Grandma Dot's Passport
 | Been to 135 Attractions |
 | 79 Reviews |
 | 48 First to Review |
 | 20 Photos |
 | 82 Helpful Votes |
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Send a ComplimentMuseums to visit for free in the S.F. Bay Area
To save on admission fees, museums can be visited for free on certain days.
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: December 13 2008
"gardens, observatory and museum"
Most art museums in San Francisco are free on the first Tuesday of the month, and the science museums free on the first Wednesday of the month. The De Young Museum has a beautiful garden with artful sculptures next to their cafeteria that will delight you and your child. The well planned outdoor garden on the other side of the building has landscaped sitting areas and walking decks next to the fountain. As you enter the door from that side of the museum, an elevator takes you up to the observatory, where you and your children will enjoy a panoramic view of the City. http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/visiting/index.asp
34th Avenue & Clement Street
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: December 22 2008
"Outdoor view of SF and Golden Gate"
Besides the great art at Legion of Honor, there are outdoor areas around the Palace, lion statues, grass, gardens, and views. Walking around the look out, kids love to look out into the golf course and the carved lamp posts near the parking area. There are trails to explore the history of the city's exchange with Japan and view the Golden Gate Bridge. Free on first Tuesdays of the month. Some Sundays at 4 pm, there are concerts in the museum. (Check the schedules)34th Avenue & Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94121
151 Third Street (between Mission and Howard Streets)
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"Georgia O'Keefe and Ansel Adams"
Although these special exhibits costs $5., general admission to see works on the other floors is free on the first Tuesdays of each month. Recent addition of the roof top garden sculptures is great for the young ones. You can wheel them up to the top floor to see these large sculptures, then work your way down to see paintings of the masters in the 2nd floor. There are also scheduled talks if your child wants to quietly snooze in attendance. They might enjoy items in the gift shop or the coffee shop on the first floor.
200 Larkin Street (between Fulton and McAllister Streets)
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"A feel for Asian Art"
Families can visit this musuem in the Civic Center area on the first Sunday of each month for free. You can get a feel for the beautiful art of Asia, whether it's from mystical India, ancient China or smaller countries like Burma and Bhutan. Elevator and bridges available for access.
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"Creatures under a green roof"
You can see the white crocodiles, rainforest creatures, tropical fishes and all under an exemplar green rooftop. Free admission for everyone on the third Wednesday of every month. Get tickets early for the planetarium show or wait in their huge cafeteria and lobby area. Get an early start (open at 9:30 am) to get parking and avoid long lines.
201 South Market Street
San Jose, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"Cutting Edge Technology Explained"
Families can learn hands-on about cutting edge technology with the creative educational exhibits in this museum. Biotech, medicine, innovations in the heart of Silicon Valley, all at your fingertips. Check out the IMAX theater. Scholar free general admittance every second Sunday of the month.
Palace of Fine Arts
3601 Lyon Street San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"Kids Explore"
That's what kids do - explore! Get in there and you can't get them out! Some exhibits for young and old alike. The outdoor paths along the swan lake are good for walkers and strollers. Beware the ice cream man! Free admission every first Wednesday of the month till 4 pm.
328 Lomita Drive (at Museum Way)
Palo Alto, California
reviewed on: January 24 2009
"Art for parents and kids"
It's a great place to view quality art work with no admission charge or long lines. There's a Rodin Gardens outside, and a sculptured river rock where kids love to roam after being introduced to the masterpieces inside. Located right in the Stanford University Campus, this museum includes an indoor-outdoor cafe and gift shop.
1401 N Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, California
reviewed on: June 06 2009
"Love numbers, machines and robots?"
All kids have an interest in the first calculator, which is their 10 fingers. There is a Cray 1 Super Computer in the lobby that kids can sit next to and touch. If your toddler is into beads, there is a display of the abacus. A five year old was interested in the finite numbering system at the Babbage Engine 2 demonstration at the museum. This historic cranking calculating machine from the London Science Museum goes away to Seattle by November, 2009 to make way for new expanded exhibits. Young kids seem easily impressed by the huge size of the first computers, such as the Eniac. There is a row of robots, one that has the likes of Wally. For kids fascinated with patterns, there is an electronic chess display, complete with hands-on computer chess and a couple of tables with chess sets. A 14 year old was interested in Space Wars, presented by the first MIT pioneers of computer gaming on a WWII mechanical radar scanner. Besides the educational exhibits, gracious volunteer tour guides, water coolers, restrooms, gift shop, and spacious grounds make this museum family friendly. Free to the public and open Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday from 12 to 4 pm. Saturdays 11am-5pm. Every 1st and 3rd Saturday, the PDP1 computer gaming demo is on.
199 Museum Way
San Francisco, California
reviewed on: June 05 2009
"For Kids"
Tucked away in the geographic center of the City, kids can enjoy earth, animal and creativity exhibits. Free admission and activities Tuesday through Saturday for kids. Saturday drop in classes available for adult and kids together at $6. Check their calendar for special events.
