Early Explorers Cove

Academy

Garden Shed

California Backyard

Infant Tide Pool

Coral Reef

Farmers Market

Participate in any of these Early Childhood Programs presented in the Naturalist Center. The programs below are free with admission.

Wild and Crafty

1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays at 10:00 am

Get creative and learn about animals during this program that pairs children’s literature with a take-home craft. For children ages 3 to 5 and their families.

Join us in February for some crafts and stories about baby primates and giraffes.

Please note that the 1st and 5th week programs will be the same.

Sprouts

2nd and 4th Mondays at 10:00 am

Explore plants, animals, geology, weather, and seasons in a variety of nature’s gardens including deserts, forests, wetlands, and even your own backyard! The program can include learning games, simple crafts, stories, and other fun activities.

Join us in February as we explore love in the garden.

Little Learners’ Lab

1st, 3rd, and 5th Wednesdays at 10:00 am

Become a scientist-in-training and join us for a fun hands-on experiment.

In February we will examine eggs.

Please note that the 1st and 5th week programs will be the same.

Children of the World

2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 10:00 am

A special program highlighting children from around the world through stories, crafts, music and movement.

In February we will discover how Navaho mothers carry their babies and toys for Miwok children.

Find some family friendly programs throughout the Academy

Family Nature Craft

Every Sunday 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (or until all 100 crafts have been made)
Location: White columns between the Piazza and the Swamp

Craft projects for families with children ages 5-10.

Come make Amazing Animal Mom and Dad themed crafts in February.

This program is free with admission.

Animal Tales

Every Saturday at 11:00 am
Location: Check Children’s Gallery for location.

Children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to listen to stories about nature, science and the wonderful world around us.

Join us in February for some crafts and stories about amazing animal parents.

This program is free with admission.

Toddler Treks

11:00 am - 12:00 pm on the dates listed below

Join the Early Childhood staff at the California Academy of Sciences for Toddler Treks. This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world - all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to "trek" together to the place each animal calls home.

Please note that each month has two identical programs, so participants should register for only one program per month.

• February - Whales
  Wednesday, February 8th
  Wednesday, February 22nd

• March - Seahorses
  Wednesday, March 7th
  Wednesday, March 21st

Participants will meet at the entrance to the Early Explorers Cove.

Reservations: Museum general admission is free for children 3 and under. Toddler Treks is free to adults with general admission; $4 per member child, $6 per non-member child. Space is limited. To reserve a place today, buy a ticket below or over the phone at 800-794-7576.

 

 Print out an Academy coloring sheet [98k]

Do you ever wonder what kind of activities are available for you and your child? Are you unable to attend a program? Click here for a sample activity.

These policies were developed to keep the Cove clean and safe for all our guests.

• Each attending adult is responsible for the children in his or her care. Maximum ratio 1 adult per 3 children, or 3 adults per child
• This is a shoe free zone
• This is a food/drink free zone
• Keep the cove safe, no running or climbing
• Keep the Cove healthy, don’t share illness
• Stroller parking is only for Cove visits
• Last admittance is at 4:30, space permitting
• The Cove has puzzles, books and games to amuse children in your party that are older than 5

Is your child too old for the Cove now? You can visit the Naturalist Center for some fun activities.

Getting ready to enroll your child in school? Visit First 5 California for some helpful tips.