Contact us
Have questions about enhanced experiences at the Academy? We're here to help.
(415) 379-5854
Special delivery! See our visiting baby camels (Dec. 6–19) and yaks (Dec. 20–Jan. 5) this holiday. Learn more
Special Events
Welcome Winter Night
Event has passed.
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Ready to have snow much fun? Tickets on sale now!
Slide into the winter season with the Academy’s evening event for science fans of all ages! See what our animals get up to after hours and enjoy special themed activities like live baby reindeer viewing, cookie decorating, magic shows, and more. Whether you’re a curious child or adult, our holiday event promises to inspire and create cherished memories for all.
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Frosty festivities
We have a flurry of fun activities that are sure to warm your heart:
- Be the first to greet our two visiting baby reindeer
- Dash and dance through your favorite exhibits, open late
- Decorate holiday cookies and create your own snowflake craft
- Get a delightful glow-up from face-painting artists
- Be dazzled by winterful magic shows
- Meet an Academy penguin biologist and learn how they care for our penguin colony
- Sit back and stargaze during a planetarium show and enjoy specialty menu items in our Café
- And more!
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Member perks
An Academy membership is always worth it—especially at Welcome Winter Night:
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Event details
Click to expand each section for more information about health and safety, exhibit access, entry times, and more.
Event entry times
- Academy members are invited to enter the event early starting at 5:30 p.m.
- General admission for the event is 6:30 p.m.
Exhibit access
Please note that Osher Rainforest and Morrison Planetarium have special hours and restrictions:
- Planetarium passes are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Scan the QR code in the lobby when you arrive to reserve. Shows may not be appropriate for children under 7, and we regret that we cannot permit any child under 4.
- Last entry into the rainforest exhibit is 7:30 p.m. Our animals need their sleep!
Health & safety
Enjoy science safely! Please note the following as you plan your evening:
- All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Indoor masking is encouraged, but not required.
- Food and drink must be enjoyed in the Academy Café or outdoors in the East or West Garden.
- For more information on the Academy's health and safety recommendations, please visit our Health & Safety page.
Reduced admission
We are pleased to offer tickets at a discounted rate for guests with an EBT/CalFresh, WIC, Lifeline Pass, or Medi-Cal card. Upon arrival, present your card at the ticket window to receive your discount for this special event. ($10 admission for adults/youth).
Birthdays at the Academy are wild! Celebrate with a party room, priority exhibit access, and more.
Make merry at the museum! Meet baby animals, frolic under flurries, and revel in live shows. Open thru Jan. 5.
From eye-opening tours to fun-filled sleepovers, explore all the ways you can enhance your Academy experience.
Gift scientifically!
There's snow place like the Academy for holiday shopping. From sustainable stocking stuffers to gift memberships, our holiday gift guide has something for science-lovers of all ages.
