Fun! There are few better places to take kids, particularly the young ones, in the Bay Area than the Discovery Museum in Sausalito and the Exploratorium just back over the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The Discovery Museum has had a recent makeover and expansion. It offers a mix of indoor and outdoor areas so it can be a destination in good or bad weather. Kids need to run? Visit the Museum's indoor activities and then go across the street to let everyone run wild in the old parade grounds for Fort Baker. Walk over to see the Golden Gate Bridge up close. If you are there late in the day, you might see the Canoe Club folks go out in their Polynesian canoes. In winter when the herring run into the Bay, seals and other sea life abound. Don't forget to call ahead for some of the classes for kids like sing-alongs, story time and science projects. Head to Bridgeway Street in Sausalito for burgers and pizza. Stop at the Golden Gate Market for a drinks and snacks.

I love the Discovery museum. There are activities and exhibits for all ages. My 2+ year old loves the water play area complete with play fish and a streaming bubbly brook. When she gets older the new pirate ship will be a hit, I am sure. There are many other highlights, too many to mention. (Note: if you are a member of Habitot in Berkeley, Discovery museum lets you in free!)