Randall Museum — Attraction in San Francisco

I dropped in on The Randall Museum on a Saturday to reminisce about the the times when my young son, now 26, and I used to frequent the museum. It was so enjoyable and chock full of wonderful, lively and well-maintained exhibits - and all info is indigenous to the area. Each exhibit was wonderfully geared to each species and looked so authentic and well thought out!

The staff was incredibly approachable and truly added to my ever-so-pleasant experience. Donna at the front desk was welcoming and Nick was in the midst of creating a soon-to-be "safe haven" for one of their racoons who has some particular challenges. It is well on its way to becoming a life-size, indoor habitat in the shape of a tree! It's hollowed, well-reinforced tree limbs will provide a dark, quieter refuge for the raccoon when large, perhaps louder, groups of school children visit. The thoughtfulness and care going into this product seems to be just one example of how they truly care about the quality of life for those in their exhibits.

The whole museum underwent a remodel since I was last there, and it's truly fantastic! It's for old and young alike, and many of the exhibits are at the height of children! Where so many venues tell children not to touch, that's not the case here. Buttons to push, info cards to open and read, toy trains to push on the train table and much to learn about climate change, keeping the ocean clean and how the city was formed and what's underneath it. You could even experience an earthquake at a build-your-own Lego table! And for the young electric train enthusiasts in your life there is a huge layout complete with shops, mountains and tunnels and many varied train lines! And on certain Saturdays you can run your own trains on their tracks! For an added bonus, you can take a hike around the mountain and catch some of the best views of the City!

Also, they offer classes to take, such as pottery, and have a wood shop as well. They are also open to suggestions for any new class or workshop you might want to teach!

Let me just say if you haven't taken your children to The Randall Museum you've got to do so. This place is truly a local treasure! - and it's still evolving! You can't beat the price which is FREE!...

I came with my child on a field trip. It was my first visit there. While there, they did a private showcase and my child had the opportunity to touch a Chilean rose tarantula, a native Rosy Boa snake and a turtle. They taught them about their amazing super senses and how they work. If you come with a group and get a chance to do those things, it’s pretty awesome. The team in the animal area opened up the rat area to let us get a closer look (the rats were shy, just got there yesterday). When we were leaving, the older gentleman sitting down at front entrance was playing the ukulele (really well too), it was a nice touch. Also had a lego earthquake section to let them see if they could build a sturdy tower. They have an amazing miniature train track room. If you a cuckoo for choo-choo’s, you’ll love it! It is really neat. Beautiful view of downtown from the lookout point. A great place to being your child if you have 2-3 hours of time or want to explore about SF. There was a small cafe with food and drinks. Normal SF fees for each. Not sure of prices for admission, came as a chaperone. But, with the options, prides, food and staff, I rate it a 5 star. Everyone was genuine and nice. Didn’t ignore you if you...

It’s free, but you get what you pay for. I’m not sure who this museum is targeted at it’s definitely not good for seven-year-olds and teenagers would be bored. Instantly all I would do is use the playground just below the museum and then come up to the museum and take a few pictures of the cityscape with the kids. They really have some incredible views, which is even more sad because it makes it a total waste of real estate.

The four and five star reviewers are either on acid or completely baked. Even without comparing this place to the bounty of free kids activities here in San Francisco this place is awful. The only interactive exhibit that they have are big Legos and toy trains that you have to rent for three dollars, honestly, why are you giving this place four or five stars that is dishonest...