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Bay Area Kids GO!

Bay Area Kids GO (formerly Bay Area Toddlers Play) is your guide to inclusive family fun across the Bay.

From playground days to big kid adventures, and hikes to hands-on museums, we’re here to help families across the Bay Area GO further and have more fun.

Subscribe below to join our growing community and receive our free monthly newsletter.

Mother and daugher playing by the golden gate bridge

10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids this February (2026)

February in the San Francisco Bay Area is packed with fun ways to make memories with your kids... think sweet Valentine’s events, lively Lunar New Year celebrations, meaningful Black History Month programs, and extra excitement with the Super Bowl in town.

family-friendly super bowl LX Events in the San Francisco Bay Area

Family-Friendly Big Game Events in the San Francisco Bay Area (2026):

if you’re a parent looking for family-friendly Super Bowl events, here are some ways to join the fun.. This guide rounds up family-friendly fan fests, free public events, interactive football experiences, and community watch parties across the San Francisco Bay Area...

Where to play in the snow near the Bay Area

Treat the family to a winter weekend getaway and play in the snow near the Bay Area—no epic road trip required. In this guide, you’ll find family-friendly snow play areas within about 3 hours of San Francisco, including easy day-trip spots and classic mountain towns with tubing hills, sledding areas, and wide-open snow parks.

Recent blog posts

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SAN FRANCISCO IS THE WORST…

Just kidding.

It’s impossible not to fall in love when you’ve got Golden Gate Bridge, beaches, art, Pier 39, iconic cable cars, and parks + green space everywhere.

So don’t listen to all the fake news because it’s actually pretty great here ❤️
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[ San Francisco with kids, San Francisco Content Creator, Bay Area Mom, Bay Area Things to do, San Francisco family fun #visitcalifornia ]

Start HERE if it’s your first time visiting SF with kids (or it’s been a while) ⬇️

These are my favorite iconic,kid-friendly things to do in SF that adults love too:

📍Golden Gate Bridge views
📍Presidio Tunnel Tops
📍Ride a cable cars
📍Pier 39
📍Aquarium of the Bay
📍Golden Gate Park

Save this for your San Francisco family trip + follow for Part 2
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SanFrancisco With Kids, Bay Area Things To Do, Bay Area Mom, San francisco mom, San Francisco day trip, #visitcalifornia

If you’ve been meaning to do a farm day with the kids… Slide Ranch understood the assignment. 🐐
 We went for a Family Farm Day a while back and it was a fun hands-on experience for all of us!

💌 Next Family Farm Day: Valentine’s Theme Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 | 9:30am–1:00pm Activities may include: baking Valentine’s cookies, wool crafts (felted hearts / friendship bracelets), salve making, + more (all materials provided).
 ✨ You can also add on camping and stay under the stars.

💲 Cost: $45/person for ages 3+ | Kids under 36 months FREE

📍 Slide Ranch 2025 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach, CA 94965

PSA: You can visit Slide Ranch on a non–Family Farm Day too (it’s open to the public + free ), it just won’t have structured activities. Still totally worth it for a chill animal + nature day. 🫶

Save this for later + tag a parent who needs an easy win this month.
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[ San Francisco kids, Bay Area mom creator, San Francisco mom, Bay Area thing to do with kids, Bay Area influencer, Family friendly San Francisco, #visitmarin ]

You know when you’re thinking about Super Bowl Sunday snacks … and Costco randomly hands you the answer? 😅 | #Ad

I spotted Incredifulls The Pizza Cupcake Pepperoni 12-pack in the Costco freezer section for $9.49 and it looked way too good to pass up.

The best part? Adults + kids both love them (rare win 🙌) so they’re officially on our game day lineup and honestly perfect for National Pizza Day too. 🍕✨

Bonus: no artificial preservatives, no hormones, made with real Italian mozzarella + uncured pepperoni… and that savory, flaky brioche sourdough crust is so good.

They’re available now for a limited time at Costco in the Bay Area, so if you see them, grab them.
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#Incredifulls #ThePizzaCupcake #CostcoFinds #BayAreaEats @incredifulls

Parents deserve to do cool things too….

So here are family-friendly Big Game events + watch parties across the Bay Area so you can feel part of the fun AND bring the kids.

🏈 Comment GAME and I’ll send you the full list + details.

Events Featured in this video⬇️

2/2 Big Game Drone show in SJ @visitsanjose

2/6 + 2/7 Warm Up at the Wharf @fishermanswharf

2/8 Flying Football Fun Fest at Hiller Aviation Museum @hiller_aviation_museum

Thru 2/8 BIG GAME DAYS in Union Square plaza @unionsquaresf

2/7 Mountain View Fan fest @mountainviewgov

2/3 - 2/7 Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center (kids 12 & under are FREE) @moscone_center

2/3 -2/7 BAHC Live! San Francisco Fan Zone in Yerba Buena Gardens @visityerbabuenasf

2/6 - 2/8 San Pedro Superfest

2/5 - 2/8 Super Row Weekend on Santana Row @santanarow
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Comment GO for the full list + details of February family fun in the San Francisco Bay Area

Here are just a few of the best kid-friendly things to do in the Bay Area this month.. perfect for families with toddlers and young kids

Want even more?

Explore our free Go Find Fun community events calendar (link in bio) for Bay Area kids events, family activities, and local outings updated all month long.
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[ Bay Area things To do with kids, Bay Area Content Creator, San Francisco with kids, Super Bowl LX ]

If you had ONE day in San Diego with kids, which of these would you choose first?
 Here are things to do with kids in San Diego that we loved:
📍 Waterfront playground 📍 USS Midway Museum  📍 “Embracing Peace” statue (the iconic photo spot) 📍 La Jolla (seals + the prettiest sunset) 📍 Balboa Park (SO much to do here)  📍 San Diego Zoo 📍 LEGOLAND California

💾 Save this for later + share with the friend who always ends up planning the trip

We’re working on a full San Diego family travel guide with the exact itinerary, where to stay, and our favorite family-friendly food stops coming soon.

Follow along for more family travel ideas + and fun things to do with kids
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[ #visitsandiego #visitcalifornia San Diego with kids, things to do in San Diego, California family travel, family travel ]

If you had ONE day in San Diego with kids, which of these would you choose first?
 Here are the things to do with kids in San Diego we loved:
📍 Waterfront playground 📍 USS Midway Museum  📍 “Embracing Peace” statue (the iconic photo spot) 📍 La Jolla (seals + the prettiest sunset) 📍 Balboa Park (SO much to do here)  📍 San Diego Zoo 📍 LEGOLAND California

💾 Save this for later + share with the friend who always ends up planning the trip

We’re working on a full San Diego family travel guide with the exact itinerary, where to stay, and our favorite family-friendly food stops coming soon.

Follow along for more family travel ideas + and fun things to do with kids
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[ #visitsandiego #visitcalifornia San Diego with kids, things to do in San Diego, California family travel, family travel ]

Bay Area parents… if you ever do the Bay Area to San Diego road trip, make Kids + Coffee (in Carlsbad) one of your stops!

This place really did ruin other indoor playspaces for me because it’s so beautifully designed and there’s a café so you can actually enjoy a good coffee while the kids play.

Save this for your SoCal bucket list

📍 Kids & Coffee • @kidsandcoffee.love  2310 Camino Vida Roble, Ste 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011
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[ Carlsbad kids, San Diego with kids, Bay Area kids, California road trip, SoCal with kids, family travel California ]

We stopped at OstrichLand USA on our drive from San Francisco → Santa Barbara and it was the perfect road trip break

📍 OstrichLand USA • @ostrich_land  610 E Highway 246, Solvang, CA 93463

💵 Pricing:  General admission: $7 Kids 12 & under: $3 Feed: $1

🚗 How far is it? From San Francisco: ~4.5 hrs  From Santa Barbara: ~45 min

⏰Plan to spend 30-45min here

✨ Bonus: don’t miss the cute little town of Solvang..it’s just ~5 minutes away and perfect for pastries + strolling.

Save this for your next CA road trip 🗺️ + share with the friend who would absolutely love feeding these birds 😂
 👇 Would you do this stop: YES or NO?
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California Road Trip, Central Coast California, Bay Area Things to do, California family travel #visitcalifornia

If you’re feeling the weight of everything lately, I see you.

Here’s a tiny pocket of peace we found: Henry Cowell’s Redwood Grove Loop 🌲

Quick details:
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
🥾 Redwood Grove Loop: 0.8 miles (easy + stroller-friendly)
🚻 Bathrooms nearby
💵 $10 day-use parking fee

Make it a Santa Cruz day with these nearby spots:
🚂 Roaring Camp
🎡 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
🌊 Natural Bridges State Beach + the Monarch Butterfly Natural Preserve loop (in season)
Mystery Spot
Wilder Ranch
Seymour Marine Discovery Center

I know things are heavy right now. I’m paying attention, and I care… and this page is where I share the small, steady joys that help us breathe and reconnect as a family.

Because when everything feels heavy, small joy matters.

Go anyway.

Even if it’s small. Even if it’s just 0.8 miles. 🤍

Save this for later + send to your “let’s go for a walk” friend 🌲
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Thought a redwoods hike with kids would be a hard no… until my husband reminded me this one is only 0.8 miles 😅

The Redwood Grove Loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a great low effort/ high wow type of hike and a cheap kid-friendly outing.

It’s stroller friendly + access to bathrooms nearby

Don’t miss the visitor center at the trailhead- lots of fun, interactive things kids love to explore there.

$10 entrance fee to park or you can get in free if you grab a state park pass from your local library

Walk over to Roaring Camp next door to see the steam trains 🚂

📌Save this for your next outdoor family adventure!
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[ visit Santa Cruz, California redwoods, kid-friendly hikes, Bay Area things to do with kids, Bay Area family fun ]

Can we all agree snow days shouldn’t cost a small fortune? 😅❄️

If you want sledding + snow play on a budget, California SNO-Parks are the move.

🏔️ North Tahoe: Blackwood Canyon • Donner Summit • Yuba Pass

🏔️ South Tahoe: Echo Lake • Taylor Creek

🛣️ Hwy 4 corridor: Lake Alpine • Round Valley • Spicer

🗻 Sonora Pass: Hwy 108

✅ Permit required for every vehicle parked (Nov 1–May 30)

💳 $15 day pass / $40 season pass

🛒 Buy online or from a nearby vendor (listed on the official site)

Comment **SNOW** ❄️ and I’ll DM you the direct link to the official SNO-Park website with the full list + permit info + all the details

Save this for your next winter weekend 🤍
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Here are 6 kid-friendly, outdoor adventures that Bay Area families should do before winter is over…

🦭 See elephant seals + pups
📍Año Nuevo
📍Point Reyes
📍San Simeon
(Dec - March)

🌲Visit a National Park
📍Sequoia NP & Kings Canyon
📍Yosemite
📍Death Valley
📍Joshua Tree

🐳 Go Whale Watching
📍Monterey Bay
📍Santa Cruz
📍Pillar Point
📍Point Reyes
(Dec to mid-May)

🐞Hike to find lady bug colonies
📍 Reinhardt Redwood Park (Oakland)
📍Huckleberry Botanic Preserve (Oakland Hills)
📍Uvas Canyon Park (Morgan Hill)
( Nov to early Feb)

🦋 Visit the Monarch Butterflies**
📍 Natural Bridges State Beach (Santa Cruz)
📍Lighthouse Field State beach (Santa Cruz)
📍Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary (Monterey)
📍Pismo State Beach Butterfly Grove
**the season for this one is nearing its end so likely not many butterflies remaining

❄️ Snow Play Getaway
📍 Tahoe
📍Truckee
📍Bear Valley
📍Pinecrest/Hwy 108
📍Yosemite
(Dec to April)

Which of these are on your California winter bucketlist?
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Things to do with kids, Bay Area kids, California outdoor family, #visitcalifornia

2026 is our “GO Anyway” year… it won’t always be perfect or easy but we’re going anyway, with kids in tow. 💛

In 2016 I was spontaneous. In 2026 I’m searching “things to do with kids this weekend” and texting mom friends two weeks in advance. 😅

So I’m not chasing my old life.. I’m bringing the best parts forward:
✨ more kid-friendly weekend outings
✨ more family adventures (that don’t require a spreadsheet)
✨ more “say yes” moments even if they’re small

If you’re a parent trying to make weekends fun without burning out, you’re in the right place.

What are you trying to do more of this year: day trips, weekend adventures, getting healthier, etc ? 👇
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If you forget any of these things, your snow day could be miserable. (P.S. always pack extra socks bc I don’t know how they do it but the socks always seem to get wet!)

✅ Save this for later + comment SHOP to see our favorite snow essentials for kids

What else would you recommend aside from what’s on this list? Would love to hear what your snow day essentials are for kids⬇️

Also- my favorite hack is getting the snow bib one size too big so it lasts a little longer bc these kids grow too fast 😩
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First snow-cation with kids? I remember staring at a million options like… where do families actually go to play in the snow?!
 So I made a list of kid-friendly snow play spots (Sno-Parks + tubing + resorts) to take the stress out of planning because the goal is to just GO ❄️

Save this + comment GO if you want my full guide with more detailed info (couldn’t list all the places in the post but have a whole lot more in the guide!)

Do you have a favorite place for a snowy getaway? Tell me in the comments below. 👇🏽👇🏽

Save + share this with the friend who’s always planning the next outing 🔁

GAMA Ride is so much more than an arcade. I was surprised to find it’s pretty much a full indoor amusement park + arcade + restaurant in the Bay Area

Expect immersive 3-D motion simulators, interactive arcade games, bowling, karaoke, bumper cars, plus a restaurant & bar!!

Tip: the front/ entrance area has more of the little kid-friendly arcade games.

Bumper cars: 36” height minimum

@gamarideinc is also a perfect space for parties (kids birthdays, adult game nights, and team building).

📍 2200 Bridgepointe Pkwy, San Mateo, CA

👇 Would your kids like a place like this or would they LOVE it??

Comment ZOO for more info on this promotion 🐯🦒

Kids 11 & under are FREE at the San Francisco Zoo all January (with a paying adult- adults still need tickets and parking is separate)

Save this for your next family outing and GO ✨

Pro tips:
🚗 Parking: $13 on weekdays & $15 on weekends/holidays
🎒 Bring: layers (SF weather 🙃), snacks, water, stroller/wagon, hand sanitizer + wipes.
🎟️ Adult admission: $28 - $31
🛝 Save the zoo playground for last because your kids will never want to leave that area 😆

📍 San Francisco Zoo & Gardens
1 Zoo Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

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Add this to your bucketlist if you want to spend hours having way too much fun at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

The audacity of them to have so many creative and engaging things to do there! @childrensmuseumsonomacounty

📍1835 W Steele Ln, Santa Rosa, CA

💵 Admission: $18, under 1yo free, Discounts for seniors, military, teacher, WIC/Medi-Cal, or EBT
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Santa Rosa with kids, bay area things to do, family friendly fun, Bay Area kids museum

Here’s the hack ⬇️ #Ad

I schedule Hungryroot to arrive the day we get home from family travel or an adventure weekend, so dinner + meals & snacks for the week are handled and we reset fast 🙌

Discount code: KIDSGO40 + link in bio!

What’s your best ‘travel reset’ hack when you get home from a busy weekend or long trip with the kids?
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#hungryrootpartner @hungryroot

Skip Tahoe traffic and Tahoe crowds, and take the kids to Tuolumne County instead

We packed in so much on this family-friendly Tuolumne County trip:
🎿skiing at Dodge Ridge • @dodgeridge
🛟 snow tubing at Leland Snowplay • @leland_snowplay
❄️ snow play at Hwy 108 SNO-Park
🚂 Covers Apple Ranch for the train ride + animals @coversappleranch
🛝 Heaven for Kids Playground

➕➕ plus a bunch more kid-approved stops I listed in the guide

Want the full details? Comment GUIDE and I’ll DM it to you 🔗

📌 Save this for later + send to your crew

New favorite kid spot unlocked!!

@halfmoonplay is owned by Bay Area parents, and it shows- it’s super clean, safe, and thoughtfully set up for littles.

It’s not huge like some play spaces, but honestly I *loved* that because it made it so easy to keep eyes on my kid the whole time (less chasing, more enjoying 😅).

📍 Half Moon Play
50 Cabrillo Hwy, Suite B4A, Half Moon Bay, CA

💛 Best for ages 0–9

🎉 They also offer monthly memberships + birthday parties

💵 Pricing
Kids (per child):Mon–Thu $16 | Fri–Sun $18 | Holidays $18

Pre-walkers: FREE with a paid child

Adults: 1 adult per family FREE | each additional adult $5

📌SHARE this with a parent who needs a go-to kid plan! 🙌

One of the many reasons I love California ❤️
Snow tubing one day… tide pooling the next.

This weekend was the last King Tides of the season, but don’t worry… if tide pooling is on your 2026 bucket list, I’ve got you. I’ll let you know the moment they’re coming back 🌊

And if snow days are calling ❄️
I have a full snow guide with exactly where to go, tube, and play>> made for families.

Comment SNOW for the guide ⛄️

Save this for later ✨
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[ Bay Area Kids, Bay Area Things to do, California love ]

Snow trips are easier when you know WHERE to GO ⬇️

Comment SNOW for the full list of family-friendly places go near the SF Bay Area for tubing, skiing, snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and just good old snow play!

❄️ What’s your favorite spot for a snowy getaway? Tell us in the comments.
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[ Bay Area Snow Play, Tahoe, Truckee, Donner Pass, Tuolumne County, Sonora Pass, Pinecrest, Hwy 108, Arnold, Calaveras County, Bear Valley, Hwy 4, Yosemite, Badger Pass, California SNO-park ]

Comment GO for the full list + details of January fun in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Here are just some of the many fun things to do with Bay Area kids this month.. perfect for families, toddlers, and winter weekends.

Looking for more events and outings? Check out our free community calendar (linked in bio)

Tahoe with kids… but make it EASY ❄️😮‍💨
 Welcome to Margaritaville’s first ski destination resort!

We had the perfect winter stay at @margaritavillelaketahoe

We loved how family-friendly this Lake Tahoe resort is with cozy vibes, spacious rooms, an indoor heated pool, and you’re minutes from Heavenly Village for ice skating and snowy fun.

📍 4130 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, California

Save this for your next Lake Tahoe family trip ✅

#margaritavillelaketahoe #hosted

Planning a Tahoe trip with kids?

Comment TAHOE and I’ll send you the hotel details + things to do nearby ❄️🏔️

We loved @margaritavillelaketahoe , with great on-site restaurants & amenities, steps from Heavenly Village, and walkable to restaurants, shops, and everything we needed.

The indoor heated pool, family-friendly activities at the hotel, and cozy downtime together made it extra special.

This was such an easy, memorable stay for our Tahoe family trip 🤍

📌 SAVE this for your next Lake Tahoe getaway

#margaritavillelaketahoe

This one felt extra special ✨ @sanjoseholidaylights
 Seeing San Jose kids’ artwork transformed into glowing lanterns, all the little cultural details, and so many magical photo ops made it feel really rooted in the community.

San Jose Holiday Lights by @docafestival is still open until Jan 4, making it a perfect winter break activity for families.

💸 Use code JENINE10 to save on tickets
Save this for later + send it to someone who loves holiday magic 🎄✨

📍 Discovery Meadow (Entrance at 330 W San Carlos St), Guadalupe River Park, San José

🎟️ Tickets $23 - $29, kids $19-$25, under 4 are free

#Sponsored #SanJoseHolidayLights #DocaFestival #HolidayLights #BayAreaEvents
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Everyone’s DMs after this story 😅

[UPDATE 12/26: SNOW HAS ARRIVED!]

While this looks like a lot of snow it really wasn’t… Yes, Tahoe is finally getting a tiny bit of snow, and yes the drive was manageable with winter prep.

But this was really just wet snow that started Dec 22 in South Lake Tahoe with very little accumulation… before that, there was basically zero snow on the ground. ❄️

Let’s hope for more snow over the next few days bc it’s needed! 🙏

Always check the forecast and road updates before heading up because conditions can change quickly.

Tahoe drive tips for families coming from the Bay Area:
• Check the National Weather service and resources like Tahoeroads.info and @chp_truckee for updated weather forecast and snow reports before you head there
• Carry chains even if roads are clear (they’re often required)
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Fill up on gas before climbing elevation
• Pack snacks, water, blankets, and patience 😉

❄️ Are you heading up soon?
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I’m in my “experiences > things” era 🎁✨#Ad

Instead of buying my girlfriends more stuff this year, I used Groupon to book us a night at Great Big Game Show and it turned our girls’ night ALL the way on.

>>> Head to the link in my bio and use code KIDSGO for 20% off

No shipping. No wrapping. Just: “Surprise, we’re going out.”

Would you rather get a physical gift or an experience with your friends? 👇

#groupon #greatbiggameshow #experiencesoverthings #giftideas

Comment “NYE” and I’ll send you all the info about these kid-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Do you plan to go to one of these or prefer your own celebration at home? Let me know in the comments 👇🏽

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays! ✨
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Park once, do it all, and make a whole holiday night out of it with the kids.

🎟️ DISCOUNT: Use code JENINE10 when you book San Jose Holiday Lights for a little savings on the magic @docafestival @sanjoseholidaylights

Start at San Jose Holiday Lights- It’s a family holiday destination designed for kids, parents, and friends to enjoy together with larger-than-life light installations, festive atmosphere, and countless photo opportunities [ Happening til Jan 4 ]

Then it’s just a 7–10 min walk to:
➡️ Christmas in the Park • @christmasintheparkesj
➡️ Skate Under the Palms ⛸️ • @sjdowntownice
➡️ Winter Wonderland with kids rides 🎡

📌Add this to your holiday bucket list!

#Sponsored #SanJoseHolidayLights #DocaFestival #HolidayLights #FamilyFun #BayAreaEvents

Celebrate the power of play! #sponsored

Back for its third year in a row, Reindeer Games is Bay Area’s favorite holiday tradition.

Combining interactive games, jaw-dropping circus, and a heart-warming story, Reindeer Games is a must-see show for the whole family!

🗓️ December 17-28
📍Children’s Creativity Museum Theatre in San Francisco • @creativitykids

🎟️ Tickets and more information linked in bio or at https://peoplescircustheatre.org/reindeer-games

Great for all ages (recommended for 3+)
Tickets start at $20
@peoplescircustheatre
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Save this for holiday planning or special events and share it with someone you’d cruise the Bay with.

>> Comment CRUISE and I’ll send you all the details

We did the Santa Brunch Cruise and it ended up being one of those experiences you don’t realize you need until you’re on it- festive décor, easy boarding, brunch + drinks, dancing, and unreal Bay views.

What makes this extra special is that there’s truly a cruise for every kind of guest:
✨ family holiday fun
✨ romantic date night
✨ fun day out with friends

🎅🏼 Santa Brunch Cruises still have Dec 20 & 21 dates left, and there are plenty of other Holiday Cruises too (Christmas, New Year’s & more)

🚗 Save this tip: Paid public parking is available at Pier 3 for a discounted $20 day rate for City Cruises guests. It’s right by the boarding area and so convenient.

📍 Pier 3, San Francisco

@cityexperiences @citycruises #hosted

#CityExperiences #CityCruises #CityCruisesSanFrancisco #CityCruisesSantaBrunch #ThingsToDoInSanFrancisco
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If you’re looking for a standout holiday experience with kids, this is a good one to remember at @westinstfr #sponsored

We attended their Breakfast with Santa and it was truly one of the most magical holiday outings in San Francisco.

Even though the event has already passed for this year, it’s absolutely worth adding to your 2026 holiday plans.

Brunch buffet, mimosas, crafts for the kids by @messyartlab , storytime with Santa, and every family gets dedicated time + professional photos. All of it took place on the top floor with pretty (although foggy) city views. Such a sweet family memory. ❤️

And you don’t have to stay overnight to attend but we turned it into a weekend getaway because the location is perfect for holiday fun in SF.

If you visit this season, make sure to stop by their iconic Sugar Castle in the lobby (totally free!) and explore everything right outside in Union Square:
🎄 Macy’s Christmas tree
❄️ Winter Walk
⛸️ Ice skating & free holiday activities
🚋 Cable cars
🛍️ Shopping + dining

Such a festive spot for families during the holidays!

#westinstfrancis

Here are 15 Holiday Must-Dos in San Francisco (For Families, Couples & Anyone Who Loves Christmas)

1. Ice skate in Union Square
2. Sugar Castle at Westin St. Francis
3. Ride a festive cable car
4. Giant Gingerbread house at the Fairmont SF
5. Lightscape at SF Botanical Garden
6. Breakfast with Santa or a holiday tea
7. Pier 39
8. Ghirardelli Square Holiday Lights
9. Let’s Glow (only til Dec 14)
10. SF Ballet’s the Nutcracker
11. Take a Holiday Bay Cruise @citycruises
12. Drive Through Presidio Tunnel Top- Not very “holiday,” but stunning winter sunsets + cool views.
13. Holiday pop-up bars
14. City Hall Holiday lights
15. Winter Walk SF ( 12/13 to 12/24)

What else would you add?
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Comment GLOW for more details on San Francisco’s signature holiday event or visit @sf_downtown link in bio/website to learn more + RSVP for free

Here’s what our experience at Let’s Glow SF looked like👇

✨ We rode Muni in (no parking stress 🙌)
✨ Watched the big opening-night countdown by the Ferry Building
✨ Used the map on their site to walk between all the projections
✨ Stumbled on the Iceberg Interludes, human-powered glowing icebergs that play music ( kids LOVED this)

Details to know:
🗓️ Dec 5–14, 2025
⏰ 5:30–10pm nightly
📍 Downtown SF
💸 FREE & great all ages

Let’s Glow SF is hosted by the Downtown SF Partnership @sf_downtown

Would you take your kids to this? 👇

#letsglowsf

A perfect holiday escape in Napa Valley at @meritageresort

Their Merry Meritage experience is happening now through Jan 4, and has transformed the place into wine country’s winter wonderland!

Use code BAYAREAKIDS for 20% off ice skating OR get unlimited ice skating when you book a stay there.

Their winter village features private igloos, food & drinks, fire pits, nightly snow falls, music and a huge Christmas tree decked out with all the lights!

📌Save this for your next family friendly getaway or holiday outing!

Add this one-of-a-kind winter experience to your bucket list! ✨

Lightscape SF runs through Jan 4th at the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park.

A perfect holiday outing for families + kids, friends or a date night!

Budget extra time for parking!

Kids 4yo & under are free
Tickets range from $16 - $32

* Discounted Lightscape tickets on select dates for guests with SNAP, EBT, Medi‑Cal

Bathrooms available halfway though and at the end.

✨ COMMENT “SKATE” and I’ll send you all the details for Merry Meritage! Save 20% with my discount code: BAYAREAKIDS

Ice skating starts at $19+ and it’s such a fun holiday outing for families. ⛸️❄️

We spent the day soaking in all the festive magic skating under glowing lights, cozying up in an igloo, enjoying the “snow” moments, checking out the giant tree, and ending with s’mores by the fire.

📍 The Meritage Resort & Spa
875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA

Merry Meritage runs through January 4 and they offer tons of family-friendly activities all season long. @meritageresort

Save this for your holiday plans + send to a friend you want to take with you! 👇✨

Holiday magic has taken over @LEGOLANDcalifornia with everything from twinkling lights, seasonal shows, a giant LEGO Christmas tree, visits with LEGO Santa and more

📌 Send this to the person who’d say YES to going in a heartbeat

P.S. they have a NEW space-themed land launching in 2026 so guess we’ll be back soon 😍

#LEGOLANDholidays #LEGOLANDCalifornia

🛑UPDATE: Most of these holiday lights get taken down shortly after Christmas ‼️

Comment MAP to grab our free map of the best holiday lights in the Bay Area.

I asked you all for recommendations and you really came through. Thank you!!

🗺️ If we’re missing anything, send us a DM to help keep the map updated
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[ Bay Area family fun, Bay Area kids, free holiday activities, Bay Area Christmas lights ]

Comment GO for the full guide with all the details + links + FREE map of the best Bay Area holiday lights

Bay Area families, here’s your December top 10! 🎄

📌 Save this, share with a friend and GO make December magic with your kids across the SF Bay Area

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@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.

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