Activities for Kids
11 activities in the Bay Area
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.
Charles F Kennedy Park
A spacious park in Union City with a playground, Grill area, and open space for picnics.
Craft Days at Wooden Horse Toys, Los Gatos
Free, drop-in craft day for kids one Saturday every month from 11am-1:30pm! Crafts are usually appropriate for ages 3+ as long as parents can assist the youngest participants.
Crissy Field Beach
A family-friendly stretch of waterfront with stunning Golden Gate Bridge views. Great for kite flying, sand play, and spotting windsurfers. The Warming Hut has snacks and hot chocolate.
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.
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.
Hayward Japanese Garden
A beautiful Japanese garden in Hayward with traditional landscaping, koi ponds, and peaceful walking paths.
Irvington Park
A well-loved neighborhood park with two playgrounds, a castle-themed structure with tall tube slides and a climbing wall for bigger kids, and a separate toddler area with drums, bouncy bugs, and low slides. Big grassy field for running around, plus basketball courts and a community center next door.
Ocean Beach Bonfire
Build a bonfire in the designated fire pits on the west side of SF. Roast marshmallows, watch the sunset, and listen to the crashing waves. A quintessential Bay Area family evening.
Sabercat Play Area Central Park
A Play area in Central Park, Fremont, with a giant sabercat sculpture that kids can climb on. The park has bathrooms, picnic areas, and walking trails.
Sunnyvale Baylands Park
A beautiful park in Sunnyvale with walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching.