Daily Programs
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
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LIFE: A COSMIC STORYHow did life on Earth begin? This tantalizing question forms the basis of the second all-digital planetarium show produced by the Academy for the Morrison Planetarium’s 75-foot diameter dome. WINNER of the “Best Fulldome Program” category at the 2011 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival! ENDS SOON — LAST SHOWINGS MAY 23! Showtimes for LIFE: A COSMIC STORY
Please note that this schedule is subject to change due to exhibit closures or special events. Through May 22, 2012: All 10:30 am shows Monday through Friday are reserved for school groups, arranged in advance. Starting Monday, May 28, 10:30 shows will be available to the public. On May 23, there will be no 10:30 am showing of “Life: A Cosmic Story” due to the press preview for “Earthquake: Evidence of a Restless Planet.” 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. STARTING SATURDAY, MAY 26:EARTHQUAKE: EVIDENCE OF A RESTLESS PLANETA 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. SCIENCE OF THE SUNA 15-minute, live mini-show is presented in Hohfeld Hall, the Planetarium’s preshow area, featuring our star, the Sun! Through June 5, find out about the upcoming transit of Venus and what we can learn from this once-in-a-lifetime event! Future shows will feature the solar cycle, space-weather, and phenomena that make our Sun such a fascinating object! Shown daily. Shows presented Monday - Friday at 10:40 am, 11:40 am, & 12:40 pm, Saturday & Sunday every 45 minutes, 10:40 am - 4:40 pm. No passes required. Enter from the Lab Junior side of the Planetarium dome. All ages welcome. Space limited. |
Penguin Feeding
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The Academy’s African Penguins are always especially animated during meal time. Watch the birds dip and dive in their tank at the end of African Hall as a biologist dons a wet suit and hands out vitamin-stuffed herring and capelin. Each feeding takes 10 minutes, and questions are encouraged. Location: African Hall Daily at 10:30 am and 3:00 pm |
Coral Reef Dive
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Watch as a diver suits up in SCUBA gear and plunges into the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibit. Outfitted with an underwater microphone, the diver will answer all of your reef-related questions. Location: Philippine Coral Reef Daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm |
Swamp Discovery
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Learn more about these wetland ecosystems of the Southeast United States and their hidden value. Listen to sounds of swamp inhabitants as we follow the life of the American alligator from hatchling chirps to the booming bellows of mature adults, all beneath the moss-draped limbs of a bald cypress. Location: Swamp Daily at 3:30 pm |
Earthquakes Demystified
What do Poseidon, Japanese folklore, and your pet dog have in common when it comes to earthquakes? Each plays a role in a common myth or misconception about these powerful natural events. Uncover the truth behind the stories, and learn how you and your family can become quake-ready.
Location: Piazza
Daily at 11:00 am
Ostriches: Grounded for Life
Ostrich wings were made for walking – join us at the live ostrich chick enclosure within the Academy’s new Earthquake exhibit to trace their fascinating evolutionary history and learn how they have adapted to life in Africa. You might be surprised by the connection between plate tectonics and the world’s largest flightless bird.
Location: Earthquake
Daily at 11:30 am
Little Naturalists (ages 3-5): Wild and Crafty
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Get creative and learn about animals during this program that pairs children’s literature with a take-home craft.
Location: Naturalist Center 1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays at 10:00 am |
Little Naturalists (ages 3-5): Sprouts
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Explore the plants and animals of nature’s gardens through hands-on investigation and activities.
Location: Naturalist Center 2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:00 am |
Little Naturalists (ages 3-5): Little Learners’ Lab
Become a scientist-in-training and join us for a fun hands-on experiment.
Location: Naturalist Center
- May 30 theme: Plate Tectonics
- June 6 theme: Volcanoes
- June 20 theme: Surface Tension
- July 4 theme: Liquification
- July 18 theme: Density
- August 1 and 29 theme: Tornados
- August 15 theme: Tsunamis
1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Little Naturalists (ages 3-5): Children of the World
A special program highlighting children from around the world through folktales, art, music and movement.
- May 23 theme: Ready to Roll at Home (earthquake preparedness)
- June 13 theme: Ready to Roll in England
- June 27 theme: Children of England
- July 11 theme: Ready to Roll in France
- July 25 theme: Children of France
- August 8 theme: Ready to Roll in Italy
- August 22 theme: Children of Italy
Location: Naturalist Center
2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:00 am
Animal Tales
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Children ages 2-5 and their parents or caregivers are invited to the Early Explorers Cove to listen to tales about nature, science, and the wonderful world around us. Stories come to life with songs, chants, and items like felt boards, rhythm sticks, and natural specimens.
Location: Early Explorers Cove Saturdays at 11:00 am |
Family Nature Crafts
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Get creative with nature-themed craft projects designed for families with children aged 5-10. Space is limited.
Location: Upper Swamp Mezzanine Sundays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, while supplies last |
Specimen Spotlight
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Did you know the Academy is home to more than 26 million specimens?! That’s a lot of fur, feathers, teeth and spines! Join naturalists at the Project Lab who will highlight a different specimen each week, with a special focus on endangered species and specimens from countries where Academy scientists study. Location: Project Lab Thursdays at 11:00 am |
Sweet Side of DNA
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Have you ever wondered what “the essence of life” – DNA – would look like if you held it in the palm of your hand? In the course of this 15-minute program, we will crush up fresh strawberries and extract their DNA in order to see it up close and personal – without the aid of a microscope. During the process, discover why some scientists call DNA the most extraordinary molecule on earth. Location: Project Lab Daily at 1:30 pm |
Sharks & Rays
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Learn more about the Mangrove Lagoon’s shallow reef residents, including sharks and rays, and watch a feeding on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Location: Reef Lagoon Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm |
Planetary Exploration
Embark on an interactive journey to some of the most monumental landscapes on Earth – above and below sea level – and learn about the role plate tectonics have played in shaping them. In our travels, we’ll see some strange, alien environments (on this planet and beyond), and discover how we can learn about earthquakes in Google Earth.
Location: Science in Action
Friday - Monday at 2:00 pm
Out of the Lab
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Curious to get a behind-the-scenes perspective on Academy research and the labs where the work gets done? Scientists will join visitors at the Project Lab to share stories about dissecting and documenting the many specimens collected on their global expeditions. Location: Project Lab Friday - Monday at 2:30 pm |
Science Story Adventures
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Explore the natural world through stories, experiments, games and crafts. For ages 4 - 8. Location: Classroom Sundays at 2:30 pm |
Tales from our Amazing Race
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 race to discover and protect life on Earth.
Location: Project Lab
Daily at 12:00 pm
Pollinator Power
Join us atop the Academy’s living roof to explore the fascinating lives of pollinators including birds, bats and bees. As these animals buzz, swoop and fly through the air, they are helping to keep California one of the most diverse places on earth. Here at the Academy, researchers and gardeners work to maintain a living roof of entirely native plants – come find out how this helps keep habitats healthy!
Location: Living Roof
Friday - Wednesday at at 12:30 pm
Discovery Nature Walk
Join us for a 30-minute nature walk, exploring gardens and groves that surround the Academy. Learn about the importance of native plants and trees and how they support animals in Golden Gate Park, a unique and unusual ecosystem.
Location: Meet at Swamp
Tuesday - Thursday at 2:00 pm
Chat with an Academy Scientist (ages 10+)
Meet Academy scientists who explore the planet in search of life and a greater understanding of its mysteries. From the tops of mountains to the bottom of the oceans, and in high-tech laboratories here at the Academy, these explorers see the world, discover new life, and help explain Earth’s amazing story. Join them for a glimpse at their fascinating work, and to hear their exciting stories first-hand.
Location: Science in Action
Thursdays at 12:30 pm
SSSSnake Encounter
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.
Location: Piazza
Daily at 1:00 pm
Naturalist Center Crafts
Visit the Naturalist Center every Friday for a fun and educational craft activity. Spark your curiosity, be creative, and explore natural history specimens and other resources.
Location: Naturalist Center
Fridays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Geology of Other Worlds
STARTING SATURDAY, MAY 26:
Voyage through our Solar System to explore the geology of Earth’s neighboring planets and moons in 3D using the latest images captured by spacecraft. We’ll size up the giant volcanoes on Mars, peel away the clouds of Venus, and slice open the planet Mercury! A live presenter will guide audiences through extraterrestrial landscapes, mountain ranges, and submerged oceans, and share how observations made far afield can help shed light on our own planet’s geologic history.
Location: Forum Theatre
Showtimes: 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
Runtime: Approximately 15 minutes. Guests will be admitted on a first come-first serve basis.
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 – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Before You Get Here |
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Get the most out of your visit to the new Academy.
Earthquake |
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Brace yourself for a kinetic journey into the world of seismic phenomena when the new Earthquake exhibit and planetarium show opens on May 26.
Adopt an Animal |
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Help contribute to the care of Claude, the albino alligator, and other animals while supporting the Academy’s efforts to raise awareness about the threats these species face in the wild.
Memberships |
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Join Today! Academy members enjoy a full year of unlimited admission, reserved Planetarium passes, access to special events, Academy discounts, and more!
