Photo: Paul Nguyen (Dukie Travels)
Photo: Judy Margaret Chen
Photo: CuriOdyssey
CuriOdyssey
★4.6(2,018 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 2-10. Toddlers and preschoolers love the animal encounters and simple interactive exhibits, while elementary-aged kids dive deeper into the science concepts and enjoy feeding demonstrations. The compact size prevents younger kids from getting overwhelmed while still offering enough variety for older siblings.🧡 Saved by 300+ families
About
CuriOdyssey combines the best of both worlds,an interactive science museum and a zoo showcasing native California animals like bobcats, foxes, and river otters. Kids get hands-on with STEM exhibits inside, then step outside to meet rescued wildlife they might encounter in California's wild spaces, making it an educational adventure that keeps young minds engaged for hours.
Highlights
- ✓Up-close encounters with rescued California wildlife including bobcats, foxes, burrowing owls, and playful river otters
- ✓Hands-on science exhibits exploring physics, water dynamics, and Bay Area ecosystems
- ✓Interactive tide pool touch tank where kids can gently handle sea creatures
- ✓Bay Maze crawl-through tunnel system perfect for active explorers
- ✓Daily animal feeding demonstrations and keeper talks
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at 10 AM opening to see the animals at their most active before afternoon nap time,plus you'll beat the crowds and have exhibits to yourselves.
- 2.Don't miss the daily animal feeding demonstrations (check schedule at entrance),kids get up-close views and learn fascinating facts from knowledgeable staff.
- 3.Pack a picnic to enjoy at nearby Coyote Point Recreation Area after your visit; the beach and playground are just a short walk away.
- 4.The Bay Maze exhibit is a hidden gem where kids can crawl through tunnels learning about Bay Area ecosystems,bring knee pads for enthusiastic crawlers.
- 5.Download the CuriOdyssey app before visiting for interactive scavenger hunts that keep kids engaged throughout the exhibits.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10 AM-12 PM offer the smallest crowds and most active animals. Avoid weekend afternoons when birthday parties and field trips peak. Early spring and fall provide comfortable outdoor temperatures for the zoo portion.
What to Know
Admission is reasonably priced with memberships available for frequent visitors. Free parking is available on-site at Coyote Point. A small café offers snacks and drinks, but options are limited, so consider bringing your own food to enjoy in the picnic areas.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor zoo area can be chilly and windy during winter months, so dress in layers. Summer can get warm, so bring sunscreen and hats. Special events and camps run during school breaks and summer. The facility is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Nearby Eats
The Coyote Point Recreation Area has a casual café, or head 5 minutes to downtown San Mateo for family favorites like Curry Up Now (Indian street food with mild kid options) or Central Park Bistro with outdoor seating near a playground.
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