11/07/07

Great fun for everyone!

by netter1

Even though I never visited this great place as a child, I can tell you that as an adult it was a blast! Almost every single exhibit at the Lawrence Hall of Science is interactive. There are buttons to push, pictures to draw -- all sorts of things to play with or on. The thing I enjoyed the most about our visit to this "museum" was that it really is a place for everyone. Of course, it's the kids who run around gleefully, but you can see teenagers, college students and parents roaming the hallways, classrooms, and playing with exhibits with almost as much joy. Granted, if you don't watch for signs carefully or have someone with you who knows the way, you can easily get lost in the hills...but finding it is definitely a fun treasure hunt.

11/09/06

Learn pre-Columbian math or solve the mystery of invisible ink at this kid-friendly museum.

by Contributor

The Scene
The Hall of Science is perched high above the university and offers wonderful views of San Francisco and the bay. The interior of the brown geometric building is devoted mostly to hands-on exhibits for the kids. There are many permanent as well as traveling science displays.

The Collection
Grown-ups may find the Ernest O. Lawrence Memorial Hall more their speed. A film documenting the Berkeley scientist's contributions to atomic energy and weapons plays continuously in this interior room, whose high ceiling and dramatic lines are a paean to space-age optimism. Glass cases contain historic documents and apparati, including a low-tech cyclotron with a six-inch diameter--the father of today's mile-long atom-smashers.

08/26/02

I practically grew up here!

by dolphyngurl

Ever scince i could remember, i came here every tuesday to play, learn and do fun experiments. In the summers I took camps, and had great fun. Now, my little brothers go there all the time and love it. Its a great place to have a birthday party (my brother and I have each had three or four there). Its fun for kids and adults alike.

• Pros: inexpensive, educational, good for all ages
• Cons: crowded

06/26/02

A hidden treasure

by peterbehle_citysearch

It can be tough to find (look for the road that goes up the canyon right behind Memorial Stadium), but it's worth the effort. There's a lot to do here -- especially hand-on stuff for kids interested in science and experiments. And the crowds here are a lot smaller than the Exploratorium over in SF.

• Pros: Great for learning
• Cons: Tough to find