Randall Museum
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Small children's museum where children can learn about science and animals. They also have many art classes for a small fee or on a drop in basis. The museum has many small animals that children can observe and even pet. Be careful if you have a bee sting allergy. There is a hive that you can watch bees create, but they do allow the bee to fly around freely.
Outdoors is a Toddler Tree House Exploration Area - a climbing structure appropriate for toddlers.
There is a nice playground down the street for older children
9 Reviews for Randall Museum
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"A great deal--especially for little ones"
It's a pretty small museum, but that is (probably) mainly because they open their doors to everyone, asking only for a donation. Highlights are the live bunnies/guinnea pigs/chickens that you (might) get to pet--they look out of those guys, so if there's been a big group or a busy day, the petting portion will be closed (so don't make any promises). They have an extensive puppet collection, so your kids can put on a show; a few rescued animals to admire, a cool bee hive exhibit, and a train room to explore-climb in the caboose or rent a train set (or bring your own) to play on the wooden tracks. On weekends they also have a model train room that they open up..it's interesting, but because of the busier crowd you're less likely to pet the animals...so we stick with weekdays. Oh and there is a nice, but somewhat steep trail behind the museum that we like and has cool views of the city--we spend 1-2 hours at the museum, eat, and hike to make a full morning. There's also a playground right below the museum, but I've never gone to that. Anyway, a great deal for a few dollars donation!
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"Funky little museum with great views"
Randall Museum has many family art and science classes on the weekends, as well as an impressive model train exhibit in the basement. It is not fancy, and is probably best for preschool age kids, but it makes a good 1-2 hour diversion.
My daughters especially loved petting the rabbits, who are shockingly tame and don't seem to mind small children in the least.
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"Very pleasant"
We really like the Randall Museum. We have not visited it a lot but everytime we did, we certainly spend a nice time. They have interesting little exhibits and lots of activities that the kids can do.
Lovely place. Stop by when you are in San Francisco with your kids, you will not be disappointed.
1 family found this helpful
"Fun - and free! "
Have only been here once, but the museum has some interesting exhibits (our son LOVED the lego/earthquake area). The day we were there many of the rooms were closed due to a play that was happening that night.... so we hope to get back and see what we missed. The outdoor area is great too - and what a view!
1 family found this helpful
"Hidden Gem"
Cute little museum for kids and it's free! Great place to spend 1-2 hours to keep toddlers/preschoolers entertained. Beware though if you're allergic to bees and they have a bee hive/honey comb so there are bees flying around. Situated on top of a hill with a great view of the city. Pack a picnic/snack and enjoy the view on a nice clear day.
1 family found this helpful
"For Kids"
Tucked away in the geographic center of the City, kids can enjoy earth, animal and creativity exhibits. Free admission and activities Tuesday through Saturday for kids. Saturday drop in classes available for adult and kids together at $6. Check their calendar for special events.
1 family found this helpful
"Randall Museum"
Small but very sweet for the under 0-7 year old, best for preschoolers. They have a live animals and if you are there at the right time your kids can sit and pet bunnies, chickens and other small animals. Build Legos and hit a button to create an earthquate. Watch the bees. Free. Check schedule for weekend kids entertainment and art project activities. Afterwards with the older kids, hike up the park that you see on the way in for a great view of the city.
2 families found this helpful
"Love the Randall Museum!!"
We love to visit the Randall Museum, there are very few things in SF that are still free and this is one of them. It's a great place to take the kids and entertain them for a few hours. There are animals, birds, and fish to look at and there is always a fun rotating exhibit in the main part of the museum. If your kids love trains, they can head downstairs and watch traditional trains ride through a miniature city and if you have smaller kids, they can play area with a great tree and lots of toys and books. For lunch, head outside and eat out front or on the grass. The Randall Museum is a great place because it entertains the kiddos, but it's not too big and overwhelming for them. Also, on the weekends, there is a drop-in art project that costs only a couple dollars and your child can create great crafts.
1 family found this helpful
"Great free museum for cold days"
The Randall Museum is great for a young children. It's a small museum with hands on exhibits. Our 5 and 2 year old really like the petting zoo area where they can get up close to rabbits and guinea pigs. Another cool exhibit is the bee hive where you can watch bees making their hive through plexiglass.
On the weekend, the museum holds art and sciences. Some require sign up and others are drop in. All are for a small fee and make for a fun activity with the kids especially on a cold or rainy San Francisco day.
My favorite thing about the museum is the view from the garden. Set on top of twin peaks, the Randall museum offers breath taking views of San Francisco. This is a locally known gem.
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