Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo image

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo

Museum Zoo Science museum Childrens museum

One of the Best Places To Visits in Palo Alto


Address

1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94301, United States

Website

www.cityofpaloalto.org

Contact

+1 650-329-2111

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.2K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: kids (62) museum (26) animals (26) time (24) small (20) area (19) great (18) play (17) children (14) Great (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Omniji D. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice zoo& museum to spend half day with your little ones! We came around 10:20am and were able to feed the flamingos after waiting just ~10 min in the line. Animals are so cute! Lots of fun in the scientific museum too! Can enter immediate without waiting if you reserve tickets before visiting.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Divya R. 2 years ago on Google
    A friend got us tickets to check the place out and we loved it! Would recommend if you’re looking for a place to keep your kid entertained for 2-3 hours. The museum was filled with experiments and activities that kept children intrigued and occupied. The zoo outside was awesome too.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Judy Margaret C. 10 months ago on Google • 286 reviews
    What a great place for toddlers and kids to enjoy! Three areas, one for the zoo, one for interactive museum and the last one an open area. My 2 year old son really enjoyed himself there. He prefers to play with the toys than observe the animals, but observing the animals is also a fun activity for him. We went on weekends, so tickets were almost sold out. We purchased tickets for the next soonest available time, and waited for half an hour to get in. But, once you’re in, you can spend as much time as you want until the closing time.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elena B. 2 years ago on Google
    such an amazing place! it's ideal for all ages after 1.5 years old. all the exhibitions are interactive, kids can tough and play with everything, and it is super fun for them. all the animals are in large enough spaces for them and there are places where you can snack, and the washing hands station is made for kids' height and the water is warm the $10 ticket allows you to enjoy a three hour session: from 10 to 1 pm or later after afternoon
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RB 8 months ago on Google • 152 reviews
    Took a family trip to the Palo Alto Zoo and Museum for the first time and it was a great experience. There is free parking onsite but tickets MUST be purchased online in advance. The museum and zoo is open Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm, and there are three (3)dedicated time slots for entry. Next to the location is a large playground that’s great for kids between the ages of 2 - 5. Admission is $10 per person and provides entrance into the zoo and museum. The zoo has a few animals (flamingo, raccoon, rabbits, lemurs, and more). The museum has various kid friendly activities that allow children to explore. This is a great family friendly location that’s affordable and will ensure kids have a good time.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 victor l. 2 years ago on Google
    Much much better than before. The $10 ticket is very worthwhile. My grandson has not stopped checking and playing for 90 minutes there.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Siddhartha J. 2 years ago on Google
    Good place to spend a few hours with young kids. Pros: Cosy place with nice collection of birds/ animals, and hands on sensory experiences for toddlers/ young kids. Cons: The employees in kids play areas mostly keep to themselves instead of interacting with or encouraging kids . Unfortunately, not enough activities/ attractions to go on a regular basis. ,( Multiple times)
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vic 4 months ago on Google • 453 reviews
    This place is really nice. My kids had a great time. It's not too big or small. Just perfect. also, there's a nice park behind the building.

  • 4/5 Iron 2 years ago on Google
    This is an interesting place for kids to use their energy and have fun. Indoor space is not very spacious so expect to be crowded. Feeding flamingos is an exciting experience. EV charging spots are available near the front entrance.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ariel J. 2 years ago on Google
    For our family, the membership pass is worth it. We ride our bikes & park them at the racks right out front. The indoor exploration area has many interesting & interactive displays for all ages. The infant area is safe with a no-shoe policy & is enclosed to keep little ones from venturing too far. The zoo area is simple but sufficient, especially for the reasonable admission price. A great value & a fun family experience.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asoh I. 4 months ago on Google • 9 reviews
    My grandkids and I had a great time here. They have interactive games, a small zoo, tree house and an adjacent kids park. How I wish there are more like this non-profit kids place in all of California cities
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer F. 1 year ago on Google
    A fun place and super clean/friendly. My kids are 8,6 and 5. They all enjoyed their time there. They have fun science inactivate activities. Bouns part is a Zoo area that looks like a tree house. So cool!! Once your down there is a park just around the corner too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 William X. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place that is also free. Staff are extremely nice and welcoming. Totally recommend going on a Sunday when you can see the Bald eagle and actually touch it. We came last year around this time and it was great. Unfortunately there weren't that many exhibits but there aren't many ppl
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A P Y. 7 months ago on Google • 121 reviews
    Such a fun and nice place for kids. Our kid enjoyed this place a lot! Would not leave the premise when asked. So many things to do and tinker about here. Better make a reservation online because the place gets filled really quick. And they don’t accept walkins. Animals were few but they were ok. We took part at the flamingo feeding and meeting the sloth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yulei Z. 1 year ago on Google • 21 reviews
    This is a very nice and cute little indoor museum plus zoo and very age appropriate for toddlers/preschoolers between 2 to 5. We first time visited this place and thought it might be too small for a museum or zoo but kid loved it! My daughter just could spend the whole morning to play with different toys or gadgets in the museum. And to be honest, this place could save parent tons of efforts to find good activities for toddlers and drain their energies. Kids could also easily find friends to play with in this small space. The flamingo feeding session is also very welcomed by all the kids and every kid could get the chance to feed with just few minutes’ wait. Finally the tree house is fantastic. My kid loved to play on it every time and again very age appropriate and fun to play with. The location is also very closed to children’s library and playground. So if you want to spend whole day here, definitely a bunch of good places to go without need to move the car. The parking is limited so do come early in the morning to get one.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Victoria K. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a great place for young children. They can learn about science in a hands-on environment, while having fun. There are also areas appropriate for babies. There are animal and insect exhibits, as well as a book area. The suggested donation is $5 per person and they take cash or cards (which is great for getting a tax receipt). There are two vending machines, an outdoor grass area and restrooms, too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 김동혁 5 years ago on Google
    Great place. Many thing to experience for kids. However it was under construction and I couldn't see animals.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexis Rae M. 2 years ago on Google
    Have been waiting for the museum to re-open since they've closed for renovations and moved to Cubberley temporarily. The newly renovated junior museum and zoo did not disappoint. Overall, it still has the aspects that made it special before the renovation - the baby play area, the zoo. It is still located at the old site, but the flow and layout is much better. The entrance is much more inviting with the ability of being able to sit near the trees and watch the animals in the zoo from the outside. They've utilized the space they have to its full capacity and it did not feel crowded. The zoo has a climbing structure that you can hang out in and look at the animals from the top. If you are lucky, you can help feed the flamingoes. Covid protocols are put into place - with masks for everyone, regardless of vaccination, and hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Love the new museum and zoo. Can't wait to go back again. Also, there are EV chargers located in the parking lot.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 raunak k. 1 year ago on Google
    A really amazing place for toddlers to explore. It's got a huge variety of exhibits including zoo with quite a few different animals. Really enjoyed the bird feeding activity. Exploration activities including logical, science and reasoning exhibits All this for 10$ is no brainer for any parent to take their toddler in the bay area
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erkin B. 1 year ago on Google
    This is great for families with little kids. Small zoo and interactive science museum, and also a playground where kids can run around. We were invited for the birthday party and kids had a blast! Strongly recommended for families.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Verenice J. 2 months ago on Google • 139 reviews New
    Great for toddlers and young kids. Zoo is cozy. Highlight is feeding the flamingos. Buy tickets in advance as they tend to sell out on weekends.

  • 5/5 Ivana T. 5 months ago on Google • 24 reviews
    This is our third time visiting. My almost 2-year-old daughter loves it. There are so many things to play with, animals to see, and little tables in the courtyard to enjoy lunch. It never feels too crowded. Our favorite is flamingos feeding at 11am, which can get crowded quickly, so it is better to queue up early. If not mistaken, there is another one in the afternoon.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Zamir M. 3 months ago on Google • 122 reviews New
    The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a captivating haven where education meets adventure, creating an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment you step into this delightful space, the air is filled with the excited chatter of children and the enchanting sounds of nature. The hands-on exhibits seamlessly blend learning and fun, making it an ideal destination for families and curious minds alike. The zoo section is a treasure trove of wildlife wonders, featuring a diverse array of animals in thoughtfully designed habitats. The up-close encounters with creatures big and small provide an immersive learning experience that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for the animal kingdom. The staff's passion for education is palpable, as they engage with visitors, answer questions, and facilitate interactive activities. The thoughtful layout of the exhibits ensures a seamless flow, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. The outdoor play area adds an extra layer of enjoyment, providing a space for little ones to burn off energy while still being surrounded by the wonders of the natural world. The admission fees are reasonable, and the value derived from the wealth of knowledge and joy experienced during a visit is immeasurable. In conclusion, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a whimsical wonderland that goes beyond being just a destination—it's an educational adventure that leaves a lasting impact. Highly recommended for families, school groups, or anyone seeking a magical blend of learning and enjoyment.

  • 5/5 Franke P. 2 years ago on Google
    Not very big place but kids will definitely enjoy it. A lot of stuff for them to do in the museum and the kids get to feed the flamingos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marcela S (. 10 months ago on Google
    Place is awesome for kids. the name says it all, it is small cute museum, if you make it on time you can help feed the flamingos :) they also have lots of indoor activities to keep the kids busy and an outdoor sitting to relax and eat your snacks. Great place to take the kids.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa M. 11 months ago on Google
    Such a great place for small kids!! The only thing I wish they were have some coffee station for parents 😉.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph L. 1 year ago on Google
    This newly renovated kids' museum is a very popular and fun place for kids. It's small zoo also provides a good learning experience. My grandsons live to go there every time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sergey B. 6 years ago on Google
    It is amazing how they managed to put so many things in pretty tight space. There are quite a few interactive stands for kids: couple tennis ball operated stands, electric circuit do-it-yourself stands with hydro/light powered elements, bugs collections and free play zones. There is even separate playground for little ones. Also they have small but well packed zoo that is in good condition. This place is donation-based and does not accept credit cards for donations, so prepare some cash/check for it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Liz P. 4 months ago on Google • 85 reviews
    We stumbled upon this delightful museum and zoo that's conveniently closer than the ones in San Francisco. Perfect for younger kids, especially my three-year-old niece who loves hands-on activities. The junior museum is akin to the Children's Discovery but at a fraction of the cost, making it worthwhile to become a member. The only challenge is its small size, so purchasing tickets for a time slot in advance is highly recommended. Morning spots are usually booked fast, but afternoons work well. The museum is vibrant, creative, and kids have a blast. My niece enjoys the zoo outdoors, climbing, and checking out the dinosaurs. The only drawback is limited space and no snack area anywhere on premise. We are told it was because of critters. However, the nearby playground compensates for a nice break area. There's no souvenir shop or refreshments, but I highly recommend it for young elementary school kids. Parking is available, though the lot can fill up, but street parking is an option. Overall, a fun and worthwhile place to visit regularly. Be prepare to chase your kids around the zoo and wear comfortable sneakers.

  • 5/5 sykpsm 7 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    One year old great granddaughter loves this place! The birds animals and fish. Separate baby area. Large playground next door. Plenty of parking.

  • 5/5 Ilan E. 6 years ago on Google
    My son loved this place. They have exhibits that lets kids play and create electricity. There's also an outside mini zoo. Be sure to visit Edward the turtle. He's the star attraction. We didn't want to leave. It's also close to downtown Palo Alto so you can have lunch and make a day of it.

  • 4/5 Joel De G. 4 years ago on Google
    Cool

  • 5/5 Julie G. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome for the under 5 set. Feel very fortunate to have this place as a local resource.

  • 5/5 Sarish J. 4 years ago on Google
    Kids love this place. Its a nice place to spend a weekend afternoon in

  • 5/5 هدايه �. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A fun place for young children (Original) مكان ممتع للأطفال الصغار

  • 4/5 Sara C. 1 year ago on Google
    spent two hours there with kids. Zoo is small with few animals. there is water filling station inside and outside too. Indoor area is not too big but lots of stations and activities to do for kids. there is a big playground on the back of it. Buy tickets online and there is also street parking on both sides.

  • 5/5 Carlos Cesar R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice place to take children years and have a good time. You have entertaining things, games, animals, etc. They are going to have fun and learn many things. (Original) Bonito lugar para llevar años niños y pasar un buen momento. Tienes cosas entretenidas, juegos, animales, etc. Se van a divertir y aprender muchas cosas.

  • 5/5 Lucia L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place for the little ones to live with other children and explore things and learn (Original) Hermoso lugar para los chiquitos para convivir con otros niños y explorar cosas y aprender

  • 2/5 Aamiin a. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Hil (Original) Hil

  • 4/5 Tiffani M. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice little zoo with little animals (Birds, turtles, rabbits etc ) no big animals. Fun and educational exhibits for kids and adults. Hands on play center by the entrance for kids to experiment, play, learn and have fun (discovery center). Little area in the back with little tables n chairs for kids to eat lunch and rest under the shaded area. Clean. Animal exhibits actually had animals that my kids could see. Fun jungle rope tree house that kids could climb to see above the zoo. Walkways in zoo area is a little narrow so smaller strollers would be preferred.

  • 5/5 Abhinav S. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing little place for toddlers to enjoy. We visited on a weekday and it was still full with toddlers and young kids. It is just about the right size to entertain your kids. Zoo has a few animals and birds, a small aquarium and a tree house. At around 3 PM , they allow visitors to feed flamingos which is a fun activity for kids. Museum has a lot of sensory and educational toys where you can let your kids explore and learn on their own. Tickets are worth $10. There is a library and a small park/playground nearby as well. I highly recommend this place for families with toddlers or young kids.

  • 5/5 Luna A. 3 years ago on Google
    Good old times, this is still my favorite museum even tho I'm a bit too old for this amazing place. I went here back in 2009 when i was still a kid.

  • 5/5 Randeep 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to take your kids for a fun, educational afternoon that they’ll love!

  • 5/5 Karla J. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice place for children to see animals and other attractions that are here I recommend very good (Original) Muy bonito lugar para que los niños vean animales y otras atracciones que hay aqui lo recomiendo muy buen

  • 5/5 zhuoyao z. 8 months ago on Google
    Highly recommend this place for parents with small kids (under 7). The place is small but very well designed. There are plenty of things for kids to explore. They also have a small zoo with 20+ types of cute animals. Very easy to spend half a day here and my kids are very happy every time they visited. Plus, the tickets price is quite cheap ($10/person).

  • 5/5 Kenny K. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice friendly place, and free too

  • 5/5 Fanny O. 7 months ago on Google
    Great fun for all the family! Kids had so much to do and see and explore. Lovely combination of nature, science and architecture.

  • 5/5 Gigi H. 4 years ago on Google
    Especially great for toddlers and younger children..also babies who are quite Visual and learn from Hands-On stimulation

  • 5/5 Amna M. 5 months ago on Google
    Such a great place for kids and adults alike. We took our little one her for the first time when she just started to walk and even then it was a wonderful experience. The Macaw are always a delight and last time we even got to see the sloth feeding at 3pm on a Sunday. Don’t miss it but get your tickets in advance!

  • 5/5 Z. H. 5 months ago on Google
    Great local establishment for family fun. Young children will enjoy and have a good time here. The indoor portion of the museum has a lot of hands on STEM type activities.The outdoor zoo area has some exotic animals and play area. Highly recommended to get a membership if you are local and can come often. Currently you will need tor reserve a time slot upon purchase ticket.

  • 4/5 Nils R. 4 years ago on Google
    Small but lot of entertainment for kids. From experiments (water and solar energy) to animals and bugs to be discovered. Free but $5 donation suggested

  • 4/5 Austin 4 years ago on Google
    A little disappointed. When we arrived we just learned that the zoo park is closed temporarily and will reopen next fall. The museum is still open and it is fun.

  • 5/5 Jack S. 5 years ago on Google
    Palo Alto's Junior Museum and Zoo is a delightful place to take your young children for a couple of hours of fun. The interactive areas inside keep the children engaged and learning. The little zoo is a great place for educating kids about animals, and how we can better care for their natural environments as well as enjoy seeing the resident animals close up. There is also a small playground and park outside the museum to extend the length of your stay at this site. Zoo Camp at the Jr Museum was one of our daughter's favorite Palo Alto camps, and the science programs done for the public schools are fabulous. Sadly, the Junior Museum and zoo are currently being completely redone and will not reopen at this site for quite some time. They do have a facility operating at Cubberly in the meantime though. Enjoy this local resource.

  • 5/5 Todd Parker MA MS ATO EPS A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great Free Place for kids to explore and play!

  • 5/5 Agmm A. 4 years ago on Google
    Yes awesome ?

  • 5/5 Mark L. 4 years ago on Google
    The zoo is under construction. The zoo will be open in summer 2020.

  • 4/5 Pete R. 4 years ago on Google
    The grandkids enjoyed their visit

  • 4/5 Phil D. 5 years ago on Google
    Nice animal exhibit

  • 5/5 Joseph C. 5 years ago on Google
    Love it nothing else to say

  • 5/5 alex c. 5 years ago on Google
    Auto

  • 4/5 Biren K. 5 years ago on Google
    Great fun and quite a quick place to get through. Some green spaces outside if you take a picnic.

  • 4/5 Sandra R. 5 years ago on Google
    My grandson loves this place. He loves to play with the exhibits and loves it when the staff brings out the animals.

  • 5/5 yuee w. 5 years ago on Google
    great!!! Thanks

  • 5/5 Andrea U. 5 years ago on Google
    We come here often when we need something to do to kill a couple of hours. Great for kids of all ages

  • 4/5 劉怡慧 4 years ago on Google
    Underconstraction now

  • 4/5 Unnikrishnan A. 5 years ago on Google
    The site is being renovated. So, not much of activities. However, the staff is very nice to explain and give instructions. Good place to spend time with your kids though. Would have given 5 stars.

  • 5/5 Dvir A. 4 years ago on Google
    Open space full of scientific experiences for kids. Great casual spot to bring the kids, even for a short while, since admittance is free (they accept donations instead)

  • 5/5 Ruth H. 4 years ago on Google
    Small but great for my preschooler and infant.

  • 4/5 Sarah A. 4 years ago on Google
    Too small but fun

  • 5/5 Subathra G. 6 years ago on Google
    My son favourite place. Awesome place for kids

  • 5/5 Elita N. 6 years ago on Google
    Kids love this small kid museum. Nice little zoo with a few animals. Good for 1-8yr

  • 5/5 Nidhi S. 6 years ago on Google
    Loved the small yet amazing place.

  • 5/5 Michael V. 4 years ago on Google
    Must see in Palo Alto if you have kids

  • 5/5 Stan B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Mudra (Original) Mudra

  • 4/5 Lin X. 4 years ago on Google
    A lot of children activities

  • 5/5 John H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids and parents

  • 5/5 Carol Mac D. 4 years ago on Google
    My 2yr old granddaughter loves the Jr. museum. We go frequently. Great place for toddlers!

  • 5/5 Jaimin L. 4 years ago on Google
    Good place for kids

  • 5/5 Faith W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for kids under age 7 or so. Free with suggested $5 donation per person


Call +1 650-329-2111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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