Available in person at the Museum.

Tuesday-Friday either at 10:00am or 11:00am. Presentation starts promptly.

Cost: $40.

SFUSD Schools 50% Discount: Public Schools use discount code "PUBLIC" for reduced rate.

45 minute presentations.

1 ticket covers 25 people (youth and adults). For larger groups, please purchase two tickets.

Please review the program options below and specify the desired one upon enrollment:

1. Invertebrates:

Calling everybody with an exoskeleton! Arthropods (such as insects and arachnids) make up 80% of all animal species on Earth! With the help of some animal ambassadors, students will use their observation skills to learn what makes these animals so special and realize they might not be so “creepy” after all. Learn about different types of invertebrates, from those living in the sea to those on land such as spiders, scorpions, and insects.

Recommended Kindergarten and above

2. Coexisting in California: Habitats

You don’t have to travel around the globe to make a positive impact on wildlife-you can start in your own backyard! With the help of our ambassador animals, students will learn more about the wildlife that call California home, whether locally in the Bay Area’s chaparral and redwood forests to farther south in the Mojave Desert. During this lesson, students will foster empathic connections with California native wildlife and leave feeling empowered to make a difference, right here at home!

Recommended Kindergarten and above

3. Reptiles and Amphibians

Are animals really “cold-blooded”? What is the difference between “poison” and “venom”? Is there a better way of describing reptiles and amphibians? With the help of our resident snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs, learn about some of the world’s most misunderstood, yet captivating animals.

Recommended Kindergarten and above

4. Senses / Adaptations:

How do snakes move without any limbs? How does a turtle’s shell help keep them safe, and could they leave it if they wanted to? Why do some animals smell with their tongue while we use our nose? Are all spiders venomous? What does it mean to have eyes like a hawk? Animals throughout the world have amazing adaptations to help them survive in their habitats. With the help of our ambassador animals, students will make observations to discover how animals use their unique adaptations to thrive in the wild.

Recommended Kindergarten and above

5. Predator and Prey: The Food Web

How do animals of all shapes and sizes defend themselves? What makes an animal a predator and what makes one prey? Starting from the sun to the plants around us, to ourselves, students will learn about how they are all connected and what place different animals have in the Food Web.

Recommended Kindergarten and above

6. Oceans- Intertidal Explorations

Over 70% of the Earth is covered in oceans! Learn about some of the San Francisco Bay Area’s fascinating marine wildlife, such as sea stars, anemones, and various fishes. Students will have an opportunity to see some of these animals up close, examine what makes them so unique, and maybe even see some feeding!

Recommended Kindergarten and above

7. Vertebrates (NEW!!)

Pat yourself on the back! What do we have that an insect doesn’t have? How can some animals survive without bones? Much like ourselves, animals with backbones are some of the most well known on earth. Learn about the different vertebrates in the animal kingdom through our animal ambassadors ranging from reptiles, amphibians, mammals, fish, and birds.

Recommended Kindergarten and above

8. Birds (NEW!!)

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a bird. Guided by our resident ornithologist, students will be taken on a hike outdoors behind the museum on Corona Heights Hill to learn about and view native birds in their natural habitat. This field trip is recommended for grades 4th and up and is offered at 11:00 AM. Weather permitting. In the event of a rainy day, students will learn about birds through animal artifacts (bones, specimens, etc.) and may have a chance to view our living bird ambassadors.

Recommended 4th grade and above

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my class see the animals?

Yes! All of our live animals reside in the Wild in California exhibit. However, touching animals will be dependent both animal and student behavior.

Do you accommodate special needs students?

Our instructors are chosen for their flexibility in teaching style and can accommodate a wide range of learning styles. Just let us know if your groups have any special needs beforehand. Our facility is ADA compliant and we have an elevator.

Is there parking?

There is a large parking lot available. Buses are able to drop students off in the parking lot.

Is there space to eat lunch?

Yes, there is an outdoor amphitheater, group picnic table, and lawn to sit and have lunch. In the event of rain, there can be space made indoors.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel your field trip up to 5 days before the event for a full refund.

How many chaperones are necessary?

We prefer that you have minimum 2 chaperone for every 10 students.

What is the youngest age group you can accommodate?

Due to safety and USDA regulations, Animal Ambassador interactions (touching) is reserved for youth ages 6 and up.

All of our live animals reside in the Wild in California exhibit for public viewing