CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point in San Mateo is a children's science museum with a feature most science museums don't have: live native California wildlife that residents can observe up close because the animals can no longer survive in the wild on their own. Mountain lions, river otters, red-tailed hawks, and other native species are permanent residents of the outdoor animal habitats.

This combination of live wildlife and hands-on science education is what sets CuriOdyssey apart from the Bay Area's other excellent children's museums. Kids move between touching live science exhibits indoors and watching actual mountain lions pace their habitat outdoors — it's two genuinely different kinds of engagement in one visit.

The museum operates on a science learning framework designed for kids roughly ages 2-10. The exhibits are hands-on, inquiry-based, and genuinely engaging rather than passive displays. Toddlers who aren't ready for abstract science concepts can still be fascinated by the animal viewing areas, while older elementary-age kids can engage with the science content more deeply.

The Coyote Point Park setting in San Mateo adds significant value. The park has a marina, picnic areas, and waterfront walking paths that extend a CuriOdyssey visit into a full half-day of outdoor exploration. Note that Coyote Point Park charges a separate entry fee ($6/car) that's not included in the museum admission.

With 2,015 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, CuriOdyssey has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the Bay Area's best kid-focused institutions. It's about 25 minutes south of San Francisco on 101, making it convenient for families staying anywhere on the Peninsula.