BAY AREA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Located at the foot of the Golden Gate in old Fort Baker, the views alone are enough to get you to spend the afternoon here. Ruth conveniently took an early nap in the car which allowed us to park and gaze across the bay, surrounded by giant laurel and gum trees, and eat the pepperoni pizza we brought to picnic on. When she woke up, just as we finished our salads, the fun had just begin.

This is one of the premier kid spots in the entire bay area. Neither commercial nor crass, it has myriad of activities (including an entire tot-land where they can frolic in no less than four distinct play areas, one featuring the ever popular running water with plastic fish). Ruth didn't care about the views, but they are stunning. You must bring a picnic, the place is short on food although they do have a variety of snacks and a $7 grilled cheese. There are picnic benches provided. It is a little pricey if you bring the whole lot of you, $8.50 per adult and $7.50 for kids, but well worth it. We went on a "free" day, surprisingly not crowded given the beautiful weather. (heads up, free day is 1-5 p.m., so don't show up in the morning).