The California Academy of Sciences is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum, and research and education programs, which engage people of all ages and backgrounds on two of the most important topics of our time: life and its sustainability. Admission to the Academy is: $34.95 for adults; $29.95 for youth ages 12 to 17, Seniors ages 65+, and students with valid ID; $24.95 for children ages 4 to 11; and free for children ages 3 and younger. Admission fees include all exhibits and shows. Hours are 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Saturday, and 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on Sunday. During peak periods, including some holiday weekends, extended hours may apply. Visit www.calacademy.org or call (415) 379-8000 for more.
New year; new reasons to fall in love with science (all over again)
![Cal academy tank](https://calendar.calacademy.org/sites/default/files/styles/manual_crop_standard_960x540/public/assets/children_watching_dive_show_cas_22.jpg?itok=IBsxFbPU&c=721f888f4b0e9cecbdd2eb27ba6498e5)
© California Academy of Sciences
Last Chance! ‘Tis the Season for Science
Through January 3
The Academy’s annual holiday exhibit continues into the first few days of the new year, with a last chance to take look at the science of snow, see performances by local music and dance companies and participate in lively discussions about the fascinating habits of the Academy’s reindeers-in-residence, Frosty and Holiday.
Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover
Friday January 15 Ages 5-17, with adult chaperone
Why count sheep when you can count geckos, butterflies, sharks, and penguins? Camp out next to your favorite Academy exhibit or creature for a cozy winter night to remember! $89 members, $109 non-members. Registration required. Visit calacademy.org/sleepovers for program details and registration.
Junior Academy
Monday – Friday | 10:30 am
Junior Academy programs are designed to foster a curiosity about science and nature in the youngest Academy visitors! With age-appropriate programs created for toddlers and preschoolers, young learners participate in engaging, hands-on activities with the hope of sparking curiosity that will last through their school years and beyond.
Junior Academy is for toddlers (18-36 months) on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays; preschoolers on Thursdays and Fridays. Registration and program fees required. Please visit www.calacademy.org/junior-academy.
Color of Life Exhibit
Don’t miss the Academy’s newest, most vibrant exhibit that explores color’s influence on animal behavior in a variety of habitats, from ocean floors to forest canopies. Walk among live birds, insects, and cephalopods displaying bold and surprising color patterns to see firsthand how various adaptive strategies – like camouflage and bioluminescence – allow animals to survive and thrive. Just added to the exhibit: new baby gouldian finches!
Ongoing Events at the California Academy of Sciences
Habitat Earth
Daily | Showtimes vary
Morrison Planetarium
The Academy’s newest planetarium show features stunning visualizations of both biological and human-built networks (and how they intersect), taking show-goers on an incredible, immersive journey through the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Recommended ages 7+, children under 4 not admitted. For daily showtimes, please visit https://www.calacademy.org/daily-calendar
Coral Reef Dive
Daily | 11:30 am and 2:30 pm
Watch as a diver suits up in scuba gear and plunges into one of the world’s deepest living coral reef exhibits. Outfitted with an underwater microphone, the diver will answer all of your reef-related questions.
Junior Scientist Adventure
Daily | 10 am
Be a junior scientist for the day by checking out a field science backpack full of tools and activities to guide your exploration. Backpacks checked out daily between 10 am to 4 pm on a first come, first serve basis. Program generously supported by Oracle.
Press Contacts
If you are a journalist and would like to receive Academy press releases please contact press@calacademy.org.
Digital Assets
Hi-res and low-res image downloads are available for editorial use. Contact us at press@calacademy.org to request access.