Welcome to
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

Brick Blast: LEGO® Fan Convention is coming to the Bay Area and it's going to be epic!

A LEGO fan convention is coming to the Bay Area this summer — and it's built for families. Brick Blast 2026 hits the Santa Clara Convention Center on August 22 with hands-on build zones, massive fan displays, LEGO Masters meet-and-greets, and a vendor market full of rare finds. Tickets are limited and sign-up is required. Use code BAYKIDS15 for 15% off.

10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids in April 2026

From cherry blossoms to train rides, here are 10 things to do with Bay Area kids in April — plus free events, Easter picks, and weekend getaway ideas.

Earth Day 2026- Free festivals, cleanups & family fun

SF Bay Area Earth Day 2026 Events

Earth Day 2026 events across the Bay Area. Free festivals, cleanups & family fun all April.

Recent blog posts

See all blog posts

Bay Area parents, Kiddo Adventure needs to be on your Bay Area bucket list like yesterday • @kiddoadventureindoorplayground

It’s the ultimate indoor playground and kids’ birthday party center, centrally located in downtown San Mateo.

✨ Fully themed party room that does all the work for you
🛝 LED slides + ball pit + obstacle course
🛒 A mini Target pretend play corner (yes, really)
🍽️ A spot for parents to actually sit and eat
🍧 Hawaiian-style handcrafted shave ice coming soon!

Whether you’re planning a birthday party or just need to survive a hot or rainy day, this place delivers.

📍 24 E. 4th Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

Open daily + walk-ins welcome! Check their website for updates on weekends hours.

👇 Tag a Bay Area parent who needs to know about this and save this post for your outing
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[ Bay Area kids activities, Bay Area Things to do with kids, San Mateo kids, Bay Area Indoor Playspace, San Francisco kids, SF Bay Area Family Fun ]
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Save this! Free movie night at West Wind Drive-In is happening April 23rd 🎬

Comment MOVIE and I’ll send you everything you need to know 📩

📍Bay Area locations: Concord + San Jose (and Sacramento too!) @westwinddriveins

Gates open 6pm | Movies start at 8pm

Expect bounce houses, face painters & more kids activities- Yes, all FREE!

Movies include K-Pop Demon Hunters,Bad Guys 2, Zootopia 2, Wicked for Good and more!

📩 Send this to a bestie you want to go with!
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[ bay area free things to do, bay area kids activities, bay area moms, bay area family fun ]

Bay Area Moms: this one’s for you!

Comment MOM and I’ll send you all the info + ticket link.

Use code MOMLOVE20 for a discount but hurry, it expires April 19!

We went on the City Cruise San Francisco Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise and it is the best way to celebrate Mother’s Day- just a really beautiful morning with good food, great views, and the people you love most.

📍Pier 3, Hornblower Landing San Francisco, CA
@citycruises
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Send this to the parent who needs a hot coffee and a break.

This coffee shop has an indoor playground... and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Fox & Kit is serving quality coffee, delicious pastries, and a full modernist playground with a climbing wall, sensory cave, costume room, and a rolling grass hill.

Parents love it as much as the kids. Everyone wins.

📍 1031 C Street, San Rafael

⏰ Mon–Fri 8a–6p | Weekends 8a–12p (check their IG @foxandkitcafe for extended weekend hours)

🎟️ $14 (9mo–2yr) | $16.50 (3–11yr) | 10% sibling discount

🧦 Bring socks — required for everyone, kids AND adults

Also does birthday parties where they literally run the whole show so you can actually enjoy it.
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Filoli looks like THIS right now and it’s only 30min away from San Francisco 💐😍

It’d be a beautiful place to go for Mother’s Day…ijs 😏

Beyond just wandering the historic mansion & gardens, they’ve got some really special spring experiences this year from floral arranging and spring tea to wine tastings and kid-friendly experiences.

📍 @filoliestate is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside

📸 Slide 9 snapped by @abigailalanis_photography

Add this one to your Bay Area Spring & Summer Bucket list!

Exclusive discount code ⬇️
Save 15% off with KIDSGO15

Comment TICKET and I’ll send you all the info! 🎟️

April 12 at @sparksocialsf experience the most unique and family friendly event in San Francisco...

✨Oogubi Wonderland: a mini sensory theme park where the kids play, and parents chill.

Featuring:
🦸🏽‍♀️Superhero Character meet & greet
🎶Live music by @djantitdope
🫧Epic foam party, glow tent & balloon house
🍻Food trucks + beer & wine garden
* Exclusive bar & food discounts + private cabanas

Learn more at Oogubi.com or @oogubievents

Who else is excited for this?!🎉

*discount does not apply to Private Cabanas or ticket fees

Comment APRIL and I’ll send you the full Bay Area family guide for the month that includes dates, links, free picks, and everything you need to actually plan the weekends 👇🌸

April is STACKED and I don’t want you to miss a thing.

Here’s everything happening this month worth loading the kids in the car for 🚗💨
🐣 Easter Events (on the calendar) — April 4 & 5

🌉 Off the Grid Treasure Island — April 11, 18 & 25 & May • @treasureislandsanfrancisco

🌸 SF Cherry Blossom Festival — April 11 -12 & 18-19

🚂 Ardenwood Farm Train Rides — Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays starting mid-April • @spcrr_museum

🦸 Oogubi Wonderland — April 12 • @oogubievents

🐛 Bug Day at Randall Museum — April 18 • @randallmuseum

🌍 list of Earth Day Celebrations — April 22

🐋 Whale Watching (list of spots)— all month

🌷 Filoli Spring Blooms — all month • @filoliestate

🗺️ Weekend Getaway Guide — all month

SAVE this so you have it when the weekend panic hits 🔖
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[ Bay Area things to do with kids, Bay Area family fun, Bay Area moms, San Francisco things to do ]
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Looking for free things to do with kids in the Bay Area? Stanford campus might be one of the most underrated free family outings. Have you been??

We did all of this in one trip (~2 miles) and did it on our @xtracycle Swoop ASM because parking near Stanford is a whole thing and this bike made the whole day effortless 🚲

Here’s where to GO:
✨ Terman Fountain
✨ Red Hoop Fountain
✨ Main Quad + Memorial Church
✨ Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden
✨ Hoover Tower
✨ Arizona Cactus Garden
✨ Cantor Arts Center

Save this for your next “what are we doing this weekend” moment 📲

Have you been here before or someplace similar?? LMK ⬇️⬇️

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[ things to do with kids in Palo Alto, bay area kids, Bay Area family fun, Bay Area moms, family adventures ]
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Find a trinket box near you by using the worldwide Sidewalk Joy map from @pdxdinorama

Trinket trading boxes are popping up all over the Bay including SF, Berkeley, San Jose, Concord, Brentwood and more.

Sharing this with you simply becomes trinket trading brings JOY + community and don’t we all need more of that ❤️

The vibe is simple: take a trinket, leave a trinket.

The ones featured in this video:
📍 @innersunset.trinket.trade (3rd & Irving in SF)
📍 @sunset.trinket.trade (48th ave & Moraga in SF)

Most trinket boxes have their own Instagram accounts give them a follow so you always know where to find them and what’s inside.

Is there a trinket trading box near you? Have you tried this free outing yet? LMK 👇

Eating out with kids doesn’t have to be a whole thing. 🙌 Here are 4 kid-friendly places to eat that actually make it feel easy:

📍 Prescott Market – Oakland @prescottmarketwestoakland
1620 18th St, Oakland | Food hall with a sandbox and outdoor games

📍 Fox & Kit – San Rafael @foxandkitcafe
1031 C St, San Rafael | A café AND an indoor playspace.

📍 The Junction Beer Garden– Mill Valley @thejunctionbeer
226 CA-1, Mill Valley | There’s a pirate ship play structure outside. I don’t think I need to say anything else. 🏴‍☠️

📍 Spark Social – San Francisco @sparksocialsf
601 Mission Bay Blvd North, SF | Tons of open space for kids to move, family-friendly events, food trucks and if that’s not enough, Parklab Gardens is right across the street with mini golf and even more food options.

Drop your favorite kid-friendly spot to eat at below 👇 because I KNOW this list barely scratches the surface and if you want a Part 2, tell me. I’ve already got a running list. 😅
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[ Bay Area Kid-friendly restaurants, family friendly places to eat, Bay Area things to do with kids, Bay Area family fun, Bay Area moms, Bay Area kids ]
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Filoli in spring is one of those things Bay Area families genuinely shouldn’t sleep on and right now it is peak bloom. 🌷

Beyond just wandering the historic mansion & gardens, they’ve got some really special spring experiences this year:

🌸 Spring Floral Arranging (April 9–11): you leave with an actual arrangement you made yourself

🫖 Spring Tea (April 14–May 1, weekdays): British-style afternoon tea in the Garden House and yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds

🍷 Filoli Reserve Wine Tastings ( April 3 & 11, May 8 & 15, June 5 & 19)

🎭 Exciting family-friendly experiences & workshops

📍 @filoliestate is located at 86 Cañada Road, Woodside ~about 30 min from San Francisco

Add this one to your Bay Area Spring Bucket list!

Checked this hike off my list on my birthday 🎉

I love a hike that’s short, easy and has big views! This one delivered and it’s a great free thing to do in San Jose with kids, especially right now while the hills are green.

We did the Aquila Loop Trail (1.1 miles, easy, great for toddlers and kids) and it delivered.

Rolling green hills, sweeping views of San Jose, and yes real cows on the trail.

Before you go:
📍 19000 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95132
🅿️ Free parking but very small lot, arrive early on weekends
☀️ Fully exposed trail so sunscreen and hats are a must
💧 No water or restrooms on site
🚫 No dogs allowed
👶 Not stroller friendly, baby carrier recommended for little ones
🥾 Easy 1 mile loop for beginners but longer trails available if you want more

Save this for your next Bay Area family hike and share it with a parent who needs a weekend plan. 📌
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BCD Academy is hosting a free community Easter egg hunt on March 28 and the lineup includes face painting, crafts, food, games, age-grouped egg hunts, and much more!

🔗Comment EASTER and I’ll send you the details to save your spot or find the link in my bio

🗓️ Saturday, March 28, 2026 • 1:30p - 4:30p
📍2500 Cottonwood Dr, San Bruno
📧 Contact @bcdartmusicacademy with any event questions

📌 Save this and send it to another Bay Area parent looking some Easter fun.

Sorry but still can’t get over what a good weekend this was ❤️

If you only have 48 hours in Santa Cruz with kids, do this 👇

🌲 Henry Cowell Redwoods
🎡 Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
🚂 Roaring Camp Railroad
🌅 Sunset on the Wharf + sea lions
🛝 Leo’s Haven Inclusive Playground
🌀 The Mystery Spot
🦀 Natural Bridges State Beach + tide pools

Plus more stops and a custom map with everything pinned so the planning is already done for you.

Comment BEACH and I’ll send the full guide to your DMs 🗺️

There’s so much to do in Santa Cruz. What else would you add to the list?
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Helen Diller Playground at Dolores Park doesn’t get enough family credit… it’s a pretty cool spot with some of the most iconic views in the city.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
📍 South side of Dolores Park- Church St & 19th St, San Francisco
🛝 Age-divided play zones for toddlers and big kids, a 45-foot super slide, swings, climbing structures, and a sand area
⚠️ Heads up: not fenced in & has some blind spots
🚻 Bathrooms available in the park
🚗 Parking is street only and can be rough on weekends so give yourself extra time or take the J Church Muni line, which drops you right at the park.

NEARBY:
🥪🍦After the playground we love grabbing lunch at Dolores Park Cafe, a scoop from Bi-Rite Creamery, or a pastry from Tartine Bakery, all a short walk away. The perfect SF family day.

Save this for your next outing 🗺️
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[ San Francisco with kids, San Francisco playgrounds, adventure family, Bay Area moms, Bay Area things to do with kids, free fun ]

Once your kids use this, any other egg decorating feels boring. You’ve been warned.

💬 Comment EASTER and I’ll send you the link + more ideas for Easter goodies

This one spins the egg while they draw on it so even my 5yo can make something that actually looks cool.

No mess, no dye, no chaos. Just markers and a very satisfying spin. 🥚

This set comes with plastic dragon eggs , but it works with literally any eggs, including hard boiled if you want to go full Easter mode.

#eggmazing #amazonmusthaves #eggdecorating #easter2026 #eastercrafts @heybuddyheypal
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🫧🎪 Fun for your kids AND YOU

🎟️ Get Tickets at link in @LaunderLandCircus bio or comment LINK and I’ll see it over

📍Children’s Creativity Theater in San Francisco
📅 March 28 – April 5

Recommended for kids 4+

Tickets are going fast for this wildly imaginative circus spectacle.

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This place felt unreal 😍

Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in San Jose is giving rolling green hills, city views, and surprise cow encounters and it’s completely free.

We did the Aquila Loop (about 1 mile, easy with kids) and it did not disappoint.

A few things to know before you go:

📍 19000 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose

🅿️ Free parking but the lot is tiny — get there early on weekends

☀️ No shade.. sunscreen + hats are non-negotiable

🐄 Watch for cows (kids will lose it)

🚫No dogs allowed

🚿 No restrooms or water on the trail so pack both before you leave

👶🏽Not really stroller-friendly, carriers are your best bet for little ones

🥾 Aquila Loop is the easy entry point but there are longer, more challenging trails if you want to make a full day of it

The views of San Jose from up there? Worth loading everyone in the car for.

Save this for your next weekend outing and send it to a Bay Area parent who needs a plan. 📌
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[ hiking with kids, adventure family, free things to do Bay Area kids, San Jose kids, Bay Area hikes, Bay Area family fun ]
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Drop CABIN in the comments for my full family-friendly guide to Tuolumne County + booking info to where we stayed 🌲

Spruce Hideaway Cabin in Twain Harte is the weekend getaway you’ve been sleeping on… cozy mountain cabin, family-friendly, game room , hot tub and only 2.5 hours from San Francisco.

It’s close to many things but our favorites include @coversappleranch and Pinecrest Lake

Perfect for a Bay Area family weekend getaway.

📍 Twain Harte, CA - Tuolumne County - @sprucehideawaycabin
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California cabin rental | NorCal weekend getaway | family travel | Bay Area day trip | mountain cabin kids | Sierra Nevada cabin

Hungryroot has been a total game changer for our busy weeknights and weekends!

👇🏽 Comment GO and I’ll send you the link for 40% off your first box or use code KIDSGO40

You get to choose what groceries, snacks, and meal recipes you want so it’s personalized to your family and health goals. Then delivered right to your door. 📦

If you’re a busy family always on the go, this is absolutely worth trying!

#hungryrootpartner @hungryroot
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Feeling like straight up summertime in the Bay… in March?! 🌞

Use this as your checklist, not your itinerary, and apply it to what’s near you!

These are just the categories: your library, your local water features, your nearest trampoline park, your closest bowling or arcade spot, an immersive experience- they all count..

Drop your go-to cool-down spot below 👇 someone nearby will thank you.

💾 Save this for indoor and outdoor activities to do with kids this summer.

This one’s for every Bay Area family looking for a fun, budget-friendly day in San Francisco.

Comment PARK below and I’ll DM you the free itinerary + interactive map so your next San Francisco family day is already planned. 🗺️

Golden Gate Park is honestly one of the best free things to do in the Bay Area with kids and most families don’t even know half of what’s inside.

We’re talking real bison, a bubble-blowing sea serpent from Burning Man, one of the oldest playgrounds in the country, and 360° views of the city 👉 all FREE, all in open area.
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What else would you add to this list?

⬇️⬇️⬇️

This is your sign to get outside this weekend. 🥾

This short hike feels like you drove hours into the countryside… but it’s right in Palo Alto. 🌿

✔️ Rolling green hills
✔️ Great with kids
✔️ Clean bathrooms
✔️ Free parking
✔️ Stroller friendly!
✔️Easy 2.5-mile loop with options to do shorter (or longer) trails

🍕Fuel up after at Alpine Inn- a family-friendly spot with a beer garden and good vibes • @alpineinnpv

🗺️ Arastradero Creek and Acorn Loop Trail
📍 Pearson-Arastradero Preserve · 1530 Arastradero Rd, Palo Alto

💾 Save this for your next family-friendly hike in the Bay Area!
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✨ Save this for a free family day in Golden Gate Park.

The tulips are blooming at the Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden next to the Dutch Windmill, and it’s such a beautiful spring stop for families but I’ll be honest it’s a small garden and a quick stop. You might want to pair it with some other activities ⬇️

Turn this into a full Golden Gate Park family day with these other free stops…

🌳 Let the kids run around in Golden Gate Park

🐉 See Naga the sea serpent at Rainbow Falls

🦬 Visit the bison at Bison Paddock

🛝 Play at Koret Children’s Quarter (one of the oldest playgrounds in the country)

🔭 Take in the views from Hamon observation tower at de Young Museum (9th floor)

🧺 Have a picnic on the lawn at Conservatory of Flowers

🏖 Walk down to Ocean Beach for sandcastles and sunset views

Save this for your next spring family adventure in San Francisco 🌷
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[ Bay Area kids, Bay Area moms, San Francisco with kids, Bay Area things to do with kids, Golden Gate Park, SF Bay Area ]
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If you have a little one who loves music, adventure, and movement, this summer camp at Tutu School might be the sweetest option.

🩰 Comment TUTU and I’ll send you the camp links!

It’s a magical summer of camp with options based on age and location. Each week campers step into a world of classic ballet tales, adventure, and lots of twirling.

💰Use code BAYAREAKIDSGO for:
✨ $50 off Full-Week Camp
✨$10 off Petite Day Camp

Full-Week Summer Camp:
📍 Hosted at Tutu School Belmont • @tutuschoolbelmont
🗓 Weekly starting June 29 – July 31
⏰ 9AM – 2PM
👧 Ages 4–8
$550 Single Week, $500 Multiple Weeks or Sibling Discount (prices increase 3/16)

Petite Day Camp
📍 Hosted at
Tutu School Sunnyvale • @tutuschoolsunnyvale
Tutu School Redwood City • @tutuschoolrwc
Tutu School Belmont • @tutuschoolbelmont
⏰ 9AM – 12PM (half day)
👧 Ages 3–5
$70 Single Day Camp, $60 Multiple Days or Sibling Discount (prices increase 3/16)

Have you tried Tutu School yet?
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Part 2: More iconic San Francisco spots to visit with kids ⬇️

If you’re planning a San Francisco trip with kids (or a Bay Area day trip), these iconic stops are fun for the whole family and worth adding to your list.

📍 San Francisco Ferry Building • @ferrybuilding
📍 The Big Art Loop • @bigartloop
📍 Alamo Square + playground with views of the Painted Ladies
📍 Ocean Beach
📍 Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden in Golden Gate Park • @gardensofgoldengatepark
📍 Ghirardelli Square • @ghirardellisquare
📍 Alcatraz Island
📍 Sutro Baths + Lands End trail
📍 Mission Dolores Park playground + skyline views

From beaches and parks to famous landmarks, San Francisco has so many iconic places that are surprisingly great with kids.

✨ Save this for your San Francisco family trip…and follow for more Bay Area things to do with kids.

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[ San Francisco with kids, Bay Area things to do, Bay Area with kids, Bay Area family fun, San Francisco road trip, Bay Area mom ]

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

Reminder you can leave Friday and come back Sunday night.

Comment TRIP and I’ll send you my list of 10+ easy weekend getaways from the Bay Area with kids (including links, locations, and things we did in each area!)

What’s your favorite place to go for a weekend getaway with kids in tow?
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[ San Francisco Bay Area family adventures, Bay Area things to do with kids, Bay Area mom, Bay Area road trips ]
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Looking for a kid-friendly “hike” in San Francisco that doesn’t feel like a hike? 👀🌊
�Sutro Baths at Lands End is one of our favorite free outdoor adventures with kids.

📍 Where: Sutro Baths ruins are at the northwest corner of SF near the Lands End Lookout / Point Lobos Ave

🥾 Distance: about 0.5 miles out & back but plan extra time because kids LOVE exploring the ruins + viewpoints.

👶 Stroller note: not really stroller-friendly (stairs + uneven paths)

🚗 Where to park:�Best/easiest is the Lands End Lookout parking lot (near 680 Point Lobos Ave)

➡️ Want to keep going?�Sutro Baths connects into the Lands End Trail, but you don’t have to commit to the full trail, you can just do the ruins and turn back whenever your crew is done.

✨ Make it a full SF-with-kids day:�Sutro Baths → Ocean Beach for sand time → Queen Wilhelmina Garden (by the Dutch Windmill) → keep rolling through Golden Gate Park.

Save this for your next family-friendly hike in San Francisco / things to do in SF with kids day 🌿

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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!