EXPLORATORIUM
This marvel of scientific displays was founded by physicist Frank Oppenheimer - who happens to be the brother of J. Robert Oppenheimer, ‘father of the atomic bomb’. The San Francisco Exploratorium contains over 650 exhibits that are hard to describe - as they have to be experienced.
Almost all exhibits are interactive and hands-on. There’s the Tactile Dome, where you make your entire way along a dark maze by feeling the walls made of various textures. This is also the place where you can safely touch a tornado - or at least a mini version of it
Aside from these unique tactile experiences, the museum excites all the other senses as well. The science experiences are mind-opening. Some you could call mind-blowing.
Kids will enjoy learning the science behind the experience of blowing enormous bubbles. There are dozens of optical illusions and brain teasers. Stand at one end of a room made of an uneven floor and crooked walls and try to judge how close or far away things are.
Create cloud rings and find out why a baseball curves when thrown. Have fun with spatulas and eggbeaters while learning about the science of mixing things.
Scream down a huge tube and take a singing ‘test’, while exploring the science of sound. Sit in the indented seating area on the upper floor far away from your friend. Then speak in a hushed voice… and be heard loud and clear all the way to the other side!
You can also take a simulated journey to Mars to find out about wing aerodynamics and chemistry. Come try out the ’shadow box’ and imagine what it would look and feel like to actually fly.
Gadgets of all kinds teach kids and adults about electricity and energy while providing fun, interactive ‘experiments’ that are both fun and educational.
The science and creativity behind the exhibits are truly impressive. Explore a San Francisco completely made of Jello to study the effects of earthquakes. Test your brain on some of the world’s toughest math problems, as you try to see why a ribbon enclosed on itself has only one side.
Located in the most unexpected of buildings - the classical-columned Palace of Fine Arts, the San Francisco Exploratorium is a wonder to behold inside and out. Near the Golden Gate Bridge in Golden Gate Park, the museum is open daily. (http://www.exploratorium.edu)
SAN FRANCISCO ZOO
Though smaller than some of the more well known zoos, such as those of San Diego or the Bronx, the San Francisco Zoo is still well worth a visit. Home to over 1,000 animals of 220 species, there are excellent displays in its 100-acre grounds. The size actually makes it easy to explore and wander.
In the Primate Discovery Center you’ll find exotic and rare monkeys near several of the inhabitants of Gorilla World. And check out the Lemur Forest, where there are different kinds of these bug-eyed cousins-to-the-monkeys originally from Madagascar.
Elsewhere, you can see Sumatran tigers and a rare snow leopard up close. Even more rare is the white tiger which is also in residence here.
The zoo recently acquired a couple of Grizzly’s from Montana. Come visit these fascinating bears and see for yourself how they can be both fierce and gentle
Head to the Australian Walkabout and visit the wallabies and kangaroos and one or two koalas in Koala Crossing. Then slide over and see Penguin Island where the world’s funniest birds groom and play in the 200-foot pool. But don’t miss out on the recently born American Bald Eagle. One of the very few born in captivity.
The Zoo is located at Sloat Blvd and 47th Street. For information visit: www.sfzoo.org online.
You might want to relax and enjoy some music after hitting the Exploratorium or the Zoo:
With VIP transport to a famous San Francisco jazz club for live music and dinner, you will feel like a star during a memorable night on the town.
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