Find Events & Events Calendar

Swing by the Project Lab and view rarely-displayed specimens from the Academy’s collections. From breathtaking beetles and butterflies to extraordinary skulls and stones, discover a new object every day!

Uncover the Earth’s ancient history and learn about the sharks, tortoises, and dinosaurs that first appeared millions of years ago as you explore the Academy’s exhibits. Step back in time and discover the unique adaptations these amazing species developed for thriving and surviving on a planet that was very different from our modern world.

Want to be a scientist for the day? Have a Junior Scientist Adventure! Start by grabbing a field pack of tools and activities at coat check then head to a Junior Scientist Adventure Wrap-Up to share your discoveries or learn more!  Wrap-Ups happen daily at 11:30 and 2:30 in the Naturalist Center on Level 3. There you will find friendly presenters who are eager to help you and learn about what you found. (AGES 9+, availability is limited)

Don a pair of 3D glasses and fly across iridescent tropical reefs, brush through a cloud of a thousand jellyfish, visit an alien world where the tiniest creatures support the greatest predators. The Last Reef will take you on a breathtaking journey to these cities beneath the sea, which are as vital to life on Earth as the rain forests. Experience a thrilling underwater journey through the world’s reef ecosystems that uses unprecedented macro 3D cinematography to bring the teeming world of coral reefs to life in the Academy’s Forum Theater, and consider what it would mean if one of these wonderlands were to become the last reef, a very real danger being faced today.

From subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, cosmic collisions are a universal force of nature. Creative and destructive, dynamic and dazzling, collisions have resulted in many things we take for granted — the glowing Moon, the Sun's warmth and light, our changing seasons, waves washing up on a sandy shore. They've ended the age of the dinosaurs and changed the very map of the cosmos, reforming galaxies and giving birth to new stars and new worlds. Cosmic Collisions, produced by the American Museum of Natural History, provides an unprecedented and extraordinary view of these catastrophic and constructive events that have shaped our world and our universe. 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.

Don a pair of 3D glasses and fly across iridescent tropical reefs, brush through a cloud of a thousand jellyfish, visit an alien world where the tiniest creatures support the greatest predators. The Last Reef will take you on a breathtaking journey to these cities beneath the sea, which are as vital to life on Earth as the rain forests. Experience a thrilling underwater journey through the world’s reef ecosystems that uses unprecedented macro 3D cinematography to bring the teeming world of coral reefs to life in the Academy’s Forum Theater, and consider what it would mean if one of these wonderlands were to become the last reef, a very real danger being faced today.

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. In this interactive program, hear their unique stories and explore through hands-on experiments how changes in the ocean can affect the fragile ecosystems that they study.

From subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, cosmic collisions are a universal force of nature. Creative and destructive, dynamic and dazzling, collisions have resulted in many things we take for granted — the glowing Moon, the Sun's warmth and light, our changing seasons, waves washing up on a sandy shore. They've ended the age of the dinosaurs and changed the very map of the cosmos, reforming galaxies and giving birth to new stars and new worlds. Cosmic Collisions, produced by the American Museum of Natural History, provides an unprecedented and extraordinary view of these catastrophic and constructive events that have shaped our world and our universe. 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.

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.

Don a pair of 3D glasses and fly across iridescent tropical reefs, brush through a cloud of a thousand jellyfish, visit an alien world where the tiniest creatures support the greatest predators. The Last Reef will take you on a breathtaking journey to these cities beneath the sea, which are as vital to life on Earth as the rain forests. Experience a thrilling underwater journey through the world’s reef ecosystems that uses unprecedented macro 3D cinematography to bring the teeming world of coral reefs to life in the Academy’s Forum Theater, and consider what it would mean if one of these wonderlands were to become the last reef, a very real danger being faced today.

From subatomic particles to the largest galaxies, cosmic collisions are a universal force of nature. Creative and destructive, dynamic and dazzling, collisions have resulted in many things we take for granted — the glowing Moon, the Sun's warmth and light, our changing seasons, waves washing up on a sandy shore. They've ended the age of the dinosaurs and changed the very map of the cosmos, reforming galaxies and giving birth to new stars and new worlds. Cosmic Collisions, produced by the American Museum of Natural History, provides an unprecedented and extraordinary view of these catastrophic and constructive events that have shaped our world and our universe. 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.