Academy of Sciences, San Francisco

There are a lot of things I really WANT to love about the Academy of Sciences. They offer great exhibits, interesting things to experience (walking through a rainforest full of butterflies was a first for us!) and well-made movies. However, the crowds make the whole experience very tiring. First, it is wise to park in the designated parking lot, which is pricey and also crowded. Then there is the walk across a ampitheatre area, to the museum where a long entrance line awaits you.  You must get tickets for any show you might want to see right away, because they often sell out for all the shows by mid-morning. And the walk through the rainforest area was preceded by nearly an hour wait for us. If you go with multiple adults, one can hold the space in line while one goes elsewhere with the kids. If its just one adult, be sure to bring lots of entertainment – tricks in your bag.

You can get a variety of food at the cafe and eat it outdoors where there is a nice enclosed space for lunchers. Many people were plopped on any piece of cement or grass because there aren’t enough tables for everyone at lunch time. But the grassy area gives kids a place to burn off some energy.

All that said, I think the exhibits were terrific and plentiful. There’s enough to do here certainly for a half day. I would recommend that if possible you come on a weekday when the crowds aren’t as intense.

The third Wednesday of each month is free. You can receive a $3 discount if you take public transportation there or a bicycle. The Concourse Parking is on Fulton and Eighth Ave.  Enter the Park from 9th Ave and take a right on Music Concourse Drive to enter the garage.