Fun things to do with a toddler or young preschooler in the Bay Area. We've rounded up all the best stuff to do with a three-year old in the East Bay and beyond. Need tips on area museums and fun destinations? You're welcome!
Pushing a baby through a museum is all about the YOU with occasional pit stops to feed or change your companion. But a two- or three-year old? They have very strong opinions about where you go and what you do. I wanted to create a guide to fun places in the Bay Area for preschoolers to help parents navigate the many awesome attractions from their level:
- Berkeley's Lawrence Hall of Science highlights for three-year olds
- Berkeley's Habitot Children's Museum is a must-do for preschoolers
- Oakland's Fairyland, a first-timer's guide
- Walnut Creek's Lindsay Wildlife Museum, a guide for three-year olds
- San Francisco's Exploratorium picks for three-year olds
- San Francisco's Cal Academy of Sciences guide for preschoolers
- Sausalito's Bay Area Discovery Museum, three is the sweet spot!
- San Mateo's CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point: a super half-day trip with a toddler
- Monterey Bay Aquarium highlights for three-year olds
Do you have an opinionated three-year old? If so, I’d love for you to add to the body of knowledge available to other parents.
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[Top photo originally by Megan Small but I pic'monkeyed with it; second photo by Heather Flett]
Susan Magnolia says
My three year old loves the Oakland museum. We have not yet been to many children’s museums but e likes the interactive aspects of the exhibits at the OMCA and the jazz musicians that play in the cafe.
Also we visit the Gardens at Lake Merritt a lot and e likes it as much as nearby Fairyland. It is a great spot to explore and have a picnic.
Audrey @ The Thrifty Traveler CA says
Our kids also LOVE the Oakland Museum of California and you can easily extend your visit to the area if you include a walk around the lake and a stop for cookies and pizza at Arizmendi :). Everything in Tilden seems to be a hit with our toddlers (the botanical gardens, lake anza, little farm, inspiration point) as well as hiking at the Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland Hills since there is a creek and tons of fallen trees to walk on.
Roja says
Another great outing is Jack London! You can check out the ships and cranes. Loud trains go by frequently. Have a delicious lunch at Authentic Bagel (bagel dogs are a hit with kids). And for a real adventure, rent a kayak and paddle over to Alameda to see the cool and colorful houseboats (one hour rental includes toddler life vests)!