A couple of months ago our family visited the San Francisco Exploratorium: The Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception located at Pier 15.  We have visited before but it has been awhile  I had forgotten how much there is to see and do here.  

 The Exploratorium is a hands on experience which is extremely helpful as a family with little kids, who want to touch everything.  There are 650 hands-on exhibits and zero "do not touch signs".  When my kids first heard we were going to a museum thought "really, how can this be fun?"  They were pleasantly surprised and did not want to leave.  
The month we visited it was Moon Month, they were celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo Space Mission.  There were great exhibits for them to learn about what does the moon have to do with the tides?  When lunar eclipses happen and why? There was a giant life size moon to snap a photo of, my pictures do not do it justice, it was super neat.  I did not capture as many photos as I had hoped because I was trying to keep an eye on my children who were exploring everywhere.  This museum is large and there are tons of places to run off to and explore.  Which I am extremely happy that they enjoyed themselves and had an interactive experience.  I loved glancing over and seeing one of them reading and that look of amazement on their face.  I love watching them having fun "while learning".  Be sure to check out their website for the calendar of events or special exhibits.  

You can check out some video clips of the fun we had on my Instagram Story, they are under the Travel Saved Stories, you can find me @blogaboutitall.

 They had things to do and read on your own as well as sections, areas, with Exploratorium Staff who would explain and assist with different exhibits.  There was a painting exhibit that you would sign up for and then come back at your time slot.  

 One of my boys favorite areas was an area they were able to use objects and light to create pictures with shadows.  My little guy loved the giant bubbles he was able to make.  They also had a ton of fun with all the musical exhibits.  
I loved the exhibits that made you think about your perception. There was a drinking fountain that was a toilet.  It was clean water, it was a perfectly fine drinking fountain, but who wants to drink out of a toilet.  There was another exhibit that had sports jersey's of specific people and it asked how did seeing this jersey, this team, make you think.  It is thought provoking on how we react, respond, and think based on perception.  My husband and I had great conversation about this exhibit.  That is another great thing about this museum, it is not just for kids, adults can have an amazing time here too, it is a neat place to explore for all ages.  
There are comfy couches and rest areas for snack breaks, the Observatory Gallery is a great place to take a break you'll find rocking chairs on the south side of Gallery 4.  You can come and go from the museum (for reentry have your hand stamped).  

 I highly recommend a visit to the Exploratorium. I also highly recommend you arrive when they open.  We had a bit of traffic and arrived a little later than we had hoped.  Once you are inside and see how much there is to explore you will want to spend more time there. 

 The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15 
Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green St)
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 528-4444
Parking
We parked at the lot across the street from the Exploratorium and used the discount code below.  There are numerous parking garages and lots near our Pier 15 campus. The museum partners with SP+ to offer a discount using the code 1234000 at these lots: Exploratorium Pier 15 Parking Lot and Pier 19 ½ Parking Lot.

Tickets
General Admission for Adults is $29.95, children 4-12 are $19.95 and children 3 and under are free.
For a full list of ticket prices visit: https://www.exploratorium.edu/visit/tickets
They have special pricing for the After Dark Events, which sound amazing as well as reduced rates and community days.  
Hours
The Exploratorium is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 AM through 5 PM (plan on staying this entire time, maybe a break for lunch, they have a cafe inside as well as restaurants nearby).
Thursday evenings are for adults only 18+ 6-10 PM.

While visiting San Francisco make sure to visit the Golden Gate Bridge, stroll down Pier 39 and definitely indulge in a Clam Chowder bread bowl, these are on our "must see" list when we drive down to San Francisco.  A great place to walk near the Golden Gate Bridge and capture great photos is at Crissy Field.  
We received complimentary tickets in exchange for our honest review.  Although we receive these benefits all thoughts and opinions are my own.