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.

2024 Free Days for Bay Area Locals at Bay Area Discovery Museum
Free First Wednesday is every other month. Admission is free to 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.

January 3, 2024
March 6, 2024
May 1, 2024
July 3, 2024
September 4, 2024
November 6, 2024

Free/Discounted Museum Programs

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

General Admission

• $2 – For EBT Cardholders ($2 per family member of the household)
• $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. *Goblin Jamboree, BADM’s annual family fundraiser is not included in the price of admission. 

Museums for All – $2 Admission

BADM offers $2 admission to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cardholders and their families ($2 per family member) through the Museums for All program. Present your EBT card to the front desk upon arrival – no prior registration is required.

Check Out a Museum Membership From Your Library

Many local libraries have Bay Area Discovery Museum Membership Cards that can be checked out and used to visit the museum. Check with your local library.

• “Discover & Go” Library Programs: San Francisco | Marin County | Sonoma County | Napa County | Solano County | Contra Costa County | Alameda County | Santa Clara County

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

We offer free admission to one child and one adult with an active military ID. This discount is offered year-round.

Partner and Reciprocal Discounts

Please show proof of membership at the front desk upon entry for the following discounts:

• 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. Check your membership card for the ASTC logo.
• California Alumni Association (CAA): $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people
• UCSF: $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people