Bay Area Activity Guide
Here is a list of optional activities that are good for the kiddos.
Neighborhood Pool & Park
The kids will beg for this. Pack water and snacks.
Walnut Creek Library
Located near Civic Park in downtown Walnut Creek at the corner of N. Broadway and Lincoln Avenue.
Hours: M, T 10 AM-8PM | W, TH 10AM-6PM | F, Sa 9AM - 5PM
Downtown Walnut Creek Tours
Dial 925-322-6427 to get the link
Hours: Anytime
$5 (Cash only, includes admission to Bedford Gallery. Reservations not required) Tours meet in front of the Lesher Center for the Arts on the plaza. Wear comfortable shoes & sun screen.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Walnut Creek 20 minutes away
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience is the country’s first wildlife hospital, a zoological organization, and an educational museum specializing in native California wildlife.
Hours W to Su 11AM - 4PM
iHeart Studio
Walnut Creek 20 minutes away
Open Studio to DISCOVER, EXPERIMENT, EXPLORE, GET CURIOUS, GET MESSY, reservation required
M to F Two Slots Available 10 - 11:30AM or 1 - 2:30PM
Visit Orinda
A little nearby mountain town.
Let the kids burn some energy at Community Center Park, a large open grass area, two playground areas, and picnic tables. Thursday Night Food Trucks 5PM - 5PM
This is a great chance to satisfy some of Benjamin's scientific curiosity. Steam trains are basic simple physics and those physics allow a mini train to haul around 20 tons.
Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Mountains in between Berkeley and Orinda, about 25 minutes away
Hours: Everyday 8:30AM - 5:30PM
The Regional Parks Botanic Garden was founded on January 1, 1940. Situated in Tilden Regional Park's beautiful Wildcat Canyon in the heart of the north Berkeley Hills, the garden is devoted to the collection, growth, display, and preservation of the native plants of California. Garden section map.
Children's Fairyland
Oakland - 699 Bellevue Avenue about
Hours: Everyday 9AM - 12PM or 1PM - 4PM
Magical mid-century 10-acre park is a fantasy world where young children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long, located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California. Vibrant, longtime amusement park pairing a storybook motif with rides & theatrical performances.
Tickets $13/person
Rockin' Jump Trampoline Park
Concord, 20 minutes
Don't forget their jump socks, water and snacks. The kiddos burn energy quick here.
Hours: Open Jump M to F 1PM - 8PM | 6 & Under W & Su 9 AM - 11 AM + Sa 8AM - 10AM
Price: M - Th $16/60min or $20/90min (6 & Under $15.00/2hrs + $3.00/add child)
Tilden Steam Train
Mountains in between Berkeley and Orinda, about 25 minutes away
The mini steam train really is a hidden gem! Very affordable family outing in beautiful Tilden Park. The ride takes about 12-15 min. Take picnic lunch and go for a walk in the woods. Don't forget sunscreen, sun glasses and hats.
Hours: Sa & Su 10AM - 5PM
This is a great chance to satisfy some of Benjamin's scientific curiosity. Steam trains are basic simple physics and those physics allow a mini train to haul around 20 tons.
Mt Diablo Summit
Open Space East of Walnut Creek, Drive Up 55 minutes
Mount Diablo is surrounded by low, rolling hills and broad, flat valleys, so the view from the Summit is remarkable. When conditions are best, you can see almost 200 miles.
Summit Visitor Center Hours: Open Daily 10AM - 4PM
Price: Vehicle Entrance Fee $10.00
Cash/Check (anytime) & Credit/Debit (when kiosk staffed)
Exploratorium
Pier 15 (Embarcadero and Green Street) San Francisco
requires tickets ( requiring all visitors and members to buy timed tickets in order to manage capacity and create a safe and spacious environment)
Hours: W to Sa 10AM - 5PM
The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception with every visit. Let your curiosity roam through hundreds of exhibits, many focused on noticing and observation, in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries. You’ll find thoughtful safety protocols, our one-of-a-kind store, dining, and more at our beautiful San Francisco bayside location.
California Academy of Sciences
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco 50 minutes
Our beautiful, historic property in the heart of Napa is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover the joys and wonders of nature in our outdoor classrooms.
Shark Exhibit
In Sharks, you’ll plunge into the realm of these apex predators and develop a profound appreciation for their beauty, complexity, and vulnerability. Explore ancient fossils, impressive jaws, and life-size models of a variety of iconic species—and emerge with a deeper understanding of how protecting sharks protects us all.
Steinhart Aquarium
Steinhart Aquarium is one of the most biologically diverse and interactive aquariums on Earth. Home to nearly 40,000 live animals, representing more than 900 unique species, it offers guests an unprecedented view of underwater and terrestrial habitats.
Hours: M to Sa 9:30AM - 5PM
Price: $40/adult, $35/senior & $31/child pre-purchase online tickets
Connolly Ranch Education Center
Napa, Drive 50 minutes
Our beautiful, historic property in the heart of Napa is the perfect place for children of all ages to discover the joys and wonders of nature in our outdoor classrooms.
Farm Open House
Time on the Farm is an ideal way to kick off your weekend! Come just as the sun starts to rise to meet the barnyard animals, relax and learn in the edible garden, and play in the majestic Bay Grove. You’re welcome to pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy while you are here.
Hours: Sa 9AM - 10:30AM
Price: $10/adult & $5/child register online
Saturday Camp
One day programs that have your children exploring and learning in our outdoor classrooms. Time is spent with the farm animals, hiking and a getting creative through nature-based crafts and activities.
Hours: Sa 11AM - 4PM
Price: $85/child register online
Oxbow Public Market
Napa, Drive 50 minutes
The Local Gathering Place for Great Food & Wine in Napa Valley. The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms. Oxbow Public Market and its artisans and purveyors passionately support the concept of sustainable agriculture and local harvest—promoting a healthy environment, and social and economic equity within our community.
Hours: Everyday 7:30AM - 9PM
Price: Free