It seems like everyone I know is joining a local museum.  Maybe it’s a New Years thing.

Obviously joining a museum provides the option of going whenever you need to kill some time.   And it’s a great value if you know your kids will be entertained there after repeated visits.  There are a ton of free days out there to take advantage of; although they can be a bit of a madhouse.  If you, like me, are considering joining a museum which one(s) should you join? Which ones are worth it?  I’ve taken a look at four local museums for my 19mo daughter.  Here are my thoughts.

Bay Area Discovery Museum
Regular Admission price: $18 ($10/adults + $8/children over 1yr)
Parking: Free
Free Day:  First Wednesday of the month
Membership cost: $105 for Family Fun Membership
Family Fun: Admits 4 to the museum, $1 off guest tickets, Members-only programs, Members-only line for quick entry.  Also includes access to reciprocal museums locally & nationwide.

This museum is right across the GGB which is very convenient to get to from where we live.  I’ve been a few times and apparently haven’t seen all there is to see.  My daughter is endlessly entertained here and I feel like this museum is perfect for her age right now; whereas Asian Art Museum..not so much.  The price is affordable & a parking lot is always a perk.  We have been on a free day.  We showed up as the doors opened and left by 11:30am.  It was empty for the first hour and started to get somewhat crowded by the time we left.  However, I feel like we could go more than once a month and she’d be entertained.
Verdict: Join

San Francisco Zoo
Regular Admission price:  $15-$24 (children under 3 are free; children over age 3 are $9)
Parking: $8
Free Day: First Wednesday of the month for SF residents
Membership cost: $95 for Family Basic
Family Basic package: Admits 2 named adults + up to 5 children or grandchildren. Also includes, 2 one-time use guest passes, 2 one-time use ride passes, 2 one-time use parking passes, invites to members-only events, and free/discount admission to 120 zoos & aquariums nationwide.

We just went to the Zoo and it’s a bit of a hike from where we live.  I’ve heard they have great programs, like their Jill’s & Joey’s Playgroup for the Toddler set but I don’t think we want to make the trek that often.  This would be a great membership to have when family comes in to town as it’s fun for everyone.  But at $15/person it’s really not that steep for the once a year adventure.
Verdict: Hold off and see how often we go.

Exploratorium
Regular Admission price:  $15-$25 (children 3 and under are free; children over age 4+ are $10)
Parking: Free street parking & small free lot
Free Day: First Wednesday of the month
Membership cost: $90 for Family Basic
Family Basic package: Admits 2 named adults + up to 4 children. Also includes, 2 one-time use guest passes and free/discount admission to 300 Science Centers nationwide.

I have not yet been to the Exploratorium with my daughter.  And drat!  We just missed the Free Day this last Wednesday.  This is walking distance from our house but I picture this museum to be for older kids.  I love the price point though – $90 is definitely doable.
Verdict: Try a Free Day to see if my daughter is interested before I make a commitment.

California Academy of Sciences
Regular Admission price:  $29.95-$49.90 (children 3 and under are free; children over age 4+ are $19.95)
Parking: $8
Free Day: Third Wednesday of the month
Membership cost: $199 for Family Basic
Enjoy 20% off a membership through the end of Feb. by purchasing online with promo code NEW20
Family Basic package: Admits 2 named adults + all children.

This museum is pretty easy for us to access.  While I appreciate that there is free street parking I end up lost in GGP while I look for it so I must always include an $8 expense for parking.  We have been a few times on Free Days and it wasn’t that hectic.  They open at 9:30am, we arrived at 9:30am and there was a bit of a line (only because they have to take everyone’s picture as they walk in so they can sell it to them later).  So I know to arrive at 9:20am which is easy for us to do.  My daughter loves the playroom they have for the little kids and she’s obsessed with the aquarium.  I also love learning mysefl as we stroll to different exhibits.  However, I think the membership is too pricey for us with our 19mo.  Even with the 20% discount. This museum has a lot to offer so I see spending more time here when she’s older and we (hopefully!) have a few more children. But for now the occasional Free Day is fine.

Verdict: Too pricey.