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.
Young imaginations blossom in Curiosity Grove, a forest-themed environment perfect for little learners. New early childhood programs, an expanded playspace, and enchanting murals await explorers of all ages.

Please note: Curiosity Grove will be closed for maintenance February 26–28. The Children's Gallery will remain open. We apologize for the inconvenience.

This completely reimagined educational playspace features vibrant, animal-filled murals that bring California’s diverse forest ecosystems to life, interactive, science-themed games, toys, and climbing structures, 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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Curiosity Grove Hours

Curiosity Grove Hours

Mon – Sat: 10 am – 4:30 pm
Sun: 11 am – 4:30 pm

Members-only:
Tue: 8:30 – 9:30 am
Sun: 10 – 11 am

 

 

More Kid-Friendly Attractions

Explore the Academy's other spaces for hands-on learning.
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A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
Naturalist Center

Come with questions and touch real specimens! This Academy favorite is for curious minds and vivid imaginations.

Discovery Tidepool
Discovery Tidepool

Get up close and personal with the coastal creatures that call California tidepools home.

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Parent Tips

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