’Tis the Season for Science

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Experience a winter wonderland in the heart of San Francisco. Outdoor snow flurries, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and festive ice rink make the Academy a holiday destination for science lovers of all ages.

‘Tis the Season for Science: Life on Ice, the Academy’s annual holiday exhibit, celebrates the remarkable adaptations that allow Arctic and Antarctic animals to thrive in snowy ecosystems.

This year, see how another animal adapts to life on ice: You! Lace up your skates and take a spin around our newly expanded outdoor Holiday Ice Rink. With two extra-long skating sessions available daily, you’ll have plenty of time to perfect your form.

Exhibit open daily in the Piazza through January 6, 2019.

Woman ice skating with blurry background at Academy outdoor ice rink

Holiday Ice Rink

Science and skating, intellect and endorphins, all in a day's Academy adventure! Prefer ice dancing in the moonlight? Join us for Sunday Skate Nights on November 25, December 2, and December 9.

Schedule & Tickets

Kids explore hands-on activities in ’Tis the Season for Science exhibit

Life on Ice

Learn how plants and animals brave the planet’s most extreme environments—and see how you stack up next to life-size models of polar bears and Emperor penguins!