Children's Museums
The Lawrence Hall of Science
📍 1 Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94720🕐 Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About The Lawrence Hall of Science
A planetarium & an interactive museum. Science center at the University of California, Berkeley, with hands-on exhibits & a planetarium. Located on a hilltop in the Berkeley Hills with an unparalleled view of the San Francisco Bay, making it a visually distinctive science center with both educational and scenic appeal. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 546 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Best For
- All ages
- Location
- UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Hours
- Daily 10am-5pm
- Highlights
- Hands-on exhibits, live animals, DNA climb, cosmos exploration
💡 Did You Know?
- Located on a hilltop in the Berkeley Hills with an unparalleled view of the San Francisco Bay, making it a visually distinctive science center with both educational and scenic appeal
- Features live animals including chinchillas, axolotls, hamsters, and bunnies in dedicated animal rooms, providing direct animal interaction experiences for visitors
- Offers 'ammatka Cafe with Ohlone-forward snacks and meals available Wednesday-Sunday 11am-3pm, reflecting commitment to Indigenous food traditions and community engagement
- Part of the University of California, Berkeley, providing institutional backing and access to university resources and expertise for educational programming
- Features interactive exhibits including a DNA strand climb and outdoor nature lab, designed to promote hands-on exploration and discovery-focused learning for all ages
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on a weekday to enjoy short or no wait times and a more relaxed experience. Reviewers specifically noted minimal crowds and better experiences on weekdays compared to weekends and holidays.
- Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours to experience the majority of exhibits. Many visitors noted they could have spent an entire day, making a membership worthwhile if visiting 3-4 times per year since it pays for itself.
- Bring a picnic lunch or pack snacks. The main café is permanently closed, though 'ammatka Cafe is available Wed-Sunday 11am-3pm. Pack microwaves are available downstairs, and there's outdoor seating with Bay views.
- Don't miss live animal feeding times and interactions with animal care workers. Reviewers highlighted observing axolotl feeding and tank changes as the highlight of their visit, and the separate animal rooms with chinchillas, hamsters, and bunnies are popular attractions.
- Note that parking requires payment at the pay station. Make advance reservations especially for holidays and weekends to secure parking and entry slots.
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