The Randall Museum offers a variety of field trip programs designed to complement classroom learning goals, including up close learning in our Wild in California live animal exhibit, diving into exciting science concepts, and enjoying hands-on nature and science experiences that make learning come alive. The field trip registration fee also includes time for students to explore the museum’s exhibits. Discounted rates are offered to SFUSD public schools.
Perched atop Corona Heights Hill, the Randall Museum offers sweeping views of San Francisco, the Bay, and the East Bay. Field Trip groups can enjoy lunch outdoors in our open spaces, take a short hike, or visit the State Street Playground just below the museum for afternoon fun.
Science Field Trips
Discover Science in Action!
Bring your students to explore the fascinating science woven into the San Francisco Bay Area’s natural environment. Our Science Field Trips immerse students in active, hands-on learning that connects directly to the California Science Framework—making science come alive beyond the classroom.
Available Tuesday–Friday mornings, each 90-minute program runs from 10:15 am to 11:45 am. Pricing starts at $100 for groups of up to 35 participants (youth and adults combined). Additional adults are just $2 per person. Up to 5 additional adults allowed. 50% discount available for SFUSD schools when you use the promo code ‘public’.
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Topic Options:
Food for Thought
Inspired by the Randall Museum’s temporary exhibit, Food for Thought reveals how each of us impacts the environment through our relationship with the food system. Through games and activities, students explore the effects of shopping, growing, cooking, and disposing of food and packaging through games and activities. They also discover how dedicated scientists are driving positive change—and how simple actions like composting can make a big difference.
Before San Francisco
Long before settlers arrived, the San Francisco Peninsula looked very different. This program explores how Native Peoples interacted with the region’s geography, plants, and animals through engaging discussions, games, and activities.
Air and Wind
Earth’s atmosphere—an incredible mix of gases—sustains life and shapes our world. Through hands-on experiments, students learn how the properties of air are used in real-world applications, and how forces create winds that influence our weather systems.
Bay Area Geology
Students journey back 4.6 billion years to uncover the Earth’s geologic story. Using the museum’s rock and mineral collection, they identify key properties of different rocks, then head outdoors for an instructor-led hike to explore the unique geologic formations of Corona Heights, home to the Randall Museum.
Electricity and Magnetism
Electricity and magnetism are distinct but interconnected forces that shape our world. In this interactive program, students investigate the basic principles by building circuits, testing objects with magnets, and even pulling electrons off each other to see these forces in action.
Water
Water is the foundation of life on Earth. Through experiments, students explore its unique properties—such as flow, surface tension, capillary action, and buoyancy—while gaining a deeper appreciation of the limited supply of freshwater and the vital water cycle that sustains our planet.
Green and Growing
From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, plants shape our everyday lives. This program invites students to explore their roles as consumers, producers, and environmental stewards, while learning how plants are essential to healthy ecosystems.
You will be asked to select a field trip topic during the checkout process.
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Animal Field Trips
Explore the wonders of the animal kingdom!
Students meet the Randall Museum’s rescued animal ambassadors and discover the incredible diversity of wildlife sharing our planet. These interactive field trips invite students to observe, ask questions, and connect with animals from both our own backyards and habitats around the world. Whether exploring adaptations, learning about food webs, or meeting creatures from the ocean’s edge, each program is led by knowledgeable instructors and designed to inspire curiosity, empathy, and environmental stewardship.
Available Tuesday-Friday mornings with 45-60 minute programs starting at 10am and 11am. Pricing starts at $80 for groups up to 25 participants (youth and adults combined). Additional adults are just $2 per person. Up to 5 additional adults allowed. 50% discount available for SFUSD schools when you use the promo code ‘public’.
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Topic Options:
Invertebrates
From spiders to sea stars, invertebrates make up over 80% of all animal species on Earth! With the help of our animal ambassadors, students will use their observation skills to learn what makes these animals unique—and why they may not be so “creepy” after all. Explore the incredible variety of arthropods and other spineless creatures found both on land and in the sea.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Coexisting in California: Habitats
You don’t need to travel the world to help wildlife—start right here at home! Students will meet animal ambassadors representing California’s diverse habitats, from the Bay Area’s chaparral and redwood forests to the Mojave Desert. Through close encounters, they’ll build empathy for native species and leave empowered to make a difference for local wildlife.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Reptiles and Amphibians
Are animals really “cold-blooded”? What’s the difference between “poison” and “venom”? Students will meet our resident snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs while learning fascinating facts and clearing up common myths about these often misunderstood creatures.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Senses & Adaptations
How do snakes move without limbs? Why do some animals smell with their tongues? Students will investigate amazing survival adaptations—from a turtle’s protective shell to the sharp eyesight of a hawk—by observing our ambassador animals and discovering how these traits help them thrive in the wild.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Predator and Prey: The Food Web
From plants to predators, every living thing has a place in nature’s interconnected food web. Students will explore the relationships between producers, consumers, and decomposers, and learn how animals use different strategies to hunt or avoid becoming prey.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Oceans: Intertidal Explorations
Over 70% of Earth is covered by oceans—and some of the most fascinating creatures live where land meets sea. Students will get an up-close look at local marine life such as sea stars, anemones, and fish, learning what makes them unique and how they survive in their watery world.
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Vertebrates (NEW!)
Recommended: Kindergarten & up
Birds (NEW!)
Led by our resident ornithologist, students will hike Corona Heights Hill to observe native birds in their natural habitat. On rainy days, the program moves indoors to explore bird artifacts and sometimes even meet our live bird ambassadors.
Recommended: 4th grade & up • Offered at 11:00 am, weather permitting
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Self-Guided Field Trips
Explore the Randall Museum at your own pace with your students or group. Visit our changing exhibits and Live Animal Exhibit, interact with geology in the Foundations exhibit, and enjoy the spectacular model train layout. You can also download a scavenger hunt, chat with our animal keepers, and have a picnic lunch on the museum grounds.
Available Tuesday–Friday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Bring your group of up to 30 people for just $45, with additional adults being just $2 per person. Up to 5 additional adults allowed. Small groups of fewer than 10 can explore for free—no registration required.
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Field Trip FAQS:
- What payment methods are accepted?
- You can book online now with a credit card. To book and pay with a check, email kgaleasveliz@randallmuseum.org
- What is the cancellation policy?
- Cancellations made at least 1 week in advance will receive a full refund; cancellations made 2 days in advance will receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available for cancellations made less than 2 days before your visit. To reschedule or cancel, email kgaleasveliz@randallmuseum.org.
- Can my class see the animals?
- Yes! All of our live animals live in the Wild in California exhibit, and science field trip classes can tour all exhibits at no additional fee. For Animal Field Trips, opportunities to touch animals depend on both the animal’s comfort and the students’ behavior.
- Do you accommodate special needs students?
- Absolutely. Our instructors are skilled at adapting lessons for a variety of learning styles. Please let us know in advance about any special needs so we can best prepare. The Randall Museum is ADA-compliant and has an elevator.
- Is there parking?
- Yes. We have a large parking lot, and buses can drop students off directly in the lot.
- Is there space to eat lunch?
- Yes. Groups can use our outdoor amphitheater, picnic tables, or lawn for lunch. In case of rain, indoor space can be arranged.
- How many chaperones are required?
- We require a minimum of 1 chaperone for every 10 students to ensure a safe and engaging visit.
- What is the youngest age group you can accommodate for animal field trip interactions?
- For safety and USDA regulations, direct interactions (touching) with Animal Ambassadors are limited to youth ages 6 and up. All visitors are welcome to view our animals in the Wild in California exhibit.
Teacher Resources
- We also offer our popular Animal Presentations
- Download an animal exhibit scavenger hunt worksheet you can print out and duplicate to enhance your group’s experience.
And Download a teacher evaluation to help us shape and refine our science programs for San Francisco children
Randall On the Road Science Field Trips
Randall on the Road – Randall Museum instructors go to classrooms across San Francisco to present the Museum’s amazing science field trip classes