California Academy of Science - From T-Rex to the Stars
Did you know that the California Academy of Science, just 20 miles away in San Francisco is the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum and a four-story rainforest under one roof?
The Steinhart Aquarium is home to 38,000 live animals from around the world. Check out the teeth on a piranha and learn about the life-sustaining role that water plays on Earth.
The glass dome of the Rainforest is the largest spherical exhibit in the world. With the temperature of 82 – 85 degrees and humidity of 75% or above, you’ll experience what it’s like to walk in a real rainforest. The Rainforest is teeming with 1600 animals, including free-flying birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Each level of the four-story Rainforest represents a different rainforest habitat around the world.
The Morrison Planetarium is the largest, all-digital planetarium in the world. Traditional star shows are supplemented by live “tours of the Universe” and programming includes live NASA feeds and broadcasts from Academy scientists in the field. The dome has a 75-fot diameter projection screen and seems to disappear when imagery is projected onto it…creating an experience that is more like flying than watching a movie.
The exhibits of the Kimball Natural History Museum address the evolution and maintenance of life on Earth. There are several exhibits, including the African Hall, gives visitors an in-depth look into Africa’s diverse ecosystems. Dioramas showcase a variety of mounted animals, including lions, zebras and baboon, and five new dioramas contain live animals from the aquarium.
Visit the Altered State exhibit and explore the dangerous effects of climate change on California’s natural habitats, or see the skeleton of an 87-foot long blue whale or a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
There's still a little time left for you to take part in the special ‘Tis the Season for Science festivities. Wintry family fun celebrates the science behind some of the most familiar holiday sights, sounds and traditions. See taxidermy specimens of the real birds mentioned in “The Twelve Days of Christmas” or visit a pair of live reindeer. The Snowman Theater plays two new shows on the science of snow on Earth and on other worlds, and in the Spice Forest you can learn about the ingredients in your favorite holiday treats. The "Tis the Season" festivities run through January 16th.
This is truly an experience for your entire family, so you’ll want to get there early and spend the day exploring. To purchase tickets click here.
55 Music Concourse
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
415-379-8000
