exploratorium

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
Curious Contraptions Activities

Wednesday, November 20–Sunday, January 26, 2020

Come and play with motion and mechanisms. Explore the intersection of art and engineering, and tell playful stories building a contraption made with everyday materials.

Pegusus
Curious Contraptions

Thursday, November 21, 2019–Sunday, January 26, 2020

Explore fantastical, often amusing mechanical sculptures known as automata. These small, handmade flying, sailing, and cycling machines bring whimsical dramas to life through low-tech mechanisms, inviting you to investigate how they work.

Dec
7
Storytime Science for Kids

Saturday, December 7, 2019 • 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Join us the first full weekend of every month for Storytime Science! Enjoy a science-themed storybook read aloud followed by a simple related activity geared toward very young children.

Dec
7
Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Noon

Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!

Dec
8
Storytime Science for Kids

Sunday, December 8, 2019 • 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Join us the first full weekend of every month for Storytime Science! Enjoy a science-themed storybook read aloud followed by a simple related activity geared toward very young children.

Dec
8
Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

Sunday, December 8, 2020 • Noon

Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!

Dec
9
Ocean Research Ship Tours

Monday, December 9, 2019 • 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Climb aboard a new high-tech ship—the Sally Ride—and chat with scientists and crew who travel the world aboard the oceanographic research vessel. 

Dec
10
Ocean Research Ship Tours

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 • 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Climb aboard a new high-tech ship—the Sally Ride—and chat with scientists and crew who travel the world aboard the oceanographic research vessel. 

Dec
14
All Hands On Science: Cranky Contraptions

Saturday, December 14, 2019 • 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Join us on the second weekend of every month for All Hands on Science, a family-oriented make-and-take activity. This month, tell a little story by creating your own hand-crank motion toy.

Dec
14
Cinema Arts: Lights, Color, Action!

Saturday, December 14, 2019 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

Inspired by our glowing installations, this brilliant selection of short films feature an array of colorful illuminations.  Gather around the screen and enjoy their warm radiance.

Dec
15
All Hands On Science: Cranky Contraptions

Sunday, December 15, 2019 • 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Join us on the second weekend of every month for All Hands on Science, a family-oriented make-and-take activity. This month, tell a little story by creating your own hand-crank motion toy.

Dec
21
Explorables: Clothespin Automata
Explorables: Glow

Saturday, December 21, 2019 • 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Play around with LEDs and make your own glowing toys with these two activities. 

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