An Expert Guide to the California Academy of Sciences

Ana Picazo - San Francisco Bay Area
February 13, 2012

Since its grand reopening in 2008, the California Academy of Sciences has drawn huge crowds, and for good reason. Visitors can trek through a four-story rainforest, see penguins being fed, touch a scaly snake, see an African savanna, dive into a tropical reef and visit the stars, all under one roof. They've got 400,000 square feet of exhibits, there's something for everyone of every age to enjoy! That said, 400,000 square feet is a lot of ground to cover, so here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit:

When to Go
Like most popular museums, it's best to go during the week, and to arrive early; crowds generally get thicker after 11:00 a.m.  Expect long lines during weekend and holiday periods, and even longer lines during their Museum Free Days (2012 dates: June 3, September 16 and December 9). On busy days, make sure you pick up a Planetarium Show pass as soon as you can; tickets to this popular show are handed out on a first come, first serve basis, and can run out quickly.

Where to Eat
The Academy Café, serves fresh fare that's a cut above the usual museum cafeteria (think steaming pho noodles, savory pork buns, and custom-made quesadillas), but the prices can be high and the lines can be long. You can bring your own food and and find a bench, or get your hand stamped and head outside. There are numerous vendors and food carts around Golden Gate Park, as well as a selection of local restaurants along Irving, just outside the park's borders. 

Where to Run
You may find yourself standing in quite a few lines during your visit, so at some point your little one will appreciate the opportunity to stretch his legs and run free. Head to the top floor of the Academy and let him walk and wander as you admire the Living Roof, with its Teletubbie-like round sunroofs popping up between the wildflowers and the grass. Visitors are restricted to the concrete area, but the fresh air will do wonders for clearing your head, and the views of rolling green hills and expansive views will leave everyone refreshed and energized. Another great place to run around is the fenced-in, outdoor area of the Academy Cafe. Grab a table for lunch, and once the kiddos have eaten their fill, they can run around, climb on the seal structures and play hide and seek among the trees. Don't forget to dress in layers so you and your little one head from indoors to outdoors and back again without feeling the chill of the San Francisco winds.

Where to Rest
After a long, busy day of walking and discovering, your little explorers will need some down time. Head to the Academy's best-kept secret, the Naturalist Center on Level 3, to seek refuge from the crowds and the noise. Kids can lounge in beanbag chairs or sit at tables while inspecting orca skulls, stuffed storks and preserved butterflies, among other eye-opening specimens. They can browse through books, solve science puzzles or play educational computer games.  For toddlers and preschoolers under 5, a visit to the Kids Cove Area is a must. They have a padded area for pre-walkers, a ship with galley and bunk, and a multilevel tree with lots of books, puzzles, coloring activities and LEGOs. 

How to Save
A visit to the Academy is not cheap, but there are ways to save. Shave off $3 admission tickets by walking, biking or taking public transportation, and avoid their peak periods (Feb. 18 through Feb. 20, April 7 through April 15, and May 26 through 28), when they add a peak period surcharge of $5 (you can also avoid the surcharge by purchasing your tickets online). You can save even more by avoiding the pricey concourse parking and searching for parking on the streets of Golden Gate Park, or outside the park, near the 9th Avenue Entrance. You could also take advantage of their Museum Free Days, but bear in mind that many, many other families will be doing the same thing. Finally, if you plan to visit the Academy multiple times during the year, consider a Family Membership, which gives you unlimited entry, members-only hours, and members-only discounts.  Membership to the Academy for a family of four can pay for itself in just two visits—plus, it's tax-deductible. 

Photo © Tim Griffith.