The Walt Disney Family Museum (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is The Walt Disney Family Museum?
What makes it 90% Kids-Friendly: School-age children can watch Disney shorts, try free drop-in animation, and explore hands-on displays; child tickets are discounted, restrooms have changing tables, but exhibits are text-heavy.
Positives:
- Free for youngest child: Kids age 5 and under enter at no cost, helping reduce family expenses.
- Stroller-friendly: Borrow a compact stroller free at the Ticket Desk for the 3-year-old.
Challenges:
- Text-heavy exhibits: Younger children may lose interest in long text panels after 30 minutes.
- Workshop space limits: Studio drop-ins can fill up quickly; unregistered kids may be turned away.
What is The Walt Disney Family Museum?
- A museum dedicated to the life and legacy of Walt Disney, situated in a restored 20th-century building within San Francisco's Presidio
- Houses over 200 original artworks, early animation cels, personal letters, and artifacts that document Disney's creative process and innovations in filmmaking and theme park design
- Presents galleries arranged chronologically to illustrate Disney's evolution from newspaper cartoonist to pioneering animator and cultural icon
What is so special about The Walt Disney Family Museum for with kids?
- Hands-on animation and original Disney artwork engage kids aged 3–12
- Free entry for children under 6 and compact stroller loans ease logistics
- Short films in Fantasia Theatre offer a fun break between galleries
- Artist Studio workshops let kids try drawing and stop-motion animation
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: This allows enough time to explore main galleries, watch a short film, and try an art activity at a relaxed pace for kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in The Walt Disney Family Museum
Discover the 12-ft Disneyland model:
See the full-scale miniature of Disneyland in the Lilly Belle gallery.
Tip: Go early to avoid lines and let kids point out favorite rides.
Join an Artist Studio drop-in:
Try stop-motion animation and basic drawing exercises in the Learning Center.
Tip: Check the museum calendar online and arrive 15 minutes early to secure a spot.
Watch a Disney short in Fantasia Theatre:
Catch a free 10- to 20-minute classic cartoon in the digital theater.
Tip: Sit near the front so little ones can see every detail.
Use the WDFM mobile app:
Listen to kid-friendly audio guides and enjoy subtitles in multiple languages.
Tip: Download and test the app before you arrive to save time.
Interactive displays in the galleries:
Let kids crank the multiplane camera model and view original sketches.
Tip: Point out how early sketches became films to keep children engaged.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Walt Disney Family Museum
- Arrive at opening: Beat the crowds by getting there at 10 am on weekdays.
- Pack a picnic: Enjoy lunch on the nearby Presidio Main Parade Lawn before or after your visit.
Reviews of The Walt Disney Family Museum
Joe Ousley
One of my favorite museums. There is so much to see, read, and experience. I went for a special exhibit of Mary Blair's work and it was so wonderfully curated. Too many people think her career was just Small World, and that was such a tiny part of her legacy. I loved seeing the Maxwell House coffee ad she had done. Such a beautiful collection and the presentation was worth crossing the country...
Fly Wills
This is a must visit for any Disney fan, fan of history or anyone in the San Francisco area looking for a great activity to do. Allow yourself at least 2 hours to properly explore the museum, there is a lot to see, read and learn and you don’t want to miss anything! I recommend buying the tickets online before arrival, but there is the option to buy when you get there. There are several different...
I C
This is a historical museum to understand and learn how Walt Disney came to be. If you're interested in knowledge of cartoons and movement and sound and how it came about, this museum provides a historical timeline. Some people breezed through the museums that I really took the time to read and listen since there is so much to take in. This is not just about Disneyland, but the birth of animation ...
Cristina Mórtola R.
Excellent place to get to know more about Walt Disney family, see very close his ways on a daily basis, get to know more about some details behind the scenes of his life, how he got where he got, how he faced certain challenges in his life, with his staff. Its really nice to see how the ideas were built. I really enjoyed the museum. The ticket was $25, its worth it if you want to see first hand ev...
Elba Pavon
As a family of lifelong Disney fans, visiting the Walt Disney Family Museum was an incredibly meaningful and memorable experience for us. From the moment we walked in, we were immersed in the inspiring journey of Walt Disney’s life from his humble beginnings to the creation of the magic that shaped generations. The exhibits were thoughtfully laid out, filled with original artwork, rare footage, pe...
When is the best time to visit The Walt Disney Family Museum (San Francisco, United States)?
Check the museum’s website for special holiday workshops and free weekend art playgrounds, especially during winter break and Lunar New Year.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | USD 51.12 |
| 1 Youth ticket (6–17) | USD 15 |
| Café snacks and drinks | USD 12 |
| Total Estimated | USD 78.12 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of The Walt Disney Family Museum
Address: 104 Montgomery St, San Francisco, CA 94129, USA
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About The Walt Disney Family Museum
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 415-345-6800Average price
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