CuriOdyssey facts for kids
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| Date opened | 1954 |
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| Location | San Mateo, California |
| Land area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Coordinates | 37°35′12″N 122°19′03″W / 37.586554°N 122.317636°W |
| No. of animals | 100 |
| Annual visitors | 75,000 |
| Memberships | AZA |
CuriOdyssey is an awesome place where you can explore science and meet amazing animals! It's a science museum and a zoo all in one. This cool spot is home to almost 100 rescued animals. Most of these animals are from California and can't live on their own in the wild.
At CuriOdyssey, you'll find fun, hands-on science exhibits. There's even a special science playground where you can experiment with how things work. CuriOdyssey is part of important groups like the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). They also help families visit through the Museums for All program, which offers free or cheaper entry.
History of CuriOdyssey
CuriOdyssey has had a few different names over the years. It was once called the Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education and before that, the Coyote Point Museum. It's located in San Mateo, California, right by the beautiful San Francisco Bay.
The museum first opened way back in 1954. Back then, it was known as the San Mateo County Junior Museum. It started in a simple building called a Quonset hut. In 1974, it got its new name, "Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education." The main museum building that you see today opened in 1981.
In 1991, the museum added live animals to its exhibits. These animals helped show visitors the different ecosystems found in San Mateo County.
In 2006, the museum faced some money problems. But many people in the community wanted to save it! A group called "Campaign to Save Coyote Point Museum" worked hard. They raised over $500,000 from many donors. This amazing effort helped keep the museum open.
Rachel Meyer became the new director in 2007. She had lots of experience from other museums. With her help, the museum started focusing even more on young children. The goal was to give kids direct, exciting experiences with science and nature.
On January 15, 2011, the Coyote Point Museum officially changed its name to CuriOdyssey. This new name combines "curiosity" and "odyssey" (a long journey or adventure).
In 2013, CuriOdyssey added two cool art pieces. One has over 200 pinwheels on the outside of the building. They show how the wind blows at Coyote Point. The other art piece has more than 100 weather vanes.
Awesome Exhibits
CuriOdyssey offers many ways for young visitors to learn about science and nature. You can explore science exhibits, see wildlife, and even interact with some animals!
- Science Exhibits – There are over 50 hands-on science exhibits. They are made just for kids and families. You can play and experiment with things like gravity, light, and how things move. It's a great way to learn by doing!
- Wildlife Habitats and Animal Ambassadors – You'll find about 100 animals here that can't be released into the wild. They live in habitats that look like their natural homes. You can see animals like bobcats, a river otter, Virginia opossum, snakes, golden eagles, and gray fox. There are also turtles, owls, western toads, turkey vultures, and raccoons. You can even walk through a tunnel to see into their dens! On weekends, keepers introduce "Animal Ambassadors." These are special education animals like birds of prey or snakes. Sometimes, you might even get to touch them!
- Aviary – This is a huge walk-through area, about 4,000 square feet! It's home to over a dozen birds native to California. These birds also can't live in the wild on their own.
- Gardens – Explore 1.3 acres of beautiful gardens. Most of the plants are native to California. You can find a special garden for hummingbirds and a habitat for butterflys.
Education Programs
CuriOdyssey has many hands-on programs. These are designed for schools and groups to learn about science. They also have programs for everyone that help visitors explore and discover nature.
The CuriOdyssey Mobile Museum is super cool! It brings animals and exhibits to you. The Mobile Museum and Animal Ambassadors often visit public parks. They also go to schools and other places by special request.
Gallery
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CuriOdyssey Indoor Science Exhibits
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Entrance to CuriOdyssey
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Colorful Science for Kids
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