Hello, Could anyone tell me how this museum compares to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago? From what I read it appears to be along the same lines.. We loved the MSI in Chicago so think we would like to visit the Exploratorium. Also, would 3-4 hours be enough to hit all the high points? We will have kids ages 17, 18, 26.... Any and all thoughts are welcome....

Can't say how it compares to the Museum
of Science and Industry..but I know kids like it alot. Since you will be in the Bay Area look into the Chabot Science and Space Center in Oakland. It's brand new and easy(with car) to get to from SF. Everyone I know raves about it!

When my husband and I were out there last spring we were shocked at how much we enjoyed it! I think we spent about 2 hours there. There are lots of really fascinating exhibits - and the ages of your kids are appropriate for the real science behind all the "fun." (Haven't been to the MSI, sorry.)

The Chicago Museum is MUCH bigger and more comprehensive. The Exloratorium is fun but your kids might be older than the target age. The Tech Museum in SJ is probably a closer match to the Chicago museum.

I think Exploratorium is for school age children, not 18 and over.

Exploratorium does not compare the Museum of Science and Industry. It is much, much smaller and is primarily visited by school age kids . It would probably occupy a corner of MSI. I have never been to the Tech Museum in SJ but it is probably closer to the MSI in scope.

I never thought of the Exploratorium as geared at kids under age 18. I mean it's fun for them too, but I think it's so much more interesting when you've had some more science courses and can understand the science behind the exhibits. The kids usually end up just playing with the exhibits - turning the knobs and whatnot. My husband and I took his little sister several years ago - she was around 12 or 13, we were in our 20s. My sister-in-law had fun, but I think my husband and I had more fun than she did. I guess it comes down to whether or not you like science. BTW, I think the Tech Museum is great too.

My husband and I had a wonderful time "experimenting {no kids}". We haven't been to Chicago, but we thought that it compared favoribly with other museums we've been to.

An added bonus is the adjoining park and very impressive architectural structures, built for the Worlds Fair {darn, can't remember its name}.

There's also some sort of enclosed maize-like tunnel on the premises that you have to feel your way through {you need a reservation for this thrill}. Your teenagers might enjoy this - we thought it sounded like a form of torture!

Just now had a chance to read all the wonderul resposes. Thanks so much for all of your input. We love these types of museums, so I think we will give it a try. Again, thanks!

I have been to both museums. They are very different. As others have pointed out, MSI is much larger. Exploratorium is oriented to younger children, but, it is great fun for people of all ages if you have the right attitude. My wife and I spent over 3 hours there. I have been the Tech Museum as well, and was not impressed.

There is no comparison between the Museum of Science and Industry and the Exploratorium. The Exploratorium is basically for children. The MSI is much larger and is appropriate for both kids and adults. The Tech Museum in San Jose is similar to the MSI. We spent almost a whole day at the Tech. Can't wait to go back as they do have rotating exhibits and different IMAX movies in addition to the permanent exhibits.