





Children's Museums
Turtle Bay Exploration Park
📍 844 Sundial Bridge Drive, Redding, CA 96001🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
About Turtle Bay Exploration Park
Natural history park with a museum. A museum, botanical garden & forest camp round out the offerings at this large natural history park. Features the Sundial Bridge as an adjacent landmark, which is aligned according to the summer equinox, providing a full sundial experience in mid to late June. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,467 visitors.
Quick Facts
💡 Did You Know?
- Features the Sundial Bridge as an adjacent landmark, which is aligned according to the summer equinox, providing a full sundial experience in mid to late June
- Offers behind-the-scenes animal interactions including a painting activity with Mischief the raccoon, providing hands-on educational experiences with live animals
- Combines multiple attraction types in one venue including a natural history museum, botanical gardens, forest camp, live animal exhibits, and playground facilities
- Maintains rotating featured exhibits alongside permanent installations including geology, art, history, fish collections, and steampunk-themed displays
💬 What Visitors Say
- Plan to spend 2-4 hours to experience all attractions. The park offers diverse activities including live animals, mini train, exhibits, playgrounds, and gardens, making it suitable for ages 3-12 but enjoyable for all ages.
- Don't miss the Behind the Scenes animal encounters (like Mischief the raccoon) - these interactive experiences with handlers provide unique, up-close wildlife interactions that visitors highly recommend.
- Visit in late spring (May-early June) for the best experience. This timing allows you to enjoy the outdoor gardens and playground comfortably, plus experience the Sun Dial Bridge's full solar alignment around the summer equinox (mid-late June).
- Combine your visit with the adjacent Sun Dial Bridge and gardens for extended outdoor exploration. The gardens require a suggested $5 contribution and add significant value to your visit when weather permits.
- The park regularly rotates featured exhibits alongside permanent attractions like the reptile house and animal companions ('buddies'). Check ahead for current special exhibits to plan your visit around exhibits most relevant to your interests.
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