Curiosity Grove

  • The iconic climbing tree framed by an all-new colorful mural inside the new Curiosity Grove educational play space.
  • A boy in a deer costume plays with an interactive puzzle in the new Curiosity Grove educational play space.
  • A panoramic view inside the colorful new Curiosity Grove educational play space.
Please note: Curiosity Grove will remain temporarily closed until further notice for your health and safety. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming young explorers soon!

This completely reimagined educational playspace features vibrant, animal-filled murals that bring California’s diverse forest ecosystems to life, interactive, science-themed games and toys, and a variety of kid-friendly public programs.

Kids playing with the colorful wall puzzle in the new Curiosity Grove

What's New?

Updates abound! No more lines makes entry a breeze, easy-to-clean flooring means shoes can stay on, and relaxed age restrictions mean everyone’s welcome. Plus, moms can nurse in a new, secluded nook and restrooms are now all-gender and family-friendly. 

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A young explorer emerges from a secret hiding place below the climbing tree in Curiosity Grove.

Space for Adventure

Whether your child is captivated by forest canopies or a library full of field guides, the Grove is packed with enough activities and more open space for curious, growing minds—and plenty of excess energy.

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Young visitors explore the kid-friendly specimens on exhibit.

Animal Encounters

Curiosity Grove is home to some very special residents: a colony of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and an Eastern box turtle. Eye-level tanks make observing these not-so-creepy crawlers easy for little ones.

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Portrait of illustrator Alexander Vidal, the artist who created the woodland murals in Curiosity Grove.

About the Muralist

The man behind Curiosity Grove's magical murals is LA-based illustrator and designer Alexander Vidal. His favorite part of creating these murals? Showing all the amazing creatures who call California home.

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Experience the Wonder

Visit an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

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Where to Find Us

We're located right next to the Lab Junior Store on the ground floor.

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Contact us
Have questions about the Academy? We're here to help.  
info@calacademy.org
(415) 379-8000

More Kid-Friendly Attractions

Explore the Academy's other spaces for hands-on learning.
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A young girl interacts through the glass with an African penguin in Tusher African Hall.
Parent Tips

Logistical tips and age-specific suggestions to help parents with kids plan their visit.

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A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
Naturalist Center

Please note: Naturalist Center is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this space soon!

Discovery Tidepool
Discovery Tidepool

Please note: Discovery Tidepool is temporarily closed. We look forward to reopening this exhibit element soon!