Summer Events at The Lawrence

Our summer season has officially begun! We’re open seven days a week with updated activities, new shows and films, and loads of hands-on science fun! From high-flying trapeze arts to dinosaur activities, we’ve got big plans for our visitors and Members all summer long. Check out our slate of special events and mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!

The Rhythms of Summer: From the Solstice to Steel Drums

Sunday, June 23
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Feel the warmth of the sun and sand between your toes at our outdoor science party! Learn about the longest day of sunshine and enjoy a steel drum performance by the Dans of Steel with special guests. Ohlone educators will teach you how to make and float tule boats on the pond. Flex your creativity by creating sand sculptures, and learn from a Planetarium educator all about the summer solstice!

T. REX 3D Premiere

Saturday, June 29
Showtimes at 11:00 a.m., 1:00, & 3:00 p.m.

Be the first to see a brand-new 3D film about the king of dinosaurs! We’re rolling out the red carpet for T. REX 3D, which reimagines our understanding of the legendary Tyrannosaurus rex through pioneering visual effects and work with top scientists and paleontologists. The film, which opens nationwide this summer, aims to be the most dazzling and accurate T. rex documentary ever made.

Dinosaur Activities Week

Saturday, June 29–Sunday, July 7
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Celebrate everyone’s favorite prehistoric giants with a whole week of special dinosaur-themed activities! The week kicks off with the premiere of T. Rex 3D, a brand-new documentary about the carnivorous king of dinos. Stop by the Outdoor Nature Lab to examine fossilized teeth and compare them to modern animals, meet dinosaur descendants in our Animal Discovery Zone, and snap a photo with a life-sized T. Rex skull. You may even meet a dinosaur during your visit!

The Discovery Store Unboxed

Saturday, June 29–Sunday, July 7
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Test out great products from the Discovery Store and get special coupons for DIY science fun! Daily demos and hands-on exploration of phenomenal science kits, enthralling books, and toys. Make your own lava lamp, grow crystals, conduct chemistry experiments, and more!

Dance Into the Light Pilot

Saturday, June 29–Sunday, July 7
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Join us for a pilot of our upcoming exhibit specially designed for your little explorers. Embark on an illuminating journey into a world of wonder and discovery with your children. Watch their eyes light up as you create colorful, intricate patterns, unique shapes, and sizes together. Uncover the mysteries of illumination by changing the direction of a light beam and witness the transformation of everyday objects under different light sources. This playful experience will nurture curiosity in your children and ignite your own as light sparks your imaginations.

Five Dollar Day

Saturday, July 6
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission Discounted to $5

Dinosaur Activity Week culminates with one of our Five Dollar Days! Visit The Lawrence and enjoy all the hands-on science we offer for just $5 per person. Test your engineering and design skills, take control of the Planetarium dome, meet live reptiles and amphibians in our Animal Discovery Zone, and more! $5 Days are part of our efforts to increase access to our programs for all.

The Lawrence Carnival

Sunday, July 14
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Step right up to our pop-up boardwalk for a science carnival! Ooh and ahh as acrobats from Oakland’s own Les Aerielles soar through the air in a trapeze arts performance. Then, try your hand at a series of carnival games and win prizes. Finally, learn the science behind your favorite frozen treat as you make your own ice cream–with science!

2024 Summer Science Games

Sunday, August 11
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

On the same day as the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, join us for a friendly competition. Like the Olympians, you can be “Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.” Use your physics and engineering knowledge to compete in a variety of science games. Build and race tule boats, face off in a stomp rocket distance and accuracy challenge, and more!