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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+ easy & kid-friendly weekend getaways for Bay Area Families

10+ Easy Weekend Getaways from the Bay Area with kids

Need a quick family reset? These 10+ easy Bay Area weekend getaways are perfect for families looking for a fun and doable trip with kids.

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

March in the Bay Area is packed with can’t-miss family fun—parades, spring blooms, hands-on science, creative art weekends, and easy weekend adventures. In this month’s Top 10 picks, you’ll find favorites like the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, Giants FanFest, Holi celebrations, Gilroy Gardens Opening Day, Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Big Art Weekend, plus free kids craft workshops at Home Depot and Lowe’s. And if you’re craving a quick change of scenery, I’m also shar

A Laid-Back, Family-Friendly Weekend in Santa Cruz With Kids

Santa Cruz with kids made easy! A laid-back weekend itinerary including Leo’s Haven playground, Boardwalk, Wharf sea lions + sunset, Mystery Spot, Henry Cowell Redwoods, Natural Bridges tide pools, and the Monarch Trail.

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not me avoiding the puppy question entirely and accidentally planning the best birthday activity ever 👀🐾

Puppy Yoga Club is 30 min of yoga + 30 min of cuddling puppies and the breed changes every time… we got Frenchies and I melted

📍 Bay Area locations include SF, Santa Clara and San Jose
🐶 Guests ages 5 and up are welcome

If your kid is a dog lover, this is your move. I’m not saying yes, I’m not saying no… but I am saying save this & tag someone who needs it! 😆

Would you try this??
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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 🌿

If you need things to do with kids in the Bay Area this month 👇

Comment MARCH and I’ll send you the full guide with dates, addresses, links, and even more events + ideas for this month!

Here are the Top 10 picks I rounded up:

🧧SF’s Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
🔬North Bay Science Discovery Day (Santa Rosa)
⚾️ SF Giants FanFest
🌷Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden (SF)
🎠Tilden Merry Go Round Easter Bunny Brunch
🌈 kid-friendly Holi celebration at Altitude Milpitas
🧄 Opening Day at Gilroy Gardens
🎨 Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Big Art Weekend
❄️ Ideas for a Snow-cation
🔨 Free Kids Crafts at Home Depot and Lowe’s
🗓️ …. and more!

>>>> Drop your March ‘must-do’ in the comments!⬇️

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Raise your hand if you’re an overstimulated parent 🙋🏽‍♀️ I realized doomscrolling wasn’t helping my overstimulation… it was making it worse.

Comment RESET and I’ll DM you the link to Handmade Ikigai’s Mindful Pottery Experience (my favorite calm-your-nervous-system swap lately).

Here are my recent go-to mini resets (instead of doomscrolling) as a busy mom:

❤️ Handmade Ikigai Mindful Pottery Experience- so calming and honestly the best outlet because you’re creating something with your hands

❤️ Getting outside for a quick walk or easy hike (fresh air > fresh feed)

❤️ Spa/massage when I’m really maxed out (a bit of a splurge so save for special occasions)

❤️ Crochet- once you get the hang of it, it’s weirdly therapeutic and fun starting new projects

❤️ Visiting a cozy local bookstore for quiet + a new read (A Novel Affair in Los Altos is my new fave)

What’s your favorite thing to do instead of doomscrolling? 👇🏽
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[ Bay Area Moms, Overstimulated Mom, Mom SelfCare, Nervous System Regulation, Mindful Pottery, Bay Area Kid, Bay Area Things to do ]

Comment BIKE and I’ll send you the deets on the one we got + the link.

Bay Area moms + dads: if you’ve been thinking about biking with kids a family cargo bike might be your new favorite way to get outside.

The Xtracycle Swoop ASM is one of the best electric cargo bikes for kids and families, and newbies like me!

It’s available now + with a $500 launch day discount! @xtracycle

Where should we take our cargo bike next in the Bay Area? Would love to hear your recs!!
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March is FULL of free museum days in the San Francisco Bay Area 🙌✨

If you love finding free + cheap things to do with kids in the Bay Area, here’s your cheat sheet 👇

First up:
🎉 Bay Area Discovery Museum – March 4 (FREE for Bay Area residents only with a suggested donation of $20 per group)
You must live in one of the 9 Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, or Sonoma.

Can’t make it? You can also visit through:
✨ Discover & Go (library pass)
✨ Museums for All (for families receiving SNAP benefits)

And here are MORE free museum days happening in March:

🎨 Charles M. Schulz Museum: March 1 (free day)

👋 Randall Museum in SF ( always free)

🏛️ Asian Art Museum: March 1 (free day)

🎭 Oakland Museum of California: March 1 (free day)

🖼️ de Young Museum: March 3 + FREE every Saturday for Bay Area residents

🎨 Legion of Honor: March 3 + FREE every Saturday for Bay Area residents

🦁 San Francisco Zoo: Free day (SF residents only)

🌿 Conservatory of Flowers – March 3 (free for Bay Area residents) + *FREE every day for SF residents

🌸 San Francisco Botanical Garden – March 3 (free for Bay Area residents) + *FREE every day for SF residents

March is such a good month to GO explore without spending a fortune.

Save this, share it with your Bay Area mom + dad friends, and tell me which one are you hitting first? 👇
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If you’re looking for family friendly things to do in Santa Cruz County, add this playground to your list ASAP. 🙌

Leo’s Haven Playground is Santa Cruz County’s first inclusive playground, designed for kids of all abilities to play together. It’s farm-themed (so cute 🐄🌾), fully fenced (parents of runners, you’re welcome), and perfect for toddlers, big kids, and siblings with different needs.

And yes, there’s a bathroom nearby 😉

📍 Leo’s Haven Playground
2266 Chanticleer Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Whether you’re planning a Santa Cruz day trip with kids or a full weekend getaway, this spot is such a win.

👉 Be sure to check my previous reel for more family-friendly gems in Santa Cruz County, from beaches to redwoods to classic Boardwalk fun.

Save this for your next Santa Cruz adventure ✨

[ Bay Area Things to do with kids, Visit Santa Cruz, Bay Area Playgrounds, Bay Area Moms, San Francisco content creator ]

Family-friendly Santa Cruz weekend itinerary, with kids 👇🏽

If you’re searching for things to do with kids in Santa Cruz, start with these.

📍 Santa Cruz Boardwalk
📍 Sea lions at Santa Cruz Wharf
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods
📍Leo’s Haven Playground
📍The Mystery Spot
📍Natural Bridges State Beach

Save this post for your next weekend trip and follow for more kid-approved Bay Area getaways.

Follow @bayareakidsgo for more family adventures and local kid-friendly fun!

Family-friendly Santa Cruz weekend itinerary, with kids 👇🏽

If you’re searching for things to do with kids in Santa Cruz, start with these.

📍 Santa Cruz Boardwalk
📍 Sea lions at Santa Cruz Wharf
📍 Henry Cowell Redwoods
📍Leo’s Haven Playground
📍The Mystery Spot
📍Natural Bridges State Beach

Save this post for your next weekend trip and follow for more kid-approved Bay Area getaways.

Bay Area moms, dads, families 👉 If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids from local adventures to family friendly getaways you’re in the right place!

I’ve even created a free community calendar to make finding local, kid-friendly events easy and convenient to find. (Linked in my bio)

Follow along for more Bay Area family fun ❤️
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[ San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Area Mom, San Francisco with kids, Bay Area Things to do with kids, Bay Area family fun, family adventure, Bay Area content creator ]

Did you know you can ski inside Yosemite National Park? ❄️

Badger Pass is a family-friendly ski spot that’s perfect if you’re new to skiing, bringing kids, or just want a low-key snow day.

Bonus: they have snowshoeing + tubing + Nordic/cross-country trails too

Save this for your winter bucket list!

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[ San Francisco Bay Area kids, Bay Area mom, Bay Area things to do with kids, skiing with kids, family ski trip ]

Now is that time! Send this to someone you want to go with.

Yosemite National Park is currently covered in snow and it’s the most beautiful winter wonderland I’ve ever seen.

Many roads are still closed from the recent snow storm so check nps.gov for weather + road updates!

These videos were taken 2/18/2026
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[ snow in Yosemite national park, Yosemite with kids, Bay Area road trips, SF Bay Area mom, Bay Area things to do with kids, family travel, Bay Area family fun ]
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We came for firefall (and to ski at Badger Pass), but ended up catching a snow storm and I’m not mad about it because Yosemite National Park looks incredibly beautiful with all this snow right now! (Photos are from 2/18/26)

The heavy snowfall closed down the park til Friday 2/20 but it’s set to reopen Saturday 2/21. There are still many road closures so double check with the National Park Service (nps.gov) for the latest updates.

Drive safe, slow down and plan for delays.
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[ Yosemite national park snowstorm, Yosemite Firefall, #visitcalifornia SF Bay Area adventures, #visitmaderacounty #visityosemite Bay Area things to do with kids, Bay Area road trip, family travel ]

Okay Bay Area Fam, if you need a free outing with kids this weekend, this is it. 🧧

Free Lunar New Year Celebration in San Ramon = traditional dances, an energetic lion dance (kids will be OBSESSED), and an interactive kung fu demo. Super family-friendly and easy.

And honestly… we love @citycenterbishopranch because you can make a full day of it 👏
🍽️ Tons of restaurants
🛝 @kidplexcali for indoor play
🎨 @theymade_studio for a creative stop
And much more!

EVENT DETAILS:
🗓️ Sunday, Feb 22
⏰ 2–3 PM
📍 City Center Bishop Ranch (6000 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon)
💸 FREE + open to the public

If you go, tell me your kids’ reaction to the lion dance 😂👇

Save this + send it to your friends
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[ Bay Area Things to do with kids, Bay Area content creator, Bay Area mom, East Bay kids, Visit San Ramon ]

Goat yoga ✅ officially checked off the bucket list at Lemos Farm • @lemosfarmhmb

🎬 It was a great way to celebrate the new movie GOAT- in theatres now! @goatmovieofficial

Also got to try @drinkplezi by Steph Curry… and it was yummm 😋

📍 Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay

🐐Would you try goat yoga off?
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[ San Francisco Bay Area Content Creator, Bay Area Things to Do with kids, Bay Area mom ]

If your kid is on break and you’re already out of snacks and patience… hi, same.

Here are SF Bay Area kid activities for school breaks: indoor play places, Bay Area libraries for kids, playground hopping, arcades, farms and easy “get out of the house” wins.

👇 COMMENT your city + kids’ ages (ex: “Walnut Creek, 2 & 5”) and I’ll do my best to reply with ideas near you.
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SF Bay Area kids • things to do with kids in the Bay Area • San Francisco Bay Area family activities • school break activities • indoor play Bay Area • Bay Area libraries for kids • best playgrounds Bay Area

Here are some suggestions if you’re planning to visit Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon with kids ⬇️

First off- don’t miss Kings Canyon NP. It’s right next to Sequoia and it’s beautiful!

>>WHAT TO DO<<

🥾Kings Canyon National Park-
1. Hume Lake
2. General Grant Tree Trail (1/3 mile paved loop trail)
3. Fallen Monarch
4. Centennial Stump

🥾Sequoia National Park-
5. Moro rock- 0.5 miles out and back - 350+ stairs straight up a granite rock face and then those stairs back down. (*We didn’t get to do this one)
6. Big trees trail- 1.2 miles total, loop
7. General Sherman + part of Congress trail: 1.2 miles total, out and back + 2 mile loop, total would be 3.2 miles. Both these trails are rated easy. Although it’s a paved trail, there were stairs so I wouldn’t call it stroller-friendly!
8. Drive Through the Tunnel Log (*didn’t get to do this one)
9. Tunnel Rock
10. Crystal Cave (didn’t get to do this one either but it’s on my list for next time!)
11. Get Junior Ranger badges at the Visitor Center!

>>WHERE WE STAYED<<
The John Muir Lodge which is right inside the National Parks.

🔖SAVE this for a future trip to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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Comment FARM for more free & cheap kid-friendly farms + animal sanctuaries to visit in the Bay Area.

This particular farm day costs… whatever you want it to 🐓 (donation based)

Meet the alpacas, bunnies, goats, and more at one of the sweetest low-cost activities for kids in the Bay Area. Donations are encouraged.

📍 Animal Assisted Happiness, Baylands Park, 999 E Caribbean Dr, Sunnyvale • @aah.smilefarm

Open to the public on:
🗓️ Every 2nd Sunday of the month 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
🗓️ Every Tuesday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
💵 Note: Baylands Park charges a $6 entrance/parking fee on most days.

After your barnyard visit, explore Baylands Park’s nature trails and playground for even more family fun in Sunnyvale.

🐐 Perfect for: a low stress family outing, fun things to do with kids in the Bay Area, animal lovers, and budget-friendly weekend activities.

➡️➡️ Follow @bayareakidsgo for more family fun and things to do with kids in the San Francisco Bay Area 🤩

💛SAVE & SHARE for your next play date 💛
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Silicon Valley mom, San Francisco kids, Bay Area mom creator, San Francisco mom, Bay Area thing to do with kids, Bay Area influencer, Family friendly San Francisco

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 ]

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 guide ]

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

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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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