Activities for Kids
12 activities in the Bay Area
Tilden Nature Area & Little Farm
A charming free farm in the Berkeley Hills where kids can feed cows, goats, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Bring celery and lettuce — the animals love it.
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.
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.
Koret Children's Quarter (GGP Playground)
One of the oldest public playgrounds in the US, recently renovated with a concrete slide, climbing structures, swings, and a carousel. Surrounded by Golden Gate Park's green space.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fairy Doors of Glen Canyon
A magical neighborhood scavenger hunt in Glen Canyon Park where locals have installed tiny fairy doors in tree trunks and rock crevices. Kids love searching for all the hidden doors.
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.
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.
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.