Children’s museums are magical spaces where kids can explore, learn, and play through hands-on exhibits and interactive activities. Families in Monterey have access to quite a few exceptional museums offering unique experiences designed to inspire curiosity and creativity.
Here’s your guide to the best children’s museums within a 150-mile radius of Monterey.
BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM (R)
- 557 MCREYNOLDS RD, SAUSALITO, 94965
- (415) 298-5437
- MORE INFO
Situated at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, this museum offers interactive, STEM-focused exhibits for children aged 6 months to 10 years. Highlights include Art Studios, Bay Hall, Discovery Hall, Lookout Cove, Tot Spot, and Fab Lab, all designed to inspire creativity and conceptual thinking.
CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
- 10000 SKYLINE BLVD.
- OAKLAND, 94619, (510) 336-7300
- MORE INFO
Chabot Space & Science Center is a non-profit science center that serves as a place for STEM learning and engagement. Celebrating the diversity of the Bay Area, Chabot aims to make science and space accessible through immersive exhibits, hands-on STEM activities, planetarium shows, education, and youth development programs. The center is best for ages 6 and up.
CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY MUSEUM (R)
- 221 FOURTH STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, 94103
- (408) 298-5437
- MORE INFO
The Children’s Creativity Museum offers hands-on, multimedia arts and technology experiences designed to build creative confidence in children ages 2-12. The historic Looff Carousel is the crown jewel of Yerba Buena Gardens and a must-stop when visiting the museum. Exhibits include Future Builders, Animation Studio, and Music Making Studio.
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM OF SAN JOSE (R)
- 180 WOZ WAY, SAN JOSE, 95110
- MORE INFO
This expansive museum features a variety of exhibits, from the Wonder Cabinet for toddlers to outdoor play areas like Bill’s Backyard. With a focus on science, culture, and the arts, it’s an exciting destination for kids of all ages.
EXPLORATORIUM
- PIER 15, SAN FRANCISCO, 94111
- (415) 528-4444
- MORE INFO
While not exclusively a children’s museum, the Exploratorium is a must-visit for families. With its interactive exhibits focusing on science, art, and human perception, it’s a fantastic experience for kids and adults alike.
MY MUSEUM (MONTEREY COUNTY YOUTH MUSEUM) (R)
- 425 WASHINGTON ST, MONTEREY, 93940
- (831) 649-6444
- MY Museum is a local treasure filled with interactive exhibits designed for kids aged 10 and under. Highlights include the treehouse adventure, a pint-sized market, and a theater where imaginations can run wild. It’s a great space for children to learn and play simultaneously.
- MORE INFO
PASO ROBLES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (R)
- 623 13TH ST, PASO ROBLES, 93446
- (805) 238-7432
- MORE INFO
Housed in a historic firehouse, this museum offers interactive exhibits like a real working fire engine, a dress-up area, and a variety of educational play stations that inspire learning through play.
SAN LUIS OBISPO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM (R)
- 1010 NIPOMO ST, SAN LUIS OBISPO, 93401
- (805) 545-5874
- MORE INFO
This museum features three floors and an outdoor playscape filled with interactive exhibits designed for children aged 1 to 10. It offers a rich environment that encourages learning through play, with unique educational programs and activities scheduled throughout each week.
SANTA CRUZ CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY (R)
- 1855 41ST AVE, CAPITOLA, 95010 (INSIDE THE CAPITOLA MALL)
- (831) 999-7765
- MORE INFO
A hands-on museum emphasizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) education. Kids can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy special workshops, and engage in creative problem-solving.
NOTE: For those with a membership to MY Museum in Monterey, museums in this list with the R after their title offer half price admission as part of a reciprocal agreement.
Leave a Reply