California Academy of Sciences - Great Outing Despite the Crowds

With backpack and tote bag packed last night, tickets printed out this morning, Jeff and I ventured up to San Francisco with Leo and Sophie to visit the California Academy of Sciences for the first time. We knew it might be crowded but we'd heard such good things about the museum that we thought we'd give it a shot with the kids.

Was it ever worth it! The city of San Francisco has really built out the Music Concourse in Golden Gate Park, and, with the addition of the Academy, it's quite a destination. So much so, that when we pulled up today, there was a line of easily 150 people waiting for the doors to open. Hint: don't get in the line unless you already have tickets!

The line moved quickly, a blessing with two kids under two, and we were inside. The building is full of natural light, thanks to the very green architecture. Here's a shot that I like to call the friendly "Death Star."

We wanted to go to the Rainforest but the line was huge and Sophie was antsy. So, we headed straight for the Steinhart Aquarium. Good call. Sophie and Leo were mesmerized by the huge gars from the Mississippi, the monstrous halibut and the extremely cool looking sea pens.

We spent quite a bit of time roaming around the aquarium, checking out the coral reef fish, the octupus and more. Both Jeff and I felt the immediate urge to travel and snorkel or dive, but, a visit to the museum may have to suffice for now!

We then headed up to the African Center to watch the penguins chow down. The actual set-up for watching the penguins and learning about them wasn't terribly optimal - "everyone move back 5 feet and sit on the floor". But, it was fascinating to learn about what they eat (herring is one key fish) and to see a 26-year-old penguin (10 years older than most).

By this point, we all needed a break from the crowds, and we were lucky to ask one of the many volunteers for a suggestion. On the third floor, we were directed to the Naturalist Center, which had some cozy spots for reading and checking out the various educational efforts. Even better, the Center opened up onto a small balcony that overlooked the entrance and the Planetarium - perfect for snacks and a little discreet nursing.

Before everyone had a complete meltdown (including this mommy who is severly lacking in sleep), we checked out the futuristic and very green "living roof." Jeff and I both expected to be able to do more on the roof, though I'm not sure what (gardening, sunning?), but there were great views and the nice smell of loamy compost.

All in all, the trip into the city and to the museum was a highlight of the last month!