10 Bay Area Museums for Kids to Explore

Katie G. said:  Families will love to learn and discover at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose. The museum offers several exhibits designed to engage young minds. The Art Loft lets little ones express themselves through art with hands-on art projects using many different mediums. Kids will love blowing, catching and discovering in the Bubbles exhibit and playing make-believe store in the Rainbow Market. Splash around in the WaterWays exhibit and run, jump and play in Bill's Backyard, an outdoor natural playground.

Erynn said:  If your kids are fans of aviation, you can't go wrong with a visit to this hands-on Bay Area museum! Along with the real aircraft on display, kids can also check out the cockpit of assorted Boeing 747s, a flight simulator, a Sky Portal exhibit, Real Time Air Traffic display for the SF area, a Storm Making interactive display, invention lab and imagination stations, and more!

Katie G. said:  At this interactive museum, guests will learn about the history of pinball machines through play. There are over 90 playable machines dating back to the 1940s. Enjoy hand-painted murals and an art gallery all about pinball. Stools and footstools are available for little guests who may not be able to reach.

Katie G. said:  More than a museum, the Exploratorium is a place for adults and kids of all ages to explore, interact and learn about science and art. With more than 650 exhibits, guests are encouraged to touch and play with everything at the museum to explore water, lights, reflections, colors, the human body and more.

Large playgrounds in front of this popular San Francisco museum for kids have plenty of soft floor space to run and feature two major tube slides. Kids will love taking a ride on the nearby LeRoy King Carousel, too.

Katie G. said:  At this non-profit, educational museum, families will learn about the history of the cable cars, how they are made and how they run. Get an in-depth look at the parts and machinery involved in building a cable car. Browse through historical photographs and check out three antique cable cars from the 1800s. Visit the gift shop for souvenirs, books or an authentic cable car bell.

Katie G. said:  The Randall Museum inspires creativity, curiosity and appreciation for the world we live in. Part natural history museum, part science museum and part art center, the Randall Museum has something for everyone. The Animal Exhibit lets you visit with live animals often found in their natural Northern California habitat. Learn geology in the Foundations exhibit and learn how to preserve our natural resource water in the Ocean exhibit. Young kids will love climbing in the Toddler Tree House or climbing on the caboose at Ride the Rails.

Katie G. said:  Families can view several fire trucks from past to present, ring the old bell that was used as a fire alarm for the city and learn about the tragic and historic 1906 earthquake and fire. The museum is volunteer run so be sure to call before visiting to make sure they are open.

Katie G. said:  Galleries and exhibits highlight the life of Walt and how he rose to fame in Hollywood. Animation classes are offered for kids as young as 3rd grade. Kids will love seeing old pictures of Mickey Mouse, a mini replica of Disneyland and watching short animated films created by Walt as they learn about the history of Disney.

California Academy of Sciences is a one-stop all-natural science and history museum that will keep your family entertained all day! They boast educational exhibits including an Aquarium, Planetarium and Rainforest. There is also a natural history section with fossils from sea and land life, gems, and minerals plus more. Families will enjoy hands-on interactive science exploring for kids, closeups, specimen highlights, special exhibits, events, family programs, sleepovers and so much more at this magnificent venue.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  California Academy of Sciences is a one-stop all-natural science and history museum that will keep your family entertained all day! They boast educational exhibits including an Aquarium, Planetarium and Rainforest. There is also a natural history section with fossils from sea and land life, gems, and minerals plus more. Families will enjoy hands-on interactive science exploring for kids, closeups, specimen highlights, special exhibits, events, family programs, sleepovers and so much more at this magnificent venue.

Cost: $35.95/adults, $30.95/ages 12-17, $25.95/ages 4-11

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a children's museum offering many STEAM exhibits for families to explore. Kids will love learning about space, digital technology and art while using their imagination. Enjoy one of the several playgrounds or participate in a pop-up program. Bay Hall features boats, trains and tunnels in a simulated San Francisco setting. Lookout Cove lets kids explore nature in an interactive playground and the Tot Spot is a perfect place for toddlers to run around and burn off energy.