Planning Your Visit to The Lawrence Hall of Science

This East Bay museum is a hidden gem. Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science

Located in the Berkeley Hills, the drive up to The Lawrence Hall of Science can be winding and confusing the first time, but once you're there, those panoramic Bay views are worth it. A dedicated parking lot is outside the entrance, with pay stations on-site. It’s usually easy to find a spot, especially on weekdays.

As for when to get there, weekday mornings are the sweet spot, especially during the school year before field trips roll in. Weekends can get busy but never overwhelmingly crowded. Arrive when they open at 10am to explore the museum at ease.

Admission is $20 for adults and kids 3 and up, with free admission for toddlers 2 and under. Planetarium and 3D movies are an extra $5, with films about dinosaurs and planets. It's really well done, and parents enjoy it just as much as kids. 

Here's a pro tip: if you live nearby, consider a family membership. It pays for itself in 2–3 visits and includes discounts at other science museums nationwide.

Must-See Exhibits

For Young Kids (ages 2-6)

The Lawrence Hall of Science has exhibits for both older and younger kids. There are plenty of thoughtfully designed exhibits for little ones. Below, are some of the exhibits I recommend for a good mix of learning and play. 

Curiosity Corner is perfect for 2-6 years old with a soft, gated zone just for little ones and age-appropriate science play. With water tables, block building, and sensory fun, it’s toddler heaven.

Animal Discovery Zone is great for those who want to see and meet live animals like turtles and lizards, and even peek at bug terrariums. Staff sometimes bring animals out for up-close encounters, including snakes. 

Outdoor Science Park is a must-visit for those beautiful days that need to be spent outside with 100% fresh air. Kids can build with giant foam blocks, explore wind and water features, climb on giant DNA models, and more. 

Playtopia is tailored for visitors 6 and under. It focuses on nurturing that innate curiosity through interactive play.​ 

RELATED: Free Museum Days for Kids in San Francisco 

Spark curiosity with hands-on exhibits. Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science

For Older Kids (ages 7-12)

If you’ve got an innovative kid who enjoys experimenting or just asking way too many science questions, the following exhibits really deliver. 

Ingenuity Lab is hands-down one of the best areas for upper-elementary and middle schoolers. It’s a maker space where kids can try real engineering challenges, such as designing a wind-powered car or building a bridge with limited materials. It’s staffed, so there’s guidance if they need it, but it’s very much “figure it out yourself.”

Hands-On Biotech is a hidden gem for science-curious kids. Older ones can suit up in lab gear and try actual experiments like extracting DNA or testing proteins. It feels like real science and is especially fun for future doctors or bio-nerds in training.

Virtually Human is a tech-forward exhibit that explores how humans and machines interact and think about AI, robotics, and more. This one flies under the radar, so it’s usually calm and a good stop when the museum gets busy elsewhere.

Future of Food is the newest exhibit and is great for older elementary and middle schoolers about what food might look like in the future, how we grow it, and its impact on the climate. Tons of hands-on activities and thought-provoking displays about lab-grown meat, bugs as protein, and sustainable farming. It’s especially fun for kids who love cooking shows or are into environmental science. 

Planetarium Shows are perfect for kids ages 7 and up, as they offer detailed shows that cover black holes, solar storms, or space exploration. These aren’t just pretty visuals but go into real science in an age-appropriate way. Shows are optional and have a small extra cost, but are worth it if your kid’s into space. 

For All Ages

Kids of mixed ages can play together at these spots for fun and learning. 

Dinosaur Lookout is the new outdoor exhibit that appeals to all ages. Older kids will appreciate the fun facts and selfies with the life-size replicas, while younger kids check out all the big dinosaurs. It’s not a huge area, but it’s a cool little bonus if your kid is still in their dino phase.

Making Music is a hands-on sound and vibration exhibit that lets kids create tunes using tubes, drums, and sound waves. Younger ones love banging around, but older kids can experiment with pitch, rhythm, and how sound travels. This spot is also a perfect place for a wiggle break. However, it can get loud, so maybe save it for when everyone has had a snack.

Outdoor Nature Lab is a peaceful outdoor space where kids can observe insects, dig in the garden, and explore natural habitats up close. It’s a quieter, slower-paced area, perfect if your kiddo loves bugs, dirt, or nature walks.

Tips for a Successful Visit with Young Children

A successful trip means minimal meltdowns, happy kids, and maybe even a bit of a break for parents. A change of clothes for water play is helpful, as well as layers, since Berkeley's weather shifts fast. Snacks and a water bottle are great to have. Don't forget to bring sunscreen for the outdoor science park if you plan on being there in the middle of the day. The museum is stroller-friendly. 

Navigating the museum is pretty simple. Start upstairs and work your way down. The layout flows easily, but a glance at the map helps avoid backtracking. Elevators and ramps make it easy to get around with strollers.

There’s a small café on-site with kid-friendly basics like sandwiches, snacks, and coffee for tired parents, but you can also bring your own food. Picnic tables are available outdoors, and benches are scattered throughout.

RELATED: Best Playgrounds in San Francisco

There is so much to explore! Photo courtesy of The Lawrence Hall of Science

Insider Tips and Tricks

There are two places I'd recommend for breaks during your visit. The outdoor terrace has benches and space to let little legs rest with amazing views of the Bay. For those who need an indoor break, the Young Explorers Area has a cozy reading nook.

If you visit the museum at midday, it tends to get crowded. The Ingenuity Lab often has quieter, staff-led STEM challenges, with some even for young builders. You can also ask staff about drop-in experiments. 

Special Events and programs are scattered throughout the year, like fun STEM Weekends, $5 Admission Day, holiday-themed science days with all sorts of fun science-themed activities, and spring and summer camps. 

Don’t miss the gift shop on your way out! It’s one of the better ones, with STEM kits, plush microbes, books, and cool toys that extend the learning fun at home (without being total junk).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Lawrence Hall of Science stroller-friendly?

Absolutely! Elevators, wide walkways, and stroller parking near play areas make it easy to navigate.

Are there dining options available?

Yes, there’s a small café with basics and kid-friendly fare, plus plenty of spots to picnic.

What age is best for visiting?

The museum offers exhibits for all ages, but children ages 3–12 will get the most out of the interactive experiences.

How much time should we plan for our visit?

Plan for 2–3 hours, though you could easily spend the whole day exploring.

Are there discounts or memberships available?

Yes, memberships offer free admission and other perks. Discounts are available for EBT cardholders and through local library programs. UC Berkeley students and staff also get free admission. 

Lawrence Hall of Science

1 Centennial Drive
Berkeley, CA 94720
510-642-5132

Open Wed–Sun, 10am – 5pm (closed Monday and Tuesday)