The Exploratorium is temporarily closed. Explore our online resources for learning at home.
Kids + Families Activities and Programs
Experience new ways to discover the world with your family. Check out our unique events and programs for visitors of all ages and explore the intersection between learning and fun.
Upcoming Events
Aperture Lucida
The museum is temporarily closed.
Experience the delight of illusion in this new work by artist and inventor Tristan Duke. Upon first encounter, Aperture Lucida presents as a blank, monolithic cube centered in a large white space. As you approach, a holographic ball of light appears, unexpectedly exploding and dissolving as you walk into it.
Full-Spectrum Science: Fireworks
Sunday, June 28, 2020 • 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance.
Members-Only Hours
Saturday, July 11, 2019 • 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Have fun with the whole family and enjoy the museum to yourself for a members-only hour of access on a Saturday morning!
Full-Spectrum Science: Heat and Temperature
Sunday, July 26, 2020 • 2:00 p.m.
How does your thermostat work and how does a Thermos® know to keep a hot thing hot and a cold thing cold? The mysteries will be revealed in this talk.
Members-Only Hours
Saturday, August 8, 2019 • 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Have fun with the whole family and enjoy the museum to yourself for a members-only hour of access on a Saturday morning!
Full-Spectrum Science: Lasers
Sunday, August 23, 2020 • 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
In 1960, the laser was known as “a solution looking for a problem.” Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery to fusion energy research.
Members-Only Hours
Saturday, September 5, 2019 • 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Have fun with the whole family and enjoy the museum to yourself for a members-only hour of access on a Saturday morning!
Exploratorium Open Monday Winter Break
Monday, December 21, 2020 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Exploratorium will be open to the public on Monday, December 21, 2020.
Exploratorium Open Monday Winter Break
Monday, December 28, 2020 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
The Exploratorium will be open to the public on Monday, December 28, 2020.
