Exploratorium
Exploratorium
4.5
Speciality & Gift ShopsSpeciality MuseumsScience MuseumsArt MuseumsChildren's Museums
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Experience the Exploratorium, the award-winning museum of science, art, and human perception that's dedicated to the excitement of experimentation, the pleasure of discovery, and the power of play. Indulge your curiosity in more than 700 interactive exhibits—indoors and out—and explore eye-opening ways to understand the world around you. Journey through total darkness in our twisting, turning, world-famous Tactile Dome. There's also a unique museum store plus two delicious places to eat: the Seaglass restaurant, which has a stunning Bay view, and the Seismic Joint Cafe (hours vary). Located at Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation plus there's parking nearby.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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$22.95
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Neighborhood: Embarcadero
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See what travelers are saying
- Nick S1 contributionAmazing TimeHad an amazing time at the Exploratorium back in September. Brought some family who were in town and showed them all the amazing exhibits that the space has to offer. They had the best time. Would highly recommend to anyone on how to spend a Saturday.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 25, 2024
- Pam1 contributionWonderful experience!!I love visiting the Exploratorium every time I come to San Francisco. It has the most interesting exhibits. They have knowledgeable, hands-on, educational exhibits. I will tell my family and friends it is a most see. I can spend hours there and enjoy every second of it. Must see.Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 25, 2024
- Lauren Y5 contributionsThis is a fantastic experience for people of all ages! It's a must-visit destination in San Francisco!Exploratorium is an amazing place to visit! It offers fun for all ages, making it a great opportunity to learn about science in a hands-on way. I went by myself and had a wonderful time exploring the various activities and enjoying my time at Pier 15. There is so much to see and do, making it a fantastic destination. I highly recommend it for anyone visiting the area or for those who live in the Bay Area!Visited November 2024Traveled soloWritten November 25, 2024
- jeesau3 contributionsDo it! Go there!What? You have never been to the Exploratorium? Or "Explo" as the cool kids call it? It's budget-friendly and has something to offer, even those folks who think "what's that? Is it 'science' or some such?" Yeah, even you! Make your way there on public transit or your two feet. Right there on the bay with the bridge in the background? Come on! Do it. No, really. Do it!Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,598 reviews
Excellent
2,557
Very good
786
Average
206
Poor
38
Terrible
11
Isaac K
1 contribution
Jun 2019
The Exploratorium is the most innovative and fun space I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. While the main exhibits are dynamic, hands-on and truly cerebral, the guts of the building are even more interesting and inspiring. The Zero Net Energy Facility boasts bay source cooling, solar panels and advances lighting controls that rightly deserve their own tour. Chuck, Marie, and the rest of the Facilities team have been informative, fun and knowledgeable tour guides. Keep up the awesome work!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simicu
Simi Valley, CA365 contributions
Dec 2019
Whether it's time tested favorite exhibits or new ones reflecting today's ever-evolving technologies, you can always count of the Exploratorium to make for a fantastic visit. It really is more than just your going science museum, it's also one of perception, art, and even nature. They were one of the first to offer so many interactive exhibits and lectures where you actually become part of the experience instead of just observing. We love their After Dark feature, also affectionately known as 'Date Night', every Thursday evening from 6-10pm. As to their newer exhibits, one of them, the "Cells to Self" is fascinating in its collaboration of science and the human body. But then again, that's just normal for the E, they're always looking for ways to challenge the mind and showcase the wonders of intelligence.
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna D
1 contribution
Dec 2019 • Solo
I was really impressed with the Exploratorium, with the size of the facility, the slick feel of the facility, the diversity of the exhibits, and the interactivity of the guests with the exhibits. Families can spend as much time as they want and let their children explore the magic on the world around them . Even an older retiree like me can have his curiosity piqued and intellect challenged for a modest entrance fee. Money well spent!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ashley D
North Dakota18 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This place is a lot of fun, but....Be prepared. It’s pricey. $50 for a child and an adult to walk through the door. We had a few hours of fun, but if you live in or near a major city and/or travel frequently to have access to museums, I’d pass for the price. If you don’t have as much access, you’ll get in a few hours of fun.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wallace M
1 contribution
Oct 2019
There is nothing like The Exploratorium - a museum where you can pretty much touch and play with everything there! This isn't just fun, it is also the essence of what real science is about. i've been going for years and every time i go, I see new things that I had't noticed before. As a longtime resident of San Francisco I can categorically say that this is the best museum in our city.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fiorella04
San Rafael, Argentina18 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
I loved it! I went with my family in July 2018 and we really enjoyed it. It’s a great activity to do with kids because you learn playing and touching the different objects around the building. So didactical and fun.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
20LWood
Seattle, WA15 contributions
Dec 2019
Our family of four (2 adults & 2 teens) spent a rainy afternoon exploring the scince center. It is a huge complex filled with interactive tactile attractions for all ages. Be prepared to spend atleast 2 hrs or more there.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy P
San Jose, CA19 contributions
Aug 2022
This museum touches different sciences - biology (dissecting a cow's eye. seeing a chick's heart beating, shrimps), geology, physics (wheels, floating fabrics). So much to see and explore with kids. Worth the time and energy to visit!
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Basman
40 contributions
Dec 2019
This facility was fantastic and truly engaged the tweens. The only issue is that we allowed 3 hours and while the kids had an excellent time, you really need the whole day to sample the majority of exhibits. The staff were friendly and ready to help. If we had more time in SF, we would have spent the day.
Written December 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ben C
1 contribution
Jun 2019
I've never experienced anything like the Exploratorium anywhere else in the world. It's hard to describe without actually visiting, but it's well worth the trip. Equal parts, science, mystery, and pure fun, it's the kind of place you can completely lose track of time.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I bought a pass from Go City and plan to visit exploratorium on Dec 24th, do I have to make any advance reservation or can I just show my pass at the entrance?
Written October 26, 2023
I think you can just show your pass at the entrance. I'd go to their website and see if there's any info. there.
Written March 14, 2024
Is there in and out privileges at the Exploratorium?
(I know California Academy of Sciences does and it was nice to take a break outside for lunch as we spent almost all day in the museum.)
Written July 17, 2019
There will be some items for a two year old. It can be crowded in the narrow walkways.
I would recommend the Bay Area Discovery Museum (North of Golden Gate) and/or the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose. Great places for 2-3 year olds.
Written July 19, 2019
Would a 16 year old girl find this too childish?
Written August 9, 2018
Definitely not. There’s lots to do and I’d recommend getting there as soon as it opens because it gets REALLY busy.
Written September 9, 2018
We are coming to San Francisco for my husband's work conference. We will have our 17,15 & 13 year olds with us. I am going to purchase the city pass for us and I'm not sure if the Exploritorium or the Museum of Modern Art would be better for our teens. My husband is a scientist so I'm leaning towards the Exploritorium but I don't want to take them to a children's museum.
Written April 19, 2018
Hi Becka,
While SFMoMA is a wonderful experience, it is a traditional museum experience, whereas the Exploratorium is all interactive/hands-on. Our 650+ exhibits are all meant to be touched and experimented with by visitors of all ages. It would be up to you to determine which type of experience your family would enjoy the most.
Please note that nearly 1/2 of our annual visitors come without children and have a great time—why we are rated the #1 Museum in San Francisco on TripAdvisor. We pride ourselves on appealing to visitors of all ages as a Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception.
We hope this helps you make your decision and we look forward to your visit!
Written April 19, 2018
How long it could take to see it all ? 4 hours it would be enough ?
Written February 13, 2018
Hello,
Our average visit is about 3-4 hours, but there are many visitors who will spend from open to close experiencing the 650+ hands-on exhibits. We look forward to your visit!
Written February 15, 2018
I would like to take my 2yr old granddaughter but is she to young to enjoy the exploratorium.
Written January 29, 2018
Hi Pam,
While the Exploratorium is geared for visitors of all ages, we do offer exhibits that are particularly appealing to toddlers. Involving color, bubbles, light and shadows these installations get a five-rattle rating from younger children: Colored Shadows, Soap Film Painting, Spinning Blackboard and more. Admission is always free for children ages three and under.
We look forward to your visit!
Written February 6, 2018
Hi Teresa,
While the Exploratorium is geared for visitors of all ages, we do offer exhibits that are particularly appealing to younger children. Involving color, bubbles, light and shadows these installations get a "five-rattle rating" from younger children: Colored Shadows, Soap Film Painting, Spinning Blackboard and more. Admission is always free for children ages three and under.
We look forward to your visit!
Thanks!
Written February 6, 2018
My kids are 14 and 12. They love hands on science, but I'm wondering if this would be too young for them.
Written November 17, 2017
Ohhh no I think these are perfect ages to go...
Written November 18, 2017
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