IlluminOdyssey 10
10 years. 10 new exhibits. One glowing holiday journey into the science of light.
IlluminOdyssey is back! Catch the light: November 14, 2026 – January 24, 2027
CuriOdyssey members get free admission to IlluminOdyssey during general admission hours. Please show a photo ID at the admission window to acquire member tickets, no reservation necessary. Learn more about membership at CuriOdyssey >
IlluminOdyssey 10
Inspired by the science of light, IlluminOdyssey is an immersive, interactive installation that will mesmerize kids and adults of all ages*. CuriOdyssey's four-level Redwood Hall will transform into a glowing forest of science—light your way through a maze of luminous botanical geometry, play with rainbow refraction and swirling projections, paint with light on phosphorescent surfaces, and dance with your shadow. Explore the physical properties of light, such as photoluminescence, color, additive light mixing, waves, fluorescence, fluid dynamics, subtractive color mixing, and refraction.
IlluminOdyssey is celebrating 10 years the only way we know how: bigger and better than ever. This milestone year brings 10 new glowing exhibits packed into Redwood Hall, with beloved favorites alongside dazzling new additions. This fan-favorite exhibition is free with admission or membership. CuriOdyssey's hands-on approach to science education influences every facet of this exhibition. IlluminOdyssey's interactive glowing exhibits awaken kids' curiosity, build critical thinking skills, and inspire an interest in science and the natural world. As a non-profit outdoor science museum and zoo, we make exploring science, technology, engineering, art, and math fun and exciting for kids and adults of all ages.
*Please note: This is a darkened hall with a variety of light-based exhibits and artwork. Visitors sensitive to light and sound may be affected.
Glow Into Winter Break
Keep curious kids shining while school’s out! Our full-day winter camps for ages 6–10 dive into bioluminescence, phosphorescence, reflection, and all things radiant, celebrating IlluminOdyssey’s 10th year. Pick a day, or come back for all three themes: Glowing Galaxy, Luminous Life, and Create and Illuminate.
Help Light the Way
Every glowing exhibit in IlluminOdyssey starts with a supporter like you. Sponsor an exhibit and help spark wonder for thousands of kids and families this winter, from light-painting walls to shadow-dancing stages. Your gift brings hands-on science to life and keeps curiosity shining bright all season long.
Your Party, Lit Up
Birthdays, weddings, holiday parties: every celebration glows brighter at IlluminOdyssey. Book our four-story Redwood Hall and let your guests explore a dazzling world of interactive light and color. Ask about our holiday events package.
IlluminOdyssey 10 FAQ
IlluminOdyssey 10 is an indoor, interactive winter light exhibition for families at CuriOdyssey, a nonprofit science museum and zoo in San Mateo, California. It runs November 14, 2026–January 24, 2027. For its 10th year, CuriOdyssey's four-level Redwood Hall becomes a glowing forest of science, with 10 new exhibits alongside favorites from past years.
Yes. Every IlluminOdyssey installation explores how light works, including color mixing, refraction, fluorescence, photoluminescence, waves, and fluid dynamics. CuriOdyssey designed it to spark kids' curiosity and build critical-thinking skills through play, so it's both a holiday outing and a STEAM activity.
IlluminOdyssey is designed for kids and works for toddlers through tweens, and adults enjoy it too. For older kids, CuriOdyssey offers winter break day camps for ages 6 to 10, with themes inspired by IlluminOdyssey's 10th year.
IlluminOdyssey 10 adds 10 new glowing exhibits to mark its 10th season, alongside returning favorites. Families can expect a maze of luminous botanical geometry, rainbow refraction, swirling projections, light-painting walls, and shadow-dancing stages. IlluminOdyssey first opened at CuriOdyssey in November 2017.
IlluminOdyssey 10 runs November 14, 2026 through January 24, 2027 at CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo, CA 94401.
During IlluminOdyssey, CuriOdyssey's winter hours are 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, with last entry at 4:00 PM.
IlluminOdyssey 10 is included with CuriOdyssey general admission; no separate ticket is needed. Admission is $29.95 for adults (18–61) and $24.95 for children (18 months–17 years), students with ID and seniors (62+). Infants under 18 months and CuriOdyssey members get in free.
Yes. Families with EBT, SNAP or WIC get free admission through Museums for All. Military get 50% off with ID, and teachers get in free with a valid teacher ID. Reciprocal members of ASTC, AZA and ROAM may also qualify. Discount tickets are sold only on site, on the day of your visit.
Reservations aren't required, but we recommend reserving online. All tickets are for a specific date and time, and booking ahead cuts your wait. Members don't need a reservation; just show your photo ID at the admissions window.
CuriOdyssey is busiest from 10 AM to noon. For a calmer IlluminOdyssey visit, come after 2 PM. Tickets have no time limit, so you can stay until closing.
CuriOdyssey members get free admission and free parking. Members are also invited to Member Mornings with breakfast, 8:30– 9:30 AM on November 21, 2026, and January 23, 2027 (RSVP required).
IlluminOdyssey is a darkened hall with light-based exhibits, and some areas have flashing lights and sound, which may affect visitors sensitive to light and sound. Sound dampeners and sensory tools are available at CuriOdyssey's front desk, and staff can help find a sensory-safe space. CuriOdyssey also hosts quarterly Sensory Sundays with fewer crowds; preregistration is required.
IlluminOdyssey admission also includes CuriOdyssey's indoor science center, zoo, walk-through aviary, Nature Play Grove, Nature Play Garden, Bay Gallery and Whooosh! playground.
Yes. IlluminOdyssey 10 is fully indoors in CuriOdyssey's Redwood Hall in San Mateo, so rain and cold don't affect it. It runs daily from November 14, 2026, to January 24, 2027, with some holiday closures. CuriOdyssey's indoor science center is open the same day, so you can make a full visit without going outside much.
IlluminOdyssey 10 at CuriOdyssey in San Mateo is one of the Bay Area's top holiday light experiences for families with young children. It runs November 14, 2026–January 24, 2027. Unlike outdoor light walks and drive-thru shows, it's indoors, open during the day, and hands-on: kids touch, move, and play with the light. It's included with regular museum admission.
IlluminOdyssey 10 at CuriOdyssey in San Mateo works well for toddlers because it runs in the daytime, so the visit fits around naps and early bedtimes. Little kids can walk a glowing maze, dance with their shadows, and paint with light on glow-in-the-dark surfaces. Children under 18 months get in free. CuriOdyssey is just off Highway 101 in San Mateo, about 20 miles south of San Francisco.
Corporate Sponsors and In-Kind Donors
Join the CuriOdyssey Community
LOCATION
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
info@curiodyssey.org
CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 94-1262434
