Location
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Telephone
(650) 342-7755
Website
http://www.curiodyssey.org/Days and Hours Of Operation
Tues–Sat 10am–5pm, Sun noon–5pm, closed on Mondays
Description
Located in a scenic bayside park, CuriOdyssey gives children of all ages an opportunity to explore the natural world and human relationships to the environment. The museum grounds include wildlife habitats, a walk-through aviary, theme gardens, and beautiful landscapes. Frequently rotating exhibits highlight different aspects of the natural world and most often have an environmentally aware theme. They offer Tuesday Tales: Story Time and Science Exploration that feature story time, animal presentations, and exploration activities for kids ages 2 to 5..
Coyote Point has playgrounds, picnic facilities, a beach area, and walking and biking trails. Watch the airplanes flying low overhead as they take off from and land at SFO.
Classes: Kids from pre-K to 8th grade can take classes that teach them about animals, insects, and the environment. Take a class at the museum or have them come to you! See the website for extensive information on their education programs.
Camps: Each summer, CuriOdyssey offers a fun-filled, interactive day camp program. This progressive program is divided into five distinct camps to provide age-appropriate activities and creative, hands-on learning experiences. The camps are open to children with special needs. Trained professional educators, camp staff, and dedicated young volunteers create memorable experiences for campers, inspiring a life-long respect for the natural world. The location is natural, picturesque, and safe for your children.
2013 Week-long Summer Sessions:
Dates: June 17–August 23
Ages: 3 years to entering grade 9
Days/Times: 9am–noon (preK); 9am–1pm (K), 9am–4pm (full day for grade 1 and up)
Cost: $210–$575
Extended care: 8:30am–9am (included in cost for all camps); 4pm–5pm (included in cost and available to kids in grades 1–9)
CuriOdyssey also offers camps during some spring and winter breaks.
***NO SPRING BREAK CAMPS IN 2013***
2012 Winter Break Session:
Dates: December 26–December 28
Ages: grades K–3
Times: 9am–4pm (grades 1–3), 9am–1pm (K)
Cost: $180–$245 per week for members, $210–$275 per week for non-members
Extended care: 8:30am–9am, 4pm–5pm (grades 1–3 only)
Celebrations: CuriOdyssey can be booked for birthday parties of up to 50 people (adults and children included). The party package includes use of a party room, access to the outside area of the museum, free museum entry and parking, a scavenger hunt, and a public animal viewing. The cost of renting the classroom-patio or picnic area (up to 24 guests) is $165 for members and $230 for non-members (includes a one-year family membership). The cost for Redwood Hall (up to 50 guests) is $235 for members and $300 for non-members.
Cost
$8 per adult, $6 per senior and students 13 to 17, $4 per child ages 3 to 12, FREE for children under 3. FREE first Sundays of the month. FREE for teachers with ID.
Financial Assistance
Yes
Languages Spoken
English
Accessibility
Yes
Getting There
From San Francisco, take 101 South to the Poplar Avenue exit. Turn right on Humboldt until Peninsula Avenue. Turn right on Peninsula. Go over the freeway, stay in the left lane, then circle back into the park. It's a little tricky the first time, but if you head for the golf course, you will find it.
There is a $5 per car entrance fee to Coyote Point on weekends but if you show your membership card, the fee is waived. If there is no one at the entrance booth, you do not have to pay the fee!
SFKids Tips
*Membership comes with reciprocal discounts to many other science museums and zoos in the U.S, but not in San Francisco.
*AAA members receive 25% discounted admission with ID (through 2010). 50% discount off regular admission with valid KQED or KTEH member card through 2010 as well.
*This is a great rainy-day hotspot.
*When it is foggy in the city visit this sunny area and bring a picnic. The playground near the south end of the parking lot will keep your kids happy for hours.
*The gigantic new Magic Mountain playground before the entrance to Coyote Point is amazing! Take the first left after the parking booth and follow the street past the first parking lot. You can see the huge castle from 101. There are over 15 picnic tables available, as well as restrooms.
*Call or check the website ahead of your visit to see if there is a traveling exhibit installed. Some days there is little to see upstairs.
*There is a great bike path south of the museum along the Bay.
What We've Heard
"Coyote Point Museum was a wonderful surprise. I had heard about it, but had never been there. My five- and two-year-old sons had a great time."
-- Saundra, San Francisco