Lifelong Learning Programs

Lifelong Learning Programs nurture curiosity and exploration with classes, workshops, excursions, and day camps. These learning experiences are designed for a range of audiences of different ages—children, teens, family groups, adults, and active older adults. Through a variety of program formats, participants enjoy small-group, in-depth exploration of science, art, and human perception topics. Programs include Day Camps, Family Investigation Workshops, the Homeschool Science Series, the Girls Science Institute, Educational Excursions, and Adult Programs.

Day Camps

Day Camps offer playful and creative opportunities for youth, ages 5–14, to explore the world around them using a mix of science activities, art projects, group games, and our vast exhibit collection. Our staff strives to balance curiosity-driven free time in the museum with structured and self-directed learning opportunities. Day Camps are offered during the summer and on school holidays throughout the year.

Family Investigation Workshops

Family Investigation Workshops allow families with children ages 7 and up to learn about a scientific topic in an intergenerational setting. Our facilitators guide participants through hands-on activities, independent exploration, and group discussions using the conceptual tools described in our award-winning Exploratopia family reference book. Past workshops have included dissections of cow eye and pig heart.

Girls Science Institute

The Girls Science Institute promotes science literacy, fosters self-confidence in scientific abilities, and highlights female role models in scientific disciplines among girls ages 9 to11. The institute's multi-day workshops explore various scientific disciplines through hands-on activities that model the work of women who made significant historical contributions to their fields.

Excursions

Excursions are designed to experience and explore concepts presented by our exhibit collection out in the real world. Participants of all ages gather black sand at Ocean Beach, learn about their body mechanics on a bicycle physiology ride, or launch rockets at Crissy Field – all the time deepening their commitment to curiosity. Participation in Excursions is exclusive to Exploratorium Members.

Adult Programs

Adult programs provide access to experts in the fields of science, art, and human perception. Hands-on workshops, discussion-based seminars, special-topic classes, and tours of exemplary local organizations emphasize inquiry and engagement.