Activities for Kids
11 activities in the Bay Area
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Nestled at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, this museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits designed for kids under 10. Art studios, science labs, and a stunning outdoor play area with Bay views.
California Academy of Sciences
Explore an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and natural history museum all under one living roof. Kids love the penguin colony and the four-story rainforest with free-flying butterflies.
California Nursery Historical Park
A peaceful hidden gem in Fremont's Niles district with beautiful rose gardens, shady redwood trails, and a succulent garden creatively planted in old tree stumps. Kids can explore the historic Vallejo Adobe and learn about the park's nursery past through informational stations.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
A hands-on museum in downtown San Jose best for kids ages 2 to 9. Exhibits encourage building, exploring water play, climbing, and creative art. The outdoor play area has a real fire truck to climb on and a garden space. One of the best rainy-day options in the South Bay with plenty to keep toddlers and older kids busy.
CuriOdyssey
A small science museum and wildlife zoo in San Mateo's Coyote Point Recreation Area. Features live animals (bobcats, river otters, raptors) alongside interactive science exhibits.
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife area in the East Bay with a visitor center where you can learn about the refuge. A few hiking trails offering views of the SF Bay. Trails range from stroller-friendly to advanced hikers.
Exploratorium
A world-famous hands-on science museum on the Embarcadero with hundreds of interactive exhibits. The Tactile Dome is a must-try — crawl through a pitch-black maze using only touch.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve & Cypress Tree Tunnel
One of the best tide pool spots in the Bay Area, plus a magical half-mile cypress tree tunnel along the coastal bluffs. At low tide, kids can explore rocky pools full of sea anemones, starfish, and crabs while harbor seals lounge on the rocks below. The nearby Seal Cove trail winds through towering cypress canopies with ocean views at the end.
Lawrence Hall of Science
A science museum and learning center in the Berkeley Hills with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and breathtaking views of the Bay. Great for curious kids who love experiments.
Oakland Zoo
A 100-acre zoo with a California Trail featuring native animals like grizzly bears, wolves, and condors. The gondola ride up to the California Trail has incredible Bay views.
San Francisco Zoo
Home to over 2,000 animals including grizzly bears, penguins, giraffes, and a great playground. The Fisher Family Children's Zoo has a nature trail, insect zoo, and barnyard.