General Information

Q: Where can I park? What if the main lot is full?

A: The National Park Service maintains a parking lot next to the the main entrance. When this lot is full, visitors may park along the waterfront by the Coast Guard station, or in dirt lots up East Road past the Museum. The National Park Service is currently renovating its utility infrastructure and parking will occasionally be impacted.

Q: Can I take public transportation to the Museum?

A: Unfortunately, no buses currently go directly to the Museum. Our suggestion is to take the ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito and then catch a cab from the hotel across the street from the ferry landing - the ride is about 2 miles. We do not recommend walking as the roads are narrow and without sidewalks for much of the way.

Q: Are there multiple Museum entrances and locations?

A: All patrons must enter and exit through the Entry Pavilion at the front of the Museum unless otherwise instructed. The gates toward the back of the site are occasionally used for entry and exit on select public festival days.

Q: Are you related to the Children's Discovery Museum in San Jose, or any other museums?

A: No, the Bay Area Discovery Museum is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, though our name is similar to other children's museums. Many children's museums belong to the Association of Children's Museums, which advocates nationally for children's museums.

Q: Where are the bathrooms?

A: Bathrooms are located in the Entry Pavilion, Tot Spot, Exhibit Hall, next to the Art Studios, and across from the Café. Changing stations are available in all bathrooms

Q: Can I bring my stroller into the exhibit buildings?

A: For fire safety reasons, strollers are not permitted in some exhibit halls. Many of our buildings are small, historic buildings. Please check for signs at each building. Stroller parking is allowed everywhere else on the site.

Q: Can I bring my pet to the Museum?

A: Please leave all pets at home, with the noted exception of guide-dogs for the physically impaired.

Q: Where on site can I nurse my child?

A: Mothers are free to nurse without exception – it’s the law, and we encourage it anywhere, anytime. If you are seeking a quieter spot, there is a nook in Tot Spot near the waterbed with the goldfish that is specifically designed for nursing moms.

Q: Can I bring alcohol to the Museum?

A: Please leave all alcoholic beverages at home.

Q: Does the Museum have a Lost and Found?

A: Yes, the Museum maintains a Lost and Found at the Front Desk. Please call (415) 339-3936 to inquire about any lost items.

Q: When is the Café open and what does it serve?

A: Sorry - our cafe is is currently closed for renovation. We hope our new look, management and menu will be coming soon. In the meantime, please bring a picnic. Limited snacks are available at the Discovery Store for purchase. For more information, please see our Cafe page.

Q: When is the Museum less busy?

A: If you prefer to visit the Museum when it's less crowded, we suggest visiting in the afternoon, or early in the week. School groups visit October through May between approximately 10 a.m. - noon, with a maximum of 80 school children on site each day. You may also call the Museum before your visit to inquire about a specific day, and we can provide general information about Museum activity and school group visits.

A note about school group visitors:

School group visits are an important part of the Museum’s mission. The Museum reaches out to many children who might not otherwise have the opportunity or funds to visit. Many of the groups visit at a reduced rate offered to schools and organizations that reach under-served children and families. In addition, the revenue from groups who do pay the full group admission rate is one way that we are able to keep the costs of our admission and memberships affordable. Children love their school visits to the Museum. If your children are preschool age, they will soon be among the groups of children playing, learning and creating lifelong memories on their school field trip at the Museum.

Q: What is the easiest way to find out about current offerings?

A:

• Email: The Museum sends out a monthly electronic newsletter with current events and activities. Click here to sign up or read past issues.
• Web site: The Museum makes best efforts to ensure that our extensive Web site contains the most current visitor information, including monthly and weekly calendar listings. Visit our calendar here.
• Printed calendar: A quarterly calendar is available at the Front Desk. However, we encourage you to help us save trees and minimize printing costs by referring to our Web site instead!
• Museum signage: Refer to the orange sign holders located in the front entrance and throughout the site to learn about day-of and/or upcoming offerings during your visit.

Q: What does your sign mean "You May Be In Pictures" at the front desk?

A: The Museum occasionally takes photographs or video of visitors to use in promotional materials, including post cards, newsletters, and Web sites. Complete details about our photography policies can be found in our privacy policy or by asking at the Front Desk. If you see a staff photographer wearing a Museum badge taking pictures, feel free to let them know if you do not want to be photographed.

Q: How can I or my high school student volunteer at the Museum?

A: The Museum does not have a volunteer program for teenagers. Adults who wish to volunteer may join the Discovery Council, our all-volunteer fundraising auxiliary.