Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo is dedicated to providing quality science education, supporting wildlife conservation, and advocating for animal welfare. Our robust community outreach program serves approximately 184,000 children and their adults.

The Junior Museum & Zoo is a place where children and their caregivers come to explore, discover, create, play, and get curious about science and nature. Through hands-on science exhibits, a diverse community of live animals, and immersive zoo experiences your child’s natural scientist will be nurtured!

Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is located in Palo Alto, California and part of the City of Palo Alto’s Community Services Department. It was founded in 1934 by Josephine O’Hara in the basement of a local elementary school.