20 Fun Things to Do with Kids in The Bay Area: Best for Families!
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
- https://www.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
- https://www.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) 426-5240
- https://www.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
- https://www.pier39.com/
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
- https://www.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
- https://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
- https://www.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
- https://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
- https://www.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
- https://www.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
- https://www.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) 263-6855
- https://www.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
- https://www.alamedaca.gov/Home
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
- https://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
