Free Museum Days in the Bay Area: October 2026

Looking for fun, free things to do with the kids this October? Explore some of the Bay Area's best museums and cultural attractions for free! From world-class art museums to hands-on exhibits, discover free museum admission days and family-friendly experiences in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.

Keep in mind that some museums charge extra for special exhibitions, even on free admission days. Advance reservations may be required, and some offers are limited to Bay Area residents. Check the details for each museum in our guide below before planning your visit.

First Thursday of the Month—October 1

• Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Every Saturday—October 3, 10, 17 & 24

For San Francisco Bay Area residents; must show proof of residency. Special exhibition fees apply.

• de Young Museum and the Legion of Honor

Bank of America Museums on Us—October 3 & 4

Bank of America, Merrill, or America Private Bank credit or debit card holders get free general admission on the first full weekend of every month. Present your card and a photo ID for admission (one free general admission per cardholder). Get full details here. Participating museums include:

• de Young Museum
• Legion of Honor
• Napa Valley Museum, Yountville

First Sunday of the Month—October 4

• Asian Art Museum
• Oakland Museum of California

First Tuesday of the Month—October 6

• de Young Museum
• Legion of Honor
• Conservatory of Flowers

Second Tuesday of the Month—October 13

• San Francisco Botanical Garden

If you can't make it to the museum on any of these free days, don't worry — the Marin County Free Library offers Discover & Go museum passes for patrons to check out. These passes provide free or discounted admission at many San Francisco Bay Area museums, including the Asian Art Museum, the Lawrence Hall of Science, the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, the Charles M. Schulz Museum, and more. You can even log in with your library card number and print a pass online! You can also check out passes to the Bay Area Discovery Museum at your local Library. Visit their website for more information.