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.
COVID-19 Update – As of 10/12/20 the museum is open. Outdoor spaces are open to members and the general public. Indoor spaces are reopening in phases. First to reopen: Wobbleland, Bay Hall and Art Studio! Advanced tickets are required.
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.
2020 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*. Reservations required.
March 4, 2020 – CanceledMay 6, 2020– CanceledJuly 1, 2020– CanceledSeptember 2, 2020– Canceled- October 7, 2020 – Confirmed Free Day (as of 9/14/20)
November 7, 2020– Canceled- December 2, 2020 – Confirmed Free Day (as of 9/14/20)
*Must show proof of residency (photo ID or piece of mail) in one of the nine Bay Area counties.
Free/Discounted Museum Programs
Learn more about the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s free/discount ticket programs
General Admission
- $1 – For EBT Cardholders ($1 per family member of the household)
- $14.95 – Baby (ages 6-11 months)
- $16.95 – Child (ages 1-17)
- $16.95 – Adult (ages 18-64)
- $14.95 – 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 – $1 Admission
BADM offers $1 admission to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cardholders and their families ($1 per family member) through the Museums for All program. Present your EBT card to the front desk upon arrival – no prior registration is required.
Free First Wednesday
Admission is free to Bay Area residents* the first Wednesday of every other month.
Reservations for Free First Wednesday are now required due to state and county guidelines on capacity. Tickets are available to reserve starting 30 days in advance of the next Free Day.
- October 7
- December 2
*Must show proof of residency (photo ID or piece of mail) in one of the nine Bay Area counties.
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 BADM.
- 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. Check your membership card for the ASTC logo.
- California Alumni Association (CAA): $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people
- KQED: $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people
- UCSF: $1 off per visitor, up to 5 people