The San Francisco Bay Area has so many fine museums that it's a simple matter of balancing out a busy week of work by dropping in on one over the weekend. Or better yet, during the week when they're less busy.   

It's such a divine way to get your mind off of work and expand your understanding of the world. Museums are escapes just as movie theaters are in that they engross you. 

I visited the Cal Academy last month for the second time and enjoyed it immensely. I believe this is the only museum in America that has a rainforest, aquarium, and planetarium all under one grass-covered roof. Amazing place, and they have a fun penguin exhibit too. 

My two kids accompanied me and they had a great time over the course of the afternoon. However, when we got home my wife asked my 3-year old son what his favorite part of the museum was and he said, "Getting a space set from the gift shop!" My 6-year old daughter concurred that getting a Hex Bug was her favorite part. Oh well, at least they hung in there with me on the trek through the rain forest.

By the way, if you have a Bank of America credit or debit card you can use it for free admission to museums all over the country the first full weekend of every month. I like that from my bank.