Its a beautiful place for adults and kids to explore the unique beauty of Palo Alto. Kids can play with simple machines, make a time-lapsed movie, cooperate with other kids to move balls through a giant ball machine, or make a ball machine of their own. And not to mention increasing its access to external power supplies by the same 3x to 4X amount? From babyhood through retirees, the community services bond us together. I am thinking of the privileged applicants who appear to get "most favored nation" treatment when seeking building permits and variances. Whether rich, poor or in between, Palo Alto's community programs were very inexpensive or free--and nourished all community members equally. Toddlers don't understand, "It will take Mommy two weeks to get an appointment" If the demand plummets because tickets prices are too high, the museum will generate lower revenues than it would with tickets in the $10 range. Lobbyists given way more transparency and choices of how to spend than voters, and they can waltz into private negotiations, threatening to campaign against the City's interests. How could this have gone more wrong? The old Junior Museum and Zoo was never broken in the first place -- and certainly not enough to justify spending millions of dollars for something that is only marginally more interesting to kids -- but prices out our children and visiting kids. All four are necessary unless PA doesn't care about traffic jams. Ugh. Things to Do in Palo Alto - City of Palo Alto, CA Go visit Curiodyssey if you want to see what PAJMZ could have been. Were lucky we arent paying businesses to do business here, oh sorry we are. Then they try to defend their endless expansion by claiming "no net new car trips" which is an insult to our intelligence. Its sure to blow your little ones mind! In other words, this is not the way the museum will presumably function going forward, yet the City is using this an excuse to propose permanent exorbitant fees, or privatize the Museum and turn it entirely over to the Friends of the Junior Museum and Zoo--either way, the City simply doesn't want to fund the Museum. A trip to PA JMZ with really young children was always valuable to families here as spontaneous drop-in as part of visiting the park and/or library. Workshops cover topics such as drawing, painting, ceramics, fiber arts, digital photography, fashion design, and mixed media. The model does not, however, consider the possibility that higher tickets prices would result in fewer visitors. You can also directly book your discounted online ticket for the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo here, if available. Contact Us And the Museum did that with only 45% of the current projected attendance. According to a new city analysis, the museum's operations are costing the city more than $1.2 million annually. They were an integral part of my son and my activities from the age of 2. If we want great community services and public schools that meet the real needs of our community, we have to participate in decision-making in an informed and meaningful way. How about all the folks who got exemptions on the business tax? Staff had assumed members would make up about 34% of daily attendance and general attendance make up the remaining 66%. The JMZ is exactly why the city doesn't deserve approval of the Gas Transfer Tax. The City was not going to "foot" the bill then and it sure is not going to now. Bring a blanket or low-backed chair (high backed chairs block the view for other kids) and enjoy the show! The Junior Museum & Zoo is the perfect place to take kids of all ages and ability levels! Implementing an increase the capacity of the capacity its in-city electric power distribution system by 3x to 4x present to prevent massive brown- and black-outs as demand increases rapidly in the future as we "go green"? City Council might want to have a sit-down meeting with the City Manager and all senior staff and clue them in on what it is that Palo Alto residents value, what has made Palo Alto special for decades, what is sacred, and what can be changed, within reason. Zookeeper Loree Lee Harper watches as a meerkat suns its belly at the Junior Museum and Zoo in Palo Alto on Oct. 28, 2021. A beautiful and well-maintained public garden with various flowers, plants, and trees. It was spontaneous. See: Michele Dauber's comment above. OF COURSE there will be differences of opinion, but if there's one thing that has never changed it is our dedication to what is good for our children. 325 reviews of Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo "This is a great neighborhood resource. Hmm? After initial backlash, Palo Alto again mulls raising ticket prices for Why not use the resources from their proposed business tax to offset the projected expenses of the Junior Museum and Zoo? Get the latest local news and information sent straight to your inbox. Angelo noted that most other museums and zoos in the area charge fees well below $18, with the lone exception of the San Francisco Zoo, which costs $18 to enter." Admission is free and youre sure to enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. Perhaps increasing ticket prices will discourage those from out of town coming to visit. Implementing a solid plan for installing off-grade rail crossings at East Meadow, Charleston, Churchill, and where Alma joins El Camino Real??? We took the tour when it first opened and they wanted to placate the neighbors for the construction disruption and there was hardly enough to see for maybe 30 minutes in the zoo and maybe another 15-30 minutes in the exhibit area. Courtyard:Outdoor play, anyone? This has merit, as does education and fun for children in this region. PR MediaRelease A handful of people asked for this--strongly supported by Greg Scharff and others on Council. on College Terrace when Stanford is the purchaser. Place a Legal Notice Despite some first-year hiccups and underwhelming revenues, Palo Alto officials are in no rush to raise ticket prices to the newly rebuilt Junior Museum and Zoo, a popular Rinconada Park. Who among us asked for this? The Childrens Library is a great place to explore and is sure to inspire your kids love of reading. This is a debacle! Again, this is NOT the deal under which the new facility was built and financed. like to make a contribution to local community services and get honorable mention. After initial backlash, Palo Alto again mulls raising ticket prices for If the business tax passes, the revenue from it will go to the General Fund, making it available to be spent as you suggest. Maybe they should just open the zoo to all without limitations and see how much $$ they would actually bring in. In support of this mission, we embrace theeducational philosophythat excellent experiences: Provide children with the opportunity to learn about their world through hands-on inquiry and investigation using: 1) real scientific tools and equipment; 2) objects, live animals, artifacts and biofacts; and, 3) modeling of scientific phenomena. So much for history, posterity, mission with a purpose. The only people who won here were the developers and [portion removed] city officials. Tickets may only be purchased for those living in the same household at the same address. Let's go moderate and find solutions to problems such as this one without having to listen to lefty woke people trying to drive a wedge between north and south PA and righty development $$$ only. It used to be a charming little local gem. Find upcoming events on the City's calendar. Yes, exactly. I am not suggesting this in a Nimby manner, but Middlefield and Embarcadero are already traffic nightmares especially in school commute times. An annual pass to the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is $150. Fewer people read local news and track City Council agendas than once did. The old Junior Museum and Zoo was never broken in the first place -- and certainly not enough to justify spending millions of dollars for something that is only marginally more interesting to kids -- but prices out our children and visiting kids. Terms of Use Express / Weekend Express like to make a contribution to local community services and get honorable mention. " Under this new system you may arrive any time after the entry time on your reservation and you are welcome to stay as long as youd like (although we do close the zoo at 4:30pm and the museum promptly at 5pm). "A gradual increase would allow staff to engage with the community and keep community members updated," the report states. Junior Museum & Zoo's new wheelchair-accessible Tree House is full of fun! 1451 Middlefield Road Heres what you can enjoy during your visit: Museum:Youll enter into the museum where you can find interactive science exhibits for kids of all ages. While staff had expected to sell 2,000 memberships, the actual number as of June 30 was 2,917. Our ticketing software can be difficult to navigate. The Almanac Performances feature simple sets and costumes and tend to last for around 55 minutes. Faced with the backlash, the council ultimately set the ticket prices at the current level of $10. The model does not, however, consider the possibility that higher tickets prices would result in fewer visitors. Let's go moderate and find solutions to problems such as this one without having to listen to lefty woke people trying to drive a wedge between north and south PA and righty development $$$ only. I'm voting in favor of the Gas Transfer tax and happy it funds the JMZ. Updated: Tue, Sep 6, 2022, 9:28 am This is NOT the deal under which the new facility was built and financed. Good news! Americans Motivations for and Barriers to Engaging with Science. Now that it's bigger and charges a fee, reservations are required and people have trouble getting in? "Members and ticket holders are required to make reservations for each visit, and because reservations are often booked for weeks in advance, members overbook reservations to hold space," the city report states. Local tip, resident registration for summer activities and classes went live on May 4! Then they try to defend their endless expansion by claiming "no net new car trips" which is an insult to our intelligence. It's convenient to blame Covid for the fall in attendance, but the truth is that the renovations turned a unique, innovative museum into a bland cookie-cutter destination that nobody will remember 5 minutes after they leave. and University Ave. Its open 10am - 5pm with a morning session (10am-1pm) and an afternoon session (1:30-5pm). The new business tax also exempts a great many businesses who could chip in, and get a medal to hang on their wall we support the Junior museum but that would be too much to ask. The construction manager speculated that that 24 hour illumination was needed to test the LEDs. Why not use the resources from their proposed business tax to offset the projected expenses of the Junior Museum and Zoo? Exhibits - Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo Even at $10, its going to exclude sponteneous visiting, which, again, made it great for young kids. Exploring the treasures at the Childrens Library is always a fun time! MJH wrote: "I suspect that many employees in city hall are under the misconception that if you live in Palo Alto you must have plenty of discretionary income." Large areas lack any light shading. At the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, our mission is toengage a childs curiosity for science and nature. Give time to your community. Within a netted aviary, animals roam freely and safely with visitors in a beautiful, natural, and whimsical setting. Look up the history of Junior Museums . Playhouse Productions: These shows are perfect for kids ages 2-6 and include several opportunities to stand up and wiggle! Any children surveyed? Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Make sure to make an advanced reservation as tickets sell out quickly! Whether youre looking for a family-friendly outing or a chance to connect with new friends, this season promises to be filled with fun. Our older Palo Alto neighbors told us that at one time, admission the Palo Alto Junior Museum was free. Grandiose idea that fails. With opportunities to see and make art, the Palo Alto Art Center has something for everyone. Our trained Museum educators offer a wide range of science programs to local schools. South Palo Alto needs this community center to be fully operationaland will need it more after many hundreds of new units of housing are built. However, I dont want to subsidize ALL of it. City Council might want to have a sit-down meeting with the City Manager and all senior staff and clue them in on what it is that Palo Alto residents value, what has made Palo Alto special for decades, what is sacred, and what can be changed, within reason. Instead, the split has been roughly even. "Kristen O'Kane, director of the Community Services Department, presented to the council a set of options for potential fees and corresponding cost-recovery levels. We are no longer selling walk-up tickets and advanced reservations are required. Also, as reflected in decisions made in the past, by too many council members. They arent pretending to be San Diego Zoo, which is very far from here, but they are helping local wildlife in some circumstances. Now if the money were to be devoted to police, safety and FINALLY restoring library hours, it would be different because it's ludicrous that working adults have only one evening a week to use SOME of the libraries. MORE INFO & TICKET LINKS HERE--Image via Shutterstock. TownSquare " Palo Alto is known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley, but do your kids care about that? Its the perfect place to bring little ones, get some wiggles out, and enjoy nature. If the City was willing to fund the smaller Zoo's operating costs when admission was free, it makes no sense that it balks at supporting about half the Zoo's operating costs after spending millions of dollars and years to build the new Zoo--it was always obvious that running the new Zoo would cost more than the old one, and the original fee proposal was expected to be modest, around $5. TheSixFifty.com For Angelo [the President of Friends of JMZ] and other critics of the city's proposal, that is a fatal flaw. And by the way, there are many FREE zoos in this country, including the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. The business tax though couldn't be more offensive. Through hands-on science exhibits, a diverse community of live animals, and immersive zoo experiences your child's natural scientist will be nurtured! Get uninterrupted access to important local city government news. When will Palo start getting interest in REALLY IMPORTANT things? Adventures await as children can climb in a net above the zoo and explore an underwater tunnel and many nooks. Two hour blocks of time?? And, just for the record, homeowners on the Stanford campus also pay property taxes based on the assessments of their homes exactly as would be done for homes in Palo Alto. Sports Doors to the Courtyard can be found inside the Museum. Two hour blocks of time?? August. Rather, it presumes that the museum would continue to see about 185,000 visitors per year, regardless of the ticket price. You can even meet animals up-close in Wildlife Circle, where zoo staff host flamingo feedings and other events throughout the day. Children can marvel at flamingos, macaws, ducks, and many unique birds. I too know many Stanford faculty, a number of whom live in these houses not on Stanford land, and I am certain that they pay taxes based on a higher price. The construction manager speculated that that 24 hour illumination was needed to test the LEDs. Toddlers don't understand, "It will take Mommy two weeks to get an appointment" This eliminates all other market buyers, is this legal, and how? The captive eagle that dives off the arm flapping its wings? this is bating, interpreted as distress. Contrast this orientation with neighboring Walter Hays Elementarys field trips into the natural environment and programs respecting indigenous peoples. Home & Real Estate With revenues falling below expectations, Palo Alto is once again considering hiking ticket prices at the newly rebuilt Junior Museum and Zoo. I am not suggesting this in a Nimby manner, but Middlefield and Embarcadero are already traffic nightmares especially in school commute times. @StephenM, we know Stanford professors and children of Stanford professor so I'm pretty sure that the land is not taxed, only the houses and improvements.
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palo alto junior museum tickets