The Exploratorium is dedicated to expanding access to all by providing free and low-cost admission opportunities throughout the year. Here are a few ways in which we partner with organizations around the Bay Area to provide access to teachers, students, families, and more.
Community Days
All visitors can pay what they wish on our annual Community Days, when museum entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
Community Groundhog Day (Saturday, February, 2, 2019)
-
Community Pi Day (DAYTIME ONLY: Thursday, March 14, 2019)
-
Community Mother's Day (Sunday, May 12, 2019)
-
Community International Peace Day (Saturday, September 21, 2019)
-
Community 50th Anniversary Founder's Day (Sunday, October 20, 2019)
Museums for All: Free Admission for EBT Cardholders
The fun and wonder of the Exploratorium are for everyone. To ensure that the Exploratorium is accessible to all, we offer free admission to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cardholders and their families, up to four visitors per card. Simply show your EBT card when you arrive.
Through the Museums for All program, we're partnering with museums across the country to make sure everyone can experience the best museums have to offer. To find other participating museums, visit www.Museums4All.org.
Accessibility for Visitors with Disabilities
Visitors with disabilities can visit the museum at a reduced rate. Discounts are provided for both individual admissions and groups. Groups are requested to make a reservation before their visit by calling 415-528-4444 Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Free Admission for California Public School Teachers
California public school K–12 teachers receive free admission to the Exploratorium. Each year, the first 20,000 teachers to qualify will be given one free, nontransferable, general admission voucher. Please note that these vouchers are not applicable toward admissions associated with Field Trip groups. Bring your teacher ID for free admission.
Teachers are invited to apply for the program by completing this form.
For questions, please email visit@exploratorium.edu.
Free Field Trips for Title I Schools
Title I K–12 schools receive free admission to the Exploratorium, subject to availability, through the school year. For more information, please contact Reservations at 415-528-4444 (press option 5), or request a reservation online.
Discover & Go Library Program
The Exploratorium is part of the Discover & Go program, which provides free admission to more than 35 Bay Area cultural attractions through local libraries. Check with your library to see if it participates in the program. If it does, you can get free passes online from the library's website. Limited quantities of passes are available.
Community Family Pass Program
The Exploratorium provides free admission during normal operating hours to families, youth, and small groups working with select community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Bay Area. A check-out system for these passes is managed by the CBOs and is designed to allow these important organizations and their constituents to develop and continue to forge lasting relationships with the Exploratorium.
After Dark
Enjoy lower admission every Thursday night from 6:00–10:00 p.m. at After Dark (Ages 18+). Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits or savor adults-only programming, featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind activities.
Membership
Exploratorium members enjoy a year of unlimited free general admission or After Dark admission to more than 650 hands-on exhibits. A membership makes it both easier and more affordable for you and your family to connect with your curiosity (and each other) all year long, and pays for itself in just as few as two visits.
To learn more about any of these programs, please email visit@exploratorium.edu.
