Bay Area Discovery Museum

Bay Area Discovery Museum sits at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Baker, Sausalito — a location so spectacular that photos of kids playing on the outdoor structures with the bridge looming overhead look almost too cinematic to be real. But it's real, and it's genuinely one of the best children's museums in the Bay Area.

BBADM is designed for kids roughly ages 1-10 and delivers across that full range. The museum has dedicated spaces for different developmental stages: the Tot Spot is a separated, enclosed area specifically for infants and young toddlers where babies can explore sensory materials without getting steamrolled by bigger kids running through. The main museum exhibits include art studios, a construction zone with real-scale tools and materials, science areas, and hands-on creative stations that keep elementary-age kids genuinely engaged for 2-4 hours.

The outdoor area is a star attraction in its own right. The water play section — essentially a series of water channels, pipes, and splash features — turns into the main event on warm days. Kids will get very wet.

Bring a complete change of clothes and embrace it. The outdoor play structures with Golden Gate Bridge views in the background create the kind of family memories that parents keep as phone wallpaper for years.

With over 3,000 Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, BADM has an exceptionally consistent reputation. The museum controls entry via timed tickets, which keeps crowding manageable. Mondays and Tuesdays the museum is closed, so plan accordingly.

The membership is worth calculating: at roughly $100-150/year for a family, it pays off in 2-3 visits and includes reciprocal access at children's museums nationwide. If you're an out-of-town visitor with a home museum membership, check for reciprocal agreements before buying a day ticket.