Exhibits and experiences for explorers of all ages

See what's on
Larger-than-life orchid mantis model with outstretched legs in Bugs exhibit
OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 22

Bugs

An arthropod extravaganza has buzzed into the Academy! Celebrate our multi-legged friends in a new exhibition with models, games, specimens, and more.
Bug Out
2 young girls play joyfully in falling flurries in the Academy Piazza
OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 8

'Tis the Season for Science

This winter, warm your spirits at our annual celebration of all things cold! Frolic under flurries, experiment in the Ice Lab, and revel in live music and magic.
Dash Into the Academy
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Events and activities to kick-start your curiosity

Planetarium shows, webcams, and DIY science for all
2 reindeer with antlers graze in a pen in the Academy East Garden
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 6:30-9 PM

Welcome Winter Night

Make merry at an all-new, all-ages evening event, featuring festive face-painting, crafts, and performances—and a cameo appearance by two visiting reindeer!
Buy Tickets
Photo collage of Claude the alligator with albinism against a starry sky
THURSDAYS, 6-10 PM, 21+

NightLife

Wonder what our animals get up to once the sun goes down? Find out at the Academy’s weekly event that celebrates the unusual intersection of art and science.
See Upcoming Events
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World-changing science starts here

Explore ways to give
Prakrit Jain uses iNaturalist on his iPhone to take a picture of a scorpion
COMMUNITY SCIENCE

Two new scorpion species!

For two Bay Area teens, a passion for iNaturalist and a collaboration with Lauren Esposito, PhD, led to the discovery of two new-to-science scorpion species.
Meet Harper & Prakrit
3 kids look at a stingray swimming underneath them at the Academy
MEMBERSHIPS START AT $99

Join, renew, or donate

Keep up with your favorite creatures by visiting for free all year long—and support our research, education, and access initiatives while you're at it.
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