Group Visits

How to Make a Reservation

To reserve by phone, the group leader should call 415.528.4444. The reservations office is open seven days a week. Hours are 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with extended hours until 8:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Please note that we don't accept reservations for Community Days.

Alternatively, you can fill out the online Group Visit Request Form, and an Exploratorium staff member will contact the group leader to complete the trip-planning process.

Group Visit Request Form

Group Visit Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Thursday (Adults 18+): 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–3:00 p.m.

Please fill out the Group Visit Request Form or call the Reservations Office to book group visits. Please note the museum is closed on Monday, with the exception of certain holidays.

In order to qualify for group rates, you must make a reservation at least 1 day in advance, for a minimum of 15 people, and a 50% deposit is required in advance to confirm the reservation.

Group Rates for Daytime Adult Groups

• Adults: $34.95
• Seniors (65+), people with disabilities, teachers, students: $24.95
• 1 group leader admitted free

Group Rates for After Dark Groups

• Adults: $15.95
• 1 group leader admitted free

Group Rates for Children and Youth Groups

• Youth (4–17): $24.95
• 1 adult chaperone is required and admitted free per every 10 youth
• Additional adults: $29.95

REQUIRED! Chaperones for Youth Groups

We require that you bring a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 youth. Please keep in mind that, for the duration of your visit, the chaperones are responsible for the behavior of the young people they are accompanying. It’s a good idea for chaperones to stay with their group, as this can greatly improve the group experience. Chaperones don’t have to be science experts; instead, they can ask open-ended questions that will help the young people explore.

Coming by Charter Bus?

If you plan to reserve charter buses, please do so after making your group reservation to ensure that your preferred time is available. Charter bus arrival and departure times must be carefully coordinated so they don’t interrupt traffic flow on the Embarcadero. Please discuss bus arrival and departure times with the Reservations Office. Refer to Bus Routes, which provides directions for charter buses and school buses.

Paying for Your Group Visit

• We accept the following forms of payment for group reservations: checks, traveler’s checks, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, and American Express.
• A deposit of 50% of the total amount due upon arrival is due one month prior to the date of your intended visit, or at the time the reservation is made if booked less than a month in advance. This deposit will be applied to your total amount due, which must be paid in full at least two weeks prior to arrival. Please have ready an exact head count of children, youths, and accompanying adults. Deposits are nonrefundable if a reservation is canceled within two weeks of the intended arrival date. No refunds of under $50 will be issued.
• Payments (apart from the deposit) must be made in one lump sum. Group members paying separately are not eligible for group pricing and will be charged the general admission rates.
• We no longer accept purchase orders as a form of payment. Also, we cannot accept electronic fund transfers (EFTs).
• While Members receive complimentary year-round general admission, these admission privileges do not extend to Group Admission. Please include any Members in your overall head count.