Exploratorium Tours and Tickets

Plan to spend at least 3–4 hours viewing the exhibits at the Exploratorium—and longer to take part in workshops or other planned activities. The Exploratorium has six main galleries full of interactive exhibits and other attractions like the Tactile Dome—it's easy to spend half a day here, especially with kids.

Yes, with an accessible entrance, parking lot, and restrooms, the Exploratorium is wheelchair accessible. Visitors can use available wheelchairs for free with an ID deposit. In addition, the Exploratorium offers tours and tactile maps for people who are blind or have impaired vision—you can pick them up at the Information Desk.

When visiting the Exploratorium, comfortable walking shoes are essential—the museum campus covers more than 3 acres (1.2 hectares) and requires lots of walking to explore. Otherwise, follow the rules of thumb for visiting San Francisco: Wear layers and prepare for fog and chilly weather no matter the time of year.

Yes, you can bring food into the Exploratorium in San Francisco. But remember that guests are encouraged to eat in designated eating areas outdoors. The Exploratorium also has two dining areas, the Seismic Joint Cafe and the Seaglass Restaurant, which offer kid-friendly food options.

Yes, you can take photos and videos in the Exploratorium, as long as they are informal and for your personal use—you cannot publish or use them for any commercial purpose. The Exploratorium also asks that you make an effort to not disrupt the experience of other visitors while taking photos.

While there isn't direct on-site parking at the Exploratorium, the museum offers discounted parking at the Exploratorium Pier 15 Parking Lot across the Embarcadero, where the flat rate parking fee is US$15–20—the entrance is on Front Street. Metered parking is available along the Embarcadero and on side streets.