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EARLY CLOSURE ALERT: CuriOdyssey will close at 1 PM on Friday, March 29 due to anticipated weather conditions at Coyote Point. Please check our Hours & Admission page and social media for updates about our operating hours.

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5 Tips for an Accessible Visit to CuriOdyssey

Once every three months, we host Sensory Sunday at CuriOdyssey, which is a popular half-day program specifically designed for our visitors with specific sensory needs. However, we strive to provide spaces and exhibits that are as accessible as possible every day. Here are five tips on how to get the most out of your visit with us!

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A young kid carefully pets a millipede held by a CuriOdyssey volunteer

Visit During Off-Hours

An easy way to make CuriOdyssey more accessible, especially if you need or prefer a calmer, quieter space, is to visit during our less busy hours! Most weekdays after 2 PM the museum and zoo are less busy and more quiet, and you can find the larger mammals snoozing in the sun, or hanging out in the shade on the habitat hallway side of their exhibits. Another way to improve your chances for a quieter day is to call ahead and find out what days that week have scheduled field trips, and which don’t! Field trip days are fun, but are often louder and busier than days without them. Our Visitor Engagement team is happy to help you plan your visit ahead of time!

Play at our Accessible Playground

a photo of the playstructures at Whooosh!, our accessible playground

Designed by Magical Bridge Foundation, our inclusive and innovative playground WHOOOSH! is the first of its kind to be built by a zoo and museum. Located in CuriOdyssey’s gardens, the physics-in-action playground incorporates universal design principles to ensure fun for all ages and abilities, welcoming everyone, at every stage of life, to play and explore. In addition, it’s accessible by many mobility devices. 

Learn about Physical Accessibility and Parking

Our front entrance is accessible via ramp, and guests with mobility devices may exit through the front as well. Accessible parking for guests with DMV-issued disability placards is available adjacent to the building, and there is a designated white zone in the museum traffic circle to allow for easier drop-off prior to parking.

Visitors attending events or programs in our classroom or outdoor patio can access those spaces via the same ramp.

Check out our Social Story

A yougn person puts their hand into the airstream of the wind tunnel, looking up

Wish you could have a sneak preview of what it’s like here to be extra prepared? View a Social Story (PDF, 878 KB) of what to expect during your visit to CuriOdyssey. This PDF walks you through the museum and zoo experience with photos and notes to address your and your child’s possible concerns and contains extra resources at the end about who to contact if you have further questions. Additionally, while you are there if you need help or accommodation, please reach out to any of our Visitor Engagement representatives at the front desk, we may be able to help out!

Visit our Accessibility and Inclusion Page

We’ve collected answers to our most common accessibility questions on our website, so you can get the answers you need to make sure you get the most out of your visit with us.

Got a specific question or concern? We would be happy to work with you to ensure a wonderful experience during your visit. To reach out about accessibility concerns, please email [email protected].

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LOCATION

1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
[email protected]

CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID 94-1262434

Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The gold standard for animal care and welfare.
ASTC Member. Association of Science and Technology Centers.
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