beautiful as well.
The bonus to coming at night is you don't have to feel bad about kicking a kid off a exhibit because you want a turn... -
Review from Jason M.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's Science! We had a company offsite here and it was amazing. In retrospect it would actually be a great place for a first date. Not only are there things to do, but you could indirectly measure a wide range of interests from your partner.
We went on the "sound" tour, which demoed a variety of interesting exhibits. My favorite was going outside, and into one of the big pillars that holds up the giant dome. Inside was a huge xylophone that would resonate three stories high in a uniquely shaped column. I would have to say that the bubble exhibit was bar far my favorite, great for photos as well! -
Review from Jeff I.
Roseville, CA
1/15/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here an hour before it closed. Bad idea, didn't even come close to finishing it. So if you go here expect to be here over 2hrs.
I loved this place, it was like your a kid again on a field trip. So many things to do and see.
Conclusion: Great place for adults and kids. Just don't go when its about to close. -
Review from Terri L.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2012
ehhhh, DONT LISTEN TO THIS 4 STAR RATING IF YOU ARE A COMPLETE GROWN UP AND NOT SCIENCY AT ALL. this is a place for parents to take kids :( but i did saw a handsome kindergarten teacher tho...otherwise i felt really bad
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Review from Paul T.
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I went to a wedding on New Year's Eve here. I know, right? A wedding. On New Year's Eve. AT THE EXPLORATORIUM.
Since it was my first time ever (popped my Exploratori-cherry), I don't know if it's normal to booze it up at this museum whilst fingering every damn exhibit they have. No, seriously, I touched everything. It's a surprise I didn't catch a cold or anything.
The grounds are amazing, the museum exhibits are all interactive and enlightening, and the drinks that the catering company mixed were primo. Again - the liquor might not be normal.
So after I had a few drinks, I floated over to the section where we get to play with lights, and discovered that red wine refracts the light and only allows different shades of red to pass through. Also, green light, when held up against a glass of Irish Whiskey, looks purple. I know, it surprised me, too.
After that, we floated over to the more kinetic exhibits and got tangled up in some chain, then took pictures of ourselves INSIDE the smoke whirlwind display. I don't know if that was allowed, but it certainly did look cool swirling around our martini glasses.
Pro tip: Keep your high ball glasses clear of all the pendulum displays, especially that crazy contraption with three pendula - they tend to swing erratically, and the security staff is not enthusiastic about cleaning up liquor, ice, and broken glass.
On the second floor there were some neat sound exhibits that we tinkered around with during the cocktail hour prior to the reception. The electric drum set, by the way, does not respond well to having alcohol spilled on it. Just an FYI.
I plan on making a return visit, but if there isn't an open bar, it might not be as awesome as the first time. -
Review from Stu S.
Oakland, CA
1/18/2012
It had been many years since visiting, and I feel like a kid in a candy shop here. Many exhibits are like advanced science fair displays, and nearly all are hands-on. You can see the delight in kids' faces as they merge learning and playing at this unique facility.
Most of the exhibits are grouped together, such as the ones relating to sound. Some are hard to categorize and a small number were under-whelming.
I would add better lighting to this place. Spotlights on the exhibits would help remove the warehouse kinda feel in this open-space museum. Parking is difficult, as I believe during past visits there was more parking that is now a roadway. -
Review from Denton S.
St George, UT
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
So the main reason we went here was for the kids.
Once we got inside, it was hard to stay with the kids, I wanted to hit every exhibit. Even for my young kids, they had a blast with all the different things you could do, and my 3 year old learned some really cool stuff.
If you can spend a few hours here, and not have fun, you have no soul. We ended up staying until they closed.
If you have kids and are going to be in San Francisco, you must come here for at least half a day, but plan it on the afternoon, because once your here, you will not be leaving until they kick you out. -
Review from Sunil R.
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is not your everyday museum, it is very hands on and has something for all ages. If you want to relive your childhood or get your mind out of the comfort zone and into a learning zone, this is a great place to go.
Lots of interesting and fun exhibits. Only nit was that it was packed. I wish I could find a way to go on a weekday and explore the museum at a more relaxed pace. Maybe I am getting older, but I am not as tolerant of parents who are pushy or let their kids run wild cutting others off. /end of rant -
Review from Justin Y.
12/20/2011
Want to re-live your middle school science field trip days again? Looking for a constructive place to drop off your kids with A.D.D. without breakin' the bank? Tired of the Academy of Sciences? One word. EXPLORATORIUM. As the name suggest.... It's a place where you Explore! HAAH. Oh your San Francisco people. Oh So Clever. I get it.
I came here a few years ago when I was 25 with my buddy and we had a blast. We played with multiple experiments and satisfied our middle school fascination in one afternoon.
Pricing. It's super cheap. They have Student ID and Adult prices. Pay. It's worth it to fiddle with wooden objects, electricity, sand, and shiny objects.
I can't wait to go back!Listed in: 1st timer's cynical voyage…
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Review from Charmayne Y.
Vallejo, CA
12/20/2011
Super cool stuff. Touches the nerd in you.
I'm usually not inclined to the science side of me, but love the hands-on nature and atmosphere. Spread out and a great place to spend the day ESPECIALLY with young ones that are into EVERYTHING. You don't have to really worry about them not being able to touch things because...THATS THE POINT!
We brought three nephews here and a great day was had by all =) -
Review from Anton P.
Novato, CA
1/28/2012
Went to Exploratorium because of the many reviews. Its interesting that as much as I have been to Marina I never been to that place!?! But anyways, you can get a discount of $3 a person for students, which was nice. That place is huge, me and my girlfriend spent there about 2.5 hours after which you could feel it. There so many interesting things and I learned some new things. Also a good place for kids who will be very busy not talking about adults. So definitely would recommend this place.
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Review from Joanna R.
Updated - 12/25/2011
Wow... honestly. Mind-blown.
I didn't know "the place" I was talking about in my previous review, was the freaking Palace of Fine Arts. Love it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/23/2011
These four stars are for the area outside the exploratorium. Some day I will enter the actually… Read more »
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Review from Adrian C.
Newark, CA
1/2/2012 10 photos
I remember coming here a couple of times as a kid, and all I remembered was that it was a cool science museum that would be enjoyable for adults as well. Thus, I thought it would have been a great place to bring my bf to, and we both enjoyed our time there.
The Exploratorium earned a lot of cool points for being open on New Years Day. But just a fair warning: if you plan on taking public transportation (i.e. BART & Muni) here, think again. Based on the public transit directions the Exploratorium's website provided, my bf and I were stuck on the Muni for about an hour...and that wasn't even counting the walking and the waiting. So if you don't plan on driving, make sure you leave early. What's great is that the parking here is free, so I'm definitely driving next time.
Even if you've already graduated from high school and passed all your science classes, there are still interesting things to learn and to be reminded of in this exhibit, making this a fun and enjoyable place for both adults and children. If you're a college student, make sure you bring your student ID for a discount! A lot of the stuff they have may look silly at a glance, but once you start following the directions and participating in the activities, you'll find that it's a lot more fun than it looks.
I'd give this place 5 stars if I had seen everything, but because I got here so late and really only got to half of the Exploratorium, I'd rather not give the full rating until my next visit, which will be more thorough. I do look forward to coming back here in the near future. The Palace of Fine Arts itself is already a beautiful monument. The Exploratorium gets my highest recommendation. -
Review from Sergio G.
11/24/2011 9 photos
I haven't been here for the longest and a friend posted pictures online the day before ( Lorrie M. ) So I decided to bring the accountant, Sara & Sofia.
We were lucky to find parking just a few stalls from the entrance, ( they were saving it for SUPER SERG ) Then fee is not bad at all only $15,00 for adults and like $10 or 12 for the kids.
The place is really outdated and with all the plans on moving it to the Piers in 2014 , all I can say is that I'm glad we went when we did. The crowd was not bad at all and we spent about 3 hours there. The kids had fun and it was awesome to see that there are still people out there that are interested n science.
The gadgets and stuff you can try are totally an eye opener but very full of germs, so I highly recommend you take your hand sanitizer !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Other than that we all had fun and the money was well spent -
Review from Molly B.
12/28/2011 3 photos
One of my very most favorite places ever! In high school, when other kids were running loose in San Francisco and raising Hell, my friends and I would head straight to the Exploratorium! It was rough being the cool kids at school... with careless abandon we set our nerdy sides free.
This place is a science museum, yes, but what is so glorious/wonderful/fantastic/amazing about it is that every station is hands on interactive! You can play with high voltage electricity, make ferrofluid dance with a small magnet, send a whisper across the room, make water float, drink out of a toilet, and even, and this kind of blows my mind a little, take a peek at the beating heart of a chicken embryo.
Our last trip to the Exploratorium was myself, my son, and my sister. We made reservations to go into the Tactile Dome. I had never been and was anxiously awaiting our time to come up. I kept thinking "What if I chicken out?" "Is it time to go in yet?" "What if my son gets scared" - yeah right, he doesn't get scared about stuff like that. "What if- what if - what if?", but it was worth the extra money! It was worth the wait! It was worth the anticipation! Shall I describe the experience to you? Going in two or three at a time it is much like walking into a closet. It made me think of The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, only instead of fluffy coats hanging around it was... well I don't know what it was! Eek! After groping around in the pitch black darkness I found an opening and ascended into ... you tell me. There is only the sense of touch to find the way around and out of the Tactile Dome. Even sounds are deceiving. Once through, if you don't chicken out and turn back- which it happens and there is no shame in it - you can go a few more times if you want.
I am already planning when to go back. -
Review from Linh T.
1/23/2012
I don't even know where to begin, everything was just so amazing! The outdoor pond with the ducks and trees was such a beautiful sight, I spent quite a bit of time just taking pictures of the pond, the ducks, and the trees. There also seems to be quite a lot of giant seagulls there, I don't know if it's just me or the seagulls but they seem like giants compared to the seagulls in Toronto. Anyways moving on.
The Museum was a lot of fun! There were a lot of pendulums (one of it was a self standing stick), there were also these two giant hollow semi spheres that were across the room from each other, each person would sit in a semi sphere and you'll be able to have a clear conversation with them, despite being across the room from one another. There's also the infrared camera, a sound scape booth, a machine that allows you to take pictures of a drop of water falling down with adjustable timing, and there's also many cool microbiology exhibits. Those are just a few of the cool things they have, they have a lot of really cool exhibits there! It's definitely worth a visit, it is definitely worth the $15/person and $12 if you're a student. It's a great place to take kids to because it'll definitely spark their interest in science. It's also suitable as a place to hangout with friends, or even take your date on for some "sciencey" fun! :D -
Review from Brandon S.
San Bernardino, CA
1/10/2012 1 photo
We went here on a "free" day and holy cow was that a mistake. First of all, good luck finding ANY parking. We had to park three blocks away, and only had two hour parking. When we got in, there were 7000 kids running around, bumping into you, swarming the exhibits, crying, crapping their pants, etc. It was exactly like we walked into a very busy Chuckee Cheese. When we were walking around playing with some of the exhibits, I couldn't help but notice sick kids sneezing all over things and touching demonstrations where you are suppose to put your face. It was basically disgusting, and I am so so happy we didn't pay to get in. I wanted to shower in hand sanitizer when I left. Some of the exhibits were kind of interesting, that's my piece.
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Review from Karin H.
Los Altos, CA
11/19/2011
The Exploratorium is a wonderful way to explore and learn about science. The exhibits are hands-on and interactive. The museum is pretty extensive and expansive so I'd allow yourself 2-3 hours if you want to see and do everything.
The only downside of this museum is the building, which has acoustics that can be overwhelming for individuals with auditory sensitivity (such as those with Autism). If you're bring lots of kids it's very difficult to keep track of everyone since one exhibit flows into the next with no walls or barriers. If you're a teacher you'll need more chaperons than usual.
If you've never tried the Tactile Dome I strongly suggest it although this isn't something for individuals who are claustrophobic or afraid of the dark. The first time I tried the Tactile Dome was in 1974 at a friend's birthday party. It was such a unique and pivotal childhood experience. -
Review from Ayall S.
San Francisco, CA
1/16/2012
Great Museum for school children... really neat science stuff with lots of hands-on activities.
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Review from Zoey S.
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
Regret. Such painful, deep, lingering regret... How could I have come here and not allowed myself to succumb to the natural age decline that such shiny, spinny, magnety toys elicit?
I require another visit.
Still, watching my young companions interact with all of the amazing gadgets was so much fun! Not a single person appeared bored; everyone was running, touching, listening, ahhh-ing and ooo-ing. Wonderful. Anywhere I can go and have two young boys fully entertained for over 4 hours is definitely the place for a sitter to be. No fighting, no pushing, no screaming... just sheer amusement, FOR FOUR HOURS!
The age range was impressive. From babies to the elderly, everyone seemed in place and happy. I would definitely recommend preparing some sort of plan before entering for two reasons: #1. as soon as you walk through those doors the kids will take off like bats out of hell, and #2. if you want to see it all you need to be methodical and speedy. THERE IS SOOO MUCH. But not too much. Enjoy. -
Review from gg w.
Flushing, NY
1/13/2012
I think I enjoyed the outside area more, very scenic.
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Review from Danielle B.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Exploratorium is awesome! I live in La and went here when I was in town. We didn't have enough time to get through the whole warehouse so make sure you have a few hours. Parking is cumbersome but since I was not from the area I might have missed the actual parking. They have food in the place that I thought was good although pricey. The bathrooms were ok and could have been cleaner but the day I went was the weekend of Thanksgiving so maybe it was extremely packed. Apparently they have several other places to go to around the area such as a park. Highly recommend.
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Review from Rayna L.
San Francisco, CA
10/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place is amazing, lasting 40-odd years to entertain generations of San Franciscans (and visitors)!! And coming soon, a new facility!
I have quite literally been coming all my life (even had a yearly pass for a while, WHADDUP!!) and have seen everything from the cow's eye dissection to the magnetic black sand, to the lightbox and the tactile dome. Kids of all ages (yes I'm talking to the adults too) can come here to be explorers of all things science.
I recently came here with my BF and his BFF and they turned into curious 10 year olds instantly, fighting tooth and nail with actual 10 year olds for time on the exhibits (JK. They were really excited though haha).
If you can, try to book the tactile dome at least once in your life (reservations and extra fee required), cause it is a really cool sensory experience especially if you're in a group.
A true must see for anyone with kids or anyone interested at all in how the world works. A trip here can engross you for hours and hours!!!!!!! -
Review from Julietta B.
Sacramento, CA
9/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cast off those adult restraints and let your inner kid roam free (GEEK OUT)! This place is FREAKING FANTASTICAL!
I've loved this place since that fateful 6th grade field trip and was let loose to explore, touch, feel, and sense for hours. The building is actually warehouse size and the hands-on exhibits are in abundance. There is something for everyone regardless of age.
A few tips: it's always busy, parking is a bitch, you'll easily lose hours of daylight exploring the Exploratorium and you'll always leave overstimulated (haha). There is a decent cafe touting organic this and that as well as a coffee cart at the entrance. Do yourself a favor by packing a picnic lunch to enjoy at the lovely Palace of Fine Arts/park just a few steps outside.
Forewarning for those not in the know: I will be sad when they relocate to the Embarcadero in a few years :( -
Review from Michael G.
Santa Clara, CA
Toilet: lots of stalls and urinals! a must for any large establishment. the quality of the toilets/urinals were pretty average
Toilet paper: extremely thin and UNDER orientation. noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Hand drying station: paper towels by the sink
Sink: standard sinks; enough fore everyone on a busy day!
Misc: would have been cool to have some type of experiment/exhibit in the bathroom! -
Review from Ed d.
12/30/2011
Tons of fun for all ages! Save some time to look around the palace of fine arts too.
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Review from Lily K.
Sausalito, CA
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
A place to go where you can learn by doing, not by reading. I'm a fan! There was too much to see in the three hours that we went and it took awhile to overcome the overwhelming size. There's a lot of cool stuff here worth checking out!
Only drawback, some of the exhibits do need an update and some of the direction signs involve a bit too much reading. -
Review from Yuzu K.
Mountain View, CA
10/5/2011
This place was much more awesome then I expected. From their website it was hard to get an idea of what there is to do here and I was worried it would be targeted towards older kids, but definitely this is for all ages.
My 3-year old had a blast here, just about every exhibit interested him because everything is hands on. For the older kids & adults, there is a lot to learn here, and for the younger kids, even if they don't understand the concepts yet they will have a blast with all of the interactive exhibits.
Highly recommended for all ages & admission is free on the first Wednesday of every month to everyone, not just SF residents! Also, parking is free in a lot with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, & the Exploratorium is in the gorgeous Palace of Fine Arts. -
Review from Loli L.
San Francisco, CA
11/13/2011
Perfect spot to take kids on a rainy day. Unlike other museums, they can touch and explore all the exhibits to their hearts' content and I get to feel like a know-it-all just for reading the placards.
Listed in: For Tourist Children in San…
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Review from Denise M.
8/27/2011
So much fun, and brings back so many childhood memories. You know you love something when you go there for school and you want to go back with your grandparents, and then on your own as an adult. Tons of exhibits to play and learn from. Some all time favorites are still there, and some new favorites.
Treat for the hubby, they have a baseball themed 'tour' going on right now. It's more like exhibits that can be related to baseball, but interesting just the same.
A great place for kids and adults alike, though I think the next time we go, we hope we'll be able to share it with kids and make memories with them, just as we treasure the ones we made with our families when we were little. -
Review from Sf Momm Y.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2011
I have been there with kids and without kids on numerous occasions.... parking is relatively easy (free 4 hr parking if you are lucky- otherwise 2 hr) and $13 with AAA discount (free for kids 3 and under) makes it a pretty cheap adventure. Their annual pass is quite inexpensive as well.
BUT..... this place is quite overrun with nannies and their kids (some of whom are poorly behaved) from the neighborhood, I don't think we'll go back anytime soon. We were there on a Thursday morning and it was nothing short of frustrating, making sure the little teeny ones weren't being run over by older/bigger kids and having things grabbed out of their hands! It was VERY VERY crowded (as always, before noon on a weekday is prime nanny time) for a weekday, I should have known better...
some of the exhibits were pretty interesting and cool, but for the toddler set, I would go at 3pm on a monday, perhaps, maybe it is less overrun then? They close at 5PM, unfortunately...
Given the option, for toddlers, the BADM in sausalito is SO LOVELY in comparison, and a lot less stressful for parents of little ones. It's probably a better place for us to take kids when they're over 8 or so. -
Review from Jennifer A.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great interactive science museum! The Exploratorium is perfect for a date, hang out with friends, or a family outing.
You'll have a fun time and leave feeling a little bit smarter! I love their gift shop! -
Review from Avalon B.
Cotati, CA
10/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been so many times as a kid and still enjoy going as a college student. It is such a great environment and it never gets old. As a science major, you'd think the experiments and displays would at some point be too simple or whatever - but they never are.
Love, love, love the Exploratorium. Always will!
I'm also very excited for the move to the pier, though its current location has very fond memories. -
Review from Sarah A.
7/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you like to touch things... then go here....
If you like to learn how things work... then go here...
If you enjoy science and like to nerd out for an afternoon then make a beeline to this awesome place!!
Unlike the museums im use to (small and way overcrowded), this place is huge and spaced out. The wait times to tinker with whatever you heart desires isnt long at all. Word to the wise, let the kids go first. You will be happier that you did in the long run!
So just what kind of exhibits can you see while visiting, well im glad you asked. There are:
-Astronomy and Space
-Culture
-Earth
-Everyday Science
-The Human Body
-Living things
-Material World
-Exploring the mind
-Seeing and Listening area's too
Two floors plus a snack bar to enjoy as well. I totally enjoyed my surprise trip to this museum!!Listed in: Bay Area Happiness!!!!, Yay Area's Finest!!
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Review from Sarah D.
9/8/2011
I like the Exploratorium, and not just because the name sounds like it was bestowed upon it by the Simpsons' Martin Prince. Within its walls lies hours of entertainment for children and adults alike. My first visit was last Saturday, and as I'm sure many first-time visitors have done before me, I spent altogether too much time in the front foyer. It was a total newbie mistake, I know. There's just so much to see, and there's even COOLER stuff in the back and upstairs. My personal favourites were the Alice in Wonderland house and the upstairs listening booths. But who am I kidding? All of the hands-on activities are pretty great.
I did have to dock a star, and the reason for this is twofold: a couple hours into my visit, my husband and I started getting hungry. Like, CRANKY, "RUIN MY DAY" hungry. Although they do have a cafe it's a little pricey for what you're getting. $4.99 for a school cafeteria sized hot dog? I'm not ashamed to admit that I put down two fivers for those dogs. It wasn't my proudest moment, but it had to be done.
Also, for childless adults who are visiting, I hope your patience is high. In some areas, it can get a little overwhelming, especially if you're trying to get some playtime with the experiments and smaller kids keep butting in the way. And who can say no to a kid? I must admit though that by the time I left, I'm pretty sure my ovaries had shrivelled up in protest.
For fellow Vancouverites who may be reading this review, it's easy for me
to sum it up for you: It's Science World x 10.
Given the nature of my concerns, I'm sure that the Exploratorium after Dark sessions must be amazing. It will definitely be on my to-do list for my next visit. And in that far-off scary moment in time that I do have a kid, I'll bring her to the Exploratorium, too.Listed in: Fun times in Fog City
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Review from J R.
Palo Alto, CA
1/16/2012
I've been there twice -- first when I was in middle school and second when I was in college. As a middle schooler, it was all fun to play with displays in the museum, and as a college student, I was glad to find all the good old experiments I learned in class. You get to have a fresh recap of your science knowledge stored in your long-term memory!
