Bay Area Discovery Museum | Free Admission Day

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a one-of-a-kind indoor and outdoor children’s museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The Museum is the only children’s museum in the U.S. to be located in a national park and is known for its emphasis on creativity through play and programs featuring hands-on art, science and environmental exhibitions, performances, special events, cultural festivals, and more.

Foster a lifelong love for creativity, science, and art through a free visit to the museum this month, and have your kids learn about everything from spaceships to sand art.

2025 Free Days for Bay Area Locals at Bay Area Discovery Museum
Free First Wednesday (Only 2x a year) for Bay Area residents*. Advanced reservations are not required, and a suggested $20 donation per group is appreciated.* Must show proof of residency (photo ID or piece of mail) in one of the nine Bay Area counties.

• Wednesday, March 5, 2025
• Second 2025 Date – TBD

Free/Discounted Museum Programs

Learn more about the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s free/discount ticket programs

General Admission

• $3 – For EBT Cardholders ($3 per family member of the household, 6 ticket limit per card)
• $15 – Baby (ages 6-11 months)
• $20 – Child (ages 1-17)
• $20 – Adult (ages 18-64)
• $18 – Senior (ages 65+)

Admission includes full access to the museum and museum events. *General admission tickets are not valid for Family Fundraisers, such as Goblin Jamboree.. 

Museums for All – $3 Admission

BADM offers $3 admission to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cardholders and their families ($3 per family member) through the Museums for All program. Present your EBT card to the front desk upon arrival – no prior registration is required. 6 ticket limit per card

Open Door Policy / No One Turned Away Due to Lack of Funds

BADM does not turn away visitors due to lack of funds. Families are welcome to visit the museum on a pay-what-you-can basis. To participate, tell the front desk staff that you wish to enter under the open door policy.

Active Military Discount

If you have an active military ID, we want to thank you for your service. Enjoy free admission year-round for one child and one adult with an active military ID.

If you or a member of your immediate family is active-duty US military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, check out the Blue Star Museum program. This program offers free admission to the museum to all US active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

Partner and Reciprocal Discounts

We partner with a number of organizations to offer the following discounts. Just show your proof of membership at the front desk upon entry:

• Automobile Association of America (AAA): $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people
• Association of Children’s Museums (ACM): Members of other children’s museums may be available depending on your membership level. Check your membership card for the ACM sticker. Valid members receive 50 percent off general admission to Bay Area Discovery Museum.
• Association of Science and Technology Centers (ASTC): The ASTC Passport Program gives members free general admission to more than 300 institutions located outside a 90-mile radius of your residence and home museum. Participating institutions may have their own restrictions, and at our museum, ASTC members receive free admission for 1 adult and 1 child only. Please check your membership card for the ASTC logo and visit the ASTC website for a full list of participating locations.
• California Alumni Association (CAA): $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people
• UCSF: $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people