California Academy of Sciences to Kick Off Earth Month

Academy Day, April 4

Celebrate the institution’s 171st anniversary with pay-what-you-can pricing, a science fair, animals, art, and more.

The California Academy of Sciences will kick off Earth Month on the anniversary of its founding April 4—known as Academy Day—with a wide variety of fun and educational activities, including a special science fair, giveaways, and more.

Spring in the Garden

Academy Day offerings this year will include supersize animatronic insects at Spring in the Garden, face painting, a photo booth, and more.

Attend our Academy Day grand opening featuring a warm welcome from our executive director. (9-9:30 am)

Science Fair

Dive into our planet’s wondrous biodiversity with Academy experts during this hands-on science fair, which will also feature our three regeneration initiatives: Hope for Reefs, Islands 2030, and Thriving California.  (9:30-3 pm)

Live Animals from Lindsay Wildlife Experience

The East Bay wildlife hospital and museum will offer presentations with live animals and touchable specimens and share information about their work. Animal visitors will include a Pacific gopher snake, blue death-feigning beetles, and a desert blonde tarantula, plus some special guests. (12-3 pm)

Science Lectures

Engage in lectures and chats on the Academy's history, biodiversity science, Earth Month, and more. (10 am-2 pm)

Insect Illustration Station

Learn how to draw your favorite insects with the Academy’s expert illustrator in our East Garden. (10 am-12 pm)

Planetarium Popup

Join our planetarium presenters for hands-on activities demonstrating the marvelous science that makes up our universe.

Golden Gate Park Birdwatching

Jack Dumbacher, the Academy’s curator of ornithology and a master birder, will lead a group of donors on a birding walk in Golden Gate Park.

Special pay-what-you-can pricing will be offered on Academy Day (while supplies last) to expand access to every child and family and enable guests to show their support. This special pricing is one of several affordable access programs offered by the Academy throughout the year.