Don’t miss the goings-on in this living, breathing natural history and science museum. It’s your chance to get closer to the science and drama of daily life at the Academy.
The program schedule is subject to change. Please check with the Information Desk when you arrive for current show times.
Planetarium Shows
 | This show is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Lift off from planet Earth and take a jaw-dropping ride to the far reaches of the Universe. The Academy's initial program, Fragile Planet, is projected onto a 75-foot diameter screen. Summer Schedule (May 23 - September 7) Weekday show times: Monday through Friday, every hour on the half-hour, 11:30 am - 4:30 pm. Weekend show times: Saturdays every 45 minutes, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm. On Sundays, every 45 minutes, 10:30 am - 4:30 pm, with the 10:30 am show exclusively for members. The weekend show times will also apply to all free days and holidays during the summer. Holidays: Free days: Please note: The Planetarium is very popular and tickets are handed out on a first come first serve basis. Visit the kiosk at the planetarium entrance to select your show time. In addition, please remember that the show is not appropriate for kids 6 and under. Children 3 and under are not permitted. |
Coral Reef Dives
 | Meet a coral reef diver who descends into the exhibit to introduce you to the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibit. Dive times: Everyday at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm. |
Penguin Feedings
 | Meet Pierre, Howard, Ocio and the rest of the African Penguin colony. Academy marine biologists will field visitor questions while feeding and caring for them. Feeding times: Everyday at 10:30 am and 3:30 pm. |
Swamp Talk
 | Join us at the Swamp to learn about some of the Academy’s most popular animals, including the albino alligator and the alligator snapping turtles. You’ll find out what it takes to care for these amazing creatures, which are native to swamps in the southeastern United States. Monday - Friday at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, & 3:00 pm. |
Bugs!
 | Slip on a pair of 3D glasses and check out Bugs! Shot on location in the tropical forests of Borneo, this 25-minute film is premiering in the new Hearst 3D theater. Show times: Mondays - Saturdays, at the top of every hour, 10 am - 4 pm. On Sundays, at the top of every hour, 11 am - 4 pm, with the 11 am show exclusively for members. |
Penguin Show-N-Tell
 | What makes a penguin a penguin? Families are invited to have a fun time learning about penguins’ special beaks, wings and feathers and to discover the mystery word of the day! Everyday at 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm. |
Lagoon Feeding
 | Sharks and rays are some of the most compelling and misunderstood animals on the planet. Meet the biologists of the Steinhart Aquarium who care for these surprising creatures and discover some of the fact behind the fiction. Every Tuesday & Thursday at 1:30 pm. |
Children’s Story Time at the Early Explorer’s Cove
 | Children aged 2-5 and their parents are invited to the Early Explorers Cove to listen to stories about nature, science, and the wonderful world around us. Free with Academy admission; space will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Every Tuesday at 9:15 am (For Members only) and Saturday at 11:00 am |
Family Nature Crafts
 | Families with children aged 4 to 8 are invited to make nature themed crafts. Space is limited. Check lobby for location. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. |
Explore Science!
 | Join us for lively science talks, fun animal demos, and investigations into the wild side of life. Check lobby for location. Every Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 pm. |
The Naturalist Center provides a welcoming environment for individualized, in-depth inquiry about the natural world and sustainability.
Students, teachers and families can walk in during Academy hours and gain access to research material, multimedia resources, and personal one-on-one attention from Academy staff.
- Ask questions about the natural world
- Access books, DVDs and online resources
- Find out more about Academy scientists and their work
- Identify and research specimens
- Learn about the the building and its LEED certification.
- Find out more about Sustainability and how you can make a difference.
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Before You Get HereGet the most out of your visit to the new Academy. |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Explore at your own pace.
- Audio tours are available in French, German, Italian, English, Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese.
- You can also access details about exhibits via your cell phone!
