20 Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area
20 Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Bay Area: Activities, Events, and more
If you’re looking for something fun to do with your kids in the Bay Area, look no further! This blog post is packed full of ideas that will keep everyone entertained. From exploring nature to going on adventures, there’s something for everyone here. So get out and explore all that the Bay Area has to offer!
Table of Contents
1. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito is a not-for profit private organization that works to rescue and release ill, injured or abandonment marine mammals
What to Do
The center offers daily guided tours as well audio guide which give visitors insight into the many environmental issues facing our planet today such with recycling bins for your visit! You can also see some of these amazing creatures up close at their sanctuary where it’s possible every day except Christmas Eve & Thanksgiving
Best for all ages
- Golden Gate Bridge
- San Francisco, CA 94129
- (415) 921-5858
- goldengate.org
2- California’s Great America, Santa Clara
Why You’ve Got to Go
Whether you’re looking for a great place to ride your favorite coaster or just want some family-friendly fun, this 112-acre amusement park is easily one of the most entertaining places in South Bay.
What to Do
With their variety shows and events including musical performances themed around each season–it’s not hard suggest that if there was ever an area needing cooling off from hot temperatures – it would be here!
Best for ages 3 and up
- 4701 Great America Parkway
- Santa Clara, CA 95054
- (408) 988-1776
- cagreatamerica.com
3- Sutro Baths, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Sutro Baths was once a popular saltwater swimming complex with over 100 pools, but now it’s just crumbling walls and rusting iron. It has great views of the ocean from its many balconies as well!
What to Do
If you’re looking for something more than what meets your eye at first glance then take advantage by visiting this historic site that will leave even those who don’t like sightseeing impressed with how much history there is here in one little place
Best for all ages
- 1004 Point Lobos Avenue
- San Francisco, CA 94121
- (415) 425-5240
- nps.gov
4- PIER 39, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
Pier 39 is a mecca for family fun, with restaurants and shops chock-full of amazing things to do.
There are also the San Francisco sea lions that live here! After you’ve greeted them at their enclosures or made friends from afar by letting your little ones greet individual members in groups as part of engaging activities like rodeos (and maybe even get close enough for some petting)
What to Do
Head on over & try out one ride after another until it’s time go home–you’ll be sure not want return anytime soon when there’s so much more
Best for all ages
- The Embarcadero
- San Francisco, CA 94133
- (415) 705-5500
- pier39.com
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5- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito is a not-for profit private organization that works to rescue and release ill, injured or abandonment marine mammals
What to Do
The center offers daily guided tours as well audio guide which give visitors insight into the many environmental issues facing our planet today such with recycling bins for your visit! You can also see some of these amazing creatures up close at their sanctuary where it’s possible every day except Christmas Eve & Thanksgiving
Best for all ages
- 886 Cannery Row
- Monterey, CA 93940
- (831) 648-4800
- montereybayaquarium.org/
6- Andy’s Orchard, Morgan Hill
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Andy’s Orchard farm is famous for its many kinds of fresh fruit.
What to Do
You can pick peaches, nectarines plums apricots and cherries including rare varieties that are only available at certain times every year so you should definitely stop on by!
Best for all ages
- 1615 Half Road
- Morgan Hill, CA 95037
- (408) 782-7600
- andysorchard.com
7- The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito is a not-for profit private organization that works to rescue and release ill, injured or abandonment marine mammals
What to Do
The center offers daily guided tours as well audio guide which give visitors insight into the many environmental issues facing our planet today such with recycling bins for your visit! You can also see some of these amazing creatures up close at their sanctuary where it’s possible every day except Christmas Eve & Thanksgiving
Best for all ages
- 2000 Bunker Road
- Sausalito, CA 94965
- (415) 289-7325
- marinemammalcenter.org
8- Gilroy Garlic Festival, Gilroy
Why You’ve Got to Go
Gilroy Garlic Festival is one of the most popular summer food fests in America, with a history going back to 1978.
What to Do
You can enjoy delicious garlic-themed dishes and mouth watering desserts at this super fun festival that takes place on July 31st every year! There are rides for kids as well so make sure you bring them along while culinary contest winners will be announced during live entertainment performances throughout attended by professional chefs who teach us how we too could cook like popes without using any eggs or bleach—just tomatoes
Best for all ages
- 5975 Rossi Lane Suite 200
- Gilroy, CA 95020
- (408) 842-1625
- gilroygarlicfestival.com
9- Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Bay Area is a haven for all sorts of family-friendly activities. Head to Golden Gate Park with its lovely Japanese Tea Garden and Conservatory Of Flowers or de Young Museum!
What to Do
You can also pedal boat ride around Stow Lake while checking out wildlife from shore, or race your kids up Strawberry Hill if they’re feeling froggy enough (and dare I say it’s worth going there just so you have an excuse).
Best for all ages
- Golden Gate Bridge
- San Francisco, CA 94129
- (415) 921-5858
- goldengate.org
10- Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Why You’ve Got to Go
Bill’s Museum of Natural History is an interactive, educational experience for all ages. While children enjoy playing in the outdoor areas and older ones explore exhibits on Mammoths or Theater arts – there are also special programs tailored just for them!
What to Do
A chance encounter at Bill’s backyard led me here today; I was drawn by curiosity more than anything else but ended up being quite pleased with what they had available so far as it included both art activities (from painting tools to drawing sketches) plus another section where one can listen2 music using vintage record players).
Best for all ages
- 180 Woz Way
- San Jose, CA 95110
- (408) 298-5437
- cdm.org
11- Ride a Cable Car, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The city is full of historic cable cars that are a must-see for visitors to San Francisco! You can ride them up and down any street you like, or take the scenic routes through The Golden Gate Bridge. If history isn’t enough adventure then head over too one line in particular—the blue route which operates between Union square and Fisherman’s Wharf.
What to Do
It offers amazing views across Alcatraz Island as well as all those incredible ships afloat near Pier 39 where tourists enjoy eating burritos by candlelight while watching ESPN.
Best for all ages
- Ride a Cable Car, San Francisco
- San Francisco, CA
- (415) 701-2311
- sfmta.com
12- Golfland, Milpitas
Why You’ve Got to Go
Milpitas Golfland is the perfect place to spend an afternoon with friends, family or coworkers. The six-acre park features three challenging miniature golf courses and a massive video game arcade! There are also several other activities for all ages including laser tag games that will keep you coming back agains their walls as well until your eyes bleed (literally).
What to Do
Golfland is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable day with your family. For those who need a break from all that playing, there’s also water slides and bumper car arena where you can get wet without having any direct contact! To refuel after sampling some delicious pizza or thick shakes at our parlor restaurant (highly recommended!).
Best for all ages
- 1199 Jacklin Road
- Milpitas, CA 95035
- (408) 253-6855
- golfland.com/milpitas
13- Alameda Island, Alameda
Why You’ve Got to Go
What’s not to love about this picturesque city? The people are friendly and there is always something new going on. If you’re looking for a place where your stomach will be satisfied with every turn, so go to Alameda Island!
What to Do
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustles of city life, head over towards Robert W. Crown Beach where there is plenty for everyone: sunbathing opportunities along with swimming in crystal blue waters that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth!
Best for all ages
- Alameda Island
- San Francisco Bay, CA
- (510) 747-7400
- alamedaca.gov
14- Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is the only one in all of America to have a location right next door and inside National Park! It features activities for every age group, from 6 months up until 60 years.
What to Do
There’s never been a better time to explore the world of STEAM! Check out our new bay hall, with its many interactive activities for all ages. From art studios and fabulous fables about famous inventors in Discovery Hall – where you can make your very own invention come true or try on clothes worn by history’s greatest figures-toFab Lab , which features cutting edge technology being used as fuel free energy solutions so they don’t need carbon polluting fossil fuels anymore ́ bowl at Lookout Cove if climbing aboard ship has always been part voyage.
Best for all ages
- 557 McReynolds Road
- Sausalito, CA 94965
- (415) 339-3900
- bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
15- Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk is one of San Francisco’s most fun places that are kid-friendly, from thrilling to tot friendly.
What to Do
Get your adrenaline rushes at the park’s biggest rollercoaster – The Big Dipper! For those looking for something less intense but still exciting try out BulgyThe whale where toddlers will be able enjoy it too with family members or friends.
Best for all ages
- 400 Beach Street
- Santa Cruz, CA 95060
- (831) 423-5590
- beachboardwalk.com
16- The Exploratorium, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Exploratorium is a place for kids of all ages to explore! It has over 650 exhibits, from art and science classes that will teach your child new ideas about how we see things in this world.
What to Do
If you have curious little ones, the Exploratorium is a must-see! With more than 650 exhibits on art and science as well as human perception–it’s sure to keep them asking “why?” for hours.
Best for all ages
- Pier 15, The Embarcadero
- San Francisco, CA 94111
- (415) 528-4444
- exploratorium.edu
17- Filoli, Woodside
Why You’ve Got to Go
A historic 654-acre estate situated on Santa Cruz’s eastern slopes, the Filoli Historic House and Garden is a scenic destination for any visitor. Immaculately maintained grounds feature blooming flowers as well modern art exhibits to brighten your day while you enjoy this lovely spot!
What to Do
For those who want more than just scenery; there’s also an Estate Trail with several interactive stations throughout its length that will take guests through history from prehistory all of way up until today–including shopping opportunities at two marketplace buildings complete with food options if hunger strikes (or else get something delivered).
Best for all ages
- 86 Cañada Road
- Woodside, CA 94062
- (650) 364-8300
- filoli.org
18- Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay
Why You’ve Got to Go
If you want to experience the flavors and spices of New England without having anything unexpected come up on your palate, then head over Sam’s Chowder House. The restaurant has been known for years as being one of those places where everyone goes after sampling their signature chowders- which are made from fresh seafood straight off docks right here in Massachusetts!
What to Do
If you’re looking for fresh seafood, this is the place to go. The menu features a variety of options from clam chowder and lobster rolls allthe way up through fried calamari with tartar sauce!
Best for all ages
- 4210 CA-1
- Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- (650) 712-0245
- samschowderhouse.com
19- Lake Merritt, Oakland
Why You’ve Got to Go
Lake Merritt is one of the most fun things to do in East Bay; this saltwater tidal lagoon located right downtown has been a wildlife refuge since 1869. It’s also home for many species that can only be found here like heron, egret and bittern who spend their days fishing along its shores or roosting together on calm nights under old trees near water’s edge!
What to Do
With 3 miles worth of beautiful views from any angle you take-whether by foot , bike/horse ride – there isn’t ever enough time spent looking around at all these gorgeous creatures while enjoying some fresh air.
Best for all ages
- Lakeside Park
- Oakland, CA 94612
- (510) 238-7275
- lakemerritt.org
20- The San Mateo Japanese Garden, San Mateo
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Japanese garden on the peninsula is one of its kind, designed by renowned architect Nagao Sakurai.
What to Do
A great spot for affordable family entertainment that will delight any little one who visits! The koi fish can be feeds during spring or summer when they’re swimming around in their pond full-bloom with cherry blossoms nearby as well–and there’s also mini trains to take kids fun up another notch (or two).
Best for all ages
- 50 East, Fifth Avenue
- San Mateo, CA 94401
- (650) 522-7434
- cityofsanmateo.org
If you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids, look no further than our list of puppet shows for kids in The San Francisco Bay Area. From aquariums to amusement parks, we’ve got you covered. And if you don’t see what you’re looking for here, be sure to check out our full selection of kid’s puppet and magic shows. So what are you waiting for? Book today!
Exciting news! 🌟 For a limited time, we’re thrilled to bring you an exclusive offer for our enchanting “Puppet and Magic Show for Kids Birthdays”! 🎂✨
Book now and enjoy a fabulous $50 OFF your magical celebration! 🤩🎁
To claim your $50 discount, simply use code: CKF50 at booking