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How Much Do Morrison Planetarium Tickets Cost?

Last Updated on January 26, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

As one of the largest and most technologically advanced digital planetarium domes in the world, the Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences offers an awe-inspiring experience for visitors of all ages. But for many travelers headed to San Francisco, especially families, a question arises: how much do tickets to the Morrison Planetarium cost?

In this guide, we’ll break down the full range of standard and discounted ticketing options so you can find the best deals. You’ll also discover insider tips on booking, when to visit, additional costs, and ways to maximize savings. Read on for everything you need to budget and plan an affordable, memorable trip to this must-see attraction.

How Much Do Morrison Planetarium Tickets Cost?

Morrison Planetarium tickets and all Academy exhibits have a cost range from a low of $29.95 for kids under 12 years old up to $39.95 for adult tickets, with special discounted rates available to seniors, students, locals, and families that can lower admission to free on select community days. Typical family or group visit budgets including parking, food, and activities generally total between $250 to $400.

The Morrison Planetarium is part of the California Academy of Sciences, so ticket prices depend on the type of access:

  • General Academy Admission – Includes all exhibits plus one planetarium show.
    • Adult (18-64) – $39.95
    • Youth (12-17) – $34.95
    • Child (4-11) – $29.95
  • Discounted Academy Admission – Same access but discounted rates for seniors, students, etc.
    • Seniors (65+) – $34.95
    • Students – $34.95
    • Children (3 and under) – Free
  • Planetarium-Only Admission – Rarely offered, usually same as general admission.
  • Special Exhibit Tickets – Additional fees ~$5-10 for temporary/touring exhibits.

These prices include access to the rainforest dome, aquarium, natural history museum, and other permanent attractions alongside the planetarium.

Membership packages are also available with unlimited, year-round entry plus discounts. Families can save money with the Family Membership for $179 per year (for 2 adults + children under 18).

According to California Academy of Sciences, general admission prices typically range from $36.95 to $43.25 for adults, while youth tickets are priced between $28.95 and $33.75. This general admission includes access to the planetarium as well as other exhibits within the academy.

Another source, Free Tours by Foot, details that students and seniors can expect to pay around $31.95 to $37.75 for admission. Additionally, they mention that tickets can be more expensive on weekends and during peak times, so purchasing in advance is recommended for the best prices.

A report from Viator notes that while general admission tickets include access to the Morrison Planetarium, reservations for specific planetarium shows are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The site emphasizes that these shows are included in the general ticket price but must be reserved upon arrival.

According to information from Go City, visitors can save money by purchasing a pass that includes admission to multiple attractions, which can reduce the overall cost of visiting the planetarium along with other sites in San Francisco.

Lastly, an article on TripAdvisor mentions that there are opportunities for free admission on certain days, specifically one Sunday each month, which can provide significant savings for those looking to visit the planetarium without incurring costs.

Discounts and Freme Admission Opportunities

Beyond standard ticket rates, many discounts exist:

  • San Francisco Residents – Show ID for discounted resident rates of $29.95 for adults.
  • Student and Senior Discounts – Seniors (65+) and students with ID pay $34.95 for academy admission.
  • Free Community Days – Free entry a few times per year for low-income families and neighborhoods.
  • Corporate Employee Discounts – Many SF companies offer employee perks for Academy tickets.
  • School Groups – Discounted $20 rates for school field trips with 10+ students. Chaperones free.

Watch for other seasonal deals around holidays or special events for extra savings on Morrison Planetarium visits.

When Are Discounted Tickets Available?

In addition to the standard discounts above, be on the lookout for special limited-time deals around:

  • Spring break and summer vacation periods
  • Major holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend
  • Low attendance seasons in fall and winter
  • Special events like Earth Day and World Oceans Day

Following the Academy’s social media and enewsletters allows you to jump on pricing promotions, seasonal coupons, and holiday packages when they roll out. Timing your visit to align with these offers can yield big savings!

You might also like our articles on the cost of tickets for a Taylor Swift concert, the Super Bowl, or Comic Con.

Where To Purchase Tickets

Several options exist for getting tickets:

  • Official Website – Convenient online purchase and printable tickets any time.
  • Third-Party Resellers – Resale sites like VisitCalifornia.com also sell academy tickets.
  • On-Site Box Office – Tickets sold at site but may have lines during peak times. Limits daily walk-up capacity.
  • Tourism Bureaus – Local SF tourism centers sell bundled deals including transportation and other city attractions.

Academy tickets occasionally sell out for peak days, so advance online booking is recommended. This also allows selecting a specific planetarium showtime.

What Does My Ticket Include?

A general admission ticket grants you:

  • Entry to one 25–30-minute Morrison Planetarium space show in the advanced digital dome theater. Multiple different films play throughout the day focusing on topics like black holes, the Mars rover, effects of space on astronauts, and virtual trips through the cosmos.
  • Access to the 135,000-gallon Philip Steinhart Aquarium housing 38,000 live animals including aquatic plants, invertebrates, tide pool creatures, tropical fish, and more. Observe feeding times, pet sting rays, and get up close to aquatic life.
  • Admission to the four-story Rainforests of the World exhibit under a 90-foot glass dome with free-flying birds, bats, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. Experience an indoor rainforest ecosystem up-close.
  • Exploration of the Natural History exhibits like the California Coast and Earthquake displays as well as wildlife dioramas, geology, gems, and interactive human evolution exhibits.
  • Entry to any special limited-time exhibits included with basic admission. The Academy often hosts unique displays like animal skeletons, King Tut artifacts, or traveling exhibits.
  • Ability to dine at the on-site Academy Cafe and make reservations without added fees. Enjoy standard museum cafe fare from grabbing a snack to sit-down dining.
  • Access to the museum store filled with science-themed gifts, apparel, books, toys, and take-home kits for all ages. Pick up a memorable souvenir.

With this included, your ticket to the Morrison Planetarium unlocks a full day adventure at one of the top science museums on the West Coast!

Additional Costs

When planning a visit to the Morrison Planetarium, also account for these extra potential expenses:

Parking – Rates in the Music Concourse Garage at the Academy range from $3 for 20 minutes to $12 for all day. Street parking in Golden Gate Park also varies by location and demand.

Special Exhibits or Shows – The Academy frequently hosts limited-run evening shows, IMAX movies, or unique exhibits that require a small add-on fee around $5-$15 per person.

Food and Drink – The on-site Academy Cafe offers standard museum dining fare from snacks to sandwiches to daily specials, costing $10-$25 per person. Bringing your own food and water helps control costs.

Souvenirs and Take-Home Gifts – The gift shop sells science-themed keepsakes like shirts, books, stuffed animals, rock collections, and educational activity kits ranging from $5 to $50+. Set a budget for the kids ahead of time.

Educational Experiences – Interactive offerings like animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, 3D movies, and workshops range from $12 to over $100 depending on the specialty experience.

Transportation – Getting to the Academy via Uber/Lyft, public transit, or tour buses adds $5-$20 to your total trip costs.

Factoring in these potential ancillary expenses allows you to plan and budget wisely for your Morrison Planetarium visit.

Insider Tips

We talked to Academy educators to get their insider tips on having the best experience:

“Arrive right at opening on weekdays to have exhibits like the rainforest dome almost all to yourself!” – Sofia Rodriguez, Youth Programs Director

“NightLife Thursdays are a blast for adults but draw big crowds. Stick to daytime on weekends for shorter lines.” – Michael Kaplan, Visitor Services

“Check the show schedule online for timing when less popular films are playing to easily get seats in the planetarium.” – Emily Wu, Educator

Additional advice includes:

  • Avoid visiting during major holidays and spring/summer vacations when both attendance and prices surge.
  • Saturdays tend to be busiest. Opt for Sundays or better yet – weekday visits.
  • Beat the crowds by arriving 30-60 minute early, especially for reserved planetarium show seats.

Following these tips, you can thoroughly explore the Academy exhibits and see an amazing Morrison Planetarium show while minimizing wait times!

Budget-Friendly Tips for Families

Traveling in a pack? Use these money-saving strategies:

  • Take advantage of family and group discounts like bundled tickets or membership deals.
  • Pack your own food and water rather than paying premium on-site prices. Enjoy lunch at nearby Golden Gate Park.
  • If staying outside the city, investigate discounted hotel packages that bundle attraction tickets.
  • Check IRS Publication 526 for potential tax deductions related to educational trips.
  • For repeat visits, an annual membership often costs less than multiple trips.

“The Family Membership for 2 adults and kids is a steal at $179 a year if you live in the Bay Area. We get our money’s worth every time!” – Ryan Matsumoto, Dad and Academy Member

With the right approach, experiencing the awe-inspiring Morrison Planetarium can fit into most family travel budgets.

Morrison Planetarium vs Other SF Attractions

Morrison PlanetariumHow does the Academy stack up for price and value when visiting San Francisco?

California Academy of Sciences

  • Adult Ticket: $39.95
  • Includes planetarium, aquarium, and natural history exhibits.
  • Significant student, senior, and resident discounts available.

Exploratorium

  • Adult Ticket: $29.95
  • Hands-on interactive science museum.
  • Open Wednesday–Sunday only.

de Young Museum

  • Adult Ticket: $15
  • Renowned fine arts museum with varying special exhibits.
  • Closed on Mondays.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

  • Adult Ticket: $54.95
  • Massive marine wildlife exhibits on Monterey coast.
  • Timed-entry tickets often sell out weeks in advance.

Among top SF attractions, the Academy offers strong value, especially when utilizing discounts. Easy access within Golden Gate Park is another benefit.

Budgeting For Your Family’s Visit

Based on our research, budget per person:

  • Admission – Adult $39.95, Youth $34.95, Child $29.95. Members can deduct annual fee divided by visits.
  • Parking$3 to $12 depending on duration
  • Food$15 to $25 per person
  • Souvenirs$10 to $25
  • Transportation$5 to $20 depending on method
  • Special exhibits/shows$5 to $15 each

Total trip budget for a family of four: $250 to $400

Compare membership versus per-visit costs based on projected annual visits to determine the better value.

Final Words

We hope this guide gives you the information needed to plan an amazing trip to San Francisco’s Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences. Understanding the ticketing options and costs allows you to budget wisely. Use the membership and discount perks to maximum advantage as well.

Most importantly, arrive excited to be transported through an unforgettable voyage across space and time in one of the most advanced digital domes on the planet!

Answers to Common Questions

What is the capacity of the Morrison Planetarium?

The state-of-the-art Morrison Planetarium at the California Academy of Sciences can accommodate up to 290 guests per show in its advanced digital dome theater. The seats are arranged in concentric rows facing upwards at the rounded overhead screen, which immerses viewers in a simulated night sky.

With up to 8-10 different science and astronomy shows scheduled per day, the Morrison Planetarium has the capacity to welcome thousands of visitors per day. Advanced ticketing and scheduling helps ensure smooth operations and minimal wait times. The theater also utilizes accessibility features like closed captioning.

How much time to spend at the California Academy of Sciences?

With multiple museums and exhibits to explore, plan to spend at least 3-4 hours at the California Academy of Sciences to make the most of a visit. Key highlights and estimated durations include:

  • Morrison Planetarium show – 25-30 minutes
  • Steinhart Aquarium exhibits – 1-2 hours
  • Rainforest dome – 30-45 minutes
  • Natural history museum – 1 hour
  • Earthquake and astronomy exhibits – 30 minutes

Add more time if dining at the Academy Cafe, attending special demonstrations, or taking part in educational programs like the Penguin Feeding. An entire weekday or weekend morning/afternoon works best to fully experience everything at an enjoyable pace.

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