Collections tour

Enjoy an exclusive, up-close-and-personal look at the Academy’s exhibits, live animals, and research endeavors. Peek into our vault of rare gems, traverse the Aquarium pipes, and learn why we're the greenest museum on Earth.

Check out our new Private Animal Encounter Tour: Get up close and personal with one of the Academy's live animals! Learn more

Behind-the-Scenes Tours
People on a guided tour looking at Anthropology specimens

There is a whole other side of the Academy to experience beyond the walls of the museum! Our popular Behind-the-Scenes Tours are offered daily. Dive deep down into our Aquarium to see how our complex and efficient operations keep our animals happy and healthy. Enter our scientific collections to view specimens from around the world. Our tours are an excellent way to feel a little closer to the Academy and experience it in a whole new light.

Go behind the scenes
NightLife VIP Tours
NightLife visitors looking at specimens in the Kimball Natural History Museum.

Looking for an entirely different NightLife experience? Join us for a NightLife VIP Tour, offered every Thursday night for visitors ages 21 and over. Go behind the scenes and discover sparkling gems, and enjoy an open bar, express entry, reserved planetarium seats, and your own private area to mingle before your tour—who could ask for more?

Become a NightLife VIP
Large Group Tours
Large group tours; Photo: Kat Whitney

Have a large group of over 14 people? Let us facilitate a behind-the-scenes experience for you. We have both day and evening options for large group tours.

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Private Animal Encounter Tour
Photo: James Dowling Haley

This private tour offers a more intimate and exclusive experience for smaller groups. Guests will enjoy all the benefits of our Behind-the-Scenes tours and also have an up-close-and-personal experience with one of our Education Program animals.

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Birthday Parties
Claude with birthday hat

Birthday parties at the Academy have a new look! Perfect for children ages 2-10, book your party with us and get exclusive access to a party room where your group will enjoy admission to the Academy, priority access to exhibits, cupcakes, and more.

Throw a party
Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers
Penguins+Pajamas

Experience your own night at the museum! Explore the exhibits after-hours, enjoy a private planetarium show, and settle in for story time after snacking on milk and cookies. Roll out your sleeping bag next to the penguins in African Hall, the swaying kelp of the California Coast tank, or even face-to-face with Claude, our albino alligator.

Spend the night

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Academy Sleepovers

Academy Sleepovers

Want to do something extra special? Bring your kids to a Penguins+Pajamas Sleepover to curl up alongside our animals! Tickets for event dates through June 2017 are now on sale.

 

Kids at our Philippine Coral Reef Exhibit during a Penguins and Pajamas sleepover
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