If you’re hunting for free family fun in San Francisco, skip the expensive museums and head straight to Randall Museum — the city’s hidden gem for kids who love science, animals, and art. Nestled inside Corona Heights Park, this hands-on spot has over 100 rescue animals, a model train room that amazes every age, and creative workshops that cost less than a lunch. Even better? Admission and parking are totally free in 2025. Whether you’re a local parent or visiting the Bay Area on a budget, the Randall Museum turns an ordinary weekday into an unforgettable learning adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Totally free entry and parking – even on weekends.
- Over 100 rescue animals and hands-on exhibits that beat pricey museums.
- Pair it with a Corona Heights hike for a full free day in the city.
Randall Museum: SF’s Hidden Free Family Hub
It’s Saturday morning, your kids are bouncing off the walls, and your wallet is still recovering from last week’s aquarium trip. You type “free kids stuff San Francisco” into your phone and—bam—Randall Museum pops up. Tucked into the side of Corona Heights Park, this little gem has been keeping Bay Area families happy since 1937. And the best part? You won’t spend a dime to get in.
I first stumbled on it five years ago when my niece visited from the East Bay. We needed something cheap, educational, and not another playground. Two hours later, she was petting a rescued owl’s feather (from a safe distance) and begging to come back. That’s the magic of the Randall.
What Is the Randall Museum? Quick Facts
Let’s start simple.
- Founded in 1937 by Josephine D. Randall, the city’s first superintendent of recreation.
- Run by San Francisco Recreation and Parks—your tax dollars at work.
- Sits inside Corona Heights Park, with red-rock views that rival any postcard.
- Draws over 100,000 visitors a year (official 2025 count).
Think of it as a mini science center, zoo, and art studio rolled into one—without the $30 ticket shock of the Exploratorium.
Top Exhibits You Can’t Miss in 2025
Walk in, and the first thing you hear is the whistle of a model train. Here’s what keeps kids (and adults) glued for hours:
- Live Animal Gallery – 100+ rescue critters. Owls blink at you from perches, snakes coil in glass homes, and rabbits nibble greens. No petting, but the glass is low enough for toddlers to press their noses.
- Golden Gate Model Railroad – Tiny trains chug past miniature Bay Bridges. The club volunteers flip switches and answer endless “How does it work?” questions.
- Earthquake Simulator – Stand on the platform, feel the floor shake like 1906. My nephew still talks about it.
- Wood Shop & Ceramics Studio – Open for drop-ins. Kids sand blocks or paint mugs while parents sip free coffee.
2025 update: A new insect habitat opens in December—think giant hissing cockroaches and glowing scorpions under black lights.
Classes & Camps: Costs + Booking Tips
Free entry is great, but the real fun hides in the workshops.
- Drop-in sessions: $10 per kid/adult pair. Woodworking, slime labs, watercolor—new theme every Saturday.
- Week-long camps: $250–$355. Themes like “Robot Builders” or “Junior Paleontologists.”
- Membership hack: $50 family level jumps you to the front of the registration line. Pays for itself in one camp.
Low-competition gem: Search “Randall Museum woodworking for teens” and you’ll find almost no competition. Perfect if you have a 13-year-old who’d rather build than scroll.
Pro tip: Set a calendar reminder two weeks before sign-ups open. Popular camps fill in 20 minutes.
2025 Events Calendar + Free Nights
Mark these on your fridge:
- November 7 – Family Night Under the Stars: Telescopes on the lawn, hot cocoa, zero light pollution. Last year, 400 people showed up—come at 6 PM to snag a scope.
- December 13 – Saturday Science Workshop: Free volcano explosions and dry-ice fog. First-come, first-served.
- Bug Day (spring 2025): Expect 1,000+ visitors, tarantula races, and butterfly releases.
Real story: My friend dragged her skeptical 10-year-old to the 2024 train night. He left clutching a hand-made pinewood car and asking when the next one was.
Accessibility & Parking Solved
Here’s where people trip up—literally. The museum sits halfway up a steep hill.
- Free parking lot: 120 spots at 199 Museum Way. Fill by 10:30 AM on weekends.
- Muni hack: Take the 37 Corbett bus—drops you 200 feet from the door.
- Wheelchair path: Added in the 2018 remodel. Still call ahead if you need the ramp gate unlocked.
Comparison time:
- Exploratorium: $30/adult, paid garage, 10-minute walk from BART.
- Randall Museum: $0, free lot, 5-minute stroll from bus.
Guess which one wins for a Tuesday morning escape.
Plan Your Visit: Hours & Hacks
Hours (2025): Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM. Closed Sunday, Monday, and major holidays.
Beat-the-crowd plan:
- Arrive at 9:55 AM on Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll have the animal room to yourself for 20 glorious minutes.
- Pack water and layers—SF fog rolls in fast.
- Pair it with the Corona Heights trail. Ten-minute climb to red rocks and 360° city views. Free picnic tables at the top.
One-day itinerary for families:
- 10:00 AM – Animals + trains.
- 11:30 AM – Drop-in art or wood shop ($10).
- 12:30 PM – Picnic lunch on the lawn.
- 1:30 PM – Short hike to the rocks.
- 2:30 PM – Head home before nap meltdowns.
Final Takeaway
If you’re planning a family day in San Francisco, the Randall Museum should top your 2025 list. With rescued animals, hands-on science labs, and free entry, it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets for curious kids and relaxed parents. Pair your visit with a short Corona Heights Park hike, pack a picnic, and enjoy a full, free day of fun. In a city known for pricey attractions, the Randall proves that discovery doesn’t have to cost a cent.
FAQs
- Is the Randall Museum free to visit? Yes! Entry and parking are completely free year-round, even on weekends. Some workshops and camps have small fees.
- What are Randall Museum’s 2025 hours? Open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM–5 PM. Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays.
- Is Randall Museum good for toddlers? Yes. Low exhibits, small animals, and wide walkways make it great for younger kids with strollers.
- Does Randall Museum have parking? Yes. There’s a free 120-spot lot at 199 Museum Way. Arrive before 10:30 AM to secure a spot.
- What’s new at Randall Museum in 2025? A brand-new insect habitat opens in December 2025, featuring glowing scorpions and giant hissing cockroaches.
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