Best attractions near BART

Photo courtesy of Oakland Museum of California.

Want to get up close and personal with rare animal species, witness science experiments with big wow factors, or get wild building with LEGOs? The Bay Area hosts so many incredible places pairing education with entertainment. Hop on BART to any of the following attractions that host engaging presentations meant to pique curiosity and hands-on participation. So, whether it’s a mellow stroll through an eye-opening museum or creative workshops conjuring your little one’s next big innovation, we’ve got you covered. 

Use BART's Trip Planner for detailed routes and transit options.

Photo courtesy of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum | Walnut Creek

As a wildlife rehabilitation center and museum in one, Lindsay Wildlife Experience is on a mission to “connect people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share." That grassroots effort has evolved into expansive programming and an animal hospital. Hikes, private animal presentations, and camps all encourage participants to appreciate nature. Don’t forget the outdoor public programs in the popular Raptor Redwood Grove. Take BART to Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre Station then take the number 9 County Connection bus to 1931 1st Avenue.

Photo courtesy of LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Milpitas

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is where you can visit the Bay Area in LEGO form; more than 1.5 million LEGO pieces were put together to build miniature versions of sights like the Golden Gate Bridge, Winchester Mystery House, and more. After touring around an alternative version of the area, build and race your own LEGO car, relax while watching a 4D LEGO movie, or take part in inspiring workshops led by LEGO pros. Take BART to Milpitas and go 0.8 miles to 870 Great Mall Drive.
 

Photo courtesy of Exploratorium. 

Exploratorium | Embarcadero

A San Francisco must for families seeking science and creativity in fun forms, Exploratorium (aka The Museum of Science, Art & Human Perception) defines itself as a “public learning laboratory.” Standing tall on Pier 15, this is where kids (and adults!) can get hands-on with engaging exhibits intended to spark curiosity. From animals to gravity to mind-bending visual attractions, there are endless presentations for both educators and students. Take BART to Embarcadero and go 0.6 miles to Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green Street.
 

Photo courtesy of Children's Fairyland.

Children’s Fairyland | 19th St Oakland

Children’s Fairyland is all about old-fashioned fun and the magic of storytelling. Take the kids to this Oakland park that’s celebrated for hosting family-friendly day trips at the edge of Lake Merritt. With the help of thoughtfully curated puppet shows, storybook boxes, and theater performances, imaginations can flourish here. Not only is it open to all, it is also open seven days a week. Take BART to 19th St Oakland and go 0.6 miles to 699 Bellevue Avenue.
 

Photo courtesy of Oakland Museum of California.

OMCA | Lake Merritt

Oakland Museum of California, Oakland’s three-tiered set of galleries, is often described as a secret gem by locals who’ve entered its modern, geometric exterior, and it’s located a quick block from Lake Merritt Station. (Note: every first Sunday of the month is free entrance, and Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid host free live performances.) This is an interactive go-to experience for young and old hungry to know more about California history, Bay Area social and artistic movements, and regional natural wonders. A “Don’t Touch” policy does not pervade the space, and it really does put local issues and artists under the spotlight with hands-on exhibits. Take BART to Lake Merritt and go 0.1 miles to 1000 Oak Street.
 

Photo courtesy of Anna Wu Photography. 

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPF) | Downtown Berkeley

The sleek Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPF) in Downtown Berkeley will wow you from its external architecture to its inside exhibits. Explore abstract artwork, film, and visual pieces expressing social commentary, and UC Berkeley’s commitment to education and diversity at this extraordinary museum. Take BART to Downtown Berkeley and go 0.1 miles to 2155 Center Street.
 

Photo courtesy of African American Museum and Library at Oakland.

African American Museum and Library at Oakland | 12th St/Oakland  

Admission is always free at the beloved African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAML0), where the history lessons are always rich. Need to hear inspiration? Listen to interviews with local civil rights activists, writers, and musicians at the AAMLO’s incredible oral history collection. Then there’s the Eternal Voices video library focused on 80 years of the African American experience in the East Bay. A lesser-known but equally profound museum in the mix, AAMLO is a humble treasure trove for local history and art. Take BART to 12th St/Oakland and go 0.3 miles to 659 14th Street.
 

Photo courtesy of the Children's Creativity Museum.

Children’s Creativity Museum | Powell

Families flock to the Children’s Creativity Museum for a multifaceted hands-on experience in arts, crafts, tech, and pure play. Fittingly marked by a historic carousel on the corner of 4th and Howard, Children’s Creativity Museum will also make your adult head spin with giddiness when you walk into its vibrant world of workshops, themed rooms, play areas, and galleries combining fantasy and technology. Take BART to Powell and go 0.4 miles to 221 4th Street.
 

Photo courtesy of San Francisco Railway Museum.

San Francisco Railway Museum | Embarcadero

BARTable is all about public transportation, so it’s easy for us to see the fun in a museum that gives a nod to the yesteryear (and resurrection) of The City’s nostalgic streetcars and cable cars that make cameos in so many television, movie, book, and postcard scenes. Anyone from grandparents to grandkids can enjoy perusing this charming San Francisco Railway Museum and gift shop that boasts free admission. Take BART to Embarcadero and go 0.2 miles to 77 Steuart Street.

What's your favorite attraction in the Bay Area?

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