I went yesterday, a Friday, and it was packed. As soon as we got there (around noon), before we even went in, we were told the Planetarium was not available for the rest of the day. We were bummed. So get there early if you can. Expect to be bumped by tons of strollers, half-hour (or more) lines for the rainforest, long lines for the women's restrooms, and at least 2 or 3 out of order stalls in the bathrooms. Food is very pricey, as expected, but at least the quality is good. I guess I should try going in the dead of winter when it's not so crowded.

All I remember from my childhood of this place was a lot of green algae growing in tanks, everywhere!

I went recently and really enjoyed the Living Philippine Coral Reef exhibit.
"The Academy chose to feature a Philippine coral reef because the reef systems in the Philippines are among the most diverse in the world."

Very serene and eerie. Cool!

A great place to take the family. My kids loved all the exhibits from the Rain Forest to the Ocean. It was a little crowded when we went but that's expected for a Saturday. If you want a good out of town experience with the family then the California Academy of Sciences is a great place to go.