More than 600 interactive exhibits invite everyone to touch, test and experiment, from light and sound to bay ecology. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, and children 3 and under get in free.
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–5 pm, 6 pm–10 pm |
| Friday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 10 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm–5 pm |
Thursday 6–10pm is After Dark, ages 18+ only. Sunday 10am–noon members/donors only. Tactile Dome closed for maintenance Sep 8–28, 2026. Hours subject to change; check special dates.
From the venue’s own page, checked September 19, 2026. Holiday hours and one-off closures can differ.
Getting There
- MThe Embarcadero & Brannan StMuni Metro N · 0.1 mi, about 4 min walk
- MThe Embarcadero & Folsom StMuni Metro K L M N · 0.3 mi, about 7 min walk
- BEmbarcadero BART0.6 mi, about 16 min walk
Transit directions, including buses
Nearest Muni Metro, streetcar and cable car stops and BART stations, from SFMTA and BART published stop data. Distances are straight-line, and walking times are our estimate. Buses aren’t listed here.
More in Financial District
Coming up Nearby
- Ferry Plaza Farmers Market Sat, Sep 12 – Dec 31 · Ferry Building Plaza
- SF Fiction Society Fri, Oct 16 · Rincon Hill (address shared after approval)
- Foodwise Sunday Supper: A Farm to City Feast Sun, Oct 18 · Ferry Building Grand Hall
Places in the Neighborhood
- Blue Bottle Coffee (Ferry Building) Coffee Shops
- Ferry Building Marketplace Attractions
- Fraenkel Gallery Art Galleries
- Gallery Wendi Norris Art Galleries
- Humphry Slocombe (Ferry Building) Ice Cream & Treats
- Salesforce Park Parks & Playgrounds
Mentioned in Our Guides
Questions People Ask About Exploratorium
Can kids go to the Exploratorium on Thursday nights?
No. Thursday 6 to 10 pm is After Dark, for ages 18 and up only. Families should plan on daytime hours, Tuesday to Sunday.
How much does the Exploratorium cost for kids?
Children 3 and under are free. Youth 4 to 17 pay $29.95. Adults 18 to 64 pay $39.95.
When is the Exploratorium least crowded?
The museum says things generally quiet down after 3 pm. Members also get Sunday 10 am to noon to themselves.
Can we borrow a stroller at the Exploratorium?
Yes. Strollers are available at the Information Desk, first come, first served. The desk also lends sensory kits, earplugs and weighted lap pads.
Cite this page: Project SF, “Exploratorium”, projectsf.com/listings/exploratorium/ (updated ).