Old St. Hilary's Open Space Nature Preserve

Most museums ask that you refrain from touching any of the displays, but at The Exploratorium in San Francisco, your hands are one of the many body parts you will use to interact with a wide array of exhibits that seek to explain scientific principles and achievements in an engaging and entertaining manner.Best and worst time to go to the ExploratoriumAs a popular spot for parents to bring their children, the Exploratorium can get pretty crowded on the weekends. Visiting during a weekday helps cut down on the congestion.Must/see do at the ExploratoriumAlthough it comes with its own admission fee ($15) the Tactile Dome is a classic exhibit that challenges your sense of touch as you use it to navigate through a pitch-black environment featuring varying textures. If you like working with your hands but want to see what you're doing the Cardboard Automata exhibit lets you tinker with simple objects to build your own kinetic art piece. For fans of the timeless video game Snake, the Team Snake exhibit puts a twist on things by making you work with others to grab the food and stay alive.Admission to the ExploratoriumAdults (ages 18-64) are charged $29, while seniors, people with disabilities, teachers, students, and teenagers are charged $24. The fee for children between the ages of four and 12 is $19, and children under three are admitted for free. Bay Area residents qualify for special reduced rates.Parking and public transportation at the ExploratoriumThere are a number of nearby lots and parking garages with varying rates. Metered parking along the Embarcadero and on side streets is available as well. Muni bus lines 2, 6, 14, 21, 31, and metro rail lines J, K, L, M, T, N stop near the area. Bus lines 1, 10, 12, 41, and 38 are also close and the Embarcadero BART station is a 10-minute walk away.Food at the ExploratoriumThe Seaglass Restaurant, located at the east end of the museum, offers fantastic views of the bay and has a locally sourced menu that changes with the seasons with fresh seafood and sushi always available. Near the main entrance to the museum is the Seismic Joint Cafe, a take-out spot that features a full coffee bar and is known for its Sachio's Ramen.Insider tip for visitors to the ExploratoriumRemember to bring some hand sanitizer unless you want to create your own science experiment by testing your immunities. Throngs of kids plus hand-on exhibits can make for some slimy situations, and the museum doesn't offer stations.Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area.