You’ve spent more money than you can count on visits to zoos and museums, but did you know that many Bay Area attractions offer family memberships? These yearly memberships not only grant your family unlimited visits, but they often come with extra perks like private invitations, special events and merchandise discounts. These 10 memberships in the Bay Area have the best perks for the cost—and make perfect gifts for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions!
California Academy of Sciences
Where: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA
The Academy of Sciences is one of the most popular memberships in town since it’s a favorite amongst the kid set (and their parents) for exhibits like the Osher Rainforest and Steinhart Aquarium. And the membership pays for itself in only two visits!
Membership cost: $249
Single day ticket: Adult $34.95, children $24.95
Perks: Free admission, special members-only hours (Sundays from 10 to 11am and Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30am), exhibit previews, special animal feedings, discounts on lectures, access to the members-only entrance, 10% shopping and dining discount.
Where: Pier 15, San Francisco, CA
The Exploratorium is one of those places you can visit over and over again. From science exhibits to family-friendly events, there’s always something new to discover (making for plenty of repeat visits!)
Cost: $149
Single day ticket: Adults $29.95, children (ages 4-12) $19.95
Perks: Free admission, discounted admission to the Tactile Dome, 10% discount at the Exploratorium Store, invitations to special members-only events and evening hours, and a subscription to the Member eNews.
Where: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito, CA
Where: Being able to drop by the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s interactive spaces, such as the Imagination Playground, whenever you want is a great perk in itself!,
Cost: $159.95
Single day ticket: $14.95
Perks: Free admission, monthly member-only programming, early registration for Discovery Camp summer program, 10% discount at the Discovery Store, a subscription to their quarterly newsletter, exclusive access to the museum every Saturday from 9 to 10am and a $25 credit towards a BADM birthday party!
Where: Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA
The zoo is open every day of the year, which is a big perk for families who might want an activity on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving or even Christmas day when other spots are closed.
Cost: $130
Single day ticket: Adults $19, children (ages 4-14) $13
Perks: Free admission, expedited entry (you don’t have to wait in the ticket line), guest passes, parking passes, invitations to exclusive members-only events, a subscription to the members-only newsletters and emails, 10 percent discount at all Zoo shops, cafés and carts.
Where: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA
The Oakland Zoo is a must do for many East Bay families. There’s animals, activities and beautiful grounds for kids to run around. A membership would pay for itself in just two visits!
Cost: $159
Single ticket price: Adults $22, children (ages 2-14) $18
Perks: Free admission, free parking, special notifications of the zoo’s events, 10 percent off at the gift store, discounts for zoo classes and overnight programs.
Where: 104 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA
The Walt Disney Family Museum doesn’t just have interactive activities for the whole family but the weekend crafts and movie screenings are made especially for kids!
Cost: $245
Single day ticket: Adults $25, children (ages 6-17) $15
Perks: Free admission, invitations to members-only events, free admission to the film of the month, discounts on ticketed programs, events, and special feature films, a subscription to the members-only magazine and a 10 percent discount at the museum store.
Where: 201 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
The Tech Museum for kids is a great destination in the heart of San Jose for those who love to tinker in tech. For a family of four the total cost of single day tickets is about $90—membership would pay for itself in a little over one visit.
Cost: $125
Single day ticket: Adult $24, children (ages 3-17) $19
Perks: Free admission, special access to member events, programs and parties, discount on kids’ birthday parties, 10% off purchases and half off the ticket price on educational IMAX films.
Where: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA
This is the best place to get creative in downtown San Francisco where kids can get inspired, inventive and are given the tools to create something amazing.
Cost: $119
Single day ticket: $12.95
Perks: Free admission, discounts on select CCM workshops and camps, four complimentary single-use carousel tickets and free or discounted general admission to over 300 Association of Science andTechnology Centers (ASTC).
Where: 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley, CA
Enjoy a full year of science fun at the Lawrence Hall of Science with opportunities to attend seasonal events, family workshops and educational exhibits. And the best part? The membership pays for itself in as little as two visits!
Cost: $95
Single day ticket: Adults $12, children (ages 3-18) $10
Perks: Two personalized adult member cards, one free guest with each visit, two single-use digital theater passes, discounts on camps, classes and birthday parties, and priority registration on summer camps.
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Where: 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA
With indoor and outdoor play, opportunities to create art, science areas and even a bubble-themed experience (too cool!), the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is a museum with endless possibilities!
Cost: $175
Single day ticket: $15
Perks: Members’ only time on Sunday mornings from 11am to noon, subscription to e-newsletter, member discounts on programs and purchases in the gift shop and restaurant, birthday party credit, two guest passes and invitation to members’ only exhibition previews and celebrations.
