• Guests tour the wet collections stacks and examine preserved animal speciemens
    From the specimen collections deep under the museum...
  • Stunning gem and mineral specimens on display in the gem vault--on view only for tour guests
    To the mysterious gem vault that's closed to the public...
  • An Academy scientist displays a preserved football fish in the wet collections
    Strange and wonderful surprises await tour guests...
  • On a tour, guests are able to explore the entire Living Roof.
    (As well as a little fresh air.)
  • An aerial photo of a tour guide explaining the origin of the T. rex cast in the lobby to a group of guests
    Go behind the scenes for an unforgettable Academy experience!
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See the Academy in a whole new light—or with the lights out!—on one of our action-packed tours or Penguins+Pajamas sleepovers.

Academy Behind-the-Scenes Tours

A boy poses with a wall-full of mammal skulls and antlers

Explore the secrets of the world's greenest museum on this one-hour tour. Examine rare specimens in our collections, be dazzled in our private gem vault, and head off the beaten track atop our living roof.
Learn more.

  • $24.95 ($19.95 members) plus general admission
  • Groups of 10 or more save 15%!
  • Weekdays: 11 am and 2 pm; weekends: 11 am, 2 pm, 3:30 pm
  • For ages 8 and up
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Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tours

A tour guide explaining the Academy's complex aquarium water filtration system

Channel your inner marine biologist on this one-hour tour and learn how we maintain the world’s deepest indoor coral reef, mix millions of gallons of seawater each day, and tantalize Claude’s tastebuds.
Learn more.

  • $24.95 ($19.95 members) plus general admission
  • Groups of 10 or more save 15%!
  • Weekdays: 1 pm; weekends: 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
  • For ages 8 and up
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NightLife VIP Tour

NightLife VIP tour guests get a tour of the planetarium

Elevate your NightLife experience. Enjoy a private reception, complimentary cocktails and bites, reserved planetarium passes, a behind-the-scenes tour, and more.
Learn more.

  • $59 per guest ($64 for NightLife Premier)
  • Groups of 10 or more save 15%!
  • Thursdays, 6-7:30 pm or 6:45-8:15 pm
  • For guests 21+ with ID
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Animal Encounter

A guest uses the gentle two-finger touch to pet a coiled python

Treat yourself to a meet-and-greet with one of our beloved education animals that's rarely seen on the public floor.
Learn more.

  • $175 for up to four guests ($140 members) plus general admission
  • Includes choice of Academy or Aquarium Behind-the-Scenes Tour
  • Offered Tuesday-Sunday; 14-day advance booking required
  • For ages 8 and up
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Penguins+Pajamas Sleepovers

A family gets cozy for the night in front of a gigantic aquarium exhibit.

Sleep under the sea stars at this family favorite. Your nocturnal adventure includes live animal demos, private planetarium shows, after-hours exhibit access—and the magic of drifting off to dreamland alongside our African penguins.
Learn more.

  • $119 per guest ($99 members)
  • For ages 5 and up; adult chaperones required
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