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

May Is for Members
May Is for Members

Wednesday, May 1–Friday, May 31, 2019

Pay us a visit in May to feel the love! Enjoy special perks on top of your member privileges, including discounts and free weekends at the SF Zoo and Chabot Space & Science Center. 

May
24
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, May 24, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

May
25
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, May 25, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

May
26
Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors
Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors

Sunday, May 26, 2019 • 3:00 p.m.

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications.

May
27
Exploratorium Open Monday Memorial Day

Monday, May 27, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Exploratorium will be open to the public on Monday, May 27, 2019.

May
31
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, May 31, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
1
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, June 1, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
7
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, June 7, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
8
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, June 8, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
14
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, June 14, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
15
Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, June 15, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Jun
21
Iron Science Teacher

Friday, June 21, 2019 • Noon

Cheer on the competitors in this zany science cook-off, where teachers compete before a live audience for the sought-after title, "Iron Science Teacher."

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Past Events

SF Zoo member weekend
Member for a Weekend: San Francisco Zoo

Saturday and Sunday, May 18–19, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

On May 18 and 19, Exploratorium members can visit the San Francisco Zoo for free.

Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, May 17, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Día de las Madres | Mother's Day 2019

Domingo 12 de mayo del 2019 | Sunday, May 12, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Cordialmente extendemos una invitación a todas las Madres y, en especial, a las Mamás latinas, a que pasen su Día lleno de diversión en el Exploratorium de San Francisco con toda su familia.

All mothers—and especially Mamás latinas—and their families are invited to a day of fun at the Exploratorium.

Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, May 11, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, May 10, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Saturday, May 4, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Member for a Weekend: Chabot Space & Science Center

Saturday and Sunday, May 4–5, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

On May 4 and 5, take an excursion to the beautiful Oakland Hills and experience Chabot Space & Science Center. For two days only, Exploratorium Daytime and After Dark members enjoy complimentary access to Chabot.

Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Sound
Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Sound

Sunday, April 28, 2019 • 3:00 p.m.

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation.

Saturday Cinema: Shadow Play

Saturday, April 27, 2019 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

Explore the many forms shadows can take. Watch shadows stretch, intersect, multiply, and warp throughout the day. 

Tactile Dome Evening Hours
Tactile Dome: Special Evening Hours

Friday, April 26, 2019 • 6:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The museum closes at 5:00 p.m. today, but the after-hours interactive fun continues in our Tactile Dome. Journey through total darkness in this twisting, turning, tactile sculpture. 

Exploratorium Open Monday Easter Week

Monday, April 22, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Exploratorium will be open to the public on Monday, April 22, 2019.

Explorables: Clothespin Automata
Explorables: Electricity

Saturday, April 20, 2019 • 1:00–4:00 p.m.

Play with circuits and magnets to build an electronic sculpture and electric motor.
 

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