Exploratorium Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Exploratorium. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• San Francisco CityPASS®

• SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

• San Francisco E-Bike Tour: City Highlights

• Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 5 Things To Do

• San Francisco Pass: Save up to 50% - Includes Big Bus Tours

Exploratorium daytime admission starts with skip-the-line entry at US$39.95 per adult. Discounted tickets from US$29.95 are available for seniors (65+), youth (ages 4–17), students, teachers, and disabled visitors. The best value is a multi-attraction pass, which starts at US$89.95 for adults and US$69.95 for youth (ages 4–17), and includes the Exploratorium alongside other San Francisco highlights.

Yes, the Exploratorium is worth visiting, as it's one of San Francisco's most engaging museums, with 700+ hands-on art and science exhibits spread across six indoor and outdoor galleries along the waterfront. While it's a natural fit for families with kids, adult-oriented evening events like the Tactile Dome and After Dark series make it worth a visit for grown-ups too. If you want the most seamless experience, consider booking with skip-the-line privileges so you can spend less time waiting and more time exploring.

Per one customer who booked the SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission, "The Exploratorium is an amazing experience, and it was nice having the tickets and being able to move to the front of the line. The Exploratorium is a free-for-all, go at your own pace type of place. Go when you have plenty of time because it is big, and you will want to try everything. It's great for families. We had a wonderful time."

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.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the Exploratorium. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in San Francisco:

• Alcatraz

• Golden Gate Bridge

• San Francisco Bay

• Golden Gate Park

• Bay Bridge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in San Francisco.