CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey sits on a wooded knoll above the bay at Coyote Point, at the south edge of Burlingame and the north edge of San Mateo. It is half science museum and half small zoo. Indoors, kids push buttons, build and test. Outdoors, a loop of habitats holds native animals that cannot be released to the wild, from raccoons to the birds of a walk-through aviary. A physics playground and views across the water to the East Bay hills round it out.

It is smaller than The Tech in San Jose or the Exploratorium in San Francisco, which is part of its appeal for families with children under ten. From Palo Alto it is about 20 minutes up Highway 101. This guide covers its history, what to see, hours and tickets as CuriOdyssey listed them on November 1, 2026, getting there, accessibility, food and pairings. Our San Mateo guide covers the rest of the city.

From a Quonset hut to CuriOdyssey

Coyote Point was once an island that the Ohlone used as a fishing site and shell mounds were found on its north side. Later it was dairy land, a beach resort and, briefly, an amusement park. In 1942 San Mateo County and the federal government acquired the Howard family estate. Part of the site became a U.S. Merchant Marine cadet school, later the first campus of the College of San Mateo. The county took over the park in 1962. Our Coyote Point Recreation Area guide covers the rest of the park.

The museum began in 1953 as the San Mateo County Junior Museum, opened in a Quonset hut on the knoll by the San Francisco Junior League. In 1974 it became the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education. A new building opened in 1981 with an 8,000 square foot exhibit hall, classrooms, a library and a theater, followed in 1991 by outdoor habitats for native animals. In 2006 money troubles nearly closed it, until a campaign raised $500,000 in 30 days. It took the name CuriOdyssey in 2011 with a sharper focus on hands-on science.

What to see

• Animal habitats. Naturalistic outdoor habitats for native animals that cannot return to the wild. Staff hold feedings or presentations at noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on open days.
• Science exhibits. Hands-on displays indoors and in the Bay Gallery and Labs, with views over the water from ViewPoint.
• Whooosh! A physics-in-action playground built to be inclusive for users of all abilities and sizes.
• Nature Story Loop. An outdoor reading trail for younger kids.
• Redwood Hall. A four-level hall used for programs and IlluminOdyssey. When it is not booked, the lower levels sometimes open; call on the day to check.

CuriOdyssey's own advice on timing is useful. The museum is busiest from 10 a.m. to noon and quietest after 3 p.m. Animals are most active from 10 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m., since they are fed before opening and again around 4 p.m. If you want the most animal encounters, come between noon and 2 p.m.

IlluminOdyssey, November 14 to January 24

The museum's winter show returns for its 10th year from November 14, 2026 to January 24, 2027. Redwood Hall becomes a dark forest of light exhibits: a maze of glowing botanical shapes, rainbow refraction, phosphorescent walls you paint with light and a shadow stage. This edition adds 10 new exhibits. It is free with general admission and members get in free with no reservation. The hall is darkened and some exhibits use flashing light and sound, so sensitive visitors should take a look from the entrance first. It makes a good alternative to the outdoor displays in our holiday lights guide on a rainy evening.

Hours and tickets

The hours and admission page lists winter hours from November 2 to February 28: open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 4 p.m. Regular hours from March 1 to November 1 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The calendar showed a shortened day on November 12, 2026 and occasional early closures for private events. CuriOdyssey also closes to the general public for quarterly Sensory Sundays and may close in bad weather.

Reservations are not required. CuriOdyssey recommends reserving timed tickets online to cut waits. Discounts are sold only at the door, including free entry for qualifying families through Museums for All, free entry for teachers with ID, 50 percent off for military families and ASTC, AZA and ROAM reciprocal admission. Palo Alto library cardholders can also check for a pass through Discover and Go, covered in our free things for kids guide. Admission can be applied toward a membership on the same day. To compare other family attractions in one place, browse Bay Area attraction tickets.

Getting there from Palo Alto

By car

Take Highway 101 north for about 15 miles. The drive takes 20 to 25 minutes outside rush hour. Exit in San Mateo and follow signs for Coyote Point Recreation Area along Coyote Point Drive. CuriOdyssey's directions page has turn-by-turn steps. Pay the $6 county vehicle fee at the ranger station, where a pay station takes cards and cash but gives no change. Visitors with a disabled placard or plate do not pay the fee. Park in the lot nearest CuriOdyssey or in the Eucalyptus Grove, Marina or Captain's House lots.

By Caltrain or rideshare

CuriOdyssey points riders to the Burlingame Caltrain station, then a walk southeast along California Drive into the park. It is about two miles on foot, so many families take a rideshare from the station instead. Rideshare drivers who only drop off do not pay the park fee; tell the ranger. SamTrans buses also run nearby. See our Caltrain guide for fares.

By bike

The Bay Trail passes Coyote Point, so confident riders can reach it from the south along the shoreline. Our Bay Trail guide covers the Palo Alto end.

Accessibility

The front entrance has a ramp and guests using mobility devices can exit the same way. Accessible parking is next to the building and a white zone in the traffic circle allows drop-offs. Single-stall, all-gender restrooms with changing tables are in two places: beside the raccoon exhibit and at the Bay Gallery and Labs, where they close at 3:30 p.m. unless you ask at admissions. Noise-reducing headphones and sensory tools are available at the front desk and the museum posts a social story online. Service animals are welcome in the museum and many parts of the zoo. Call 650-342-7755 with specific questions.

Tips for a good visit

• Allow two to three hours. That covers the animals, the exhibits and the playground.
• Go after 3 p.m. for calm. In winter that leaves an hour before last entry.
• Dress for wind. The knoll catches the bay breeze even on sunny days.
• Check the aviary. The walk-through aviary sometimes closes for a day; the calendar lists it.
• Stay for the park. Your parking pass also covers the beach and Magic Mountain playground lots.

Food nearby and pairing it with other stops

CuriOdyssey has no cafe. The shop sells snacks and drinks and the Bay View Grove has a picnic area. Your ticket is good all day, so you can leave for lunch and return. Downtown San Mateo, five minutes away, has a deep bench of Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mexican and Italian restaurants. Burlingame Avenue, slightly farther north, has cafes and bakeries. Our Burlingame guide covers that street.

Coyote Point itself is good for an hour on the Bay Trail or the beach. In San Mateo, the free Japanese Garden in Central Park closes at 4 p.m. For a second big kid stop, the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos is 15 minutes south. Closer to home, compare CuriOdyssey with the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo, which closes at 4:30 p.m. from November 1. If you are visiting from out of town and want a base near SFO, compare San Mateo hotels.

Frequently asked questions