Great place for parents with kids or field trip. Restroom, WiFi, and a small cafeteria. They didn’t charge me entrance fee on 2021-12-29. Mask and vaccination records are required.

Really nice, small museum/hands on activity center for kids- and it’s FREE! We took my 1 year old daughter - she mostly liked the room with the animals- chickens, ducks, bunny (employee let kids pet these animals and they loved it!!) a raccoon, snakes, turtles, birds, etc—toddler treehouse is closed but I’d say it’s better for 3/4+ Years old to take advantage of their weekend art classes and see the model train set in the basement. Really nice location with a cute cafe and beautiful city views.

A fun way to spend a few hours! There are live animals to view, even guinea pigs to pet. They have an impressive train set with information on the Transcontinental Railroad. There is also a lot of art on display. There is plenty to view and do, including the incredible views of the city from the hill.

A great spot to learn about food waste and its effects on global warming. The Art Studio exhibit was my favorite. Barbara Lim’s work was colorful and intriguing. The “simple pleasures of daily life” are worth capturing on paper.

Fun and interesting animal exhibit for all ages. Saw the employees pet and feed the local raccoon (name is Buddy) which was priceless. They also have a duck, chickens, crows, an owl, tarantula, turtles, and more. Great atmosphere and place to chill after hiking.

I visited on a weekday and got there before they opened and while exploring found they have a gate that leads out the back so you can hike to the top of the rocky hill with great views. Once inside the first thing is the animals which they have a good local variety of creatures. They even have a petting zooish exhibit where you can go inside the enclosure which I didn't even realize until I saw someone else go in. Downstairs they got some cool ocean stuff and a very impressive model train setup. Lastly I saw from our visit was the train themed play area with tracks to play with but it seemed you needed to bring your own train because there wasn't any.

Today I went to Randall Museum with my dad. I like the turtles because they are very friendly. Two of the turtles were even playing ! You could even see the whole city if you hiked up some stairs. I think all of my friends would like to go to Randall Museum because there are a lot of interesting things that you can learn and see there !

Great little museum. We visited it for the bugs day event. It was loads of fun. Kids were able to experience some live bugs and also do some fun activities. My younger son loves model trains and it has very large track where you can watch these trains go around through the glass. They also have other kids activities like some live animals, an amazing bee hive, some mechanical stuff where kids get to build stuff and try out small experiments. They also have dedicated classes where parent child can learn to do carpentering together. Which would be super cool if we were living in SF still but we are slightly further away. All of it was free.. can’t beat that. Very cool children’s activity museum. We shall visit again. Parking can be a problem if there big events like bug day.

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 had a question.

I feel so lucky this place exists. I’ve spent countless peaceful afternoons here with my toddler. A raccoon, turtles and other animals to visit. A gorgeous lawn for picnics, with nice vistas of mission. And I love the cafe for a quick bite to eat and coffee or pastries.

The "Junior Museum" was the most important place of my childhood. From the time I was seven, I would walk up there and spend nearly every Saturday grinding rocks, spinning wool into yarn, weaving on the looms, creating pictures and plaster of paris molds of lupine and butterflies, building airplanes from balsa wood, watching two cartoons in the little theater and eating an ice cream from Gerty Guernseys. I am grateful every day for Josaphine D. Randall!

This museum is a hidden gem! So much entertainment for kids and at such a beautiful location. We were very happy that a cafe has opened on site, but beware there is no child friendly food on the menu so pack a picnic or snacks for the kiddos. Not just for kids, the grounds and views are amazing! This would be a great place for a romantic date.

Took two 6yo and a 2yo today, I haven't been there since the remodel - it looked great! Felt spacious and bright, the top level, anyways. There was something for everyone: the traditional basket weaving exhibit, the animals (backyard type, not too exotic), the building block structures to test with the earthquake simulator, but *especially* the train display. A whole room set up with miniature trains including a switch yard, a model town and a hilly rural area with tunnels and bridges. Absolute heaven for a Thomas-obsessed kindergartner! There's now a café, but since we're having a very un-San Franciscan heatwave we picnicked under the trees outside while admiring the cityscape. Suggested donation $1 per person, well worth it.

Great spot for kids who enjoy animals, trains and arts & crafts. Was really impressed with the classes/projects kids can take while visiting for a small fee. Also, the views are beautiful.

This was my first visit and I was a little bit scared to go alone with my 4 kids, but it turned out to be the perfect place to spend a Saturday. My oldest liked it so much she wants to volunteer and even my 2 year old kept himself occupied with the Legos and the trains. I cannot believe is for free!

Wonderful treasure house of nature, creativity, history. Many options for all ages, including littles. Learn about nature, climate change, plants, animals. Rescued animals live in the wildlife center. Lots of places to sit and play outside. You can also walk up the winding path and stairs to the peak above. If you don't want to walk or the stairs are inaccessible, you can still enjoy incredible and accessible views. There is a cafe with an outside area with tables and chairs sheltered by sunbrellas to enjoy your food or drink. And - believe it or not - it's FREE! Caution: the road leading down to the Randall is really, really narrow. Yes, it's two way. Be cautious and careful driving on this road. Give way for other drivers as needed.

Friendly staff and nice exhibitions, also on very useful topics, e.g. food storage and waste. It is free and set in a wonderful garden, plus has a free parking lot as one of the few places in San Francisco. The drive there was easy, a lot of signs direct here.

The perfect place for young children aged 2 to 5.

Nice lit museum with some live animals and workshops.

friendly staff and child friendly animals well kept

Great place for kids of all ages. The trains were a hit.

Amazing museum and hike

Amazing exhibits

Great little gem in the middle of SF. Lots for everyone to see and do no matter your age.

Cute and great for young kids. Fantastic views!

It's a cute free/donations center with spectacular views of the city. We visited in the middle of the week when there weren't any classes or demonstrations available so not much to do. I would recommend going on the weekends

I brought my kids here and they had a blast with all the animals. They even had a tarantula crawl up their arm cringe worthy but exciting. Best of all it is free and the views outside are breathtaking.

Absolutely love this place. It's such a hidden gem for kids. Children can learn about animals and trains here! What more could you ask for!? The view outside is also stunning.

The Randall Museum was closed for major renovation for so long. I lamented my little boy missing the museum's sweet spot appealing to toddler/preschool and early elementary school children. The good news is the wait was entirely worth it: The Randall Museum is not only beautiful and airy but much more inclusive of children of all ages and there are plans for offerings for older teens, too.

On top of a steep hill overlooking San Francisco. A mini zoo with local animals, artifacts, a cafe, great views of the city, and hiking.

Great free museum in a park with beautiful views. My 2 year old loves coming here for the trains and animals.

Love this little museum. Not too big. Lovely scene from the hilltop. It has a small live animal exhibit with turtles and fish, a downstairs space with electric trains, and a little Cafe Josephine that has hot vegetable lentil soup and buttery chocolate croissant. Ines loved building the Lego on the earthquake shaking ground and doing some reading in the play room. I spent around 2 hours with a 3yo and it was just right. Not as crowded as some of the other places in SF. Lovely docent to welcome us and give us an intro on the layout when we arrived.

After visiting with kids over the years, I became aware that the place needs renovation. The Randall museum needs to bring back it's mojo......for 0 to when kids become aware of how it's mehhhh.. or you can see Karl the owl...

What a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. The museum has a combination of live animal exhibits along with informative displays. Some of the enclosures for the live animals could be improved. Grounds are lovely. Cafe Josephine is a great place to grab a coffee and a snack.

Always educational, never boring, totally free & rad! My kids love this place (not unlike the other kiddos we saw). My son worships reverently at the train layout & my daughter loves the variety of animals on display as well as the mineral quiz game. Never a dull moment here. She’s into wood work too. Not too long until she picks up a chisel & mallet here.

Small quaint but science focused museum. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars is because the model train exhibit was not running. We were told when we entered the train exhibit was impressive and it was had it been working. Many of the children including my granddaughter were very disappointed.

Not good for 4 and under, limited hands on learning activities. Makes sense for a free museum tho. The layout it good. Some animals were not available, cages were open. The treehouse smells so bad! Dank, musty, from dirty wet kids in there, ew. Bathrooms are ok, no stools for kids, had trouble holding mine up. Good to experience once, won't be back.

people are very nice

Great for kids

Free small museum, good for toddlers and younger once. Has a small indoor Animal area like crows, hen, mouse, raccoon, snake, fish etc. Has a miniature train park to see too. Has a place to buy some quick snack. Connected to a mini trail to walk in nature.

The miniature train sets are amazing

Really good spot to take the kids

This place has the best view (360 degrees) of the city

❤️❤️❤️

Awesome place!!

Loved performing here

It was a great experience for my 2 year old granddaughter. She enjoyed seeing the turtles, racoons, bunnies, and other animals. She loved all the moving trains.

Unfortunately it was closed during coronavirus ...still is as of June 20 2020

I went here as a child in 67' to 71'. I'm so glad it's still here. It was a fabulous place to be up close with animals and experience science.

The randall museum is such a fun place for all ages. U can explore the entire place under a hr or take your time and easily spend a few hours. There's a variety of things to see and learn about. The bathroom facilities are stocked and clean. The staff is outgoing and attentive.

My 3 year old son says that this is his favorite museum in the whole world! I think it might be the combo of rescue animals and exhibits that include trains. It operates off of recommended $2/person donations and is a great little place (2 floors) to bring young kids for a couple of hours. They have additional specialclasses/workshops for older kids I believe that we haven't tried. One thing we've particularly loved is coming near Halloween for their fun festive activities set up outside. Also, a great view of downtown from there.

What a cool place! Lots of animal exhibits, a really big model train, geology, aquatic, and more! Was really curious about their in house wood shop and electronic shop. The views from the back and park are fantastic!

Really great free children's museum! Theres an indoor petting farm, small aquarium with turtles, a mini desert area with tortoise, snakes, bunny and more. The outside area is awesome as well with a beautiful view. The museum is connected to Corona heights stairway to the top for an even more incredible view! And there's a parking lot!

A small & simple museum with hands on activities, live animals, and a bunch of craft centers. The facility is free to enter, but they do ask a $1 donation per person if your able to donate. There are Thomas wood trains for rent ($3) as well if your child wants to play in the train center. Children had a blast exploring the center. A petting zoo is available in the animal exhibit. If your family get hungry, there is also a rainforest themed restaurant located in the center. Need more to do? There us a trail leading to the mountain peak for a breathtaking view of the city, as well as a trail leading down to a small park & playground.

Just beautiful. I visited again after the remodeling and I like it. More exhibition yo see for the kids and a lot to learn about bay area

New favorite spot! They have a indoor/outdoor bee hive and a snow owl. If your child likes trains, bring them. The view is amazing.

Check it out for yourself

Just love it!

After 40 years of going here, still great. They still have arts and crafts, nature and many exhibits about San Francisco past and present. Now all my children will have fond memories of going to the Jr Randall Museum.

Not just for kids! In the evenings they’ve got all sorts of adult classes. The wood shop ones are especially fun.

(Translated by Google) The impression of the museum is good. The child liked it, and mom is free to enter. Paid only circles for drawing, etc. The landscape in the area does not leave anyone indifferent. (Original) Впечатление от музея хорошее. Ребёнку понравилось, а маме вход бесплатный. Платные только кружки по рисованию и тд. Пейзаж в округе не оставляет равнодушным никого.

Classroom oriented museum for children.

great neighborhood hidden treasure for the littles

What a great find (plus a great view of San Francisco). We were the only tourists when we visited. The kids loved exploring the various exhibits. The centre is certainly educational although we felt uncomfortable with the small enclosure for the racoon. But other than that, a refreshing change to the usual tourist attractions.

Great museum for all ages. Took our 2 yr old grandson. He loved the model trains, live animals, live magic show in the theater and legos. There is also a food court to buy or bring your own.

The garner Teresa, was so nice to us, she gave us the whole history of the park and museum. My children just loved the animals.

Best place in SF for young kids

It's free!

Nice museum , but the dinosaurs came alive

Beautiful trails and eucalyptus trees.

Fantastic. Children love it

The museum was cool BUT couldn't stand that tiny pen for the raccoon. Give the coon a bigger pen please!

Great spot for little kids. It's small enough to make it through in a couple of hours. This is worth coming to for the trains on Saturday morning alone.