As the weather becomes cooler, the kiddos often insist on staying indoors—and they also insist that they’re bored. So we’ve rounded up some of the most fun (and kid-friendly) museums to take them to on the Peninsula. From an institution solely dedicated to the Pez dispenser, to a recreation of a 1940s auto repair shop, we promise there’s something for everyone.
Millbrae Train Museum
For anyone with an affinity for trains, this rare little museum features a 1907 train station, a 1941 city of San Francisco Pullman sleeper car, and a 1929 Ford model AA Trailway Express truck, among other highlights. Plans have been made to add a mile length track, and until then, there are still plenty of reasons to choo-choo-choose this spot for a fun family day.
214 California Dr.
Burlingame, Ca
540-333-1136
Hours: Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Admission: Free
Online: millbraehs.org
Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia
This museum is all about the PEZ, need we say more? If that’s not enough for your kids, two additional toy museums are inside, featuring Classic Toys, and Banned Toys. This would be a fun outing during the holidays, especially if you need to entertain out-of-towners. Good to know: the first Thursday of every month is a free admission day.
214 California Dr.
Burlingame, Ca
650-347-2301
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Admission: Adults/$3, Children, 4-12/$1, Seniors 65+/$1, Children under 4/Free
Online: burlingamepezmuseum.com
CuriOdyssey
Interactive science exhibits give children the chance to explore and have face-to face encounters with nature, and native California animals. 100 animals have come to CuriOdyssey as rescued or non-releasable, and a world-class team of wildlife educators lead programs introducing their education animals.
1651 Coyote Point Dr.
San Mateo, Ca
650-342-7755
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults/$9, Students 13-17/$7, Children 2-12/$6, Infants 0-23 months/Free
Online: curiodyssey.org
Hiller Aviation Museum
An ideal choice for younger kiddos, this small museum has a selection of different planes that are close enough to touch, a blue angels cockpit you can sit inside, and a nice outdoor spot to have lunch- and watch planes take off and land.
601 Skyway Rd.
San Carlos, Ca
650-654-0200
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., every day
Admission: Adults/$14, Seniors/$9, Youths 5-17/$9, Children 4 and under/Free (with paid adult)
Online: hiller.org
Cantor Art Center
Multiple art collections and ever-changing exhibitions mean that this is an art destination that is worth coming back to again and again. Not only is admission always free, but lectures, gallery talks, and special events ensure that everyone’s visit is an enriching experience, no matter if you are there for an hour or three.
328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way
Stanford, Ca
650-723-4177
Hours: Wed.–Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Thurs. until 8 p.m.), closed Tues.
Admission: Free
Online: museum.stanford.edu
Rodin Sculpture Garden
This is one of the largest presentations of Rodin bronzes outside of Paris, and it’s is a lovely place to go when you need a different kind of escape, either for yourself, or to let the littles roam free—and as loud as they want. The 20 bronze statutes are displayed in a gorgeous garden inspired by Paris, and an accompanying café perfect for lunch completes this ideal day trip.
328 Lomita Drive at Museum Way
Stanford, Ca
650-723-4177
Hours: 24 hours every day, with lighting for nighttime viewing
Admission: Free
Online: museum.stanford.edu
Anderson Collection at Stanford University
If you’re raising fans of modern American art, you may want to spend some time checking out this stunning display that recently opened. Featuring 86 artists, and 121 modern and contemporary American paintings and sculptures, the museum is located right next door to the Cantor Art Center.
314 Lomita Dr.
Stanford, Ca
650-721-6055
Hours: Wed.–Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (Thurs. until 8 p.m.), closed Tues.
Admission: Free
Online: http://anderson.stanford.edu/
The Museum of American Heritage
A charming museum for history buffs of any age, permanent exhibitions include a recreation of a 1920’s Chicago general store, a “modern” 1930’s kitchen, a replica of a 1920s-40s auto repair shop. Stop by on a Friday and you may even get to see their resident printer working on a vintage functioning intertype machine!
351 Homer Ave.
Palo Alto, Ca
650-321-1004
Hours: Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Online: http://www.moah.org/
Computer History Museum
A fun place to take kids who are obsessed with their computers- though adults will also enjoy it- even if you don’t work in (or have an interest in) tech. An unexpected trip down memory lane offers a chance to revisit cassette players, Atari commercials, and even the first ATM’s.
1401 N Shoreline Blvd.
Mountain View, Ca
650-810-1010
Hours: Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Adults/$15, Students/$12, Children 12 and under/Free
Online: www.computerhistory.org
Did we leave your favorite museum off the list? If so let us know in the comments!
—Melody Sorensen
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