10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids in April 2026
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 2
April is one of the best months to get outside with kids in the Bay Area ..the weather is (mostly) cooperating, the flowers are showing off, and there is genuinely a lot happening. Here are 10 things worth loading the kids in the car for.
1. Off the Grid Treasure Island Spring Edition 🌉
Saturdays: April 11, 18, 25 | May 2, 9, 16 | 11:00am–4:00pm | Cityside Park, 387 Avenue of the Palms, Treasure Island, San Francisco | FREE
Okay, this one has everything. Off the Grid is taking over Treasure Island's Cityside Park for six Saturdays of food, kites, and unbeatable Bay views ... and the best part? Free admission AND free ferry rides from the Ferry Building (just RSVP in advance). You're on the island in eight minutes.
The six-acre waterfront park has open lawns, wide promenades, and views stretching from the Bay Bridge to the Golden Gate. The signature kite program is back too, complimentary kites available with signup, and by midday the sky is full of color.
Opening Day is Saturday, April 11, timed with SF Restaurant Week, with a grand opening celebration, second line parade, and the launch of the Treasure Island Social Club membership program.
Dogs welcome. On-site parking available, but honestly take the ferry.
2. Easter Events 🐣
April 4–5 | Various Locations
Easter weekend is packed with egg hunts, bunny meet-and-greets, and spring celebrations happening all over the Bay Area. I've rounded up the best options all in one place. Check the GO Find Fun calendar to find one near you.
3. Bug Day at the Randall Museum 🐛
Saturday, April 18 | 10am–2pm | 199 Museum Way, San Francisco | FREE
One of SF's best free family events of the year. The Randall Museum's annual Bug Day is a full-on insect extravaganza. Touch live exotic bugs, look at insects under microscopes, do bug-themed crafts, watch the SF Beekeepers Association in action, compete in the Insect Olympics, and yes, potentially eat a bug.
Free admission with low-cost activities. Heads up: parking is extremely limited so plan ahead.
4. Oogubi Wonderland: Superhero Sensory Edition 🦸
Sunday, April 12 | 10:30am–1:30pm | Spark Social SF, 1 Marina Blvd, San Francisco
This is the one. Oogubi Wonderland is a three-hour, parent-first mini sensory theme park and this edition has a superhero theme with character meet-and-greets, foam parties, a glow tent, balloon house, live DJ, and food trucks for the grown-ups. Tickets ~ $45+ **save 15% off with code KIDSGO15
5. Train Rides Are Back at Ardenwood Farm 🚂
Thursdays, Fridays & Sundays Starting April | 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont
The historic season at Ardenwood Farm kicks off in April, which means the vintage narrow-gauge train rides are back. The train runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays through mid-November. Rides are included with farm admission, so no separate ticket needed. Admission runs $2–$6 for kids; under 4 is free.
6. SF Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸
Weekend 1: April 11–12 | 11am–5pm | Japantown, Post Street between Laguna & Fillmore, San Francisco
One of the biggest cherry blossom celebrations on the West Coast, the 59th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival takes over SF Japantown for two full weekends. Weekend 1 is April 11–12; Weekend 2 is April 18–19. Expect taiko drumming, cultural performances, Japanese food, kids' activities, arts and crafts, and the Grand Parade on Sunday, April 19. Free admission.
7. Earth Day Celebrations 🌍
April 22 | Various Locations
Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22 this year, and the Bay Area does it well celebrating all month long. Keep an eye on parks, nature centers, and community organizations for local clean-ups, plant giveaways, and family-friendly events. A great excuse to get outside and talk to your kids about why it matters.
8. Plan a Weekend Getaway 🗺️
All Month
Spring is the sweet spot for Bay Area day trips and overnight escapes before summer crowds and before school is out. Whether you need two hours from home or a full weekend away, I've done the research for you.
9. See Flowers in Full Bloom at Filoli (or Nearby Gardens) 🌷
All Month | 86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA
April is peak bloom season at Filoli, with tulips, wisteria, magnolias, roses just starting, cherry trees and more. It is legitimately one of the most beautiful places in the Bay Area right now. Plan ahead: it sells out on weekends in spring.
Open daily 10am–5pm. Tickets from ~$35–45/adult; children under 5 are free.
Other options: Japanese Tea Garden (Golden Gate Park, SF), Gamble Gardens (Palo Alto), Hakone Estate & Gardens (Saratoga), Gardens at Heather Farm (Walnut Creek), Marcom Rose Garden (Oakland)
10. Go Whale Watching 🐋
All Month | Various Locations Around the Bay Area
April is one of the best months to spot whales in the Bay Area. Gray whales are on their northern migration through early May, and humpbacks start showing up as early as April, with orcas occasionally making an appearance too. You can watch from the shore for free or book a tour for a closer look.
Tour options departing from SF:
• SF Whale Tours — departs Pier 39, tours starting in April with chances to spot humpbacks, gray whales, dolphins, and harbor seals
• Oceanic Society — day trips out to the Farallon Islands aboard the Salty Lady, departing from SF Marina Yacht Harbor; humpback season runs April through November
Free shore spots worth the drive:
• Point Reyes Lighthouse & Chimney Rock — one of the best land-based whale viewing spots in NorCal; the peninsula extends further into the ocean than most of the coast
• Marin Headlands / Point Bonita Lighthouse Trail — stunning ocean views and a solid vantage point
• Half Moon Bay — local sportfishing boats also run whale watching excursions
Have a family favorite we missed? Send us an email bayareakidsgo@gmail.com— we love a good tip.
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