Exploratorium , San Francisco

Address 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 Map, Tel (415) 561-0399 Call, Hours Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Cost Adult (18-64) $14.00; Ages 13-17 $11.00; Ages 4-12: $9.00; 3 and under: Free, MUNI #30, #43, #28 and #29, CityPass The Exploratorium is one of the seven museums included in the Website

This hands-on museum, just for kids, revolutionized the way that children's museums and science museums are set up around the world. Housed within the walls of San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium has of hundreds of science, art, and human perception exhibits. While school age children will understand the science behind the exhibits the best, virtually everything is engaging even for young toddlers and preschoolers. For crawlers, there's an enclosed play area with books and toys.

New exhibits are tried out over time, and there are temporary exhibits as well. The space is so huge (and packed with fun) that we don't recommend trying to see everything during your visit. Instead, go at a pace that lets you explore each activity in depth.

For lunch, there is a simple cafe serving child friendly food like pizza.

To skip the lines, buy your tickets online

If you're taking BART, get off at the Montgomery Street station, walk one half-block up Market Street to Third Street and catch the #30 Stockton bus on the corner.