Early Explorers Cove
The Early Explorers Cove is an activity area for children 0-5 years and their adult friends.
Academy
Pretend to be an Academy scientist on a voyage to the Galapagos Islands in 1905. Navigate the schooner, examine specimens, and prepare a lunch for your crew-mates in our child-sized model of the research schooner Academy.
Garden Shed
Be green and tend to the garden in the Early Explorers Cove! Put on some gloves and plant some vegetables!
California Backyard
Go on an expedition and see what animals you can find hiding in their burrows! Grab some binoculars and discover all the animals in our California mural.
Infant Tide Pool
Infants can comfortably explore their surroundings and discover themselves along the mirror waves in the Tidal Pool.
Coral Reef
Explore the under water mural to see what oceanic animal you can find hiding in the coral reefs. Develop your fine motor skills at our manipulative table.
Farmers Market
Pick up a reusable tote bag and shop in our mini farmers market for some seasonal items. Can you identify what’s for sale today?
Programs for Kids
Week of Sunday, May 19th
Please select a date to see upcoming events.
Sunday, May 19thFamily Nature Crafts
Location: Swamp
10:00 am
Families with children aged 5-10 are invited to make nature-themed crafts.
Supplies are limited to the first 100 participants. Free with general admission. Adult supervision required.
Wednesday, May 22ndSprouts
Location: Naturalist Center
9:45 am
Explore the plants and animals of nature’s gardens through hands-on investigation and activities.
Today's theme - Art in the Garden: Learn the elements of art as we explore the shapes, lines, and colors seen in the garden. We’ll read The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt and create an artful piece to place in your garden.
This program is free with Academy admission. Supervision is required. Space is limited to the first 20 participants. Sign up at the Naturalist Center as early as 9:30am on the morning of the program to hold your spot.
Thursday, May 23rdToddler Treks
Location: Early Explorers Cove
11:00 am
Join the Academy’s Early Childhood staff for a caregiver/child participatory program designed especially for children ages 1-3.
Today's theme - Lion Trek: Sing and dance along to a lion song, make a lion mask, examine a lion tooth and pelt, and then find a pride of lions as we trek through African Hall.
Reservations: $4 per member child; $6 per non-member child; free to attending adults with general admission. Museum general admission is free for children 3 and under. Space is limited; reservations required. To reserve a place today, buy a ticket online or over the phone at 800-794-7576. Please note that both programs each month are identical, so participants should register for only one date per month. Participants meet at the entrance to the Early Explorers Cove.
Saturday, May 25thSaturday Safari
Location: African Hall
11:00 am
Join us for an imaginary expedition around the corner or around the world! We will begin by using maps to chart our trip, and then be transported via stories, specimens, props, songs and dance. All ages are welcome!
Free with general admission. Adult supervision required.
A caregiver/child participatory program designed especially for children ages 1-3. $4 per member child; $6 per non-member child; free to attending adults with general admission. Museum general admission is free for children 3 and under. Space is limited; reservations required. To reserve a place today, buy a ticket online or over the phone at 800-794-7576.
Print out an Academy coloring sheet [69k]
Do you ever wonder what kind of activities are available for you and your child? Are you unable to attend a program? Download and print the page below for a sample activity.
Policies:
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; socks are recommended
- 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
Space is limited in the Early Explorers Cove. Your wait time in the entrance line may vary. We have provided coloring tables to occupy children while an adult waits in line.
The Cove has puzzles, books and games to amuse children in your party that are older than 5.
Resources:
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.
Download the Family Guide prior to your visit for some activity ideas.
Cove Hours |
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Monday - Saturday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Last entry is at 4:30 pm, space permitting
Members Hours
Tuesday: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Sunday: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
The Academy is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Contact |
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Location |
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The Early Explorers Cove is located on the main floor across from the pendulum.
Quakes and Kids |
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Take a kinetic journey into the facts and phenomena of plate tectonics in a new Earthquake exhibit accompanied by a variety of activities especially tailored for children.
Junior Academy |
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Junior Academy programs are designed to engage children age 5 to 11 and their families. We invite you to join us for hands-on, science based activities. Watch for a new program to be added in the spring of 2013!
Join us for Family Nature Crafts every Sunday starting at 10am by the Swamp (supplies limited to the first 100 participants).
