Grade Schoolers

Resources for Families with Grade School-Age Kids

30 Outdoor Things to Do With Bay Area Kids

Child playing with pretend garden/kitchen toys near parent

How to Get in FREE to Dozens of Bay Area Museums, Science Centers, + Gardens

bumblebee playspace touch activated light wall

Indoor Play Spaces in the East Bay

10 Mostly Free & Cheap Outings for Mixed Ages in the East Bay

wearing birthday party pink hat on head facing a birthday party

East Bay Kids Birthday Party Guide

99 Kid-friendly Restaurants in the East Bay

Upcoming Events Good for K-5 Kids in the East Bay

Friday, October 23, 2026

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Petting Zoo @ The Backyard
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Haunted Trail @ Pleasant Hill Park
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Trick or Treat @ Fremont Downtown Event Center & Plaza
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm: Pumpkin Play Patch @ Whimsy Willow
9:15 pm – 9:30 pm: Diwali Drone Light Show @ Lesher Center for the Arts

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:00 am – 2:00 pm: Pumpkin Giveaway & Free Carousel Rides @ Yerba Buena Gardens
9:00 am – 11:30 am: Witches & Wizards on Water Parade @ Sea Trek
9:30 am – 11:00 am: Game Design Classes @ The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE)
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Drop-In Open Art Lab @ Sticky Art Lab
10:00 am – 2:00 pm: Family Halloween Day @ Randall Museum

Lighted Yachts & Boats on Parade for the Holidays

Add these lighted yacht parades to your holiday bucket list. Twinkling boats pass by in a floating Christmas light spectacular.

two boys wearing santa hats in front of a christmas tree

Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families

Your Christmas planner of family-friendly Bay Area Christmas event picks for toddlers to teens.

ice skating with children in walnut creek

Opens November 21, 2025: Walnut Creek on Ice

Walnut Creek Ice skating rink & tubing slide is open seasonally, November through January.

Favorite East Bay Christmas Tree Lots & Farms

East Bay Christmas tree lots from Alameda, Oakland, Castro Valley, Berkeley range from fast, playful, to woodsy. Choose your favorite!

model trains in the redwoods with small fairy size houses

Ticket Alert: Holidays at Filoli Gardens in Woodside

Filoli offers a rustic redwoods train experience or a light-up wonderland. Choose one adventure with the lavish historic house & garden.

festive annual tree lighting includes tap dancing christmas trees

10+ Free Holiday Happenings at Alameda South Shore Center

Beginning with a tree lighting Nov. 28 through Christmas Eve, your family can visit Santa Claus and see holiday movies outdoors.

12 Family Camps Within Driving Distance of the Bay Area

Family Camp is a terrific blend of outdoorsy fun and vacation. Usually, you bring your bedding and sleep in a modest cabin; meals and family ...

Ticket Alert: The Nutcracker Bird presented by Berkeley Ballet

This special holiday experience includes festive treats and cozy beverages before the show!

Ticket Alert: The Harlem Globetrotters in Oakland

What to know about taking your family to the Harlem Globetrotter's game in Oakland

Paws to Read: A Cuddly Option for Young Readers

Children can practice reading to trained furry friends in supportive literacy programs found at various East Bay library branches.