Jump to main content

  • Tickets
  • Join
  • Donate
California Academy of Sciences
  • Home
  • Visit
    • Hours & Admission
    • Daily Calendar
    • Getting Here
    • Tours
    • Groups
    • Dining
    • Academy Store
    • Plan an Event
  • Exhibits & Events
    • Aquarium
    • Planetarium
    • Rainforest
    • Natural History Museum
    • NightLife
    • Sleepovers
    • Lectures & Workshops
    • Big Bang Gala & Party After Dark
  • Learn & Explore
    • Academy @ Home
    • Meet Our Scientists
    • Scientific Expeditions
    • Creature Closeups
    • Specimen Spotlights
    • Community Science
    • Youth Programs
    • Apps & Interactives
    • Animal Webcams
    • For Educators
    • For Scientists
  • About Us
    • Mission: Regeneration
    • Major Initiatives
    • Vision & Values
    • Leadership
    • Sustainability in Action
    • Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Access
  • Support
    • Membership
    • Donor Circles
    • Gift & Estate Planning
    • Corporate Engagement
    • Foundation Partnerships
    • The Hive
    • Annual Fundraisers
    • Internships
    • Volunteer
  • Back to Scientists Home
  • Back to Educators Home
Close

Science @ Home

Colorful GIF of a collage of science crafts
0
Got some science-loving small frys at home? Keep them engaged with 20 themed activity packs created for kids ages 4-11, packed with guided videos, hands-on crafts, and real experiments.
Handmade paper frog craft against green background

Islands

Land ho! Chart a course for five fascinating archipelagos around the world in our twentieth (and final!) activity pack. Island adventures await, from building a rumbling volcano, exploring delicious and nutritious insect recipes, making a hornbill hat, and more.

image-standard
Asteroid craft made of aluminum foil and ribbon against orange background

Space Rocks

From tiny specks of dust to super-sized planets, space is full of awe-inspiring objects that light up the night sky. Journey through the Solar System for an up-close look at asteroids, comets, and meteors through videos, crafts, activities—and ice cream.

Cute craft of paper sperm whale against blue background

Whales

If sharks get a week, whales should get a month! Celebrate the gargantuan guardians of the deep—and their playful, petite cousins, the dolphins and porpoises—with over a dozen unusual activities, from building your own baleen to an ooey, gooey blubber experiment.

image-standard
A colorful paper scorpion craft against a lavender background

Arachnids

Is your spider sense tingling? If so, you're in the right place. This week, enter a web of hands-on activities celebrating the eight-legged, multi-eyed ecosystem superheroes that thrive in virtually every ecosystem on Earth—including your face. 

image-standard
Hermit crab craft made from pipe cleaners against yellow background

California Coast (Ages 4-8)

The California coast is way too cool for just one activity pack. This week, introduce your youngest beachcombers to captivating creatures like sea otters, sand dollars, and octopuses through coloring, crafting…and a little bit of light cooking.

Sheephead fish paper craft against green background

California Coast (Ages 8-11)

Not to brag, but California really has the best coast. From sunny, sandy San Diego to the rocky, rambunctious Lost Coast, our beaches offer front-row seats to wildlife wonders. Draw, craft, and color the coast's iconic creatures—and learn how you can help protect them.

image-standard
Craft walrus made of playdough against blue background

Life on Ice

While the Bay Area isn't exactly a winter wonderland, this new activity pack is your polar passport to a week of frigid fun in the Arctic and Antarctic. Craft your own clay walrus, concoct a snowy sweet treat, and learn all about the science of ice.

Dinosaur thaumatrope craft against orange background

Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs may have died out 66 million years ago, but their larger-than-life legacy lives on. Dig into an extra-large assortment of dino-themed crafts and activities, from an edible Maiasaura nest to a musical instrument that mimics the sound of a Parasaurolophus.

image-standard
Kids' craft of a sloth made of clothespins

Rainforests

Lush, green, and teeming with life, rainforests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, home to millions of plant and animal species. This week, ascend from forest floor to canopy and get to know a few rainforest residents along the way.

Paper snake mobile craft against yellow background

Snakes

No arms? No legs? No problem! Over the eons, snakes have evolved into master predators—despite losing their limbs. Develop warm feelings for these cold-blooded reptiles through 16+ activities, from a slithering paper snake craft to a lesson in snake movement mimicry.

image-standard
Craft of shark on a popsicle stick

Sharks (Ages 4-8)

Just in time for our new Sharks exhibit! Start your summer off on the right fin with over a dozen activities that will instill fascination, not fear, in your little shark-lovers, from crafting a "shark-tooth" necklace to learning more about sustainable seafood.

Paper bag shark puppet against blue background

Sharks (Ages 8-11)

One shark-themed activity pack was definitely not enough, so we scoured the seas to deliver another! Older shark fans will enjoy more advanced crafts, including a paper bag shark puppet, food web mobile, and over 15 more activities.

image-standard
Strawkets straw rocket craft against green background

Rockets & Rovers

Space is the place—but how on Earth do we get off Earth? This week, explore the science and engineering that enables giant machines and high-tech equipment to visit other worlds by designing your own mission, making your own rockets, and more. 

Handmade backyard weather dial against light blue background

My Backyard

Since we're all spending a lot more time closer to home these days, it's a great opportunity to get to know what grows, growls, squeaks, and squawks in your own local habitat. Take a trip to your backyard or local park to discover the secrets behind the scenery you see every day.

Paper alligator accordion craft against orange background

Swamps

Swamps, bogs, marshes, and other wetlands may be muddy, but they serve a squeaky-clean purpose: Filtering water, nurturing important species, and protecting communities from flooding and sea level rise. Venture into the swamp to experience these eerie ecosystems.

Handmade paper butterfly craft against yellow background

Butterflies

From iridescent blue morphos to migrating monarchs, butterflies are captivating case studies in evolution and adaptation, and a vivid introduction to the world of insects. Prepare for takeoff into a week of activities celebrating the full spectrum of these colorful creatures.

image-standard
Paper cup constellation viewer craft

Our Sky

Heads up! It’s time to turn our attention to the heavens. Voyage into the cosmos with this curated collection of interactive videos, crafts, and projects sure to make all-stars out of young astronomers throughout the universe.

Paper clownfish craft in a tissue paper anemone

Coral Reefs (Ages 4-8)

Chances are, your 4-8-year-old has a lot in common with coral reefs: Active, frenetic, and constantly in motion! Temporarily tame their antics with an immersive introduction to the wonders of the reef, featuring a variety of coloring, crafting, and guided video activities.

image-standard
Construction paper coral reef scene with clownfish

Coral Reefs (Ages 8-11)

Covering less than 1% of the ocean but home to more than 25% of all marine species, coral reefs are essential to the healthy functioning of our planet. Learn more about these unique ecosystems with over 16 activities organized around a different coral reef theme each day.

Felt penguin craft against blue background

Penguins

We love penguins for their charisma and cuteness—and with a colony of African penguins living right here at the Academy, we’re the perfect place to observe and appreciate them. Dive into over a dozen activities to learn more about penguin care, conservation, and, of course, chicks.

22017
21721
21173
20864
20563
20191
19905
19722
19493
19332
18950
19170
18805
18670
18289
18154
18159
18444
18001
17994

Craving more science content? Explore Academy @ Home.

Add some life to your inbox.Subscribe to our NightLife newsletter.

Quick Links

  • Health & safety
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Press
  • Store
  • Gift Cards
  • Webcams

Resources

  • For Educators
  • For Scientists

Discover

  • iNaturalist
  • bioGraphic
  • BigPicture

Hours

Monday – Saturday:
9:30 am – 5 pm
Sunday:
11 am – 5 pm
Thursday NightLife (21+):
6 – 10 pm

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Social Media

Location

California Academy of Sciences
info@calacademy.org
Golden Gate Park
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
United States
  • Directions & Parking
  • (415) 379-8000

Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Social Media
Home

The California Academy of Sciences is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to regenerate the natural world through science, learning, and collaboration.

American Association of Zoos & Aquariums

© California Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Your California Privacy Rights
  • Terms of Use
Bird

An adventure in your inbox. (And a discount, too.)

Sign up for the Academy’s monthly newsletter and get a promo code for 10% off at our online retail store.

Success! You should receive your promo code shortly.
Now’s a great time to start window-shopping at the Academy Store.
Uh-oh, something went wrong.
Please try submitting your email again.
Bird

Ever wonder what nearly 40,000 animals are up to at night?

See what’s revealed—every Thursday at NightLife. Sign up for event updates and exciting announcements.

You’re now subscribed to NightLife updates!
(Because night owls know best.)
Uh-oh, something went wrong.
Please try submitting your email again.