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Free Museum Days for Kids in San Francisco

The little ones can release their inner Picasso and create a work of art. Photo courtesy of the Museum
The little ones can release their inner Picasso and create a work of art. Photo courtesy of the Museum
11/29/23 - By Sandra Lee

Free museum days will have your senses heightened when you hear that you won't even need a penny to enjoy San Francisco's best museums. Seriously though, what parent doesn't perk up to the word "free"? It's nice to give our wallets a break, especially after the holidays or a birthday party where the shopping and splurging are in full force. Having some free activities to do with the little ones in a cultural mecca brings sighs of relief. Luckily, museums (particularly kid-friendly ones in the Bay Area) get it and periodically offer free museum days where families can enjoy all the STEM, art, and play activities for the mere cost of nothing. 

We've rounded up our favorite Bay Area museums with free museum days so you can take the kids to enjoy days of learning and exploration. Our list of free museum days has it all; from interactive art to mesmerizing gardens, science, and history, kids will get to employ their creativity while taking in antiquities. 

If you've already got the little ones out and about and want to extend the day, take them to one of these indoor playgrounds, or introduce them to some early skills in the kitchen so they can be your tiny Sous Chef in cooking classes for kids. If free things to do is still on your mind, let us help inspire planning on a budget with our free things to do in San Francisco Bay Area with kids guide. 

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The kids will be sprinting to see sculptures. Photo courtesy of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park
The kids will be sprinting to see sculptures. Photo courtesy of the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park

Free Museum Days in the San Francisco Bay Area for Kids

Free Admission at the SF Japanese Tea Garden

San Francisco - Every Morning on Monday, Wednesday & Friday
The Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park, is the perfect retreat for quiet and relaxation. Take a minute from the busy day with free admission to take in the lush greenery, sip on green tea, and walk around the waterfalls and wisteria flowers.  READ MORE

Free First Tuesday at the Conservatory of Flowers

San Francisco - First Tuesday of Every Month
Visit the Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco on the first Tuesday of every month for free admission all day.  READ MORE

Free Day at SF Botanical Garden

San Francisco - Second Tuesday of Every Month
Get some fresh air and enjoy the beautiful gardens for free on the second Tuesday of every month. With 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world, it's a great way to relax, be one with nature, and enjoy time together. READ MORE

South Bay Historical Railroad Society Open Hours

Santa Clara - Every Tuesday and Saturday
Train enthusiasts are invited to visit the South Bay Historical Railroad Society during its Tuesday evening open hours to see intricate model trains as well as actual historic rail cars and railway artifacts. READ MORE

Free First Wednesday at Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito - First Wednesday of Every Other Month
Enjoy all that the popular Bay Area Discovery Museum (BADM) has to offer with free admission on the first Wednesday of every other month. Residents in the nine Bay Area counties must show proof of admission for free entry.  READ MORE

Museum Free Day at GLBT Historical Society

San Francisco - First Wednesday of Every Month
Sponsored by the Bob Ross Foundation, the GLBT Museum in San Francisco offers free admission to all visitors on the first Wednesday of every month. The museum is on a first-come, first-served basis.  READ MORE

Pay What You Wish Wednesday at Museum of Craft & Design

San Francisco - Every Wednesday
Devoted to craft and design, this San Francisco museum showcases designers, makers, and artists through programs and exhibitions. On Wednesdays, visitors can experience the museum and pay what they wish for admission.  READ MORE

First Thursday at SFMOMA

San Francisco - First Thursday of Every Month
Spend the day at the SFMOMA for free from 1-8 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month. See the beautiful galleries, exhibits, and programs that inspire families of all ages.  All visitors on First Thursdays can enjoy a complimentary cup of illy drip coffee at Steps Coffee, our coffee bar on Floor 2 in Schwab Hall. Steps Coffee will be open until 6:00 p.m.  READ MORE

Free First Thursdays at BAMPFA

Berkeley - First Thursday of Every Month
Dedicated to art and film, the UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive is a very cool museum with programs, exhibits, and screenings that draw visitors from the entire Bay Area. Admission is free for all on the first Thursday of every month, as well as for kids 18 and under, with special programs for families on the second Saturday. READ MORE

Free First Fridays at the Contemporary Jewish Museum

San Francisco - First Friday of Every Month
If you haven't visited the CJM in San Francisco, take advantage of Free First Fridays with free admission all day. A welcoming place where people can connect, the CJM has innovative exhibits and programs to educate and inspire.  READ MORE

First Friday at the San Jose Museum of Art

San Jose - First Friday of Every Month
Visitors get free admission on the first Friday of every month after 6pm at the San Jose Museum of Art. Families can enjoy music, open galleries, and late-night bites.  READ MORE

Telescope Viewing at Chabot Space and Science Center

Oakland - Every Friday & Saturday Evening
Look up at the stars at the Chabot Space and Science Center every Friday and Saturday night. Free telescope viewings are held at the observatory deck with astronomers offering expertise.  READ MORE

Free Saturday at de Young Museum

San Francisco - Every Saturday
Every Saturday, the de Young Museum offers free general admission to residents of the nine Bay Area counties. Families can enjoy special exhibits, programs, and all that the museum has to offer for free.   READ MORE

Free Day at Museum of African Diaspora

San Francisco - Second Saturday of Every Month
The second Saturday of every month is Community Day at the Museum of African Disapora. With free admission to all exhibits, families can learn about Black culture, inspire important conversations, and spend time together. READ MORE

Free First Sunday at Asian Art Museum

San Francisco - First Sunday of Every Month
Family Fun Day is free on the first Sunday of the month. Guests can listen to a story, roam the museum, and take part in the many interactive activities with changing themes every month.  READ MORE

First Sundays at OMCA

Oakland - First Sunday of Every Month
Spend the first Sunday of every month at OMCA with FREE admission, and a discounted rate of $6 for Great Hall exhibits. Families can experience the galleries, shop for local goods at the store, or relax in the beautiful outdoor garden spaces.  READ MORE

Free Saturdays at Legion of Honor

San Francisco- Every Saturday
Visit San Francisco's Legion of Honor Museum on Saturdays for free admission for residents of the nine Bay Area counties. See local and global art at its finest, with special programming and exhibits. READ MORE

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