10 Things to Do with Bay Area Kids this February (2026)
- Jan 31
- 5 min read
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. In this post, I’m sharing my top 10 kid-friendly things to do around the Bay Area in February, with quick tips and details so you can plan an easy family outing (even if you’re deciding last-minute). And if you want even more options, our Go Find Fun Calendar is updated constantly with family-friendly events across the Bay Area so you can always find something to do, wherever you are.
Short on time? Use the quick links below to skip to any event.
1-Lunar New Year Celebrations
Dates: Lunar New Year is Tuesday, February 17, 2026, but local celebrations pop up all month (and some continue into early March).
What it is: Family-friendly cultural celebrations that can include lion/dragon dances, parades, performances, street fairs, food vendors, crafts, and kids activities
Where: Find out about various celebrations all over the Bay Area on the Go Find Fun Calendar
2- xTool Makerfest Tour
Stop #1: Big Game Fans Party (Mountain View)
When: Feb 6 (Warm-up) 12–4 PM and Feb 7 (Main Event) 11 AM–4 PM
Where: 2019 Leghorn St, Mountain View, CA 94043
What: The xTool MakerFest Tour is coming to Mountain View with a “Big Game” themed creative carnival where technology meets hands-on making. Think of it like a mini STEAM playground: families can try out laser cutters and printers, and kids can create their own keepsakes—like engraved backpack name tags, personalized game-day tote bags, or fun custom postcards. It’s totally free to attend, and there’s more than just DIY: expect a Spin-to-Win prize wheel, a photo booth, and plenty of free swag to take home.
Learn more about the event HERE.
3- Family-Friendly Superbowl Events in the Bay Area
Dates: Super Bowl “week” events will run Monday, Feb 2 – Saturday, Feb 7, 2026, with Super Bowl Sunday on Feb 8, 2026
What it is: A mix of big, official fan experiences (interactive football games, exhibits, photo ops, merch), team media events, plus lots of kid-friendly community watch parties and family events across the region. (Perfect if you want the hype without needing game tickets.)
Where :
The official Superbowl is happening at Levi's Stadium but there will be fan fests, big game day events, and watch parties all over the Bay in SF, Peninsula, East Bay, and South Bay
Tips for parents:
Plan around crowds + traffic: Super Bowl week can come with road closures and heavier congestion near major venues—build in extra time.
Go earlier in the day (especially with toddlers) for easier parking, shorter lines, and less overwhelm.
Bring ear protection if your kids are sensitive to loud music/announcers.
Ticket/entry basics: some official events are ticketed or require app/registration, and even “free” events can be first-come, first-served
4-Slide Ranch Family Day: Valentine's
When: Saturday, February 14, 2026 — 9:30am–1:00pm.
What it is: A 3.5-hour “Family Farm Day” with hands-on farm fun (often includes goat milking, meeting animals, garden time, and kid-friendly activities with a Valentine’s theme).
Where (address): Slide Ranch 2025 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach, CA 94965.
Tips for parents:
Reserve ahead (these fill up).
Dress for coastal weather: layers + rain/wind jacket, and closed-toe shoes (it’s a working ranch).
Bring a carrier if you have a baby or young toddler; some areas are not that easy to navigate with a stroller
5- Napa Lighted Art Festival
Dates: Jan 17 – Feb 15, 2026 (nightly: Sun–Thu 6–9pm, Fri–Sat 6–10pm)
What it is: A free, walkable outdoor light-art festival in downtown Napa featuring ~15 illuminated installations for five weeks, plus projection art on iconic buildings during the first 9 nights. [ Click here for more details ]
Address: Downtown Napa (various sites & buildings).
6-Free Entrance at National Parks for President's Day
Dates: Monday, February 16, 2026 (Presidents Day / Washington’s Birthday) — entrance fees waived at National Park Service sites that normally charge an entrance fee.
*Free entrance is amazing—but double check timed-entry/reservations and know that some fees can still apply.
Closest “big” National Parks to the Bay Area (great for a day trip or weekend)
Pinnacles National Park
Where : 5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043
Parent tips: Best with older kids who like hiking; plan for sun (little shade). Bring plenty of water.
Yosemite National Park
Where : 9035 Village Dr, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389
Parent tips: Check if timed entry/reservations are required for your date, even on free entrance days.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Where: 21820 Lassen National Park Highway, Mineral, CA 96063
Parent tips: Winter can mean snow/ice so check road conditions, pack layers, and plan for cold-weather exploring.
Redwood National and State Parks
Where: 1111 Second Street, Crescent City, CA 95531
Parent tips: Weather changes fast on the coast; check for trail/road updates before you go (especially in winter).
7- Snow Play Adventures
Dates: January - March 2026 (winter season; weather permitting)
What it is: Now is the time to start planning your winter getaway to play at a SNO-park, do some sledding, snow tubing, skiing or snowboarding!
Places to visit to play in the snow: Tahoe, Truckee, Arnold (Calaveras Area), Tuolumne County/ Highway108 (Pinecrest area)
8- OOGUBI Glow
When: Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 from 4:30–6:30 PM | Get tickets here *discount code TODDLERSPLAY10
What it is: A parent-friendly “happy hour” style glow-in-the-dark sensory play pop-up. Expect kids get messy play + sensory toys while parents can actually unwind (there’s a beer & wine garden + food options on site).
Where: 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, San Francisco 94158
Tips for parents:
Grab tickets ahead of time + use my discount code TODDLERSPLAY10
Bring a change of clothes + wipes (it’s designed to be a little messy).
Lean into the theme: white/bright clothes + glow accessories (glow sticks, light-up shoes) make it extra fun in the glow setup
9- Black Joy Parade
Dates: Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 12:00pm–7:00pm | Click Here for Event Details
What it is: A huge, joyful community parade + festival celebrating Black culture, community, art, music, and Black-owned businesses. It’s volunteer-run and free to attend (donations encouraged).
Where (address): Oakland
Parade area / starting point: 14th St & Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612
Festival / event location listed: 2044 Franklin St, Oakland, CA 94612
Tips for parents:
Go early for easier parking and to enjoy vendors before peak crowds.
Take public transit if you can: Bay Area Rapid Transit is walkable from 12th St / Oakland City Center Station and 19th St Oakland Station; AC Transit buses also serve downtown.
10 - Free Museum Days
Date(s):
Feb 1: Asian Art Museum + Oakland Museum of California (First Sunday)
Feb 3: de Young Museum + Legion of Honor
Feb 5: BAMPFA
Feb 7–8: Bank of America free museum weekend
Feb 10: San Francisco Botanical Garden
Every Saturday: de Young Museum *only free for Bay Area Residents
Where:
Mostly in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley (plus additional participating museums across the Bay for the Bank of America weekend).
When:
Typically during regular museum hours on those dates (varies by location).
Tips :
Double-check details before you go (free days can change, and some spots require advance tickets).
Arrive early because free days get crowded.
Special exhibits may still cost extra even when general admission is free.
For Bank of America weekend: bring your eligible card + photo ID (and confirm who’s covered—often the cardholder only).
Plan Faster With GO Find Fun
Browse everything on the GO Find Fun calendar by date, city, age, and budget.
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