Children's Museums

Exploratorium

Name: Exploratorium
Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111, San Francisco, CA, US
Telephone: (415) 528-4444
Rating: 4.7

★★★★☆ 4.7 (8443 reviews)

📍 Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111

📞 (415) 528-4444

🌐 www.exploratorium.edu

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–5 PM
Thursday	10 AM–5 PM, 6–10 PM
Friday	10 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–5 PM
Sunday	12–5 PM

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About Exploratorium

Hands-on science museum. Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles. The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts before relocating to its current waterfront location at Pier 15 and Pier 17 in 2013. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 8,443 visitors.

Quick Facts

💡 Did You Know?

🏛️The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts before relocating to its current waterfront location at Pier 15 and Pier 17 in 2013
⭐The museum features hundreds of interactive exhibits covering diverse scientific disciplines including physics, biology, the five senses, and newly added AI exhibits
⭐The Exploratorium offers a specialized adult-only program called 'Exploratorium After Dark' that includes evening hours, special programming, bar service, and themed events like the 'Lunar After Dark edition'
⭐Nearly all exhibits in the museum are interactive and hands-on rather than observation-based, requiring visitors to actively engage and manipulate rather than simply view displays
⭐The Exploratorium can accommodate 5+ hours of exploration and includes both indoor and outdoor exhibits at its waterfront location, allowing visitors to spend extended time engaging with the displays

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit during off-peak hours (avoid 11am-1:30pm) when school groups are present, or consider Exploratorium After Dark on Thursday evenings for a quieter, adult-focused experience with special programming and cultural events
💬Plan for 5+ hours minimum to fully explore the extensive hands-on exhibits across multiple halls. The venue is deliberately overwhelming with options, so pace yourself and prioritize must-see sections like the sound and life exhibits
💬Use public transportation (BART, Ferry, or F-Line Streetcar/Muni) instead of driving—parking is expensive and limited. The museum is a 15-minute walk from the Ferry Building and directly accessible by streetcar
💡Bring a friend or visit with family since many exhibits are designed for two people to interact together. Also bring small items like stickers or trinkets to contribute to the community sharing exhibit
💡Young children (2+ years) will find hands-on activities throughout, and there are outdoor exhibits on the waterfront. The museum allows re-entry with a stamp, so you can take breaks and explore the Pier 15/17 waterfront area