Preschool Day

In addition to four floors of fabulous exhibits opening at 9:30 a.m., Preschool Day will feature extra indoor and outdoor interactive programming designed with ages 3–4 in mind—including a partnership with the San Francisco Public Library. 

Most programs are 15 minutes in length and run throughout the morning. Because programs happen simultaneously throughout the museum, you will need to pick and choose the ones that interest you most. All programs are drop-in, no reservation needed!

• 10 a.m. Moon Explorers
• 10:15 a.m. California Critters Storytime
• 10:30 a.m. Penguin Feeding
• 10:40 a.m. Moon Explorers
• 11 a.m. Children's Puppet Theater: Song of the Salmon
• 11 a.m. Moon Explorers
• 11:30 a.m. Coral Reef Dive
• 11:40 a.m. Moon Explorers
• 12 noon Moon Explorers

Admission is free with advance registration for San Francisco preschoolers and their registered group; sites from outside San Francisco receive the heavily discounted field trip rate of $12.95 per person.

One adult per two toddlers is permitted at these free or discounted rates. Extra adults may be added to your order at regular admission prices if desired.

• Prepare your students. Tell them about where they will be going and what they will be doing.
  • This Social Story might be helpful for students, and this FAQ might be helpful for you.
  • Recommend all attendees bring a mask, jacket, lunch, and water bottle
     
• Prepare your chaperones. Would you like students to experience something specific?
  • Consider arranging your class into small groups of 2–4 students.
  • Review a printer-friendly English/Spanish or English/Chinese chaperone guide and map. Guides and maps will also be available at the museum.
     
• Leave time for student exploration, social interaction, and memory-making. Academy staff and docents are scattered throughout the building. Encourage your students to talk with them!
  • Consider accessibility: There are five stories in the building, with ramps, elevators, and automatic doors on every floor. Our interactive map has a a sensory guide, and a sensory support kit is available at the front entrance of the museum.

We highly recommend stopping by these hands-on exhibits and spaces as you roam the museum. Plus, keep an eye out for docents and pop-up experiences throughout the museum:

• Curiosity Grove (opens 10 a.m.): an educational playspace featuring vibrant, animal-filled murals, giant blocks, science-themed games, toys, and climbing structures.

• Naturalist Center (opens 11 a.m.): on the 2nd floor, a museum within the museum, a quiet place to touch hundreds of specimens and books, or rifle through a Mystery Box.

• Wander Woods: in the East Garden, a dynamic space for den-making, water play, dramatic play, music-making, and building with natural materials. (And for eating lunch!)