Asian
Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
(between Fulton and McAllister Streets)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415)581-3500
The Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
is one of the largest museums in the Western world devoted
exclusively to Asian art. Its holdings include nearly 15,000
treasures spanning 6,000 years of history, representing cultures
throughout Asia.
The Asian Art Museum’s interactive
Family Programs allow parents and children to explore the many
aspects of Asian art and culture together. Listen to lively
storytelling in the galleries, watch a video or performance, create
a piece of original artwork– these are just a few of the
entertaining activities the whole family can enjoy.
For more information about the
family program,
click
here, or call (415)
581-3666 or e-mail
familyprograms@asianart.org
All Family Programs are free with museum admission, and kids under
12 always get in FREE!
A great place for an all day
outing. Wear your most comfortable walking shoes, pack in some
snacks/lunch, and prepare to be amazed at the sheer breadth of it
all. Touted as the oldest scientific institute in the west --
"Earth, Ocean, and Space, all in one place" the Academy includes:
Steinhart
Aquarium
-- Also known as
"That place with the alligators!" Even toddlers and older
babies will likely enjoy ogling the large collection of fish.
Tanks tend to be on the small side (i.e. It's no Monterey Bay
Aquarium), but the array of fish is dazzling in its color and
diversity.
Natural
History Museum
--
Click the link at left to find out about current exhibits at the
Howard Street location.
Nature Nest The California
Academy of Science's Howard Street location includes a special
place for children five and under. The Nature Nest is for their
youngest visitors and their caregivers—a place to explore and
experiment through creative play
Morrison Planetarium-- A bay area institution since
1952, the Morrison Planetarium has
temporarily closed. It is due to reopen in 2008
when the museum moves yet again, back to its new and permanent
home in Golden Gate Park.
We recommend you arrive early to have a
crack at parking. While most of these exhibits are really geared
toward school-age children, younger children can be included too.
However, bear in mind that the younger ones will not want to drink-in
each exhibit as long as their older siblings, and should have a
chaperone all of their own!
American art from the Colonial
times to the 20th century. Plus art from other lands. Excellent for
older children, middle school and up -- or for your avid young artists.
On October 15, 2005,
San Francisco's beloved de Young museum re-opened in a
magnificent new building. Visit the de Young site in
Golden Gate Park to see the result.
The Legion of Honor displays a
collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an
exquisite Beaux-Arts building in an unforgettable setting
overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco's most beautiful public museum is located in Lincoln
Park near 34th Avenue and Clement Street.
Open six days a week, Tuesday through
Sunday, 9:30 am-5:00pm.
Exploratoreum
3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco CA
(415) 561-0360
The bay area's wonderful hands on science exploration. This is a great place
for those children who really love to find out how things work -- or
for those who just have to TOUCH everything. Topics range from the
magnetic to the electric to the distinctly biological. Plan to
spend about 3 hours. A snack bar is available inside, but
prices are a bit high. Check their website to find out
about current or upcoming exhibits.
A Civil War fort in San Francisco?
You bet. And it's a great place to get a 3-D look at a period of
American History that is already long gone. Photos,
keepsakes, and other memorabilia depict the lives of black
soldiers and the role of women (especially military wives).
The Fort itself is a looming presence, a tangible connection to a way
of thinking and living that most kids only experience in history books
and documentaries. If history is not your thing, you'll
still enjoy an incredible view of the bridge and the bay.
San Francisco Zoo has really been
changing! A whole new entrance with a convenient (modern)
parking lot, and the beautiful new savanna exhibit are too of the
most notable improvements.
Zeum
Yerba Buena Gardens
221 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
This hands on
"museum" is all about doing, not looking! It features a
large arts & crafts area, equipped with glue guns, scissors, and
a variety of creative materials that allow kids to make
variations on whatever the current project is -- or anything
else they want. Samples from the past include mobiles and
kites. An animation room features everything you
need to make your own claymation style movie: camera,
background settings, props, even clay. For special
projects, you can purchase some fresh clay (for a nominal fee)
which can go home with you when you leave. Upstairs you'll
find every divas dream: dress up clothes, a microphone, a
stage, karaoke equipment, and even a videotape set up with an
operator to film your big performance. If you really love
your session, you can buy the videotape to take home.
Most of
Zeum is set up for children age 5 and up, however there is a
carousel outside the building that will delight younger
children. Please be aware that because some materials
could produce injury (for example, hot glue gun tips), parents
should plan to supervise children while they are enjoying crafts
and other facilities. There are no staff people available
to fill this vital function for you.
