Exploratorium 3601 Lyon Street San Francisco, CA 94123 (415) 561-0360

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The world's first and best hands-on science museum sits in the Marina district. What sets this museum apart is that there is no rope separating visitors from the exhibits. Visitors are encourage to touch, feel, pick up, and interact with everything in the building. The museum, more than any other, is something to do rather than something to see. Make sure not to miss the Shadow Box in which you can make a semipermanent record of your shadow on the wall or Make a Tornado in which you create or destroy a miniature tornado. Exhibits change frequently but are sure to inform, stimulate, and astound all ages.

Info: Adults $14, seniors 65 and older, children 13 to 17, students, and people with disabilities $11, 4 to 12 $9, 3 and younger free

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm, closed Monday

Age: Tdlr./Pre-Schl. (1-5), Elementary (5-9), Tween (9-12), Teen (12+)