CuriOdyssey San Mateo
A vibrant science museum and wildlife center where kids explore, learn, and connect with nature through hands-on fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
CuriOdyssey San Mateo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant science museum and wildlife center where kids explore, learn, and connect with nature through hands-on fun.
"This place exceeded all my expectations. We lucked out because it was Bubble Day, my daughter was absolutely mesmerized!"
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking lots fill up fast! Get there early to secure a spot and enjoy a less crowded experience.
📅 Check Themed Day Schedule
Special events like Bubble Day are a huge hit and add extra magic to your visit.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,963 reviews
Type
Museum
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Science Exhibits
Engage with hands-on displays perfect for sparking curiosity in young learners. Hours of fun!
Wildlife Encounters
Meet adorable otters and other fascinating animals. Don't miss the noon feeding time for extra insights!
Themed Activity Days
Experience special events like Bubble Day for unique, mesmerizing fun that kids adore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for Interactive Fun
Membership Perks & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weirdly-specific question: What touristy things in or around San Mateo can a family from France do for 1 day that would be unique for them? This is their first visit to the United States.
Hello. My relatives from France are visiting us, and they consist of 3 \~40-year-old adults and 2 children ages 3 and 5. They will have already spent 2 days in San Francisco. After that, for 1 day, they will be in and around the San Mateo area, with access to cars (so we won't…
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking lots fill up fast! Get there early to secure a spot and enjoy a less crowded experience.
📅 Check Themed Day Schedule
Special events like Bubble Day are a huge hit and add extra magic to your visit.
Thoughts on Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose and other similar attractions in Bay Area/Peninsula ( like the Exploratorium)?
Happy Hollow and the surrounding Kelly Park and Japanese Friendship Gardens are fun. CuriOdyssey in San Mateo is super fun, one of the exhibit makers used to be at the Children's Discovery Museum. It's a bit of a drive, but having a small AZA accredited zoo with a discovery play…
Weirdly-specific question: What touristy things in or around San Mateo can a family from France do for 1 day that would be unique for them? This is their first visit to the United States.
Hello. My relatives from France are visiting us, and they consist of 3 \~40-year-old adults and 2 children ages 3 and 5. They will have already spent 2 days in San Francisco. After that, for 1 day, they will be in and around the San Mateo area, with access to cars (so we won't…
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal in the garden area or courtyard with bay views. Food trucks are also available.
💡 Consider ASTC Membership
If you have a membership from another ASTC museum, check for reciprocal benefits.
Wedding venue suggestions
Hi, all! I’m looking for suggestions on wedding venues of any sort. I’ve done a lot of googling, but I’m sure there’s stuff I’m missing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early on Weekends
Parking lots fill up fast! Get there early to secure a spot and enjoy a less crowded experience.
📅 Check Themed Day Schedule
Special events like Bubble Day are a huge hit and add extra magic to your visit.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal in the garden area or courtyard with bay views. Food trucks are also available.
💡 Consider ASTC Membership
If you have a membership from another ASTC museum, check for reciprocal benefits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise CuriOdyssey for its engaging, hands-on exhibits that captivate young children for hours. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the adorable animal encounters, particularly the otters, are frequently highlighted as major positives. While weekends can be busy with parking challenges, the overall experience is described as a wonderful, educational, and fun outing for families.
"First time visiting CuriOdyssey with my 4-year-old this past Saturday and I’m already planning our next trip! This place exceeded all my expectations. We lucked out because it was Bubble Day, my daughter was absolutely mesmerized by all the bubble activities and demonstrations. The themed days are such a brilliant idea and really add something special to the experience. The exhibits themselves are engaging and perfect for curious little minds. Everything is hands-on and interactive, which kept my kiddo busy for hours. What really stood out to me was how genuinely friendly and knowledgeable the staff was. They clearly love what they do and were so patient answering my daughter’s endless questions. You can tell they really care about making it a memorable experience for families.
The food trucks outside were a nice surprise too, we grabbed lunch and ate in the outdoor area, which was a perfect break between exploring. Honestly, I wish we had discovered this gem sooner! It’s such a wonderful place for kids to learn and explore. We’re definitely becoming regulars."
Rhett Burden
"We love visiting CuriOdyssey! It’s a perfect spot for young kids — my 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters always have a great time here.
The otters are adorable, and we especially enjoy the noon feeding time, where the staff shares lots of interesting facts about their behavior and habitat. It’s both fun and educational!
There’s also a small playground and a courtyard area where you can watch airplanes fly overhead — my kids love that part. We often bring a lunch and have a picnic at the tables in the garden area. It’s such a peaceful and family-friendly setting.
One tip: weekends can get busy, and the nearby parking lot sometimes fills up, so I recommend arriving early. On weekdays, it’s usually very quiet, which makes it even easier to enjoy.
Highly recommend for families with young children!"
Tae K
"A nice place to enjoy with kids. Got play areas with different kinds of items outdoor and various science related activities indoor and few animal exhibits too. A complete package to spend time for entire day with the bay view.
Got ASTC affiliated museum membership, which made me to visit this place. Had to show that my membership museum is part of ASTC. Would have missed this place with out the membership."
Surya R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
CuriOdyssey is located at 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. For those using public transport, you can check local bus routes that service the Coyote Point area.
Yes, there is parking available at CuriOdyssey. However, on busy weekends, the lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option to reach CuriOdyssey, especially if you prefer not to drive or worry about parking.
While direct public transit might be limited, you can explore local San Mateo bus routes that may get you close to Coyote Point. It's best to check the current transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
For a smooth first visit, use GPS navigation to 1651 Coyote Point Drive. If arriving on a weekend, aim for before 10 AM to maximize your parking options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary, but it's generally affordable for families. Check their official website for the most current ticket costs and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance can save you time, especially during peak hours or special event days. It's a good idea to check their website.
Yes, CuriOdyssey often offers discounts for seniors, children, and sometimes through partnerships or memberships. An ASTC affiliated museum membership can provide free entry.
Operating hours can vary, especially on holidays or for special events. It's always best to consult the official CuriOdyssey website for the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation.
Yes, if your museum membership is part of the ASTC Travel Passport Program, you can often use it for free or discounted admission to CuriOdyssey. Be sure to bring your membership card.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
CuriOdyssey is fantastic for young children, particularly toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-5), with many interactive exhibits designed for them. Older kids also find it engaging.
Yes, CuriOdyssey features a wildlife exhibit with animals like otters, which are a major highlight. The noon feeding time is particularly popular.
The museum offers a variety of hands-on science exhibits that encourage exploration and learning through play. They often have themed days with special activities.
Yes, there's an outdoor zoo area with animals, a small playground, and a courtyard where visitors can relax and watch airplanes.
CuriOdyssey is generally stroller-friendly, with accessible pathways throughout the indoor and outdoor areas, making it easy to navigate with young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While CuriOdyssey doesn't have a full cafe, they often have food trucks available outside, and there are picnic tables in the garden area.
Yes, bringing your own food is a great option. There are picnic tables available in the outdoor garden and courtyard areas, perfect for a family lunch.
Yes, the surrounding Coyote Point area and nearby San Mateo offer various dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants, if you prefer to eat off-site.
On themed days, food trucks are often present, offering a variety of quick and tasty options. It's a convenient way to grab lunch without leaving the premises.
CuriOdyssey provides picnic tables in their garden and courtyard areas, which are ideal spots for enjoying your packed lunch or food from the trucks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture your child's engagement with the exhibits and animals.
The otter exhibit, interactive science displays, and the outdoor playground area offer great photo opportunities. The bay views from the courtyard are also scenic.
You can take photos of the animals, but always be respectful of their space and avoid using flash photography, which can disturb them.
While personal photography is fine, professional or commercial photography may require special permission. Always check with staff if you're unsure.
Visitors often share photos of their children interacting with exhibits, close-ups of the animals, and scenic shots of the bay area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit