Membership

Q: If I pay for admission to the Museum, can I use the cost of admission to help purchase a membership?

A: Yes, however you must bring the admission receipt to the Front Desk that same day. You can then apply the same number of admissions towards the level of membership you wish to purchase. For example, you can apply up to six daily admissions towards the purchase of a Museum Passport membership.

Q: How many people, and who can receive free admission using my membership?

A: Memberships are intended one per family. Each membership includes a certain number of individuals who can visit the Museum for free at one time; children under 12 months of age are always free. The Discovery Duo admits two; Family Fun admits four; Museum Passport and Supporting Memberships admit six. Membership cards are given in duplicate in order to provide you with a backup. Cards cannot be used by two separate groups on the same day. The Museum allows members to bring guests or relatives; however, sharing memberships between families is prohibited.

Q: Where do members check-in?

A: All members must check-in at the Museum Front Desk before entering the Museum. Unless otherwise directed by a staff member or clearly-marked signage during an event day, you must enter the Museum via the Front Desk at the Entry Pavilion. Please have your membership card in-hand, count the total number of seniors, adults, children and infants in your group, then wait for the next available front desk staff person. Visitation statistics help us plan for exhibit usage and provide crucial information to our financial supporters. In addition, visitors entering or exiting from locations other than the Entry Pavilion (such as at the back gate or over a fence) compromises the Museum’s ability to ensure the safety of our site.

Q: Does my membership have reciprocity with other Museums?

A: Yes, if you have a Museum Passport membership or higher, which features the Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) stickers, you can enter 160+ other Children’s Museums across the country, free of charge. This reciprocity is only good for participating ACM member Museums and a complete listing can be found at ACM. Locally, you'll receive two free passes to Habitot in Berkeley, and the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum.

Q: What happens if I lose my membership card or forget to bring it?

A: Replacement membership cards can be purchased for just $5. If you forget your card, the Front Desk will allow you to enter if they can locate you in the current listing of members; however you will be charged for a new set of cards if you forget to bring them a second time.

Q: Is my membership tax deductible?

A: A portion of your membership may be tax-deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor to determine the exact amount. According to the Internal Revenue Service of the United States, you can deduct only that portion of your dues that is more than the fair market value of the “tangible benefits” that you have actually utilized. The Museum is unable to set a specific value of the admission benefit you may have utilized. If you wish to learn more about charitable contributions, please read IRS Publication 526.

Q: What is the Museum's Tax ID?

A: The EIN for the Bay Area Discovery Museum is 68-0033227.