It can be tricky finding fun, safe places where children can play when traveling, and even trickier finding fun, safe places where children can play with high voltage electricity. Fortunately San Francisco’s got you covered on both counts.

Founded in 1969 by famed physicist Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium is a truly unique hands-on science museum which aims to educate kids of all ages, including those in retirement. Science hounds and families visiting San Francisco in foul weather—along with anyone with a natural curiosity about the world around them, should consider a stop at the Exploratorium during their stays.

The museum is housed in the back of the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, which was built for the 1915 International Exposition and remains one of San Francisco’s most romantic sites. However, the Exploratorium itself is more like a large warehouse. Be sure to bring a sweater if you’ll be visiting in cool weather. Here are some general quick tips to help you plan your family’s visit.

Visiting with toddlers and preschoolers

Given how much there is to explore here, those visiting with preschoolers and toddlers will most likely prefer to save the upstairs exhibits for later and proceed directly to those on the lower level (toward your left) where the spinning sand tables, bubble exhibits, “steam tornado,” and other exhibits with greater tot appeal can be found. There is also a fenced off baby / toddler play area if you need to set your little crawler free from the stroller or carrier to get some exercise during your visit. After your young child is saturated by dancing in the tri-color lights, helping beach balls float suspended on air, making walls of bubbles and the like, you can explore more big kid exhibits with the time remaining.

Visiting with older children
The other upstairs exhibits can be a lot of fun with big kids (and big people) as you pedal-power a light bulb and test out various experiments with high-powered magnets, electricity and more. If your child is interested in joining a flower or cow’s eye dissection, check the schedule on arrival. Don’t miss the microscopes and sound booths—and more musical experiments on the lower level as well.

Eating at the Exploratorium
There is a café counter and dining area on the downstairs level with mostly organic and some vegetarian offerings. Popcorn and ice cream bars are also available as snacks. For those visiting on a budget, I recommend packing your own lunch along and enjoying it on the scenic grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts just outside—you have in and out privileges with your Exploratorium admission.

Getting there by car, bus, BART…

Given its somewhat tricky location and the free parking in its own lot, the Exploratorium is often best visited by car (like oh-so-many San Francisco sites).

However, you can take public transportation using SF Muni buses #28, #30, and #43. From Montgomery BART downtown (at 3rd St. / Stockton) or Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take the #30 Stockton bus to the Palace of Fine Arts/Exploratorium. You can plan your trip online at the Transit 511 site.