There aren't many places where you'll find roughly 40,000 animals in the same building, but the California Academy of Sciences is one of them. Located in Golden Gate Park, the academy is a museum of natural history showcasing the history and envisioned future of life on earth and the environment. The various venues of the museum include a living four-story rain forest, a planetarium dome, and an aquarium housing a variety of marine exhibits.
Best and worst time to go to the California Academy of Sciences
Try to avoid going on school holidays or weekends as the museum can get pretty packed with parents and their children. Weekdays during the school week are ideal, especially in the afternoon since most school field trips come in the morning and are gone by then.
Must see/do at the California Academy of Sciences
Everybody loves penguins, and you can see a colony of them frolicking in the African Hall. Everybody also loves the extremely popular Morrison Planetarium, which is the third-largest completely digital planetarium dome in the world. While everybody make not love humid weather, the immersive experience of the rainforest is worth the sweat.
Admission to the California Academy of Sciences
The cost of admission ranges from $24.95 to $34.95 depending on age, and gives access to all of the museum's exhibits and attractions. Children under 3 are free. The museum also has various days throughout the year that are free of charge. Check their website for more information.
Parking and public transportation at the California Academy of Sciences
There is a city-operated parking garage nearby but is subject to rates imposed by the city and often fills up quickly, so public transportation is your safest bet. The #44 O'Shaughnessy bus stops in front of the building, and the #5 Fulton bus stop just outside of the park. The Amtrak Station at the Ferry Building is also less than a 10-minute walk away.
Food at the California Academy of Sciences
The museum offers two restaurants for food: the Academy Cafe, featuring local favorites, and the Terrace, which puts an upscale spin on fast-casual dining. Both locations offer a variety of dishes that won't break your wallet, with prices ranging from $2 to $17.
Insider tip for visitors to the California Academy of Sciences
Shows at the planetarium require separate tickets, free of charge, that get gobbled up very quickly. If you arrive in the morning, head to the planetarium first to get your tickets before venturing into the museum to be sure you don't get shut out.
Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area. When he's not writing he can often be found losing his mind at Oakland A's games in the Right Field Bleachers.
With its charming combination of Virginia history and modern science, the Science Museum of Virginia is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Richmond. The sprawling campus is popular as an elegant event space in addition to the obvious draw of the family friendly, illuminating museum exhibits. Larger than life displays, demonstrations, and interactive activities engage visitors in the sciences including natural history, physics, space exploration, neurology, and much more.
Best and Worst Times to Visit the Science Museum of Virginia
Special exhibits change seasonally, so if there is a particular interest that you'd like to explore, check ahead and make sure your trip is scheduled appropriately. Since the Science Museum of Virginia is located on Broad Street, the main road through Richmond, try to avoid coming or going during rush hour, as the traffic will be heavier and accidents more likely. Early afternoon during the week or lunchtime on Sundays are good times to see everything without fighting traffic and crowds.
Must See and Do at the Science Museum of Virginia
Don't miss out on seeing a movie on their giant screen in the Dome. It's a memory that will stick with you for life, and the humongous domed screen gives a distinct impression of movement as the film plays all around. Visitors with children shouldn't miss the Idea Factory section of the museum, where science intersects with play in artistic, imaginative, and challenging fun activities.
Admission to the Science Museum of Virginia
Members enjoy free general admission and special passes to the Dome. For non members, expect to be able to access the exhibits and dome both for under $20 per person, with discounts for children, seniors, and groups.
Parking and Transportation at the Science Museum of Virginia
Richmond is not a compact city, so having a car is generally the best way to see it. GRTC buses are available and there are stops near the Science Museum of Virginia. Check the GRTC website for schedules and to determine if bus transportation is a viable option for your visit. On site parking is available for Science Museum visitors, as well as abundant street parking in the immediate area.
Food at the Science Museum of Virginia
The Periodic Table is the museum's on site coffee bar and sandwich shop. They offer kid friendly choices, salads, sandwiches, and barbecue at prices typical of event vending and entertainment venues. For dining nearby, the boutique neighborhood Carytown offers a stunning variety of options from comfort food to fine cuisine, and the popular Buz and Ned's Real Barbeque is only minutes away by car.
Insider Tip for the Science Museum of Virginia
Make sure that you and your children are wearing clothing that you can move around in without trouble. Even if you don't plan on participating in the interactive exhibits, they're a lot of fun and you might find yourself wishing you had planned for crawling around or riding a bike. Flip flops are a bad idea all around, so wear comfortable walking shoes with closed toes.
Author's bio: Kitty Lusby is an author and self proclaimed adventurer originally from the Richmond, Virginia area. She believes that travel is a necessity and does it as often as possible.
Located near the University of New Hampshire campus, the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center was established in 1991 after the tragic space shuttle Challenger disaster. It is named after the teacher, Christa McAuliffe, who lost her life in the accident, as well as Alan Shepard, the first American in space. It specializes in education and exploration of Earth, astronomy, aviation and space science. There is a planetarium, exhibits, many different programs offered, a cafe that hosts private events and a science store.
Boston's Museum of Science is a favorite museum among locals for its varied, relevant, and highly interactive exhibits. There is truly something for everyone; the MoS does not feel like your typical stand-around-and-stare-at-stuff museum. In addition to the museum's ever-changing and always exciting visiting exhibits, there are many permanent exhibits; plan for anywhere from two to five hours to explore the museum. Plus, you have to see an Omni film. And play in the massive gift shop. Maybe just plan to come back again and see what you didn't get to see the first time; there's always more.
Best and worst time to go to the Museum of Science
Because the museum is especially fun for kids and has so many interactive exhibits, it will be crowded when kids are out of school. If possible, go on a weekday, and avoid school vacation weeks when possible. If you must go during a vacation week, go later on in the week. Try to get there when the museum first opens at 9 a.m. or stay until after the kids are all in bed. The museum is open until 9 p.m. on Friday nights, making for a sweet albeit geeky date night.
Must see/do at the Museum of Science
See a movie at the Mugar Omni Theater. You'll get the most out of this immersive, domed screen experience if you choose a film featuring something underwater or adrenalin-inducing.
The Hayden Planetarium is also very popular as it is one of the most technologically advanced in the country, plus it offers psychadelic laser shows for a more chill evening.
The Lightning! demonstration is one of the museum's oldest and still best shows. The world's largest air-insulated Van de Graaff generator will definitely spark your interest. Get to an early showing, as this popular demo fills up.
Admission to the Museum of Science
You'll pay just over twenty bucks to get in to the museum and only save a few for seniors and children (though kids under three are free). The Omni Theater, Planetarium, 4-D Theater, and Butterfly Garden each cost about another five dollars as an add-on to your museum entry. Each of these special tickets costs about ten dollars if purchased independently.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Museum of Science
Parking at the museum's garage is the most convenient option, though a little pricey. The garage does fill up on weekends and school vacation days; once again, get there early to find a spot and beat the museum crowds. You can also park a half a mile away at the Cambridgeside Galleria garage to save a few bucks (the shorter your museum stay, the more significant the savings, or take the T and save even more. Take the Green Line's E train to Science Park Station and then cross the Charles River over the bridge. Further details and directions from other T stops are available on the museum's website.
Food at the Museum of Science
The Riverview Cafe offers some yummy choices with a splendid view of Boston over the Charles River, but you'll pay a premium. There are a variety of other options including but not limited to burritos, a salad bar, and Starbucks, but if you're on a budget, pack a lunch and save your money for the awesome stuff at the gift shop.
Insider tip for visitors to the Museum of Science
It's certainly easy to spend hours aimlessly wandering around the museum, but you can also plan your day ahead of time to make sure you get to see the things you didn't even know you wanted to see. The museum lists daily schedules on the website including live animal demonstrations, drop-in activities and challenges, and theater showtimes. Get tickets online ahead of time for the Omni movie or Planetarium show you really want to see and plan your day accordingly while also spending less time on line at the museum buying tickets.
For Boston visitors or locals playing tourist, save money and time by purchasing a Boston CityPass or Go Boston Card, and search for discount codes for these online. For Boston area locals, check with your town library, as many offer free or discounted day passes.
Friday nights, you can also venture to the roof of the parking garage to visit the Gililand Observatory for free and see the stars with the guidance of a an astronomy expert. Weather permitting, March through November; check the website or call for more details and to see if you'll be the only one there or not.
Author's bio: Deborah Jarvis is a freelance writer who grew up and currently lives in the Greater Boston Area. She never pahks her cah in Hahvahd Yahd and tries not to drive like she's from Boston if she can help it. She still remembers spending an overnight in the museum with her Girl Scout Troop and getting a yellow t-shirt with a T-Rex on it. It was her favorite shirt until her parents went to Paris and got her a new, tres chic Eiffel Tower shirt.
Visitors with an interest in science and history will find much to learn at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Exhibits range from fossils found in the ground to the stars and planets up in the sky. Human evolution and culture are also explored in exhibits at the museum.
Best and worst time to go to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum is extremely popular, so you're likely to find a crowd any time you visit. Try to arrive when it opens to beat the crowds.
Must see/do at the American Museum of Natural History
Several rooms filled with dinosaur bones are unmissable, with exhibits explaining the linkage between dinosaurs and birds. The Hall of Human Evolution displays our ancestors, including famous Lucy. Many people don't realize the museum includes a planetarium, and the sky shows there explain the origins of the universe.
Admission to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum's posted admission rates are around $20 for adults, with lower rates for students and seniors. If you buy tickets in advance, you'll pay that rate, but if you pay when you arrive, admission is "pay any amount." There are separate charges for special exhibits and 3-D movies.
Parking and public transportation to the American Museum of Natural History
There's a subway entrance right inside the museum; it's easily reached by bus as well. The museum has a parking garage, but you may be able to find free parking on nearby streets.
Food at the American Museum of Natural History
The museum has a food court and several smaller cafés throughout. You can also step outside the museum to purchase food from the food trucks lining the street outside.
Insider tip for visitors at the American Museum of Natural History
You'll get around the museum much faster taking the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.
Author's Bio: Elissa Gilbert is a native New Yorker. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://elissaexplores.com.
Founded as an observatory in 1883, Chabot Space & Science Center provides a place to explore the universe without leaving Oakland. Kids and adults alike can learn what astronauts eat on the International Space Station, learn how to tame "monster" storms in Bill Nye Climate Lab and discover the relationship between the sun, moon and stars. The museum also hosts special events that include lectures, night hikes, children's "Star Stories" and a Lego lab. Chabot Observatories offer celestial viewing day and night.
Best and worst time to go to Chabot Space & Science Center
Friday and Saturday nights, guests can check out the stars and one of the best views of the East Bay from the Observatory deck. Night viewing starts when the skies go dark and lasts until 10:30 p.m.
Must see/do at Chabot Space & Science Center
Take a gander through one of the observatory's three telescopes: Nellie, Rachel and Leah.
Admission to Chabot Space & Science Center
Adult $16; Youth (ages 3-12) $12; Seniors (65+) and Students (13-18 or with college ID) $13; Members Free.
Parking and Public Transportation Chabot Space & Science Center
Free parking at Chabot Space & Science Center. AC Transit offers limited service from Fruitvale BART to the museum.
Food at Chabot Space & Science Center
Bean Sprouts Café offers healthy sandwiches, soups and salads.
Insider tip for visitors to Chabot Space & Science Center
Extend your stay in the Oakland hills. After a full day of hands-on exhibits, take a stroll along one of the trails through adjacent Redwood Park.
Author's bio: Heather Johnson is a freelance writer living in Oakland, California.
