If you live in California and love free stuff, you’re going to love these secret free admission perks from the public library system. That’s right! You can get dozens of free and discounted tickets to local museums and cultural venues.
The Discover & Go program partners with 90 cultural attractions, including museums, science centers, theaters, and other community venues. The program was launched in 2011 by the Contra Costa County Library as a way to encourage people to go outside and explore their communities.
In order to reserve tickets, you’ll need to visit the Discover and Go website and login with your library card credentials. If you don’t have a library card, I encourage you to get one today!
Which libraries participate?
The Discover & Go program is always expanding. If you don’t see your library’s name on the list below, I recommend contacting the library directly. If they aren’t participating, encourage them to look into it!
As of this writing (2/2017), the following libraries are currently participating in the Discover & Go program:
- Alameda County Library
- Alameda Free Public Library
- Benicia Public Library
- Berkeley Public Library
- Burlingame Public Library
- Butte County Library
- Contra Costa County Library
- County of Los Angeles Public Library (NEW!)
- Daly City Public Library
- Dixon Public Library
- Hayward Public Library
- Livermore Public Library
- MARINet
- Mendocino County Library
- Menlo Park Library
- Monterey Public Library
- Mountain View Public Library
- Napa County Library
- Napa Valley College McCarthy Library
- Oakland Public Library
- Pacific Grove Public Library
- Palo Alto City Library
- Pleasanton Public Library
- Redwood City Public Library
- Richmond Public Library
- Sacramento Public Library
- Salinas Public Library
- San Benito County Free Library
- San Bruno Public Library
- San Francisco Public Library
- San Jose Public Library
- San Leandro Public Library
- San Mateo City Public Library
- Sam Mateo County Libraries
- Santa Clara City Library
- Santa Clara County Library
- Santa Cruz Public Libraries
- Solano College Library
- Solano County Library
- Sonoma County Library
- South San Francisco Library
- St. Helena Public Library
- Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library
- Sunnyvale Public Library
- Yolo County Library
Get free admission (or discounted tickets) to these great venues!
You can always find an updated list of participating venues by clicking here (or here in map form).
Alameda
Pacific Pinball Museum
1510 Webster St
Alameda CA 94501
Over 90 playable pinball machines await at the Pacific Pinball Museum! You can view a current list of all playable machines by clicking here.
USS Hornet Museum
707 W Hornet Ave
Alameda CA 94501
Tour the USS Hornet aircraft carrier, which has been converted into a museum hosting exhibits from the NASA Apollo missions and more!
Antioch
El Campanil Theatre
602 W 2nd St
Antioch CA 94509
Once regarded as “the most pretentious building in Contra Costa County,” the El Campanil Theatre is a community performing arts venue located in downtown Antioch. Foreign films, classic films, live theatre, concerts, symphonies, ballets, comedies and more are all shown here.
Avalon
Catalina Island Museum
The Catalina Island Museum features films and exhibits about Catalina Island. The museum features an atrium, amphitheater and so much more.
Berkeley
Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse
2020 Addison St
Berkeley CA 94704
This nonprofit community arts organization promotes traditional music from a variety of regional, ethnic and social cultures. The Coffeehouse embraces and retains the radical free spirit of Berkeley in the 1960s.
Habitot Children’s Museum
2065 Kittredge St
Berkeley CA 94704
The interactive, multisensory exhibits at Habitot Children’s Museum encourage play for children of all ages. From a fully-stocked grocery store (plastic foods, of course) to a rocketship, a water table to pretend vehicles, the museum is a wonderland for children.
Lawrence Hall of Science
1 Centennial Dr
Berkeley CA 94720
Experiment with turbines, launch rockets, play with stop-motion animation, touch real animals, build models and explore the universe in this in-depth science hall at University of California Berkeley. You’ll also enjoy a spectacular 180 degree view of the Bay!
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive
2155 Center St
Berkeley CA 94720
This combined art museum and theater are associated with the University of California – Berkeley.
University of California Botanical Garden
200 Centennial Dr
Berkeley CA 94720
The 34-acre UC Botanical Garden hosts over 10,000 different types of plants. You’ll see many rare and endangered species here, organized into nine geographicCatalina regions.
Castro Valley
CVAF has a 516 seat facility known as the Center for the Arts. I’m not 100% sure, but it appears that CVAF participates in Discover & Go by providing discounted tickets to events happening in the theater. I’ve inquired about this and I’m awaiting confirmation.
Claremont
Claremont Museum of Art
The Claremont Museum of Art is a small museum that showcases sculptures, painting and other works by local artists.
Danville
Blackhawk Museum
3700 Blackhawk Plaza Cir
Danville CA 94506
Over 100 years of automative excellence is showcased in the Blackhawk Automotive Museum. View over 40 pristine vehicles, including a 1906 Cadillac, a 1954 Aston Martin Spider and a 1967 Pontiac GTO. Vintage imports from Italy, France and England are also on display.
El Cerrito
Playland Not-at-the-Beach
10979 San Pablo Ave
El Cerrito CA 94530
Admission to this family fun center includes exhibits, shows, tours, movies, over 30 free-to-play pinball machines and a penny arcade.
Folsom
Folsom History Museums
The Folsom Historical Society operates three museums, which are Discover & Go partners. I do not have additional details about this, however.
Fremont
Ardenwood Historic Farm
34600 Ardenwood Blvd
Fremont CA 94555
Step back into the 1850s with a free or cheap visit to Ardenwood Historic Farm. Volunteers don Victorian clothing, demonstrate farm chores and explain the lifestyle of the early 1900s. In the winter, you’ll be able to see all the monarch butterflies that winter here!
Fullerton
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W Malvern Ave
Fullerton CA 92833
The 18-room mansion, built in 1924 atop an 8.5 acre hill, is now a cultural center used for performances, gallery exhibits and special events. Over 6,000 hours of art classes are available that serve 41,000 people every year.
Hayward
Hayward Area Historical Society
22380 Foothill Blvd
Hayward CA 94541
Explore the diverse heritage of the East Bay community with the exhibits at HAHS. The Historical Society includes a museum, research library, Cannery Cafe and more.
McConaghy House
18701 Hesperian Blvd
Hayward CA 94541
Explore this Victorian-era farmhouse with a charming wrap-around patio. The 12-room, two-story home is furnished and features docent-led tours that explain life as a middle-class farming family in San Lorenzo. Rumor says it’s haunted!
Lodi
World of Wonders Science Museum
2 N Sacramento St
Lodi CA 95240
Enjoy interactive hands-on exhibits that will teach about energy, electricity, optics and more. Children and adults enjoy the interesting and engaging STEM-based exhibits at WOW.
Los Altos Hills
Hidden Villa
26870 Moody Rd
Los Altos Hills CA 94022
Discover an organic farm, wilderness and community tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains. Hidden Villa spans 1600 acres of open space with the purpose of encouraging a fair and sustainable future.
Los Angeles
Autry Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles CA 90027
Enjoy access to the world-class galleries that showcase 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts. While you’re browsing historic firearms, paintings, Native American artifacts, you’ll also have access to some of the Autry’s public events and programs, such as lectures, films, festivals and more.
Craft and Folk Art Museum
5814 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90036
Unexpected exhibitions are constantly showcased at the Craft and Folk Art Museum. Twice a month, free family workshops are held.
Chinese American Museum
Located in the historic red-brick Garnier Building, the Chinese American Museum showcases the rich heritage of Chinese Americans, their role in establishing the California community and more.
Japanese American National Museum
100 N Central Ave
Los Angeles CA 90012
Share the Japanese American experience at this world-class museum. According to the JANM website, “We promote continual exploration of the meaning and value of ethnicity in our country through programs that preserve individual dignity, strengthen our communities, and increase respect among all people. We believe that our work will transform lives, create a more just America and, ultimately, a better world.”
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
5801 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90036
Visit the only active, urban Ice Age excavation site in the world! At the La Brea Tar Pits, paleontologists excavate mammoths, wolves and saber-tooth cats every day of the week. Their findings are then displayed in the museum.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N Main St
Los Angeles CA 90012
Located in downtown Los Angeles, this is the nation’s premier center of Mexican-American culture. With interactive exhibits and dynamic programs, visitors are introduced and invited to contribute to the ongoing story of Mexican-Americans in Southern California.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90007
Over 4.5 billion years of history is showcased at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Explore the “big picture” of Earth’s natural and cultural history. Grand mammal dioramas, rare dinosaur fossils, a gem hall and more await visitors.
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90049
Eye-opening exhibits, festivals, storytelling, live music, art projects and other fun family programs are available throughout the year at this location.
Los Gatos
NUMU New Museum Los Gatos
This nonprofit art and history museum focuses on art, history and innovation through exhibits, exhibitions and events.
Martinez
Cobra Experience
777 Arnold Dr
Martinez CA 94553
This museum is solely dedicated to the preservation of cars produced by Shelby American, such as the Cobra. The public is invited to see the automobiles and experience the Ford and Shelby American story – especially their accomplishments during the 1960’s.
Modesto
Great Valley Museum
Located on the first floor of the Science Community Center at Modesto Junior College, the Great Valley Museum features live animal shows, Science on a Sphere, planetarium and more!
Moraga
Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art
1928 St. Mary’s Rd
Moraga CA 94556
Saint Mary’s College Museum fo Art seeks to advance academic excellence throught he arts. Browse the current exhibits here.
Napa
di Rosa Museum
5200 Carneros Hwy
Napa CA 94559
The di Rosa art museum, collection, buildings and surrounding spaces were donated to the public by Rene and Veronica di Rosa. You can browse the exhibitions here.
Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St
Napa CA 94559
The Napa Valley Wine Train is an antique train that runs on 25 miles of track through the Napa Valley. With two engines, three kitchens and elaborately restored Pullman rail cars, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides the experience of early 1900s luxury rail travel.
Novato
Museum of the American Indian
2200 Novato Blvd
Novato CA 94947
Deepen your understanding of the Native American cultures through the exhibits and resources available at the Museum of the American Indian. The museum provides educational resources and fosters a dialogue within the community through exhibits, workshops and more.
Oakland
Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Blvd
Oakland CA 94619
Be inspired by the universe! Founded in 1883, the modern Chabot offers interactive, hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, classes, workshops, camps, events and more.
Got an EBT card? You can get $1 admission per person!
Children’s Fairyland
Since 1950, Children’s Fairyland has delighted children with storybook sets, friendly animals and rides.
Museum of Art & Digital Entertainment
3400 Broadway
Oakland CA 94611
The MADE is a video game museum! With free programming, lectures, tournaments, game development parties, community events and more, the MADE hopes to inspire the next generation of game developers through close interactions with games, development and testing.
Oakland Museum of California
1000 Oak St
Oakland CA 94607
This museum aims to inspire Californians to create a more vibrant future. Multidisciplinary exhibits combine art, history and natural science over more than 300,00 square feet.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd
Oakland CA 94605
More than 660 native and exotic animals await at the Oakland Zoo! Check out this virtual Zoo map to help you plan your visit!
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park
2465 34th Ave
Oakland CA 94601
The Peralta Hacidenda Historical Park presents the untold story behind the Peralta rancho and the Fruitvale community. This six acre park and historic home provide an arts and educational hub for local families.
Presidential Yacht USS Potomac
540 Water St
Oakland CA 94601
The “Floating White House” was renamed the USS Potomac in 1936. It served as FDR’s Presidential Yacht until he died in 1945. The 165 ft. long vessel is a National Historic Landmark that also provides a memorial to the president who wrote the New Deal, saw us through the Great Depression and WWII.
Orinda
California Shakespeare Theater
100 California Shakespeare Theater Way
Orinda CA 94563
Cal Shakes provides entertaining, live Shakespearean plays in a casual, outdoor venue. You can bring whatever food you like, although Cal Shakes encourages you to be considerate with your noises. They also recommend arriving early to the Bruns Amphitheater.
Pasadena
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N Arroyo Blvd
Pasadena CA 91103
Children ages 0-11 can enjoy 40 hands-on, interactive exhibits across 3.5 acres of space. Daily activities and programs engage children with arts, science and humanities. For more information, please click here.
Pasadena Museum of California Art
490 E Union St
Pasadena CA 91101
Exhibits feature California art and design from the 1850s on. For more information, check out PCMAOnline.org
Rancho Cordova
Sacramento Children’s Museum
2701 Prospect Park Dr
Rancho Cordova CA 95670
Since 2005, the Sacramento Children’s Museum has sought to inspire children with a passion for learning. Exhibits include water play, neighborhood play, a sandbox and more.
Redwood City
San Mateo County History Museum
2200 Broadway
Redwood City CA 94063
Located in downtown Redwood City, this museum is located inside the old San Mateo County Courthouse. It showcases the rich history of the county and its surrounding area.
Richmond
Golden State Model Railroad Museum
900 A Dornan Dr
Richmond CA 94801
Enjoy a self-guided tour of the extensive models at the Golden State Model Railroad Museum! From the N-scale layout of Donner Pass and the Tehachapi Loop that greets you when you walk in the door, you’ll be immersed in a series of unique and meticulously designed model railroads.
Richmond Museum of History
400 Nevin Ave
Richmond CA 94801
The Richmond Museum of History is dedicated to preserving the history of Contra Costa County. For the last 60 years, the Richmond Museum Association has gathered an extensive collection of photographs, artifacts, maps, periodicals and more related to the history of Richmond and the surrounding county.
SS Red Oak Victory
1337 Canal Blvd
Richmond CA 94804
The SS Red Oak Victory is the last remaining ship that was built in the Kaiser Richmond Shipyards during WWII. As such, it has an essential historical significance to the Richmond Area.
Sacramento
California Automobile Museum
See over 150 classic cars, race cars, muscle cars and early models in this 72,000 square foot museum!
California State Railroad Museum
Celebrate nearly 200 years of locomotive history at California State Railroad Museum, which features perfectly stored engines and exciting exhibits!
Crocker Art Museum
216 O St
Sacramento CA 95814
Purchased in 1868 by Judge Edwin B. Crocker, the Crocker Art Museum is the first public art museum that was founded in teh Western US. It now showcases collections of Californian art, paper works, ceramics, photography and international art.
Fairytale TownP
This nonprofit park features 25 play sets based on on fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Fairytale Town also has a flock of friendly animals, performing arts events and gardens.
Powerhouse Science Center
Explore energy, space and other subjects at this interactive, kid-friendly museum.
Sacramento Zoo
The Sacramento Zoo features 140 native, exotic and endangered animals across 14 acres.
San Carlos
Hiller Aviation Museum
601 Skyway Rd
San Carlos CA 94070
As a Smithsonian Affiliate, Hiller hosts over 50 aircraft than span a century of aviation history. Fly a realistic flight simulator or explore other hands-on exhibits.
San Francisco
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St
San Francisco CA 94102
Discover the rich diversity of the Asian Art Museum collection at an unbeatable price! Some featured works are older than written history. Daily programs, an extensive collection and more make this a great destination.
Balboa Swimming Pool
San Jose Avenue & Havelock St,
San Francisco, CA 94112
Library card holders can get free or cheap admission to Balboa Pool in San Francisco. This pool, which is 100′ by 40′ and includes six lanes, is a very popular city attraction. Unfortunately, it’s also temporarily closed until the fall of 2017.
Beat Museum
540 Broadway
San Francisco CA 94112
The Beat Museum isn’t about music. It’s about preserving the spirit of The Beat Generation that emerged in San Francisco in the 1950s. These were the writers, artists and thinkers who promoted tolerance, compassion and courage in pursuit of their individual journeys.
California Academy of Science
55 Music Concourse Drive
San Francisco CA 94118
A general admission ticket to the California Academy of Science includes access to the aquarium, rain forest, planetarium, living roof and the daily programs. Without a Discover & Go pass, tickets are approximately $35 for adults and $30 for youth.
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco CA 94105
Founded in 1871, the California Historical Society encourages all Californians to make the state’s rich history a part of their modern lives. Browse CHS’ current exhibitions by clicking here.
Cartoon Art Museum
Visit this one-of-a-kind museum in San Francisco. After all, this is the only museum in the western US that preserves and exhibits all forms of cartoon art!
Chamber Music San Fransisco – Del Valle Theater
I am not entirely sure what is involved in this offer, but they are listed as a Discover and Go partner.
Children’s Creativity Museum
221 Fourth St
San Francisco CA 94103
Creativity, innovation and critical thinking are all fostered at Children’s Creativity Museum, a hands-on museum that focuses on art and technology. With a Music Studio, Animation Studio, Innovation Lab, Tech Lab, and Imagination Lab, children will love learning here!
Got an EBT card? You can get FREE admission for up to 4 people!
Chinese Historical Society of America Museum
965 Clay St
San Francisco CA 94108
Explore the cultural and political history (as well as the contributions) of the Chinese in America at the CHSA. This museum is the oldest of its kind, as it was founded in 1963 when there were less than a quarter million Chinese descendants living in the United States.
Coffman Swimming Pool
1701 Visitation Ave
San Francisco CA 94134
This 10,000 square foot pool is located indoors and was recently refreshed in 2008.
Coit Tower
1 Telegraph Hill Blvd
San Francisco CA 94133
The thin white column of Coit Tower has been part of San Francisco’s skyline since 1933. Elevator tickets are purchased in the gift shop and take visitors to the observation deck where they can enjoy 360 degree views of the city and bay, including the Golden Gate and Bay bridges.
Conservatory of Flowers
100 John F Kennedy Dr
San Francisco CA 94118
The Conservatory connects people and plants. Located inside a unique architectural gem, this city/state/national historic landmark is one of the most photographed attractions in San Francisco.
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission St
San Francisco CA 94103
The Contemporary Jewish Museum is a welcoming place that encourages dialogue and shared experiences between visitors. Exhibitions are provided by national and international institutions.
de Young Museum
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco CA 94118
The de Young Museum has been a destination in San Francisco for over 100 years. To view the collection, please click here.
Exploratorium
Pier 15 (Embarcadero @ Green St)
San Francisco CA 94111
Located on Pier 15, the Exploratorium is a “public learning laboratory.” Focused on science, art and perception, the Exploratorium encourages community curiosity by facilitating learning and teaching experiences.
Garfield Pool
26th & Harrison St
San Francisco CA 94110
Garfield Swimming Pool is a favorite among San Francisco locals. The facility offers a variety of classes, lessons and recreational swims for everyone.
Haas-Lilienthal House
2007 Franklin St
San Francisco CA 94109
The Haas-Lilienthal House is a focal point in the ongoing discussion of how to protect our past while also pursuing our future. It was originally founded in 1971 to slow down to the rapid destruction of the city’s architectural history.
Hamilton Pool
Geary & Steiner St
San Francisco CA 94115
This recently renovated swimming facility features a large, heated pool and two indoor water slides!
International Art Museum of America
First envisioned as a permanent home for the artwork of Dorje Change Buddha III, the International Art Museum has evolved to include artwork from Algeria, Belgium, England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Russia, Scotland, and the United States. It features brilliant works of calligraphy, modern ink brush, sculptures, portraits and more.
Japanese Tea Garden
75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr
San Francisco CA 94102
This five-acre spread nestled inside the Golden Gate Park is the oldest public Japanese Garden in the United States. It was originally designed as a Japanese Village exhibit for the California Midwinter International Exposition in 1894.
Legion of Honor
100 34th Ave
San Francisco CA 94121
See 4,000 years of ancient art in one unbelievable museum. Breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the ocean and the city of San Francisco make this museum a truly unforgettable place.
Madame Tussauds San Francisco
145 Jefferson St
San Francisco CA 94133
Rub shoulders with the stars on Fisherman’s Wharf. Wax figures of famous A-list celebrites, musicians and entrepreneurs including Muhammed Ali, Steve Jobs, Adele, and Whoopi Goldberg.
Martin Luther King Jr Pool
5701 3rd St
San Francisco CA 94124
This 25 yard by 25 meter pool is completely indoors. A separate wading pool is available for toddlers.
Museum of the African Diaspora
685 Mission St
San Francisco CA 94105
Celebrate African heritage with stories from around the world at MoAD! This museum prides itself on bringing “people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds together in the heart of the city” while they “explore and discover the culture, history and art of people of African descent.”
North Beach Pool
651 Lombard St
San Francisco CA 94133
Swim in two pools (one lap pool, one recreational pool) on San Francisco’s famous Lombard street.
Ripley’s Believe it Or Not! Odditorium
175 Jefferson St
San Francisco CA 94133
Explore 17 themed galleries spread across 10,000 square feet. You’ll see 400 exhibits and artifacts, including wire sculptures, a real shrunken torso, a car parts robot sculpture, an elephant with two trunks and more.
Rossi Pool
Arguello & Anza
San Francisco CA 94118
In the Richmond district, the Rossi Swimming Pool is a favorite swim spot for kids, seniors and residents of all ages.
San Francisco Dungeon
145 Jefferson St
San Francisco CA 94133
If you enjoy terror, you’ll enjoy a trip to the San Francisco Dungeon. Designed to produce extreme thrill and fear experiences, the San Francisco Dungeon offers a 60 minute journey through San Francisco’s past. There are nine live actor shows, several 360 degree sets, and authentic storytelling that leads you through 200 years of history. The horrifying “Escape Alcatraz” drop ride is also available.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
This modern art museum features over 33,300 pieces of art in 170,000 sq feet of exhibition space. It’s one of the largest modern art museums in the world!
San Francisco Zoo
Sloat Blvd
San Francisco CA 94132
Over 1,000 exotic animals live in the San Francisco Zoo. Farm animals are available for feeding and petting in the Fisher Family Children’s Zoo. A carousel and steam train are available for children.
Sava Pool
2695 19th Ave
San Francisco CA 94116
The Charlie Sava pool recently reopened following a $17 million renovation. The south-facing window wall sheds natural light on the 25-yard, eight-lane swimming pool.
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
701 Mission St
San Francisco CA 94103
This contemporary arts center features films, performances and exhibitions to inspire the local community.
San Jose
San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art
560 S 1st st
San Jose CA 95113
This minimalist museum features three galleries of rotating exhibits.
San Jose Museum of Art
100 S Market St
San Jose CA 95110
Explore the visiting exhibits and the extensive permanent collection of 2,500 pieces of the San Jose Museum of Art! You can browse the collection on their website.
San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles
520 S 1st St
San Jose CA 95113
Since 1977, this has been exclusively devoted to showcasing quilts and textiles. It features woven art from eight countries. It is the first of its kind in the United States.
Tech Museum of Innovation
201 S Market St
San Jose CA 95113
Hands-on, interactive exhibits inspire people of all ages. This museum serves as a gateway to Silicon Valley, “the most inventive place on Earth.”
San Leandro
Historic BAL Theatre
14808 E 14th St
San Leandro CA 94578
The BAL Theatre is a “movie palace” and performing arts theatre. The Theatre has been operating nonstop for 70 years in the same Art Deco style building that was hailed as “dazzling” and “lavish” upon its debut in 1946.
San Mateo
CuriOdyssey
1651 Coyote Point Dr
San Mateo CA 94401
CuriOdyssey is a wonderland for the curious. Here, you can play with hands-on exhibits, see more than 100 live animals and more. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions, explore and discover.
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Parks
All 28 wild and wonderful Santa Clara County parks are Discover & Go partners.
Santa Cruz
Museum of Art & History
705 Front St
Santa Cruz CA 95060
This museum is dedicated to building community in Santa Cruz County through exhibitions, events and projects. View their current exhibitions here.
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
100 McAllister Way
Santa Cruz CA 95060
Touch a shark, admire Monterrey Bay and see how marine scientists work in this amazing conservation center. The Center includes touch pools, exhibit halls and an aquarium.
Santa Rosa
Charles M. Schultz Museum
2301 Hardies Lane
Santa Rosa CA 95403
About an hour away from San Francisco, the Charles M. Schultz Museum features an extensive Peanuts collection, a research center, a comic strip exhibition and many travelling exhibits. Learn more here!
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
1835 W Steele Lane
Santa Rosa CA 95403
Children ages 10 and under will enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities. This safe environment is designed to be engaging and educational for little ones!
Pacific Coast Air Museum
One Air Museum Way
Santa Rosa CA 95403
Authentic aircraft span across a five acre field at the hands-on Pacific Coast Air Museum. On certain days, you can even sit inside an open cockpit!
Safari West
3115 Porter Creek Rd
Santa Rosa CA 95404
Experience an African adventure right in the heart of California wine country! Exotic wildlife wander the Sonoma Serengeti here at Safari West.
Museums of Sonoma County
425 7th St
Santa Rosa CA 95401
In addition to national and international exhibitions, the Art Museum of Sonoma County also features collections from local Northern California artists.
Sausalito
Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd
Sausalito CA 94965
Explore 7.5 acres of National park land in Sausalito while visiting the Bay Area Discovery Museum! This museum provides STEM-focused activities for kids ages 10 and under. Exhibits include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, a Rain Forest Adventure, Art Studio, Imagination Playground and more.
Bay Model Visitor Center – FREE!
2100 Bridgeway
Sausalito CA 94965
The Army Corp of Engineers invites the public to experience a tour of this one-of-a-kind, 3D hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta System. The 1.5 acre model simulates tides and currents.
The Marine Mammal Center
2000 Bunker Rd
Sausalito CA 94965
This nonprofit veterinary research hospital rescues injured marine mammals (primarily elephant seals, harbor seals and California sea lions) across 600 miles of shoreline. They’ve treated more than 20,000 marine mammals since 1975. Come see their work firsthand at their new $32 million research center!
Simi Valley
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library
40 Presidential Dr
Simi Valley CA 93065
The Library is situated on a 100-acre campus that includes a replica of the White House Rose Garden and the South Lawn. Click here to learn more.
Stockton
Children’s Museum of Stockton
402 W Weber Avenue
Stockton CA
Located near the downtown waterfront, the Children’s Museum of Stockton is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Ukiah
Grace Hudson Museum & Sun House
431 S Main St
Ukiah CA 95482
After browsing the extensive collection in the museum, you can tour the Sun House. This bungalow, built in 1911, offers a unique insight into the Hudson’s Bohemian lifestyle. This location is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a designated California Historical Landmark.
Vallejo
Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
734 Marin St
Vallejo CA 94590
Discover the complex and combined history of the city of Vallejo and the US Navy at Mare Island.
Walnut Creek
Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts – FREE
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek CA 94596
Historic, modern and contemporary artists are featured at The Bedford Gallery, which also features 4-5 temporary exhibitions every year. With a Discover & Go pass from your local library system, you’ll enjoy FREE admission to the Bedford Gallery’s exhibits and free scheduled programming.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
1931 1st Ave
Walnut Creek CA 94597
At Lindsay, people are invited to develop a connection with wildlife through up-close and personal encounters with live wild animals. As one of the oldest and largest animal rehabilitation centers in the US, Lindsay hopes its programs will “inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share.”
Ruth Bancroft Garden
1552 Bancroft Rd
Walnut Creek CA 94598
As a dry garden, the Ruth Bancroft Garden features many succulents and aloe plants that require very little water. The diverse collection of drought-resistant plants is designed to inspire Californians to plant beautiful, water-conserving gardens of their own.
Shadelands Ranch
2660 Ygnacio Valley Rd
Walnut Creek CA 94598
Since 1902, the Shadelands Ranch has been one of the largest farms in California’s Ygnacio Valley. The farm is now part of the Walnut Creek Historical Society.
Woodland
Gibson House (Yolo County Historical Museum)
512 Gibson Rd
Woodland CA 95695
For more than 25 years, the Yolo County Historical Museum has operated out of the Gibson House. Nestled on 2.5 beautifully landscaped acres, the House includes the main structure with eleven rooms as well as a root cellar, dairy display, laundry display, garden display, garage, barn, antique wagon, blacksmith shop, cottage and other outbuildings designed to help you imagine life in the early agricultural period of Yolo County.
Yountville
Napa Valley Museum
55 Presidents Cir
Yountville CA 94599
Art, nature and history come together at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. Exhibits and educational programs help visitors explore the Valley’s rich history and culture.
Reno, Nevada
It appears that there are some participants in Reno, including the National Automobile Museum, Fleischmann Planetarium, Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Usand Nevada Museum of Art.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.