June and July 2015: Programs and Events for Children and Families at the California Academy of Sciences

New Exhibit!
Color of Life
Opening June 12, 2015
There’s more to color than meets the eye. This summer, the California Academy of Sciences will unveil Color of Life, a major new exhibit that explores the connection between charismatic colors and their starring role in the natural world. Explore an eye-popping array of organisms—from jewel-toned insects and birds with dazzling plumage, to multi-hued reptiles and amphibians—and discover how scientists use the diversity of life’s colors to understand and illustrate the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Cutting-edge interactives allow visitors to immerse themselves in a symphony of color and view the world through the eyes of an animal, visualizing how color communicates, attracts, and camouflages within and between species. Generously supported by Google.org

A Selection of Programs (June and July)

Infrared: the Light of Life (New!)
Daily | 10:40am, every 45 minutes
Hohfeld Hall
Infrared light allows us to explore the invisible universe like never before. Join us in Hohfeld Hall for this 15-minute program hosted by our planetarium presenters. Starting June 12

Color Curiosities (New!)
Daily | 11:30 am
Piazza
Join live presenters for an adventure through the world of color! Dig into the myths and hidden meanings behind the color spectrum, and discover surprising color connections in the natural world.

Coral Reef Dive
Daily | 11:30 am & 2:30 pm
Watch as a diver suits up in SCUBA gear and plunges into one of the world’s deepest and most dazzling living coral reef exhibits.

Pollinator Power
Daily | 12 pm
Living Roof
Discover how birds, bats, and bees use color cues to find local flowers.

Ssssnake Encounter
Friday-Monday & Wednesday
1:30 pm | Piazza
Meet a few of the Academy’s live snakes! Learn how color and camouflage help them thrive (and survive).

Outdoor Exploration
Saturdays & Sundays | 2 pm
Swamp
Explore San Francisco’s stunning biodiversity during this 30-minute nature walk around the Academy’s vibrant gardens and groves.

Family Nature Crafts
Saturday and Sundays | 10:00 am
Swamp
Spark creativity with nature inspired crafts, including butterfly finger puppets and python masks! Recommended for all ages. Adult supervision required.

Special Programs and Events

Color of Life Opening Celebration
June 13-14 | 10 am – 4 pm
Piazza
Experience the Academy’s exciting new exhibit with two days of art, special live performances, and color-themed fun!

California Poets in Schools (CPITS)
June 20 and July 11 | 11 am – 2 pm
Work with a poet to create poetry inspired by the Academy’s vibrant Color of Life exhibit.

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover (Ages 5-17, with adult chaperones)
Friday, June 5 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 am
Why count sheep when you can count geckos, butterflies, sharks, and penguins? Sleepovers include after-hours access to Academy exhibits, a special penguin talk, live animal demonstration, planetarium show, story time with cookies and milk, parking, breakfast, and more. Tickets: $109 per person ($89 for Academy members). Group rates and ticketing information available at www.calacademy.org/sleepovers, or call (415) 379-5854 for more information.

Behind-the-Scenes Academy Tour (Ages 8+)
Daily | 11:00 am, 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm
Explore the Academy like an insider! In one exciting hour, you’ll walk among whale bones on the living roof, examine our breathtaking research collections and working labs, and delight in the sparkling sights of geology specimens in our high-security Vault. Tickets: General $24.95, Members $19.95. Inquire at the Service Desk upon arrival, or visit www.calacademy.org/tours or call (415) 379-8000 for more information.

Behind-the-Scenes Aquarium Tour (Ages 8+)
Daily | 10:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
Learn more about Steinhart Aquarium and the 40,000 animals that call it home. Visit the food prep kitchen, see how we make our own salt water, and more—all as part of this exclusive, hour-long tour. Tickets: General $24.95, Members $19.95. Inquire at the Service Desk upon arrival, or visit www.calacademy.org/tours or call (415) 379-8000 for more information.