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. Admission for up to two adults and their children can be applied toward the cost of membership.

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

A: Memberships are intended one per family. Sharing memberships between families is prohibited. Memberships are non-transferable.

Memberships are designed for one household comprised of up to two adults and their children. You can list a caregiver who can bring your children as well. Infants under 6 months are free. If you would like to bring guests you can step up your membership to the Supporting level and always bring two extra guests.

For memberships purchased prior to June 1, 2011: Discovery Duo memberships admit 2 people. Family Fun memberships admit 4 people. Museum Passport and Anchor memberships admit 6 people. One of the named card holders or a listed caregiver must be present for admission.

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, Family and Supporting membership cards include the Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) logo, allowing admission to 180+ 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 which can be used at your choice of: Habitot in Berkeley, the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum, Lawrence Hall of Science, Chabot Space & Science Center, Palo Alto Zoo, Museum of Children's Art. After you use the passes, admission to those museums is $5 per person when you show your ACM-reciprocal membership card.

Please note: Memberships purchased prior to June 1, 2011 may not be reciprocal - check your membership card for the ACM logo to confirm reciprocity. If you'd like to step up your membership to receive reciprocal admission to 180+ children's museums and other great benefits, please contact membership(at)badm.org or (415) 339-3954.

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.