The Exploratorium in San Francisco

The Exploratorium tops our list of fun things to do this month in San Francisco. Why? First, because of their shiny new 300 million dollar 330,000-square-foot location at Pier 15, along waterfront. That means new exhibits to help fill up three times more space than the previous location.

The Exploratorium offers a few ways to save on tickets. The information below will help you save, plus you’ll minimize the time you have to wait in line once you get to the Exploratorium by getting your tickets in advance. Scroll down for details on getting tickets and which days are admission free in 2016.

The Exploratorium is ideal for anyone with a curious mind, including families, and children 5 and under always get in free. Exploratorium also holds adult only Exploratorium After Dark happy hours on the first Thursday of the month, which is even more fun at the new waterfront location.

What’s new? There are 150 brand new exhibits plus hundreds of beloved classics, new outdoor exhibits, a Bay Observatory, a bigger focus on tinkering and social psychology, and much more. –Exploratorium 

Exploratorium Discount Tickets — 7 Ways to Save

1 Exploratorium Online Tickets: Get your Tickets Online in advance and save time. This source has “Any Day” tickets, so you don’t have to pick your date in advance (so you can change your mind and go another day). Just note the expiration date (you usually have a year to use them. Not always discounted, but there’s a “best price guarantee.”

2. San Francisco CityPASS: {Best Price} A discount card that provides free admission to six Bay Area attraction including the Exploratorium. This is the perfect choice if you’re visiting from out of the city.

3. Go San Francisco Pass: {Editor’s Pick} I love this pass for their “build your own” option where you save on as few as two activities, or as many as you like. The more you do the more you save, usually from 20% to 55% off each ticket, and you have up to 30 days from first use to complete all your choices. And now you can print your pass or show on your smart phone to get in everywhere (and sometimes skip the lines).

4. Resident Discount: Exploratorium offers discounted admission for for Bay Area Residents.

5. Free Days: The Exploratorium free days include …

• Groundhog Day
• Pi Day
• Mother’s Day

6. Teacher Freebie: California Public School Teachers can get free admission. You’ll need to apply on the Exploratorium website.

7. Happy Hour Mixer: {Details} Called Exploratorium After Dark, visit on the first Thursdays of the month, 6–10pm, and you get in at happy hour rates: $15 (Adults only, 18+). This is separate from the daytime tickets – guests who visit us during the day on Thursday will not be able to re-enter Thursday night without an After Dark ticket. Also, the museum holds Evening Programs on some Wednesday and Thursday nights, at 8:30pm.

Exploratorium — Know Before You Go

• Exploratorium Tickets: Online here, or browse discount passes here that include Exploratorium discounts.
• Hotels Nearby: Staying over in San Francisco? Check out hotel rates and reviews for rooms near the Embarcadero area and the Exploratorium (also near Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Aquarium of the Bay).
• Hours: Open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am – 5pm including Wednesday evenings until 10pm and Thursday evening adult only hours from 6pm – 10pm. Closed Mondays except for certain holidays.
• Address: Exploratorium, Pier 15, San Francisco, California 94111) between Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf).
• Parking (your car) — There’s an independent parking lot right across the street. Levi’s Plaza Garage offers discounted rates. Or you can park at the Embarcadero Center. You’ll also find metered street parking along the Embarcadero, and other parking lots and garages nearby. The Exploratorium has a page that explains all the parking options, including occasional 20% off parking discounts and other offers.
• Parking (your stuff): There are coin-operated lockers just past ticketing and the Info Desk. Strollers are also available.
• Official Info: exploratorium.edu