Randall Museum is a science, art, and natural history museum that's free to access and offers an impressive collection of exhibits, classes, and workshops. The museum is mostly geared towards children, but kids as young as 3 as well as adults can still find something to enjoy here.

Amongst the exhibits and classes, you'll find a wide variety of topics covered. Most visitors spend around 3 or 4 hours here, but if you want to take part in one of their workshops or classes, your visit could last even longer. You'll even find special events held on certain days.

Randall Museum in San Francisco - one of the highlights of 16 Best Family Things to Do in San Francisco and 11 Best Free Things to Do in San Francisco (Read all about San Francisco here)

photo by Jllm06 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Randall Museum highlights

One of the most alluring aspects of this museum is the collection of live animals. You'll find both local wildlife and domestic animals in an intimate setting that highlights some of the most fascinating creatures native to California.

Several habitats are covered in their live animal exhibits. You can see mussels and sea urchins from the ocean and creatures from the desert, like tortoises and scorpions. In the grasslands habitat, you'll find snakes, mice, and the California quail. In the river habitat, you'll find newts and salamanders along with coyotes and raccoons.

Good to know when visiting Randall Museum

When you're fitting this museum into your trip to San Francisco, you don't have to worry about your budget at all. Access is always free, though there is some cost to classes and workshops occasionally. Additionally, guests at events that are held for charity are expected to make a donation.

Several exciting destinations are settled around this museum that you can visit. Buena Vista Park is just a short walk to the northwest, and Golden Gate Park is just a bit further and offers a botanical garden and another museum complete with a sculpture garden.

photo by Piotrus (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

Randall Museum in San Francisco

Location: 199 Museum Way, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)

Phone: +1 415-554-9600