Visiting the Museum

What are your hours?

We’re open Saturdays & Sundays from 10am - 4pm and Thursdays & Fridays from 10am - 1pm for Preschool Playtime. View our current Hours and Admissions information.

Is there anywhere I can have a picnic?

Our museum is located in beautiful Yerba Buena Gardens. There are grassy lawns for picnicking, benches, and some tables and seating available right outside our doors or near the Gardens Esplanade. (See a map of Yerba Buena Gardens).

How do I get there?

We are located in Yerba Buena Gardens, across the street from the new Central Subway MUNI station and two blocks from the Powell Street BART and MUNI station. If you are driving, we are located just off the I-80 in downtown San Francisco. Visit our Maps and Directions page for more information.

Do you have a Lost & Found?

Stop by the front desk for Lost & Found or contact us at info@creativity.org. Items are kept for two weeks before they are donated.

Do you have accommodations for visitors with special needs?

The museum is ADA compliant and we have an elevator and ramps to the second floor. Educators can assist with identifying the best activities to serve visitors of all ages with special needs.

Where is parking available for the Children’s Creativity Museum?

There are a number of garages in the neighborhood including Fifth and Mission Garage and Museum Parc (Folsom Ave). Limited street parking is available in the neighborhood and meters do not operate on Sundays. Visit our Maps & Directions page for more information.

Tickets & Membership

How much is admission to the Children’s Creativity Museum?

Admission is $20 per person on weekends, school breaks, and special holidays. It is discounted to $15 per person on Thursdays and Fridays for Preschool Playtime.

What discounts do you offer?

Our access programs provide free admission through Museums for All, San Francisco Museums for All, and Blue Star Families. Members of ROAM, ACM, and ASTC institutions receive reciprocal discounts and admission benefits.

Museum visitors also receive a discount on carousel rides.

Do I get discounts if I’m a member of another museum?

We offer reciprocal discounts to members of museums who participate in ROAM, ACM, and ASTC. Visitors must show their active membership card(s) at the front desk to request reciprocal benefits.

Do you have free days?

We offer a number of access programs that provide free museum admission and free carousel rides. Families with EBT, Medicare/Medical, and CalFresh cards visit for free through the Museums for All program. Active military families also enjoy free museum admission.

What are the benefits of a Children’s Creativity Museum membership?

Members receive free year-round museum admission, discounted carousel tickets, guest passes, reciprocal benefits, invites to special member events, and our exclusive member newsletter. Become a member today!

How do I buy tickets for the LeRoy King Carousel?

You can purchase carousel tickets at the carousel! Be sure to show your museum admission stamp to receive a $2.00 discount off each carousel ride.

The Museum Experience

What is there to do at the museum?

The Creativity Museum provides hands-on arts-and-science experiences for children aged 2-12 and their caregivers. The Art and Science Intertwined exhibition provides three galleries of activities including the ArtLab, DesignIt! Studio, and the digital Community Garden.

Activities change monthly so there is always something new to do and make.

How much time should I expect to spend there?

As is typical for other museums, families often spend 60-90 minutes here. Some children become so engaged in their creations that they stay all day with just a break for lunch! Families can get a hand-stamp at the front desk to enjoy in-and-out privileges all day.

What is Preschool Playtime on weekdays?

Preschool Playtime is specially designed to serve preschoolers and their caregivers on weekdays. The admission price is discounted to $15 per person. Members are always free.

What can my preschooler or toddler do at the museum?

There is something in every gallery for even our youngest visitors! The ArtLab, DesignIt! Studio, and Community Garden are especially friendly for children 5 and under. Other attractions on the first floor include our Play Patio and Storybook Park.

Is there anything to do for older kids?

All of our galleries offer art and design challenges for older children - just ask our educators for a prompt! Older children especially enjoy our Animation Studio where they can create their own stop-motion video and the Making Music Studio where they can record their own digital soundtrack.

Where can I get something to eat in Yerba Buena Gardens?

Many family-friendly options in our neighborhood offer sandwiches, pizza, tacos, ramen, salads, boba, and more! See a listing of food options.

What else is there to do in the Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood?

The Children’s Creativity Museum is located in the vibrant Yerba Buena Gardens neighborhood at the heart of San Francisco. We have a high concentration of museums, culture, food, and shopping within walking distance. This Yerba Buena guide provides information on the area and local events.

Do you have birthday parties at the Children’s Creativity Museum?

We are planning to relaunch our popular birthday party program in the near future. In the meantime, please contact us at info@creativity.org.

How can I rent the Children’s Creativity Museum for a private function?

The museum and theater are available for private functions. Learn more about our event rentals.

Get Involved

Is the museum a nonprofit organization?

Yes! The Children’s Creativity Museum is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN 94-3178735). Gifts to support creativity are gratefully accepted.

How can I make a donation to the Children’s Creativity Museum?

Your gift helps nurture creativity and collaboration in all children and families! Make a donation here.

How do I apply to be a volunteer?

Our volunteers make huge contributions to the museum. Read more about our teen and adult volunteer programs.

Do you have any job openings?