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Bay Area Discovery Museum
Rating Details »
Category: Museums
557 McReynolds RdFort Baker
Sausalito, CA 94965
(415) 339-3900
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- Hours:
Tue-Fri. 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
76 reviews for Bay Area Discovery Museum
I am a transplant from Boston and with out going into great detail the Boston Children Museum is AMAZING. So I had pretty high standards before visiting Bay Area Discovery Museum.
A family friend was in town and they have a little boy about 13 months. Kyle is a precocious little guy and after chasing him around my house catching things as he pulled them off one by one I realized we need to get him in a more kid friendly environment.
Located in a very scenic old army based right under the golden gate bridge it could not be a better use for the space. The complex had a great set of age appropriate activities for 12 months to 6 years of age. I really liked the water stream structure outside and while Kyle did not dig it. I found myself picturing the the grand canyon and drifting off in to a different world. When all of a sudden I was brought back to reality by a quick kick to my shin by the little bugger.
Anyway I highly recommend this place. My only complaint is that it was on the expensive side. Plus if the child is 12 months or older they have to pay admission. I searched Kyle's pockets for money but no luck. Just lint and a half eaten goldfish cracker.
It's a time machine...no, wait, it's a time eating machine.
All parents have to perform the difficult balancing act of wanting to spend quality time with their children while simultaneously trying to have a life. Generally, a double date with other parents and their children is the average attempt to have cake and eat it, too, but by the time weekends roll around, the stable of local neighborhood activities has thinned, so more of an "outing" is required to eat up an afternoon.
Enter the Discovery Museum. What better place to bond with children, share in learning experiences, interact with toys and exhibits, and participate in blossoming creativity...? (Said in my best and most serious NPR impersonation.)
Really? It's a huge playground with several buildings, each having a different set of activities. For example, there's a room filled with an extensive toy train set, an arts and crafts room, a wave pool with blocks of foam, and simulations/models of the Bay and its local sea life. The list goes on, and it will easily occupy kids for hours (as long as it isn't raining). It's the perfect afternoon eater-upper, and generally, everyone walks away satisfied.
As great a service as this is to Bay Area families everywhere, I do have a few minor axes to grind.
For starters, the complex caters almost exclusively to 3-8 yr olds. That being the case, why would the price of an adult ticket be more than a child? The adults (parents, babysitters, or unlucky relatives from out of town) spend the majority of their time watching after and safeguarding the kids. It's not like they're going to dive into the giant sandbox (aka kiddy litter) and play with toy diggers and dump trucks. Frankly, I think the adults should be paid to accompany the children, or at least get a price break just for sticking around.
Next, this place has been around for a long while, and sentimentality aside, many of the toys and exhibits are BADLY in need of replacement, repair or upgrade. With the amount of handling and destruction that one child can cause in less than 30 seconds, wouldn't you think that 300 children x 30 days will require serious and consistent upkeep? They have a "green screen" where children are supposed to put on giant costumes of sea creatures and then watch themselves on monitors in a simulated ocean environment. The images were so poor, they'd have been better off with cardboard cut-outs. Meanwhile, the plastic sea animals that are part of various exhibits? They're the equivalent of headless Barbies, and they wind up everywhere.
Then there's the café, which is intended to keep everyone happy in the munchies department, but its selection leaves a lot to be desired, and it closes mid-afternoon! (wtf?) Just when the tykes are beginning to tire and get moody, that's when you want to ply them with sugar to keep the momentum going, but that's exactly when the café locks its doors. My kingdom for some caffeine at 3:01 p.m.
Lastly, the museum staff could use some coaching, therapy, or drugs. They're not the happiest bunch of workers - granted, they're herding other people's kids most of the time, but I think they each deserve their own adrenaline drip.
In summary, this place is terrific for kids, and because of that, the parents are generally happy as well. It can't be easy being a non-profit, especially in this economy. If I could drop a cool $1 million donation on the place, I would in a heartbeat, but if I could do that, I wouldn't gripe about the cost of admission. So, instead, I say get a family pass once a year, and always bring along a flask of mommy's happy juice.
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We just took our 5 yr old and she, well, absolutely loved the place. That's why BADM gets the full 5 star rating. If she's smiling and happy, then so am I!!! It appears to be configured for the younger ones (12 and under, in my opinion). Whether it be the "life-size" model shipwreck where the kids can unearth hidden treasure aka 'booty' from the sandy sea floor... to the simple tide pools... to the playhouse woven from willow tree branches, it was a fun trip for all. And there is much more to see than what I've initially described e.g. finger and sponge painting, trails to explore, cultural exhibits...the list continues. Also, the story time reading session along with the sing-a-long...well, even an 'old fart' like me enjoyed it. It can be magical for the little ones. You'll see it in your kids eyes...that I can promise you! Rhetorically, when was the last time you saw that 'magic look'? If you're still thinking as to when it was... then, it's been too long. GO! NOW! Quit reading reviews...
One thing that I was pleasantly surprised about...the museum allows you to bring in your own food. Of course, there is a cafe, on site, that was pretty good on its own (try it...), but being able to bring in a picnic lunch to enjoy w/my family and maybe even share with others was shocking to me. What? You mean that I don't have to buy overpriced crappy junk food while in the confines of the the museum. WOW...you're joking, right? Honest...you can!!! I am still shaking my head at this one. In fact, I can't think of any other venue of this type that allows such....BRAVO and KUDOS to the museum.
In closing, the views of the Bridge are fantastic and if you climb up the hill just outside the museum to the old WW II military battery (our daughter calls em 'troll houses"), more views of the City and the Bay await you from atop the peak. Check it out!
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Fantatstic place and such a great location. My 2 year old absolutely loved it. We were there for over 4 hours and only got to see about a third of everything the museum had to offer. It was very clean and we went on a day that was beautiful and not very busy, simply perfect. We will definitely return.
Really fun place to take the kids and their friends. Our neighbor recommended it, and we will also recommend it to our friends. Nothing more to be said.
We took our kids and our neighbor's kids there Sunday, and we all had a great time. The location is very convenient and easy to get to from the City. All the exhibits were very interesting for the kids. It could use alittle clean up.
This has been a favorite place for my son for many years now, in fact, I think this year might be the one where he outgrows it : (
This place is great because children can touch EVERYTHING in all of the exhibits and play structures. The are different themes to each area/room. You have the railroad/fishing boat room, the ocean waves/animals of the ocean room, the area for the wee little ones with the small garden with tunnels and a river, along with the two rooms for them to crawl in. Then there's the outside structure with it's replica of the Golden Gate, the spider webs, and an actual boat.
You can spend almost an entire day here, and the best part is that when you get home your kids will go to sleep immediately out of pure exhaustion.
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Very amazing place.
Taking my niece here on her last visit made me so happy that I live in the Bay Area. It's a magical place. There is so much for the kids to see and do here both inside and out. We happened to be there near Chinese New Year and so we were treated to a really fun performance of dragon dancers. The location is absolutely stunning, right behind the Golden Gate with great views of the Bay.
And we got a *AAA Discount*. One dollar off per person.
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Fantastic. Cannot believe I have not come here before. Loved it. Came here with the family at opening time on Sunday. Beautiful setting right off the golden gate, with views of the bridge, the city, and the surrounding hills.
The kids loved the fishing room, the wave room, the maze, the funky staircase, ringing the old bell, playing in the gigantic sandbox, climbing up to the crow's nest, working the gears, climbing the trees, the loud music room, and of course, the toy store.
Little kids from 2-10 were zooming left and right, up and down, and generally everywhere you looked. It is one of those places where you cannot take a step backward without making sure some tiny tot hasn't gotten right behind you. It is always energizing to see the kids so happy - up to a point. And then you wish there was a Peet's Coffee on the premises. Serving triple espressos, just to bolster your strength.
We made it, smiles intact, and have vowed to go back "a lot."
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We took our 21/2 year old and his baby brother. It's in a lovely setting, great views of the bay and bridge. The prices for the cafe are reasonable, but overall its OK as a glorified playground (although it didn't have any swings!) The Hangzhou exhibition in the discovery hall was fine but we expected better.
Things inside the museum were old and dirty and many not working. The fish tanks were green and unkept. There were too many cloth items (stuffed toys, soft dress-up items) for such a public place. There's just something unsanitary about taking your shoes off to enter a carpeted area trampled by so many feet... there were sticky patches all over, yuck. It was no wonder there was hardly anyone there on a Saturday. The best thing about this place were the diggers and gravel, and the old boat kids can climb on. Definitely not worth the twenty-eight dollars we had to pay for the three of us (under ones free), we won't be returning... maybe just for the 'digger bit' on a free day. Oh the shop is well stocked with Melissa and Doug and other cute toys at regular prices (not sure if you can get to the shop though without paying the entrance fee)... again maybe on a free day.
Youre not allowed to take strollers into about half of the main indoor exhibitions - I guess there're expecting it to be really busy (?). This is ok if you're only taking one child but with a baby and toddler and the need to be hands free in such a place, it wasn't the best thing when youre baby has just fallen asleep and you want to get some play time with your older child... at least they could have a place to park it inside the exhibition, but it really is too small for that. So be forewarned!
We brought my daughters two children here when they were visiting. Great place when you are looking for something to amuse the kiddies. they seemed to really enjoy playing and learning. I would highly recommend this place.
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I brought my Niece and Nephew here and they loved it. More for kids than adults, it still opened my inquisitive little mind to unanswered questions. I love that fact that the kids can play and learn at the same time.
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I am sure that once my children are grown, I will have regrets. Many of them. I, unlike the outgoing 43rd President can think of many actual mistakes I've made, not just a list of "disappointments."
One mistake I've made is that I did not get my kids to the BA Discovery Museum more than once in a rare while. This is an amazing museum. I have trouble even calling it a museum. It's an experience. Actually it's many, many experiences. And many worlds. And they're all created in a way that kids can just lose themselves in the worlds on display.
A confession about me: I hate going to playgrounds. . I hate having to push kids on a swing for 6 hours and make small talk with other parents. I am admittedly and regrettably "task oriented". I find going to the park frustratingly non-product oriented. I know, I know, it's a TERRIBLE trait in a parent.
But you know what? I don't have this problem at the BA Discovery museum. Because it is actually fun. For me. I can lose myself in play there too. Because yes, another confession, I'm a bit selfish. But knowing that, isn't it great that there's a place that is so well-crafted, has so much variety, is so beautifully presented that I can have fun too?
Do not make the mistake I made. Take your kids early and often to Sausalito. I know it's a haul, but all you need is a couple 20s in your pocket and a change of clothes in the car in case someone gets wet. And if you get the annual membership you don't even need the 20s.
This is one of those top 10 places that makes the Bay Area so cool for kids and their parents.
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As a child, it was my dream that my mom would forget/purposefully leave me here. I would have been perfectly content to live in the underground sea room.
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Today was our second visit - we were so impressed on our first visit, we joined. Plus it was fairly expensive for one visit, so it made sense for us buy a family pass if we thought we'd go another 4 times during the year.
We still haven't seen everything there is to see. Our 2 1/2 year old's favorite part of the museum so far seems to be the Tot Spot, where little kids play with outside rubber fish and frogs in an expansive water feature. It can hold their interest, and parents have a nice view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
There are rooms where the kids can paint, play with stamps, blocks, outdoor playgrounds, and many other activities and exhibits. Even the gift shop is entertaining, with train tables and lots of fabulous toys.
You can bring your own food and/or buy lunch at Cafe Skaloo at the museum (has a variety of sandwiches, pizza, snacks, drinks, organic yogurts, etc.). There are picnic tables outside and lots of pigeons.
We still haven't seen all there is to see, and look forward to visiting again.
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We started coming here when my daughter was about a year old. I love the Tot Spot - such a great place for children to first interact with other little ones!
As my daughter has gotten older (a whopping TWO years old now), we've started to take advantage of other aspects of the BADM - like the train room and the pirate's cove area.
I can see us continuing to benefit from the amazingness of the Discovery Museum until my youngest is at least four years, maybe even five years, old. I also think the museum would be great for older kids - even on up to 7 or 8, but not on a regular basis, more like a "great spot to bring kids visiting from out of town."
Besides the phenomenal exhibits and play areas, the museum has three other outstanding features:
A) Bathrooms - clean, accessible and EVERYWHERE - almost every building has a bathroom. When you or your little one have to go, there's almost always a bathroom within 100 yards. I can't think of a single one that isn't wheelchair accessible, but don't quote me on that.
B) Staff - the staff is really nice, seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs, but don't seem a little "too" into them, in a creepy way. This does seem like one of the coolest places to work.
C) Cafeteria - there's a cafe here with genuinely yummy food. It's fairly priced, tasty and offers a number of healthy options for you and your children to eat.
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I've been here with my nephew a couple of times. My brother has some sort of pass, so my nephew is very familiar with the place. That's cool, but he's also very single-minded, so he knows what he wants to do, and you have to follow him.
Because of this, I haven't checked this entire place out. The outside area is fun, and I would have absolutely loved burying and digging up things here when I was a kid. My nephew loves the painting room, which means his clothes get really dirty, and if you're not an expert at helping him, yours get pretty messy too.
Overall, it just feels like a glorified playground. That's fine because I've never had to pay to get in, but if I did have to pay, I wouldn't really like coming more than once every few months.
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I loved visiting this museum. I thought the toddler's area and lookout cove were just wonderful and kept my little nephew happy as a clam for hours!
The museum store was filled with lots of great learning toys/items for children and the prices were reasonable as well. I bought several items for gifts and they were well-received by the kids.
On the grounds of the museum is a great little eatery called CAFE SKALOO. I would highly recommended eating here. The food is absolutely delicious and wonderfully fresh. There is something for everyone on this menu, and on a cold blustery day, there is nothing more satisfying that their chili or even one of their warm and tasty paninis.
And, lastly, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the museum cafe is simply stunning.
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I always loved this place as a kid, so when a friend asked me to accompany her and her little ones to the BADM on a Tuesday I readily agreed. Going into it, I have to admit that I was a little scared - scared that I might learn something. It would be pretty embarrassing if I made my triumphant return to the Discovery Museum as a 23 year old college graduate and actually learned something.
Honestly, I thought the whole place was pretty boring and under-stimulating. The kids, however, were thrilled beyond their senses and thats what counts right? The view of the base of the Golden Gate bridge is beautiful so you can kind of stare off into the distance as your kid yells "MOMMY LOOK AT ME LOOK AT ME WATCH ME DO THIS MOMMY LOOK LOOKIE MOMMY LOOK!!!" You can let your eyes wander to the breathtaking view instead of watching your kid toss a plastic crab up in the air and catch it 15 times in a row. Nice.
The cafeteria was really reasonably priced and bordering on tasty, and I did learn something: Capri Suns are delicious!
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It's a little young for me.
We all have an inner child. But this is more your inner infant.
The building and exhibits weren't broken or dirty or anything, they just seemed a little shabby. Fish tanks were murky and the stuffed starfish was fraying at the seams.
But who am I to judge? Every kid here was beyond happy. They were engaged, animated, exploring. Several hundred little ones and no peep of misbehavior or crying. I've never seen anything like it.
If you're a single guy here I suggest not touching any of the kids. Parents could get the wrong idea. Just saying....
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Yelper$ inflicted with A$IAN CHEAPNE$$ INFLUENZA who also have kid$ take note, Bay Area Di$overy Mu$eum offer$ free family admi$$ion on the $econd $aturday of each month between 1 to 5 pm! That's a $hitload of $aving$ right there...
And no surprise, we spotted numerous A$IAN familie$ flock here right during that timeframe, even more than a weekend trip to San Jose Discovery Museum (the equivalent, but bigger and indoors). I'd say the A$IAN$ came across the Bay to the Museum in full force on $aturday. Oh what am I sayin'. EVERYONE took advantage of that di$count. Even your$ truly, $u$hizzle...
CHEAP A$$E$ REPRE$ENT!
As Liam Gallagher of Oa$i$ sang, "All my people right here right now, D'y know what I mean?"
RE$PECT.
It was extremely busy to the point where I had to leave the car on the gravel lot near the waterfront.
The layout of this place is quite interesting. There are several outdoor exhibits, an outdoors play area with various fun structures that all face a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and at least 6 re-purposed buildings that serve different functions.
Random notes:
Tot Spot:
One building had a water themed exhibit (except no water) in one side of the room, with three to four mini trampoline type bouncing areas to emulate pond and wildlife. Another exhibit of various water cylinders with frog shaped statues, where if you press down on a foot panel, bubbles will come out of the frog's mouths (to simulate breathing and air bubbles). The other side was a pseudo cave/forest thing where kids can put on vested outfits with various animal themes (like they can pretend to be a bee, a skunk, ladybug etc). Outside this building is a play area that simulates a body of water flowing downstream, where kids can take rubber sharks and fish and squirt water all around. As a parent you'll be very well prepared to bring extra clothing and towels for the kids, they will soak themselves.
Art Studio
Areas that offer arts and craft, puzzles, and books/reading.
Lookout Cove:
This outdoor play area towards the back offers the most fun, from a roped up structure that resembles a spiderweb, to a mini maze structure made of tree branches, to a cross section of a giant redwood where the kids can crawl in, to part of a shipwreck complete with sandpit and broom sweeps for those interested in cleaning (when they are spreading the sand all over), to a large stone and gravel pit with Tonka like construction trucks and helmets and shovels if your little one takes up an interest in hard core old school road construction work, to a stationary fishing boat that allows the curious ones to wander and climb around.
The only gripe is that when it gets a bit warm, the indoor areas tend to get stuffy, despite being right by the waterfront.
Definitely worth visiting again.
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Oh my god! I completely forgot about this place until now.
I remember coming as a kid with my family playing on the bridge and the port of Oakland. I definitely remember thinking even then that this was a very fun and unique museum. It has a different feel to it than most other kids museums. Very cool. Nice childhood flash back too
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A remarkable place for toddlers! My toddler was so amazed she didn't know what to touch first. It's also a perfect place to bring your toddler before nap time to knock them out ;) Make sure to bring sun block if it's sunny. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for children 1 - 17, and $8 for seniors. You get $1 off if you are AAA member. OH, it's free every first Wednesday of each month. Although, I suggest getting membership for an entire year, because trust me you will come back over & over. What I like about this place also is that you don't have to get stuck on expensive/unhealthy amusement park food. You could bring your own food and eat on one of the wooden picnic tables. Oh, and what a spectacular view of the golden gate bridge!
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We had a fabulous time here today with our 22 month old son. Before going any further, I want to strongly caution anyone who is considering visiting this place on a rainy (or otherwise crappy weather) day. You will miss about 1/3 of the fun that way since a lot of it is outside! Our son was totally into almost everything there. The only reason why we left after 3 hours was because of a previous commitment we already had. I would love to try it out on their free day (every first Wednesday of the month), but I am a little worried it would be too crowded. Overall, a great experience!
My toddler just loves this place!
The tot room where she can jump to her heart's content on the lily pads is her favorite as is the art room where she can sculpt, paste and paint and the water room - a little too scientific her, but she loves a little splashy-splashy now and then.
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On a rainy Saturday morning, my grandson, Dylan, and I went trapsing over to Sausalito. This being my first time in 20 years, I was absolutely amazed at all the changes. The Tot Room was Dylan's favorite. He loved jumping on the lily pads (water beds), looking at the live fishes above. Crawling in tunnels, playing with stuffed animals.
Just outside is a mini waterfall with rubber sharks for kids to splash about. A separate building houses the art area with painting, construction projects, books ,etc.
There are also dress-up outfits - kiddies can put on i.e. bumble bee, butterfly, etc. etc.
I am looking forward to taking Dylan to the train area. I hear its fantastic. After I buy a membership for his mom & dad. . . its that much fun. . . .
Note to Parents: As you enter, you must take off your shoes before entering the Tot Room - cubby holes are provided for shoes.
Note to Parents: there is absolutely No strollers allowed in the Tot Area, as it is a fire hazard to block the entrance. (hence the 20 or so strollers lined up outside).
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This place is gold for the under 4 set. I have a super active toddler. As a baby we could tour him around in his stroller to "real" musuems and we would sort of enjoy looking at stuff and chill out. But once he started walking it was all over. And that being said, the zoo and the big kids places like Yerba Buena were still sort of over his head. The BADS museum is just the perfect spot. It is very low key and laid back kids museum - set up in various old barracks and former militray buildings at Fort Baker in Sausalito. (It is kind of fun to take the tots over to see the Coast Guard boats and marina and views of the bridge and the city when they tire of the museum stuff).
My son just adores this place -- everything is imaginatively set up a the toddler height, like all the tables of exhibits, etc. -- and designed to get them actively "doing" something in the exhibit, from crawling through stuff, to playing in a faux salmon river bed with plastic salmon to splash with, to waterbed like trampolines with lily pads, to an awesome train table - it is just a well-designed and thought out place. It is also terrific at keeping their interest as they progress in development. We have gone back every 4-5 months since he started crawling and each time he falls in love with a different exhibit/building. The monstrous and cool playground is also not to be missed with shipwrecks and pretend construction sites, it is just great.
One minor drawback, the cafe is monumentally slow in service and kind of overpriced. They have good fresh, organic food, etc. but just kind of mediocre service (and with hundreds of hungry kids wandering around at the lunch hour, the cafe line is ground zero for melting down children).
My advice is to get there (if nap schedule permits) right when it opens, and then hightail it out of there by 1pm. The whining and crying cacophony of tired and hungry kids reaches its apex right around 1:30/2pm - mine included, so I am NOT judging, but just nice to duck out when the fever pitch hits its highest point.
The toy store is also just awesome - pricey stuff but full of really great, handmade, wood toys and inventive and creative things you won't see in other "cheap, plastic, mass-`produced" chain stores.
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We live 15 minutes from the San Jose Children's Museum; it takes at least an hour to get to this one. However, when it was time to buy a membership, I chose this one.
I leave the other museum feeling drained and run down. I leave this one with a weary smile. This beautiful location lifts your heart. We've had memberships on and off from 18 months to kindergarten age for each of our sons.
Try a free "second Saturday" and you'll see what I mean. Worth the drive.
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I had a great first experience here. My 16mo old loved it. There was so much for her to do. We probably only did half of it and then she was too exhasted and in need of a nap. The tot room and "stream" were her favorite areas. We'll definitely be back. I'm kicking myself for not just buying the membership.
It's $10/adult and $8/child. Others said they were suprised by how expensive... I was relieved about how inexpensive it is compared to the exploratorium. Definitely worth the trip and I know we'll be back!
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Me n me wifey just took the kid here today....wow its better than when i went on the field trip here in da 9tre (gangsta homage) even picked up the membership for a cool hundo...what a great value...my boys too young for the day camp.but they offer free entrance for 4 for a year and discounts on everything there.arts n crafts room...huge shipwreck play area .some ditzy trophey housewives for sure..but overall a great place for kids...my son was super stoked the whole time...he dug story time in the underwater room...and there is so much for him to explore and get hands on with...Only thing that is kinda whack is the mommy/daddy ratio...some moms look at u like a baby snatcher i guess because they're are very few men around (at least when i went)Nonetheless it was one of the best museum trips my son has been on...also a quick lunch stop at the headlands on ur way back to tha city and u got a perfect day...as long as weather works with u
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On property, and sick.
Introduces kids to science... check.
A brilliant resource for parents... check.
A reason to leave my office and meet my sis and my nephew and neice and bro in law for a relaxing departure to my workday???
CHECK MOFO!!!!
Brilliant place... I simply adore it. THANKS BADM!!!
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I must say that it is a small place, but it is a cool place! I had so much fun there although all the stuff are geared for children under the age of 5. I went here with an 8 year old, she was having so much fun... especially by the wave room and the outdoor play ground area. But, too bad that the pottery thing was not open though...
Great way to spend a day with my 1 year old and 3.5 year old with even enough stuff to keep my 7.5 year old's attention for most of the time. Breath taking views of the the city and the Golden Gate Bridge, ample parking and a nice mix of indoor and outdoor activities well maintained.
We just had a bit of sticker shock having to pay $44 for 3 kids and 2 adults. Oh well, welcome to the Bay area.
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I'm so very thankful that my parents gave us a membership and the BADM is part of a weekly rotation.
The little one LOVES coming here and gets really excited once we pull up to the parking lot. Now that she's a little older the Lookout Cove part is super fun for my adventurous daughter. The Tot room is still a favorite of course.
I cannot recommend enough!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/2/2008
Fantastic time. Solid 4 1/2 stars.
We took the little one (13 months) and she LOVED it. The Tot Room… Read more »
This is a great place to go with kids. I have only visited with my niece and nephew and I sort of want to keep it that way, because kids don't care what anyone thinks so they drag you into all sorts of silliness.
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Yeah, yeah, I hear what all of the other reviewers are saying but how great this place is for toddlers and kids a little older. But, come on, admit that taking a kid there is a great excuse to enjoy playing with all of the fun toys yourself! I have a 22 month-old niece and this place rocks for both of us!
The toddler area with the little stream and fake fish and frogs is so fun, I almost should have worn a waterproof smock myself! Then, you go inside and there's a little cave with stuffed animals crawling in and out, so fun to go in there like the old days when you used to build forts! It's a little creepy that because when you're inside you have to take your shoes off and some people are walking around barefoot, but then again, this is San Francisco!
My other favorite area, I think my niece liked it too, was the sunken ship with the buried treasures. It was great to see her use a broom and find things under the sand!
We didn't spend a lot of time in the craft area, it was pretty crowded, but they had several different activities in there for kids of all ages. Especially cool was that you can paint on glass that's hung on the wall. We did try this and it may explain my niece's new found love of drawing on the walls at home...I think I'm getting blamed for that!
And, there's usually a different activity going on over the weekend. When we were there they had a wheelchair basketball game, something you don't get to see a lot and that kids of all ages, including me, can be interested in.
The location is great, just a quick ride over the GG Bridge, and there's plenty of parking. The view across the bay is awesome, too, so if you just wanted to bring a picnic and walk down to the water it's a good place for lunch.
I can't wait to go back, I've got to kidnap my niece again! Oh, and if a family has a yearly pass pretty much anyone can get in with it, so you save some bucks there.
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Rarely am I moved to purchase a season pass for any one museum or park because I feel like there is so much to explore in the Bay Area, that a season pass wouldn't be worth it. But I have to say... this is the kind of experience for children that will grow with their evolving developmental stages. And yes, after a visit this weekend I am going to become a member.
I loved the fact that it is home to both indoor and outdoor activities. And being located just over the GG bridge (read: beyond the fog belt), it's a great way to escape the City's cold summer days and get out for some fresh warm weather and fun!
The variety of activities captivated the group of little ones that we went with (five kids ages 2 - 6) and it was a good time to be had by all. Best of all it seemed very clean, the staff was really nice and it looks like they might be expanding with new exhibits and such.
Definitely a winner in my book.
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We had been a long time ago when we only had 1 child, he must've been about 3 years old, so that makes it 5 years ago. The attraction at the time was the Lego Exhibit, which we all thought was AWESOME. Apparently we just missed the Clifford the Dog exhibit. Check their website for upcoming events and such.
Today we went for a birthday party. Had the weather been nicer, I think I could have enjoyed it better. The facility for the birthday party was quite large though and very accomodating.
Lots of hands on activities and exhibits, which I would say is good for toddlers to about 6 year olds.
The only drawback is some of the other parents. UGH! Like instead of using the bathrooms and changing stations, instead they used the benches to COMPLETELY change their child's diaper and clothes WITHOUT a changing pad or barrier between their child's toosh and where other people have to sit. ICK! Or when parents are too engaged in conversation with their friends to notice that their child has wandered off, like 2 buildings away from the play area, and no one knows whose 18 month old it is. Then to have said parent come running to the large group and snatch the child back without a thank you. Or the other parents who congregate by the entrance of the door to an exhibit b/c they're too busy talking but when you kindly say "Excuse Me" they give you their snot attitude. Oy!
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Dear Santa,
I was a very good mummy this year. I took care of my off-spring with great devotion, even quitting my lucrative and social job for him. I have stopped sleeping a long time ago and have aged by 10 years in just one.
One of the great pleasures of this new life is to take the off-spring to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. So for Christmas, you would make be most happy by sending an annual family membership so that we do not spend all of his college money in one-time entry fees. The membership is only $105.
If you do that, I promise to be an even better mummy next year.
Lots of Love,
Elsa
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If you have little ones or know some kids from 6 months to 6 years old
this is the place to visit. I suggest pack a lunch and enjoy the view of the golden gate bridge. The theme of the museum is habitat. Kids enjoy jumping on the water bed "pond" in the tot spot. Clifford comes to life in
exhibition hall. If weather is permitting the water feature is a favorite pack extra clothes. For 3 and up they offer arts and crafts. check it, it is well worth it.
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