Classes & Education

A world-class museum in Golden Gate Park housing an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum all under one living roof. The Steinhart Aquarium and Claude the albino alligator are perennial kid favorites.

An internationally recognized early childhood music program with classes across the Bay Area. Parent-child classes feature singing, dancing, and instrument play. Develops musical skills in babies through kindergartners in a joyful setting.

The world-famous hands-on science museum on Pier 15 with over 650 interactive exhibits. Kids can play with light, sound, living things, and weather. The Tactile Dome (total darkness experience) is unforgettable for older kids.

The San Jose Library system offers free weekly story time sessions at multiple branches in English and Chinese. Features songs, fingerplays, and early literacy activities. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library is the flagship location.

The largest children's museum west of the Mississippi with a purple building you can't miss. Features water play, a real fire truck to climb, bubbles exhibit, and a mammoth discovery area. The outdoor play area has a real rescue helicopter.

A Silicon Valley STEM museum where kids design roller coasters, code robots, and explore biotech. Features an IMAX theater and rotating exhibits focused on innovation, engineering, and solving real-world problems.

UC Berkeley's public science center perched in the hills with panoramic Bay views. Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, outdoor science park, and a giant DNA model. The Forces That Shape the Bay exhibit is spectacular.

An interactive space and science museum in the Oakland Hills with planetarium shows, real telescopes for stargazing, and hands-on space exhibits. Friday and Saturday night telescope viewings are magical for school-age kids.

The nation's first wildlife rehabilitation hospital where kids can see rescued animals up close - hawks, owls, snakes, and turtles. Educational exhibits teach about local wildlife and conservation. Great summer camps available.

A coding center where kids learn to code by building video games. The curriculum progresses from Scratch to JavaScript. Monthly membership includes unlimited sessions and summer coding camps are available.

A free family museum in Corona Heights with live animals, art studios, a woodworking shop, and science exhibits. The rooftop terrace has stunning city views. One of SF's best-kept secrets for families on a budget.

LEGO-based STEM education center where kids learn engineering principles by building motorized LEGO models. After-school programs, birthday parties, and summer camps. Kids build real working machines with gears and motors.

One of the oldest Chinese schools in the Bay Area offering weekend Chinese language classes in both Mandarin and Cantonese. Cultural activities include calligraphy, painting, and dance. Also offers math enrichment programs.