One of the things I didn’t expect as a mom of two kids five years apart is how hard it would be to find places where they can safely play together. One child is ready to bounce as high as they can in a bouncy house or climb the tallest slide, while the other is still deciding whether to follow their sibling to a place they shouldn’t be—or eat a rock.
That’s why we love the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
The museum is divided into Discovery Zones, and every part of it is hands-on. There are areas designed just for toddlers, like Tot Spot, but the older sibling can still get involved by helping the younger one explore. They’re still creating, still imagining—and still feeling like the big sibling they are.
At one point, we had to split up for Wire Wonders, where our 6-year-old created a person out of wire, beads, and charms that were provided. The experience was focused and fun. You can choose what works for your family and if local, make a plan to come back. There’s no pressure to do everything in one day!
Some of our favorite zones:
Wire Wonders
Kids can create sculptures, patterns, and whatever else their imagination dreams up. Parents are welcome to join in if inspiration strikes. Materials include wires, beads, and charms to add color and personality to their creations.
Planet Putt Putt
Children get to experiment with different ways of hitting balls through various obstacles. It’s a fun intro to physics, showing how angles and force change the ball’s direction.
Wobbleland
Designed for infants and toddlers (42″ and under), this space is filled with soft foam for safe climbing, crawling, stacking, and touching. No hesitation needed here—just free, open-ended play.
Gumnut Grove
A towering climbing structure that’s perfect for kids over 5. I got a lot of “Mom, look at me!” moments. Kids can climb up to the treetops, navigate bridges and ladders, explore how a wood-chip conveyor belt works, and zoom down the slide.
We didn’t make it to every zone, so we’re planning a return trip soon. Still on our list:
Tot Spot
A safe, toddler-focused area where little ones (42″ and under) can climb ramps and slides in the Forest Room or explore water movement with their hands, knees, and feet in the Bay Room’s waterbed play area—without the hazards of something like tanbark.
- How Things Work
- Lookout Cove
- Try It Studio
- Play by Ear
Be sure to also check their calendar as they also have special events such as Pride on June 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.—a wonderful opportunity for LGBTQIA+ families to come together and celebrate in a welcoming, inclusive space. Learn more at: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org