Welcome to
Bay Area Toddlers Play!

I share recommendations and resources of fun things to do with your kids in the Bay Area. Whether it's day trips, outdoor activities, or creative play ideas, there's something for everyone.

Join our community today and discover all the amazing things the Bay Area has to offer for kids and families.

Mother and daugher playing by the golden gate bridge

The Ultimate Family Getaway to Arnold, CA – Kid-Friendly Adventures in Calaveras County

If you’re looking for an easy, kid-friendly getaway from the Bay Area, look no further than Arnold, California! Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains in Calaveras County, Arnold is a hidden gem that’s packed with outdoor adventures, small-town charm, and cozy stays that are perfect for families.

Fun & Easy Things to Do with Bay Area Kids During School Break

Looking for things to do with kids during school break? Whether you're staying local or just need fresh ideas, I’ve got you covered with fun

Ultimate Guide to Easter Events in the Bay Area (2025)

We've got you covered with a 2025 county-by-county guide to the top family-friendly Easter events in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Recent blog posts

See all blog posts

PLAY Pop-Ups

Community events offering family friendly fun and kid-centric activities for free or very low cost, while spotlighting local small businesses

Don't miss out on

Learn More

RSVP is required to attend this event. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details by Friday.

When: Sunday, April 27
Where: The Little Gym of Milpitas

What to expect:
✅Free family fun
✅Complementary classes by @tlgmilpitas
✅Storytime with @author.sonalipatodia
✅Bilingual coloring activity with @listoslearning
✅Play dough table with @momthemage

See you there!

Is the Balloon Museum actually worth it for families with little kids?

We weren’t sure what to expect—this certainly isn’t a kid focused space —it’s an immersive art exhibit.

Each room offered a new visual experience that sparked curiosity in both us and the kids. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to art in a format that feels playful and interactive but be sure to know these details first ⬇️⬇️

HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
🎈Located at the Palace of Fine Arts
🎈Prices range from $31 to $51
🎈Kids under 4 get in free (win!)
🎈Strollers are welcome
🎈You move forward through the exhibit and can’t backtrack—so take your time in each room
🎈The only timed portion is the ball pit area (which is amazing and was our favorite part, but the time limit was hard for the kids!)
🎈Overall plan to spend about 1.5 hours here
🎈Staff are stationed in every room to guide you along
🎈Parking is tricky. We drove around for a while and finally found street parking.

While this isn’t designed for kids, the immersive visuals, sounds, and scale make it engaging for them, too. It’s art with a touch of magic—and exciting to see through your kid’s eyes.

❓So what do you think? Worth it or nah?

#balloonmuseum #bayareafamilyfun #sanfranciscokids @balloon_museum

The vibes are just different at Oogubi Wonderland- 3 hours of pure sensory magic for the kids AND for you.

🫧Don’t miss the next epic OOGUBI WONDERLAND on Sunday 4/27 from 10:30am - 1:30pm

🎟️GET TICKETS at the link in their bio >> @oogubievents or on their website www.oogubi.com

FYI- They also have sensory play POP-UPS (these are different from Wonderland events)

💰DISCOUNTS- For 10% off Wonderland use code: TODDLERSPLAY10 at checkout

🗣️QUESTIONS- Drop them in the comments below

🫧 MORE INFO- Get all the details at www.oogubi.com

#bayareatoddlers #bayareakidsactivities #sensoyplay #messyplay

We’ve partnered with The Little Gym of Milpitas to host our next PLAY pop-up on 4/27

🔗Comment PLAY for the details and RSVP link or see the link in my bio

🗣️ Not sure if this is for you? Drop your questions in the comments and lets chat

⬇️ Invite your friends and join us for FREE family fun including⬇️

- complimentary classes for ages 0-3 and ages 4-6 by @tlgmilpitas

- storytime with @author.sonalipatodia

- play dough activity by @momthemage

- bilingual coloring and learning by @listoslearning

- and other kids arts & crafts

#bayareafamilyfun #bayareatoddlersplay #bayareakidsactivities

A kid-friendly coffee haus where you can sip while they play? Say less.

Tell your mom crew—this one’s a must-visit!

📍Fox & Kit
1031 C ST in San Rafael

⬇️ THE DETAILS ⬇️

🧦Don’t forget tour socks!

💲Open Play Costs:

9 mo -2 yr: $13
3 yr - 11 yr: $16

Sibling discount 10%
Last half hour 50% off

*children under 9 months must use crawler area unless accompanying an older sibling or friend

🗓️ Check their website or socials for up to date open play schedules

@foxandkit #visitmarin #bayareakidsactivities

PLAY POP-UPs are back! Join us for FREE FAMILY FUN on 4/27 at The Little Gym of Milpitas

Comment PLAY for the RSVP LINK >> Space is limited!!

🔗 You can also RSVP at the link in my bio

[ WHAT TO EXPECT: ]

📖 Interactive Storytime by @author.sonalipatodia

🤸‍♀️ Free classes from @tlgmilpitas for ages 0-3 and ages 4-6

🌈 Play dough fun with @momthemage

🖍️ Coloring Activity with @listoslearning

✨Sensory Play with @bayarea_toddlersplay

Tell your friends and make it a play date.
SEE YOU THERE 👋

Whatcha got planned for this weekend?

If you’re looking for family friendly fun this weekend (4/19 & 4/20), I’ve got a big list of Easter events happening across the Bay Area

BUT… it’s too big of a list to fit in the caption so instead 👇👇

Comment EASTER and I’ll send it right to you.

🔗 You can also find the link in my bio
.
.
📸 Photos 1 & 2: taken by hubs at a 2024 Easter event at @prancingprincesspony
📸 Photo 4: Easter display by @winniegram (2023)
.
.

#bayareafamilyfun #bayareakidsactivities #bayareablogger #bayareaeaster2025

Add this kid-friendly farm experience to your bucket list!

Slide Ranch Slide is always open to the public from 8am till sunset. No fees required, though donations to support their mission are welcome.

📍2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach

They offer an exciting range of workshops and family programs (for a fee), including Family Farm Days and Camping at the Dome.

The program we attended (shown in this video) is Family Farm Day.

Follow @slide_ranch for details on upcoming events like their big Spring Fling on May 3!

#visitmarin #bayareakidsactivities #bayareafamilyfun

Have you been to Arnold, CA before?

Had no idea there was THIS much to do there. This is such a fun, relaxing place for a family getaway all year round. Not crowded, not too far from the Bay Area, and 100% kid friendly!

🏡STAY at Three Pines Place in Arnold, CA to be just minutes away from all the fun! [ Booking link in bio at @threepinesplace ]

THINGS TO DO:
🌲Calaveras Big Tree State Park
🌲Hiking: Arnold Rim, Bradley Grove, White Pines Lake Loop

🌊 Swim at White Pines Lake
🏊 Blue Lake Springs Clubhouse has a playground, pool and private lake access

❄️Spicer Sno-Park for snow play
🎿Bear Valley for skiing

WHERE TO EAT:
🍺Lube Room
🍕Snowshoe Brewing
🍔Giant Burger

VISIT MURPHYS:
🛍️lots of shopping & dining options
🧸toy shop >> @murphysvillagetoystore
🍦ice cream shop next to toy store!
🛝Murphys playground
🍷wine tasting
… and more

MORE TO EXPLORE:
🥾Mercer Caverns in Murphys
⛏️Explore Columbia State Historic Park, then eat at St. Charles Saloon

#bayareafamilyfun #familytravel #bayareakidsactivities #calaverascounty #bayareagetaways

Comment SOCCER and I’ll send you the direct link!

Registration for weekly classes and Summer camps NOW OPEN.

Locations: Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Cree, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin.

Don’t forget to SAVE and SHARE this fun find with your friends.

#ad #bayareasummercamps #bayareakidsactivities @soccerstarscontracosta

Three Pines Place in Arnold, CA offers the perfect kid friendly retreat with fun things to do all year round.

🗣️Comment GETAWAY for the booking link or see @threepinesplace link in bio

THINGS TO DO:
- Bear Valley Ski Resort
- Spicer Sno Park
- Calaveras Big Trees State Park
- Access to private lakes, pool, playground
- Hiking trails
- Murphy’s (shopping, dining, wine tasting, live music)

Check back for part 2 on all the things to do nearby!

#hosted #airbnb #familytravel #bayareakidsactivities #gocalaveras

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Yours Truly Soirees helped transform my boring yard to a thoughtfully curated, beautiful space for our Lilo & Stitch themed birthday party.

Every detail, from the napkins to the party favors, was perfect. 👌🏼

If you’re looking for luxury picnics, gorgeous tablescapes, and/or party rentals check out @yourstrulysoirees

Candy wall by @thindadecor @hellooosweets

🗣️ And tell your friends, too!

Add these dates to your calendar and meet me at Cityline, because April is looking like a whole lot of fun for the whole family. Did I mention it’s also free? 🤩

Be sure to follow @citylinesunnyvale to stay up to date on all the event details.

Which event are you most looking forward to?

Event info⬇️⬇️

🎨April 5th, 11am-1pm: The Art Adventure
-Live music, Art Activities, Snacks & Refreshments
📍Redwood Square, Sunnyvale CA (across from Salon Republic, 200 W McKinley Ave, Ste 110, Sunnyvale CA 94086)

🌸April 19th, 11am-4pm: Springtime Soiree
-40+ Vendors and Kids activities
📍McKinley Avenue, Sunnyvale CA

🐣April 19th, 1-5pm: Easter at Cityline
-Family-Friendly Easter Egg hunt, Adult Egg hunt, Easter Bunny Photos
📍McKinley Avenue, Sunnyvale CA

🌎April 26, 11-2pm: Earth Day with Belugabee
-Ocean Art Activities, Arts & Crafts, Bamboo sticker Gift
📍Cityline Marketing Suite, 241 S Taaffe St Suite 180, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

#bayareafamilyfun #citylinesunnyvale #bayareakidsactivities

This is Queen Wilhelmina Garden in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. It’s totally free and open to the public.

The tulips are at their prime right now (filmed 3/27/25) so go check it out while they last.

But being totally honest, this garden is not that big. It doesn’t take very long to see & enjoy, sooooo…

⬇️here’s what else you can do while you’re in the area:

- Ocean Beach
- Blue playground
- Free 9th floor (Hamon observation tower) at de Young Museum
- California Academy of Sciences
- Conservatory of Flowers (the lawn area here is a great place to run around and have a picnic)
- Koret playground

Just so much to explore in Golden Gate Park! I could go on and on…

Have you been here yet?! What’d you think?

#bayareafamilyfun #bayareakidsactivities #bayareafreefun #bayareacontentcreator

Parents, when was the last time you snuck in a little weekday date while the kids were at school?

We took full advantage and spent the day exploring San Francisco—good food, great views, and uninterrupted conversations (what a concept! 😂).

Would you do a weekday date if you had the chance? Where would you go? Drop a ❤️ if you’re due for one!

And SAVE this post for your next day date!

This is Soccer Stars Contra Costa.

⚽️ Their program is all about teaching the FUNdamentals of soccer— where learning meets play in a non-competitive, nurturing environment.

🗣️ Comment SOCCER and I’ll send you the direct link to register for Spring and Summer Classes + Camps.

They offer programs that help every child shine from age 1 to 12.

Yes, they have Parent & Me classes and Tots programs too!

📍Locations: Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Danville, San Ramon, Dublin.

🔖Don’t forget to SAVE and SHARE this fun find with your friends.

@soccerstarscontracosta

#sponsored #bayareasummercamps #bayareakidsactivities

Already planning a trip to go back! So much to do in Marin County and @acquahotel was the perfect home base.

🤗 SAVE & SHARE with your friends, and start planning your visit!

Featured in this video:
STAY at @acquahotel
EAT at @flourcraft and @thejunctionbeer
EXPLORE @slide_ranch
PLAY at the beaches (Stinson beach shown here), Millenium Playground, @foxandkitcafe

@visitmarin #visitmarin #hosted #bayareafamilyfun #bayareakidsactivities #familytravel

What are some things in your kids’ playroom that just make sense??

Shared a few of our favorites here, including ECR4Kids log seat👉 Love that I can easily move it around for the kids to use pretty much anywhere in the house.

And the last one is our favorite 👉 ECR4Kids Camp, Canoe and TumbleToo! interactive playmat. Multiple ways to play with this one. I love how it sparks creativity and imaginary play in my kids.

‼️ Code: TODDLERS15 gets you 15% off ECR4Kids products. ‼️

>> Comment PLAYROOM and I’ll send you the links.

@ecr4kids #ECR4KidsPartner #sponsored #playroominspo

Comment LOCATION for the exact coordinates of this spot so you can enjoy these beautiful views of San Francisco too 😍

Totally worth a visit! 🌁

@bayareadiscoverymuseum is a place where kids can create, tinker, be curious and PLAY. They have something new happening all the time here, with exhibits both indoors and outdoors.

They also offer camps, special programs and even do birthday parties! 🥳

Have you been?!

📍Bay Area Discovery Museum
Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds RD, Sausalito

🎟️ Tickets range from $18 to $20
($3 for EBT cardholders)

🅿️ Free parking!

🗣️ Tell your friends and start planning your visit

#bayareafamilyfun #thingstodowithkidsbayarea

Free family outing idea to get you moving and enjoying the outdoors- go on a hike!

It’s got to be an easy one though, and toddler-friendly of course!

📍This is Arastradero Creek Loop at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve in Palo Alto

It’s a protected space, supported by @postlandtrust

The details:
🥾It’s a pretty easy and kid-friendly hike.
🚽 Bathrooms available at the trailhead
🅿️ Free parking lot
👶 Stroller friendly ( a few inclines but it’s do-able)
.
.
Save & Share with your friends and start planning your next hike!

#IKnowAPlacePOST #kidfriendlyhike #bayareafamilyfun

Dino lovers (and train lovers, too)…. SAVE this post so you can check it out next time you’re nearby!

📍Millenium Playground, San Anselmo

A lovely enclosed playground with two areas ( tot lot and bigger kids area), with a castle, train, and dinosaur

🚽 Bathrooms nearby
🅿️ Parking lot
📦 Has a sandbox area by the Dino
🪵 Mostly tanbark throughout the play area

Other Bay Area Playgrounds with a dinosaur theme>>
🦕Children’s wonderland park in Vallejo

🦴Sabercat playground in Fremont has a fossil themed area

🦖San Francisco premium outlets play area in Livermore

#bayareaplaygrounds #visitmarin #thingstodowithkidsbayarea

Found a kid friendly place to eat (and play) in Mill Valley!

Do you know of other family friendly places like this in the Bay Area? Please share in the comments 👇🏽

.
.
.
#millvalley #visitmarin #thingstodowithkidsbayarea

📣Calling all parents in the South San Francisco and San Bruno area..

>> 💸 Comment DISCOUNT for $80 off summer camp tuition at BCD Academy <<

Here’s a summer camp where your kid will come home learning new skills and having had lots of fun, instead of just passing the time

📍BCD Academy
25000 Cottonwood Dr, San Bruno

💰And for a limited time, you’ll also get an extra $150 off tuition when you book 8 weeks + 2 free kids cooking classes

📲 Visit @bcdartmusicacademy to enroll!

#bayareasummercamps #sponsored

SAVE this kid-friendly hike for your next family outing!

Arastradero Creek Loop is an easy, beginner friendly hike that’s great for all ages.

📍Address:
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve
1530 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto

🚽 Bathrooms available at the trailhead

🅿️ Free parking lot

👶 Stroller friendly ( a few inclines but it’s do-able)

☀️ Not much shade, come prepared

Get outside to discover and appreciate the protected spaces, like this one, supported by @postlandtrust

#IKnowAPlacePOST #sponsored #kidfriendlyhikes #bayareafamilyfun

A sweet surprise for my little Stitch lover on her birthday 😍

How do you think it turned out??

@hellooosweets and @thindadecor brought the magic with this candy wall and decor.

Too much sugar? No problem, she can also make it a snack wall instead
…and probably anything else you can imagine

#bayareapartydecor #candywall #liloandstitch

Happy birthday to my Zo! 🥳🥳

Thank you @hellooosweets and @thindadecor for making it extra sweet with this custom candy wall and Lilo & Stitch inspired decor.

And a thank you for the gorgeous tablescape with all the perfect details @yourstrulysoirees

#bayareapartydecor

I don’t know about you, but visiting farm animals is always a fun, low effort, outdoor adventure for my kids!

>> Comment FARM and I’ll send you the full list of Bay Area farms <<

Most of these places are free or low cost, so it makes for a very affordable and fun family outing.

🐮🐐Let me know which ones are your favorite!

#bayareakidsactivities #thingstodowithkidsbayarea #bayareafamilyfun

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow us on Instagram

@bayarea_toddlersplay

Hi, I'm Jenine

I'm a proud mom of two, here to support tired Bay Area parents seeking joy-filled experiences and meaningful connections with their little ones. Join me for family friendly adventures and easy play ideas, turning tired moments into cherished family memories.

Ways We Can Connect:

Contact me | Work with me | Follow on Instagram

Welcome to Bay Area Toddlers Play!