Tours/San Francisco/SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission
Viator · group up to 15 pax

SKIP THE LINE: Exploratorium Daytime Admission

4.6(174)San Francisco1 hour
VIATOR4.5(58)TRIPADVISOR4.7(116)

Description

Experience the Exploratorium, the award-winning museum of science, art, and human perception that's dedicated to the excitement of experimentation, the pleasure of discovery, and the power of play. Indulge your curiosity in more than 650 interactive exhibits—indoors and out—and explore eye-opening ways to understand the world around you. Journey through total darkness in our twisting, turning, world-famous Tactile Dome. There's also a unique museum store plus two delicious places to eat: the Seaglass restaurant, which has a stunning Bay view, and the Seismic Joint Cafe (hours vary). Located at Pier 15 along San Francisco's Embarcadero between Pier 39 and the Ferry Building, the Exploratorium is easy to get to by public transportation plus there's parking nearby.

Tour Options

SKIP THE LINE: Sundays
SKIP THE LINE: Mon-Sat

Itinerary

Admission included

Kids and adults both will love the Exploratorium in San Francisco! This favorite family attraction boasts a convenient location along the Embarcadero waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building. Enjoy the vibrant bayside energy of Pier 15, and then head inside the museum with your all-day general admission ticket.

Highlights

SKIP THE LINE Daytime Admission to the Exploratorium

What's included

Included
SKIP THE LINE Daytime Admission to the Exploratorium
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Tactile Dome experience
Viator ticket purchases cannot be applied to an annual membership at the museum.
After Dark - Thursday Evening Admission (Ages 18+ only)

Traveller Ratings

4.6
174 reviews
5
141
4
17
3
8
2
4
1
4

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All exhibition spaces, the Store, dining areas, and all public restrooms are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan, free of charge. They are located at the Info Desk on a first-come first-serve basis.
  • Guide dogs and other certified assistance animals are welcome
  • Tactile maps for blind and visually impaired visitors are available upon request.
  • Coin-operated lockers are located just past Ticketing and the Info desk
  • Complimentary museum maps are available in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, German, Portuguese, Arabic, Japanese, Korean and Filipino.
  • Free admission for children ages 3 and under

Reviews(174)

N
Nancy_P
June 22, 2026
Great adventure, so much to do and see for all ages

The experience was great, lots to do and see. I would highly recommend probably for ages 6 and up to 100. It's definitely worth a trip. Our only problem was when we went to use our viator coupons at the gate, they could not be scanned so we had to go back to the ticketing group to have them scan and print tickets for us.

G
Guide20715813044
June 6, 2026
Fraud

After I paid, I cannot get the ticket generated and the museum stuff said there is no ticket generated either. I have to pay again and I cannot refund on Tripadvisor.

Operator response

Hello, we are very sorry for any inconvenience you have experienced. If you purchased the ticket(s) here on Viator, then their customer service team is who you should contact. If you bought it directly through the Exploratorium's website, you would contact us at reservations@exploratorium.edu for assistance.

D
Dee_W
June 3, 2026
A must for the explorer in us all

Absolutely a must if you or your family is interested in Science or How things work. We have a great time touching everything‼️

G
ghassan_a
May 17, 2026
Very educational and fun...

Very educational and fun for the kids and adults,they had the san francisco fire department showing the kids and adults how to do proper C.P.R.

S
Shannon_C
April 5, 2026
Day at the Exploratorium

Tends to be geared towards 7-8 and above. Our 4 year old didn’t find activities that were at his level.

A
alexanderbush10
March 25, 2026
Not the typical museum

It’s not your typical museum. Every exhibit is hands-on, engaging, and genuinely thought-provoking. It’s the kind of place where you come for an hour and end up staying half the day without noticing. What really sets the Exploratorium apart is how it makes complex ideas feel intuitive and fun. You’re not just reading plaques.... you’re doing, testing, laughing, and occasionally being surprised by what you learn. The location along the San Francisco waterfront adds to the experience, with beautiful bay views that make it worth stepping outside for a breather before diving back in.

I
I7435CFcarolynd
March 16, 2026
Great for families to do together.

Easy to buy the tickets. No glitches. We didn’t have to wait to purchase tickets there so we went right in. There was street parking very close for $ 20.00 for all day. Everyone loved the Exploratorium .

S
Sherry_M
February 21, 2026
afternoon

Do not go when large school groups are there .Afternoon is bettter with less visitors. Look at everything

M
Marie_C
February 15, 2026
Best prices

For fanily of 5, it can get very expensive. Been here 3 times with kids. Viator gives the best prices if you can catch the tix on saleI. Groupns use to be my go to for all travel, but I gave them up when I found Viator

S
Susan_M
November 12, 2025
Not just for the kids!

Easy relaxed fun time for kids and adults. Lots of interactive activities and large space for exploring

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