At Pier 15, the Exploratorium centres on experimentation, with more than 650 exhibits for all ages. Giant bubbles and perception experiments invite a useful habit: predict what will happen, try it, then explain the result. Choose a few questions to investigate.

It beats London because direct exploration is the main event, rather than an optional gallery beside a historic collection. London wins if famous objects or free general entry matter more. The Tactile Dome requires reservations and a separate ticket; Thursday evening After Dark is adults-only. Which museum would your family put first?

Sources: Visit.

Photo: Benoît Prieur · CC0. Resized/compressed.