Review of the Bay Area Discovery Museum, One of the Best Kids Museums in the World
Published: 2023-11-28, Last Updated: None
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is one of the best children's museums in the world. Located right at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, the museum is built in a series of historic army buildings from the late 19th century.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is all about engaging kids through playful and interactive exhibits that are always changing. There's a room with a giant train table, a How Things Work section featuring an entire house filled with items that have been cut in half so kids can see their inner workings, an art and dance studio with rotating exhibits and more.
For older kids and young teens, the Bay Area Discovery Museum has a maker space with more tech-oriented digital exhibits. For the youngest set, there's a wonderful Tot Spot with soft surfaces and an enclosed tree house for climbing.
The museum takes full advantage of its stunning location with several outdoor exhibits. The new Gumnut Grove gives kids 5 and up the chance to climb into the canopy of a eucalyptus tree and walk through an enclosed series of bridges high in the air.
There's also an excellent outdoor adventure playground toward the back of the museum where kids can run around. The museum has an on-site healthy cafe, Bean Sprouts, with super creative kids' meals.
One challenge with the museum is the lack of parking. There's a small paved lot right in front of the museum, but it fills quickly, especially on weekends. When it's full, you're left to park on a pothole-studded dirt lot.
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is also pricey, and they charge for all kids 6 months and up. They do have free days and big discounts for families on state benefit programs.
Overall, the BADM is a magical place that many Bay Area families visit multiple times per year. I have a membership and will gladly drive over an hour from the East Bay to take my kids there.
Reviewed by Thomas Smith
The author at the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Pros
- Engaging, playful, and interactive exhibits for kids of varying ages.
- Offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits, taking full advantage of its stunning location.
- Features a makerspace for older kids and young teens with tech-oriented digital exhibits.
- Has an on-site healthy cafe, Bean Sprouts, with creative kids’ meals.
- Offers free days and big discounts for families on state benefit programs.
Cons
- Lack of sufficient parking, especially on weekends.
- Poor parking conditions with a pothole-studded dirt lot.
- Pricey entrance fees.
- Charges for all kids 6 months and up.
- Potential inconvenience due to location, necessitating an hour-long drive from some areas.
How We Evaluated It
I am a member of the museum and visit at least once per month. I have tried the food at least 15 times, visited every room at the museum with my kids, and visisted during a variety of weather conditions and times of the year.
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Photos
Aerial view of the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Rope ladders through the trees in the Gumnut Grove section
Buildings at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, seen from the fishing boat
Address
557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965
Contact Info
Website: Click Here