If you are in San Francisco, a must do is the Exploratorium. Think of it as a gigantic warehouse where adults and kids of all ages can tinker and learn all kinds of cool things related to science. Rates are between $20 to $40 depending on if you are an adult or kid, and some discounts are available. Even if you’re not into science, there’s something for everyone at the Exploratorium.
Now, parking in San Francisco can be outrageous and cost you a pretty penny, so finding decent parking is a must. We parked in the Pier 15 lot, right across the street from, and were able to get $10.00 off with the code, 4302100, that is promoted on the Exploratorium website. You’re welcome. Parking cost us around $21.00 for 24 hours, an absolute steal in San Francisco.
The fun starts before you even get inside. Right outside the Exploratorium are two metal structures with concave circular backdrops. These structures are dozens of feet apart, but if you sit in one, and a person sits in the other, you can have a conversation at regular speaking volume and hear each other perfectly from dozens of feet away. It’s very cool, so there’s always a line of people waiting to try it out.
Inside, there are a variety of galleries you can visit depending on what you’re into. Also, some exhibits are on display at certain times of the year. For instance, my husband and I went yesterday for their space exhibit (sorry, but it was the last weekend). Did you know that astronauts use salt and pepper in liquid form while in space because regular salt and pepper particles would float everywhere? You can easily spend hours here and not see everything. I will warn you, though, if you are a germaphobe, the Exploratorium is not for you. This place requires lots of constant touching and handling of items, so bring your hand sanitizer if you want to feel extra hygienic!
I love so many of the activities that it’s hard to boil down to just one. You can get up close and personal with plants, bend your mind with various optical illusions of color, use your body to create electricity, have fun with landscapes as you watch bubbling sand or freezing water, etc. You’ll learn something new and have a blast in the process. If you have been to the Exploratorium, what’s your favorite activity?
