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Explore the plants and animals of nature’s gardens through hands-on investigation and activities.

Today's theme - Art in the Garden: Learn the elements of art as we explore the shapes, lines, and colors seen in the garden. We’ll read The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt and create an artful piece to place in your garden.

This program is free with Academy admission. Supervision is required. Space is limited to the first 20 participants. Sign up at the Naturalist Center as early as 9:30am on the morning of the program to hold your spot.

Fish are the ultimate swimmers, but how do they do it? Explore the fascinating physical adaptations that allow fish to swim and survive. Get up and move to experience what it would feel like to have fins, and learn how fish use their bodies to move in different ways in diverse habitats.

Fish are the ultimate swimmers, but how do they do it? Explore the fascinating physical adaptations that allow fish to swim and survive. Get up and move to experience what it would feel like to have fins, and learn how fish use their bodies to move in different ways in diverse habitats.

Fragile Planet gives audiences an astronaut’s view of Earth, highlighting Earths unique regions. The journey then continues to the Moon, Mars, and beyond the Milky Way to search for habitats that might hostextraterrestrial life. The show’s theme — that Earth is the only known haven for life, and thus is important to protect — echoes the themes of biodiversity and sustainability.   

The visual foundation of the show lies in scientific visualization. From the high-resolution satellite imagery of Earth, the positions of galaxies more than 50 million light years distant, the three-dimensional terrain of Valles Marineris on Mars to the locations of extrasolar planetary systems in interstellar space, everything audiences will see in this award-winning show has a basis in astronomers’ best understanding of the Universe.

Fish are the ultimate swimmers, but how do they do it? Explore the fascinating physical adaptations that allow fish to swim and survive. Get up and move to experience what it would feel like to have fins, and learn how fish use their bodies to move in different ways in diverse habitats.

A sweeping geological journey, Earthquake explores the forces that transform the surface of our planet. After a stunning flight over the San Andreas Fault, audiences travel back in time to experience San Francisco's infamous 1906 earthquake. Data-driven visualizations illustrate Earth's story, revealing how subtle motions and sudden ruptures have shaped our planet over eons—and how geological activity influences the course of human history. Finally, see how scientists and engineers help society prepare for a safer future.

Please note that this schedule is subject to change due to exhibit closures or special events.

The Planetarium is very popular and tickets are handed out on a first come first serve basis due to limited seating. Visit the cart at the planetarium theater to pick up a show pass. In addition, please remember that shows may not be appropriate for kids 6 and under, and that children 3 and under are not permitted.

School and youth groups are required to have an advance reservation in a school show in order to attend the Planetarium. Please check your reservation carefully for confirmation of any requested programs, we do not accept walkup requests on the day of your field trip.

Academy scientists travel to remote corners of the Earth to explore some of the most extreme environments on this planet. Their mission is to shed light on the mysteries of life: how it got here and how we can help ensure it survives. In this interactive program, we take an in-depth look at a few of our intrepid explorers and see the wild adventures they’ve had while on their amazing explorations to discover and protect life on Earth.

Fragile Planet gives audiences an astronaut’s view of Earth, highlighting Earths unique regions. The journey then continues to the Moon, Mars, and beyond the Milky Way to search for habitats that might hostextraterrestrial life. The show’s theme — that Earth is the only known haven for life, and thus is important to protect — echoes the themes of biodiversity and sustainability.   

The visual foundation of the show lies in scientific visualization. From the high-resolution satellite imagery of Earth, the positions of galaxies more than 50 million light years distant, the three-dimensional terrain of Valles Marineris on Mars to the locations of extrasolar planetary systems in interstellar space, everything audiences will see in this award-winning show has a basis in astronomers’ best understanding of the Universe.

Meet some of the Academy’s live snakes in-person! While viewing these fascinating (and harmless!) animals in the flesh, we will learn about snakes’ unique natural history, their predatory behavior, and their surprising special senses. 

Fragile Planet gives audiences an astronaut’s view of Earth, highlighting Earths unique regions. The journey then continues to the Moon, Mars, and beyond the Milky Way to search for habitats that might hostextraterrestrial life. The show’s theme — that Earth is the only known haven for life, and thus is important to protect — echoes the themes of biodiversity and sustainability.   

The visual foundation of the show lies in scientific visualization. From the high-resolution satellite imagery of Earth, the positions of galaxies more than 50 million light years distant, the three-dimensional terrain of Valles Marineris on Mars to the locations of extrasolar planetary systems in interstellar space, everything audiences will see in this award-winning show has a basis in astronomers’ best understanding of the Universe.