25 Fun Things to Do with Kids in The Bay Area
San Francisco, which consistently appears on lists of the world’s top tourist attractions, is distinguished by its own steep hillsides, cute Nineteenth century homes in vibrant colors, and then, of course, the renowned Golden Gate Bridge.
This metropolis is renowned for its abundance of family-friendly attractions, including art displays, theaters, and monuments.
Listed below is a collection of entertaining activities to enjoy with youngsters inside the Bay Area, whether you’re a resident or a guest, despite the weather.
- PIER 39, San Francisco
Why You Should Go
A kinship paradise with a ton of eateries, attractions, and stores, Pier 39 is indeed host to the Aquarium of the Bay and San Francisco’s well-known sea creatures.
What To Do
Allow the young children to experience the exciting rollercoaster once they have seen and befriended the neighborhood sea lions.
Toddler-friendly experiences that are utterly unique include the Mirror Maze and 7D Encounter.
For
Every age
- The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Why You’ve Got to Go
A non-profit private organization called the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito was founded in 1975 with the goal of rescuing, treating, and releasing sick, wounded, and orphaned sea animals.
What to Do
The center provides regular audio and supervised excursions, which are a wonderful method to educate young children about ecological concerns.
Additionally, there are lots of fascinating exhibitions, and on sunny days, you’re honored with breathtaking cityscapes!
For
Every age.
- Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Bottom of Form
Why You’ve Got to Go
More than 200 displays and 80,000 wildlife and plants call the Monterey Bay Aquarium home, including jellyfish, penguins, sea lions, and sharks.
What to Do
A variety of displays, which include observing sea creatures swim around in massive aquariums that replicate their natural ecosystems and witnessing animals feed, are guaranteed to enchant young visitors to this museum, which is the first to contain an actual kelp forest.
For
Every age.
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
You must explore and snap photographs at the Golden Gate Bridge when in San Francisco since it is the metro’s most recognizable landmark.
What to Do
Visit the exterior exhibition of the suspension bridge to learn more about the operation of this amazing structure.
This 1.7-mile overpass is also walkable, or you may lease bikes near Fisherman’s Wharf and ride there instead.
For
Every age.
- California’s Great America, Santa Clara
Why You’ve Got to Go
Through its entertaining coasters, performances, and food choices, this 112-acre adventure park is, without a doubt, among the most enjoyable locations in the South Bay.
What to Do
The resort offers exceptional concerts and events, including musicals and themed performances, in addition to adventure park staples like coasters, many of which are season-based.
To chill off, visit South Bay Shores Waterpark!
For
3 years and above.
- Andy’s Orchard, Morgan Hill
The resort offers exceptional concerts and events, including musicals and themed performances, in addition to adventure park staples like coasters, many of which are season-based.
To chill off, visit South Bay Shores Waterpark!
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Mariani family’s 80-acre farmland, which was founded in 1931, is well known for its assortment of fresh fruit products.
What to Do
Only during specific periods each year are visitors permitted to choose and sample apricots, nectarines, cherries, peaches, and cranberries, including very uncommon species.
Before you depart this picturesque vineyard, stock up on as much fruit as you can!
For
Every age.
- Sutro Baths, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Sutro Baths, formerly one of the biggest privately-owned complexes of saltwater swimming pools, is wonderful for exploring and taking in the ocean views. It currently consists of decaying brickwork and rusting iron.
What to Do
You can take a free guided tour or explore the several saltwater pools by yourself.
There is also a beach, approachable through a tunnel, which is the site of numerous shipwrecks.
For
All ages
- Gilroy Garlic Festival, Gilroy
Why You’ve Got to Go
Gilroy Garlic Festival has become one of the most well-liked summer food festivals in the nation, with a tradition that dates to 1978. It always occurs on the final stretch of July.
What to Do
Along with the delicious food (including child alternatives), there are cooking competitions, live performances, enjoyable games, rides, and diversions for all.
For
Every age.
- Lake Merritt, Oakland
Why You’ve Got to Go
One of the best things to do in the East Bay is to visit Lake Merritt, a tidal lagoon that is 150 years old and the nation’s oldest wildlife sanctuary. There are numerous things to do here, even when you’re visiting with a young child.
What to Do
There are several places to picnic along the 3-mile beachfront and view the local fauna; frequent activities and celebrations are held there.
For
Every age.
- The San Mateo Japanese Garden, San Mateo
Why You’ve Got to Go
Crafted by famous architect Nagao Sakurai, this Japanese landscape is one of the peninsula’s main attraction sites and a terrific place for low-cost entertainment.
What to Do
To see cherry blossoms in full bloom and to nourish the koi, go during the spring or summertime.
Tennis courts, a miniature railroad, and numerous camping spaces are also available.
For
Every age.
- Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
Visit Golden Gate Park in the Bay Area for a variety of family-friendly experiences. It is home to the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, the Pavilion of Flowers, and also the de Young Museum.
What to Do
To complement the aforementioned, take a pedal ferry ride on Stow Lake, observe the fauna, or compete with the kids to reach Strawberry Hill’s peak.
Socialize with the local bison as well!
For
Every age.
- Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose, San Jose
Why You’ve Got to Go
Since it first opened to the public in 1990, this 52,000-square-foot museum has been a hub for exploration and education for young children.
What to Do
Younger children will adore Bill’s Backyard outdoor play area, especially if they love to be adventurous, whereas older children will like the interactive displays in a wide range of aspects, including art, mammoths, and theater.
For
Every age.
- Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon Bay
Why You’ve Got to Go
Sam’s Chowder House is renowned for its mouthwatering sustainable, fresh seafood that will awaken your taste buds to the genuine New England palate. It has won numerous state “best seafood” surveys.
What to Do
Try the variety of seafood at this beachside restaurant, including fresh oysters, fish & chips, fried calamari, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.
For
Every age.
- Ride a Cable Car, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
Riding one of San Francisco’s numerous vintage cable cars up and down the city’s steep streets is just as iconic as seeing the Golden Gate Bridge!
What to Do
There are 3 lines that run across the city—2 between Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf and 1 on California Street—and they’re all fantastic ways to see the city for practically nothing!
Additionally, the free cable car museum has several compelling displays.
For
Every age.
- Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk, a mile-long sandy expanse on Beach Street, is one of San Francisco’s most entertaining kid-friendly locations, offering everything from exhilarating to chilling to tot-friendly activities.
What to Do
The park’s most well-liked attraction, the Big Dipper, will give you all the adrenaline rushes you need.
Try the kid-friendly “Bulgy the Whale” as well; even young children will find it entertaining.
For
Every age.
- Victory Point Cafe, Berkeley
Why You’ve Got to Go
There isn’t much else that says “family-friendly,” like food and board games, and Victory Point Cafe, the Bay Area’s first board game cafe, has enough of both!
What to Do
For a little charge, you can play countless games as you like.
Along with freshly roasted coffee and artisan beer, the cafe also offers kid-friendly fare like sandwiches and pizzas.
For
Every age.
- Limitless Escape Games, Livermore
Why You’ve Got to Go
Limitless Escape Games, one of the greatest Bay Area family attractions, offers thrilling escape room puzzles that the whole family may try to solve for thrills of a new type.
What to Do
Pick one of 4 different rooms, each with a different theme, and collaborate with your team to find the answers.
If your family size is 10, bring the whole gang and explore, or accompany other families.
For
Every age.
- Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
This landmark is among the few remnants from the Panama-Pacific Exposition that was built in 1915.
What to Do
Enjoy the splendor of the trimmed grounds and the lagoon in addition to the lovely Greco-Roman monument itself.
When there are no events happening in the huge exhibition hall, exploring the 20 acres will take you 30 minutes and is free.
For
Every age.
- Golfland, Milpitas
Why You’ve Got to Go
At this entertaining amusement park, take advantage of 3 challenging miniature golf courses, a sizable video game arcade, rounds of laser tag, and a laser maze.
What to Do
Aside from the aforementioned activities, Golfland also has a bumper car track and water slides.
If you need to refuel, stop by the parlor, which serves a variety of kid-friendly treats. You must taste the exquisite homemade pizza and the incredibly thick shakes!
For
Every age
- Ardenwood Farm, Fremont
Why You’ve Got to Go
The vegetables are still grown on this operating farm, a Regional Historic Landmark, employing farming methods from the previous century.
What to Do
As tour guides lead you around the Patterson House and Victorian Garden, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s.
Take the historical train, see the farm and the Haunted Railroad, then stop at the Farmyard Cafe for a meal.
For
Every age
- The Exploratorium, San Francisco
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Exploratorium, a place with over 650 exhibits focusing on art, science, and human perception, is a great place for young visitors who are interested and inquisitive.
What to Do
Kids will discover how to construct their own electric circuits and bridges, receive a behind-the-scenes tour of devices like pinball machines and clocks, and discover all about optical illusions, among other intriguing procedures.
For
Every age
- Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Why You’ve Got to Go
The only museum in the nation located inside a National Park, this children’s museum at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge offers an astonishing selection of age-appropriate activities for youngsters and, adults, even the elderly!
What to Do
Six distinct sections are available: Bay Hall, Discovery Hall, Art Studios, Lookout Cove, Fab Lab, and Tot Spot. Each section offers a wealth of interactive, entertaining, and educational activities.
For
Every age
- Filoli, Woodside
Why You’ve Got to Go
The Filoli Old House and Garden, a gorgeous historic 654-acre estate located on Santa Cruz’s eastern hills, is a must-see.
What to Do
Filoli is a delightful place to visit with well-kept lawns, burgeoning flowers, and modern art shows.
On-site amenities include a natural preserve, a walk around the estate, as well as food and shopping alternatives.
The summer is a great season to travel to Filoli.
For
Every age
- Hike Misson Peak, Fremont
Why You’ve Got to Go
The place to go for stunning views of Fremont’s harbor and the broad valley is Hike Mike Mission Peak.
What to Do
The 6.2-mile, steep Hike Mission Peak trek is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and fitness buffs, especially with the 360-degree vistas at the summit.
You might even be able to glimpse the Sierra Nevada if you visit on a clear day!
For
Every age
- Alameda Island, Alameda
Why You’ve Got to Go
This distinctive island community in the San Francisco Bay Area is a pleasant location, noted for its lovely residential neighborhoods, boutique shopping choices, and excellent restaurants serving up a range of varied cuisines.
What to Do
Explore the city’s rich maritime history at places like the Crab Cove Center and USS Hornet Museum, then go swimming and picnicking at sunny Robert W. Crown Beach.
For
Every age
