Yes, it is expensive at $25 per person admission. But if you plan to go a few times per year, the membership is well worth the cost - especially for our family since we live 10 minutes away.

It is a great place to go on rainy days. We are there at least twice a week in the winter months. The toddler room is handy for when I need to nurse my younger son since my older son can run around and play safely (in a confined area).

Besides the fish, our favorite things to do here are to visit the butterflies in the Rain Forest, play some of the interactive games, watch the penguins swim, and practice our animal noises in the African Hall.

The cafe is a bit expensive, but they let you bring in your own food and the cafe's pork rolls (around $2) are a big hit with our son and a decent price. If you need to sit and have a snack before the cafe officially opens, they will let you into the seating area.

The bonus members' hours are great too..... Sunday morning members' hours in particular.

Great place for babies and toddlers- and bigger kids too, i bet (I don't have any yet).

No matter what my son is in the mood to do, it is at this playground: sand and water play, slides, swings, climbing, or just running around.

My son is an early riser, so we are often the only ones here at 8 am. If we do go later in the day I usually park in Cole Valley. That way we can pick up snacks at a cafe and walk on over to the playground and avoid the craziness in the parking lot.

the good: the steam train! the petting zoo! the giraffes (visit them right before closing to see them hanging out and chomping on dinner in their lodge)! the large grassy area by the playground (great place for parents to sit and kids to run)!

the bad: this zoo is run down in a lot of areas, and many areas are closed. parts of it are downright sad. not exactly how i want to introduce my son to gorillas and many other animals.

We will be sad when the train exhibit closes in April 2010. Our son never gets bored of pushing the buttons to help operate the Thomas Train. Of course, the plants and other year-round exhibits are wonderful.... and being able to run around outside and learn about new flowers is an added bonus.

One of the few places open "early" in the morning. Great for early nappers - like our son.

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!