Activities for Kids
17 activities in the Bay Area
Angel Island State Park
Take a ferry to this island in the Bay for hiking, biking, and stunning panoramic views. The Perimeter Road trail is a flat 5-mile loop with beach stops along the way.
Bee N Bloom
Amazon lavender farm and nursery in Santa Rosa. If you're ever in the area, stop by to enjoy a peaceful walk through the Lavender Labyrinth and Flower Gardens. Support a local business selling organic lavender products from the farm.
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad & W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad & W.E. "Bill" Mason Carousel
Located inside Oak Meadow Park, this small train (with alternating steam and diesel engines) and old-fashioned carousel are sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. Food (burgers, hot dogs, snowcones, popcorn, ice cream, and more) is offered right near the train, and there is also a small selection of souveniers at the ticket booth. There is a playground nearby, lots of grass for kiddos (and/or furbabies!) to run around on or for a family picnic, trails to walk or bicycle, and wildlife (especially lots of birds and geese) to watch. Several special events are offered throughout the year, including a pancake breakfast in June, a "donate what you want" day on the last Sunday in July ("Billy Jones Day"), an end of summer night ride + pasta dinner, and a holiday train in December. Details and times can be found on the website!
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.
Charles F Kennedy Park
A spacious park in Union City with a playground, Grill area, and open space for picnics.
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.
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.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Farms
Every fall, the farms along Highway 92 transform into a pumpkin paradise. Hay rides, corn mazes, pony rides, and fields of pumpkins to pick. Lemos Farm and Arata's are the most popular.
Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
A small zoo and amusement park combo in San Jose that's perfectly sized for young kids. Features a carousel, mini roller coaster, puppet theater, and animals like lemurs and capybaras.
Hayward Japanese Garden
A beautiful Japanese garden in Hayward with traditional landscaping, koi ponds, and peaceful walking paths.
Lake Chabot Regional Park
A family-friendly regional park in Castro Valley with a peaceful lake, paved trails, and plenty of space to explore. Great for easy walks with a stroller, picnics by the water. The marina rents pedal boats and kayaks for families looking for a little adventure on the water. A solid East Bay option that feels like a getaway without a long drive.
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.
Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area
A scenic park in Fremont with a swimming beach, fishing lakes, and easy walking trails perfect for families. Kids can splash in the seasonal swim lagoon, spot wildlife, and explore the open spaces. A great low-key day out without the long drive.
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.
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.
Sunnyvale Baylands Park
A beautiful park in Sunnyvale with walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching.