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

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10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids this December (2025)

Top things to do with Bay Area kids in December 2025: free holiday lights, Let’s Glow SF, ice skating, museum exhibits, Caltrain Holiday Train & more.

Bay Area Free Holiday Activities for Families

Free Holiday Activities for Bay Area Families (2025 Guide)

Find free Bay Area holiday events for families—tree lightings, neighborhood lights, library crafts, markets, parades, ice skating & more.

Bay Area holiday activities, holiday ice rinks Bay Area 2025, Bay Area holiday trains, things to do with kids in the Bay Area

10 Things to do with Bay Area Kids this November (2025)

10 kid-friendly things to do in the Bay Area this November 2025- ice rinks, glow walks, trains, circus, and more. Dates, tips, and family-ready picks.

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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

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

Parents, break the news gently: San Francisco legend and icon Claude the albino alligator has passed away

Share your favorite Claude memory below 🐊⬇️

No plans? Same… so I checked Groupon. We found Bowlero: got over 50% off a $50 arcade card and turned a “meh” day into neon fun. 🎟️🎳

Turn Life On with Groupon! 🔗link in bio to this Groupon

>> Discount code: KIDSGO

Save this for your next bored day + tag a friend you’d take!

#TurnLifeOn #GrouponPartner #BayAreaFamilyfun

If your little one has ever wanted to try ice skating but isn’t quite ready for the real thing… this is the perfect intro.

The iceless ice skating experience lets kids glide, spin, and giggle without the chill, and without the slippery falls. It’s safe, easy, and SO much fun for toddlers and big kids alike.

✨ Happening now through February 8th!
✨ Included with museum admission
✨ A great way to ease kids into skating before hitting real ice

Find it at:
📍 Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965

Add this to your winter bucket list, Bay Area parents! ❄️⛸️ Want to go? Save this for later!

Wishing you all a warm, cozy, and restful long weekend, however you choose to spend it! So grateful for this community! ❤️

Wanted to let you all know about a Black Friday Sale from my friend @abigailalanis_photography who took these family photos for us at our favorite spot @filoliestate 😍

She’s having 15%OFF + Free Mini session. Valid for Family, Maternity and Newborn sessions for 2026! Promo will end on December 1st.

Find more details here ➡️
www.abigailalanisphoto.com/blackfriday

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Bay Area’s only ice rink with a SLIDE is a must this season! @walnutcreekonice is officially OPEN!

Soooo Who’s going?? 😍❄️

✨ $20 Skate + Slide combo (Mon–Thurs) to celebrate their 20th Anniversary ✨

⛸️On Wednesday mornings they have Littles Skate for kids 5 & under (along with their parents/caregiver) which is a great way for little ones to skate in a less crowded, laid back setting!

And this year’s line-up brings special guests to every Littles Skate morning. From cookie decorating to a special visit from Santa. See family friendly special events below….

📍 1365 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek, CA

No Littles Skate on 12/24, 12/31.
* December 3: Sugar & Skates with Chip Cookies Walnut Creek
* December 10: The Littles Ice Jam with The Ballet School
* December 17: Santa on Skates, a special visit before the big day!
* January 7: Skate & Create with Community Arts Preschool
* January 14: Skate on the Wild Side with Lindsay Wildlife

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Family day at Poppy Bank Epicenter did not disappoint!
📍 3215 Coffey Ln, Santa Rosa, CA 95403

From the massive indoor play spaces to the arcade, laser tag, bowling, and trampoline park, this is one of the best family fun centers in Sonoma County.

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Rosa with kids, or a winter-proof indoor activity for Bay Area families, add Epicenter to your list. 💥🎳🎮

Bay Area Families, IlluminOdyssey is back at CuriOdyssey! @curiodyssey

>> DISCOUNT CODE: BAKCpromo1225
(Valid 11/24/2025 - 12/31/2025)

We loved that this was one holiday outing that was not crowded & chaotic. Lots to explore for kids without being too overwhelming and big.

Come for the immersive light experience, stay for the playground and the mini zoo.🦦

📍1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo

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Have you ever been to an after hours event at @calacademy ?

We spent the evening at Cal Academy’s Welcome Winter Night ( a one night only event) and it was such a fun way to explore the museum after hours ❄️

If you’re looking for unique family-friendly things to do in the Bay Area, keep an eye on their events calendar. They have more after-hours experiences coming up!

🐧The next one is Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover on January 17, and it looks like an epic night for kids and families who love hands-on science and animals
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Great option for Bay Area families, San Francisco with kids, and anyone planning winter activities for kids

Have you ever stayed at a resort that feels like a total escape and keeps the kids happy the whole time?

We spent the weekend at Flamingo Resort & Spa and it was the perfect mix of retro charm, family-friendly fun, and wine country relaxation. Heated pool, big open spaces for the kids, and the chillest vibes.

✨ Holiday bonus: The entire resort transforms into a winter wonderland starting Nov 23–Jan 6, complete with the Sippin’ Santa cocktail bar pop-up at Lazeaway Club. It’s a whole festive experience.

📍 Flamingo Resort & Spa
2777 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

Save this for your next family getaway!

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Santa Rosa with kids, Sonoma County with kids, family friendly resort, Bay Area kids

Santa Rosa did the absolute MOST for my kids… heated pools, giraffes, the works 🤣

If you’re looking for things to do in Santa Rosa with kids, these spots are unbeatable:

🌴 STAY at The Flamingo Resort • @theflamingoresort
🦒 VISIT Safari West • @safariwest
🎳 PLAY at Epicenter • @visit.epicenter
🎨 EXPLORE at Children’s Museum of Sonoma County • @childrensmuseumsonomacounty

>> Adding this to your Bay Area weekend trips ASAP.

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Visit Santa Rosa, Sonoma county with kids, family travel, Santa Rosa with kids, bay area parents

Need Bay Area family activities over Thanksgiving holiday break? 👇🏽👇🏽

Try some of these kid-friendly ideas from holiday exhibits at museums, light displays, indoor play spaces, hikes & parks.

Comment GO to access our community events calendar for more fun things to do with kids in the San Francisco Bay Area.

🛑CLOSED 🛑Here’s how you can get a free session ➡️ ➡️ We’ve partnered with @christmasvilleinemeryville to gift a lucky family in the San Francisco Bay Area a chance to win a magical photo experience this holiday season at Santa’s Workshop in Emeryville, CA

The winner will enjoy a private 15 minute kid-friendly, interactive photo experience with Santa + one free photo

⬇️ HOW TO ENTER ⬇️

1. LIKE this post

2. FOLLOW @bayareakidsgo and @christmasvilleinemeryville

3. TAG a friend in the comments below who would love this experience (each comment is an extra entry)

4. SHARE to stories for 3 extra entries (bonus)

This will end on Friday, Nov 21 and the winners will be announced in the comments on this account.

This g1veaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by Meta.

Prize distribution by @christmasvilleinemeryville

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All aboard the NEW Caltrain Holiday Train 🎄✨

We used to just wave at it… but this year it’s an on-board experience on Caltrain’s new electric fleet!

Share + Save this so you don’t forget to grab tickets for this new kid-friendly holiday experience in the San Francisco Bay Area

🎟️ Tickets drop Nov 20
🚂 Train ride: Dec 13
💲 $12–$15 per ticket

Includes family-friendly festive onboard fun + holiday surprises!

The Holiday Train is both a destination and a connection to festive events throughout the Peninsula, providing easy access to fun family events like those listed at the end of this reel.

You can still watch the train for FREE at the free station celebrations happening in San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto and San Jose Diridon stations- see Caltrain schedule for times
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🔗Save these family friendly picks and get the full roundup on the free GO Find Fun events calendar (link in bio)

Save + send to your crew!

[ Follow @bayareakidsgo for more fun things to do with kids in the San Francisco Bay Area ]

The Glowfari lantern festival is a fantastic family-friendly experience at the @oaklandzoo with illuminated animal lanterns.

It runs November 7 to January 25, 2026

‼️ Check out these tips to help you have the best time with kids ⬇️

1. Arrive early to avoid crowds and crankiness

2. Head straight for the gondola. It’s the only way to see the exhibit on the top area, views of the city from up there are awesome and the later it gets the longer that gondola line will be>> Strollers are allowed on gondola.

3. Skip the rides area or save it for the end. It eats away at time better spent seeing the lantern exhibits plus its extra $$

4. Have kids wear bright colors or something with lights so it’s easy to find them as it gets dark

5. Bring snacks

6. Bring a stroller, or wagon, and prepare for a lot of walking!

7. Dress warmly, bring gloves and blankets. It’s gets cold.

8. Bring lights for kids to wear or prepare to spend on souvenirs

9. Grab a map so you know where you’re going and can optimize your time.

10. Save time to ride the train through the reptile world. 🚂

11. It’s not just walking and looking at pretty lights, there are interactive areas where kids can play and swing, and usually bubbles too

🏮What questions do you have? Or any other tips you’d add to the list? 👇🏼👇🏼

Okay Bay Area parents… this Santa experience is next level. 🎄

At Christmasville in Emeryville, Santa doesn’t just smile for photos… he actually talks with your kids, knows things about them, and plays while a photographer captures every magical moment. ✨

Use KIDSGO25 to book your spot at the most magical Santa experience in the Bay Area! —> booking info at @christmasvilleinemeryville

Holiday Ice rinks are opening up in the Bay Area! Here’s your guide on where to go ice skating with kids.

Comment LINK for locations, opening times, costs and all the details.

What’s your favorite holiday ice rink?
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Bay Area parents… I made a calendar of things to do so we don’t have to scroll through 50 websites every week.

It’s called Go Find Fun>> Link is in my bio!

And btw, you can add events to it, so if you’ve got something happening locally, share it with me there!
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Comment GO for the direct link to our Bay Area family-friendly events calendar or find the link in bio.

It’s totally FREE.

You can also add events. There’s a button on the top right corner of the website for that.

Let me know what you think of our free events calendar or what questions you have! Your feedback is everything 🫶🏼

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This is one of our favorite family-friendly places to eat in the East Bay: Public Market Emeryville

Nearly two dozen eats under one roof including NEW bites to try: Alma y Sazon, Demiya, and Tease Southern Kitchen.

Split a few plates, end with something sweet, then let the kids run at Christie Park playground right out back.

📍 5959 Shellmound St, Emeryville, CA 94608 🚗 Free parking behind the market + both sides of Shellmound St 🚆 Amtrak Emeryville = 5-minute walk (0.2 mi) via pedestrian bridge 🌊 Close to Emeryville Harbor

🧺 Every Saturday: Farmers Market 🎉 Check their website for upcoming pop-ups and community events

Share with a friend and make a plan to go!

This is what November in the Bay Area looks like for kids and families 🤩 and it’s just the start….

See link in bio for all the event details + list of holiday trains + info on holiday ice rinks

🗓️ For more weekly events check out our GO Find Fun events calendar >> linked in bio

Here are the 10 things highlighted in this reel:
1. Holiday ice rinks opening (all month)
2. Zoppe circus in RWC Nov 1-30 • @zoppe_circus @rwcparks
3. King Tides Nov 5-7
4. Last chance to see Trolls at @filoliestate Nov 10
5. Glowfari at @oaklandzoo starts Nov 7
6. San Jose Holiday Lights starts Nov 14 @docafestival
7. IlluminOdyssey at @curiodyssey starts Nov 16
8. Holiday train rides
9. Gingerbread house at @fairmontsanfrancisco Nov 22
10. SJ Christmas in the Park Nov 28 @christmasintheparksj

And it’s not just the sandbox views that are cool…
the entire Bay Area Discovery Museum is AMAZING.

Indoor + outdoor exhibits, hands-on play, creativity stations, water + sand play… it’s seriously one of the best spots for little explorers in the Bay.

Save this for your next family adventure day ✨

📍 Sausalito, CA
🎟️ Bay Area Discovery Museum
👶 Perfect for toddlers + young kids

This is what November 2025 in the Bay Area looks like for kids and families 🤩 and it’s just the start….

🗣️Comment NOVEMBER for all the event details + list of holiday trains + info on holiday ice rinks

🗓️ For more weekly events check out our GO Find Fun events calendar >> linked in bio

Here are the 10 things highlighted in this reel:
1. Holiday ice rinks opening (all month)
2. Zoppe circus in RWC Nov 1-30 • @zoppe_circus @rwcparks
3. King Tides Nov 5-7
4. Last chance to see Trolls at @filoliestate Nov 10
5. Glowfari at @oaklandzoo starts Nov 7
6. San Jose Holiday Lights tentatively Nov 21 @docafestival
7. IlluminOdyssey at @curiodyssey starts Nov 16
8. Holiday train rides
9. Gingerbread house at @fairmontsanfrancisco Nov 22
10. SJ Christmas in the Park Nov 28 @christmasintheparksj

It’s timeeee. 🎶🎵🎄 Who else is jumping right into the holiday season?

Even got our family Christmas pics already done thanks to the amazing Santa experience at @christmasvilleinemeryville

** discount code: KIDSGO25

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Happy Halloween everyone! ��🎃

I love a family costume and of course we had to dress up as our favorites from KDH

• Rumi, Derpy tiger, Sussy Magpie bird and Jinu •

What’s everyone dressing up as for Halloween??

Let me know in the comments. I LOVE a good family costume, even more if it’s a DIY costume!

Here are a few of my faves from years past.

Your sign to stop scrolling and schedule yourself that massage! Because after balancing kids activities, work, family, life and all the things… you deserve this 👏

📍Spa Siam Orchid
10 E 3rd Ave, San Mateo

I got the Siam Orchid Ritual Massage and the Gua Sha Lift & Firm. Everything was soooo good. The massage was a traditional Thai style involving stretching and even walking on my back! I felt fantastic afterward.

Highly recommend!

Who else is way overdue for some pampering??

If you’re looking for a family-friendly pumpkin patch in the Bay Area, Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay is the one. Pony rides, train rides, petting zoo, hay rides- it’s pure fall magic 🍂

🎟 Adult passes: $14.99–$19.99
👧 Kid passes: $32.99–$37.99 (under 14 months are free!)
🅿️ Parking included 🙌
📅 Open daily in October + weekends through Nov 16

Pro tip: it can get crowded on weekends, so go on a weekday or one of the November weekends for a more relaxed vibe.

📍12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA

💌 Comment GUIDE and I’ll send you my full Bay Area Pumpkin Patch Guide, map included!
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[ Lemos Farm, Half Moon Bay pumpkin patch, Bay Area fall activities, pumpkin patches near San Francisco, things to do with kids in the Bay Area ]

Goblin Jamboree might be over (ends 10/26), but there’s ALWAYS something amazing at the Bay Area Discovery Museum.

It’s the most hands-on, creative kids’ museum we’ve been to… think indoor/outdoor open-ended play, art labs, makerspaces and epic Golden Gate Bridge views.

Note : Wobbleland wraps 10/26, and new, exciting Discovery Zones are coming soon.

🌟Add a visit to BADM to your list!

📍 Bay Area Discovery Museum
557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965

From Elsa to Encanto, the magic is real! Don’t miss Disney On Ice at SAP Center San Jose this Friday 10/24 to Sunday 10/26 only!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO⬇️
- Arrive early to allow time for snacks and finding your seats
- it’s cold in there. Bring a sweater.
- Reserve parking in advance with spot hero ($25-$30)
- Pyrotechnics are used throughout the show and can feel loud/startling
- The show features Frozen & Encanto but Mickey and friends make appearances, as well as Disney princesses at the very end.
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Save this for later and comment TRIP if you want my full family-friendly Anaheim itinerary

These are 10 things I wish I knew before going to Disneyland with my kids…

From skipping rope drop to surviving until fireworks, these are the real tips I’m bringing into our next trip!

What tips would you add??

#visitanaheim #stellerstories

Don’t go to Disneyland and miss THESE Anaheim gems!

👇 Comment TRIP for the full Anaheim itinerary… trust me, you’ll want to add these to your list!

🧪 Discovery Cube: A science museum kids LOVE (free with ASTC passport program)
🎢 Adventure City: theme park made for little ones
🍽️ Anaheim Packing District: The best foodie stop

#visitanaheim #stellarstories

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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.

Ways We Can Connect:

Contact me | Work with me | Follow on Instagram

Welcome to Bay Area Kids GO!