Naturalist Center

A visitor inspecting the Naturalist Center cabinets filled with specimens, books, and more.
The Naturalist Center is home to hundreds of specimens and hands-on science activities for all. Whether you're 9 or 90, curiosity is celebrated, questions are encouraged, and wonder is welcome.

Part natural history museum and part dynamic activity space, the Wilson Family Naturalist Center is packed with resources to explore. From a real dinosaur bone to a variety of books and hands-on activities, the opportunities to investigate are endless. Come in any time during open hours and discover the splendor of the natural world.

Now through December: As part of Steinhart Aquarium's centennial, view objects, artwork, and technology from the aquarium, including historic tiles and bronze decorative elements from the original 1923 building; a vintage underwater camera used by former Curator and Superintendent, Dr. Earl Herald; specimen skulls; historic documents and illustrations, and more.

A small human skulls on a shelf in the Naturalist Center.

Hands-on exploration

A wolverine's soft pelt, a false trumpet's spiraling shell, and so much more—hundreds of specimens pack the shelves of the Naturalist Center, ready to be explored.

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An Academy naturalist talks to a visitor about a specimen.

Curious about California?

Get an up-close view of some of California’s native species beautifully displayed in a specimen cabinet as you enter the Naturalist Center.

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Books on a wide range of natural science subjects are available.

Discover it yourself

From classics like The Origin of Species to a quirky roadkill field guide, the Naturalist Center offers a selection of books, magazines, and guides to fuel your curiosity and help you find answers to your California biodiversity questions.

 

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An Academy naturalist works with a young visitor to identify a butterfly.

Activities and more

With games, Mystery Boxes, scavenger hunts, and more, the Naturalist Center never stops in its mission to help visitors of all ages connect to the natural world.

 

 

 

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Experience the wonder

Visit an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.

Buy ahead and save!
Hours and location

The Naturalist Center is open 11 am-4:30 pm daily. Last entry is 4:15 pm. Find it on the third floor of the Academy—take the main stairs or elevators (located near the Café) and follow the aerial walkway.

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More to explore

Check out the Academy's other spaces for hands-on learning, at home and online.

Girl plays atop a fallen tree trunk with a fanciful wood sculpture in the background at Wander Woods at the Academy
Wander Woods

Activate your kids' curiosity about the natural world in our outdoor nature play and exploration space.

The iconic climbing tree framed by an all-new colorful mural inside the new Curiosity Grove educational play space.
Curiosity Grove

Young imaginations soar in this colorful, California forest-themed playspace. Open daily, 10 am-4 pm.

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Youth Programs

The Academy provides a variety of out-of-school-time programs for middle and high school-aged youth.

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Colorful GIF of a collage of science crafts
Science @ Home
Make science exciting for kids with an array of themed activity packs, each featuring a week's-worth of content.