A panoramic view of the interior of the Children's Museum of Sonoma County featuring children and parents playing with interactive exhibits.

The Top 10 Museums in the Bay Area, According to Thousands of Reviews


PUBLISHED: July 1, 2026

By Sarah Feldberg | San Francisco Chronicle

Three toddlers and their adult guardians laughing and playing in Totopia. An area in the Children's Museum specifically dedicated to children under 2 years old.

We are thrilled to share that the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County has been recognized by the San Francisco Chronicle in its July 1, 2026 article, “The Top 10 Museums in the Bay Area, According to Thousands of Reviews.” The Museum was honored as one of the Bay Area’s top museums, a testament to the joyful, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity in children and families every day.

Excerpt:

“….And play is what it’s all about, with a vast array of vignettes, games and installations for preschool- and elementary-age folks to explore. There’s the dentist’s office, where they can brush a dinosaur’s teeth. The rocket ship, where they can blast off into the stars. The tree house, where baskets of fruit are lowered by pulley. And the puppet theater, where they can take the stage or work the light board….”

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