925 Families
We’ve curated the best family-friendly activities for families in the East Bay. Find things to do with kids in Walnut Creek, Concord, Lamorinda, Pleasanton, and surrounding areas including parks and playgrounds, annual events, kid-friendly brewpubs, and other insanely useful resources.
Best Kid-Friendly Places in the (925)
Upcoming Events for (925) Families & Kids
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Trails and Tales @ Moraga Public Library, MoragaWednesday, February 11, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Rockin’ Tots @ Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park | Concord, ConcordWednesday, February 18, 2026
9:00 am – 11:00 am: Rockin’ Tots @ Rockin’ Jump Trampoline Park | Concord, ConcordSunday, February 22, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am: Lunar New Year Celebration @ The Veranda, ConcordWednesday, March 4, 2026
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Sing N Storytime @ Lafayette Library and Learning Center, LafayetteSaturday, March 7, 2026
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: PJ Party at the Drive-In @ West Wind Solano Drive-In, ConcordMore Family-Friendly East Bay Stuff to Know in the (925)
{Ticket Alert} Peppa Pig: My First Concert
This show is designed to be welcoming, engaging, and low-pressure—perfect for a child’s very first concert experience.
Urban Air Adventure Park Massive Indoor Play Space
It has everything: obstacle courses, trampolines, a 35-foot vertical playground, ceiling zip line, ropes course, climbing wall, and laser tag
Super Bowl 60 arrives in the Bay Area. What’s in it for kids?
Here's what East Bay parents might like to know about family-friendly activities associated with Super Bowl 60
Lunar New Year in the Bay Area is a Family-Friendly Celebration
As the Year of the Horse approaches, a handful of wonderful kid-friendly Lunar New Year celebrations pop up around the Bay Area.
Park Profile: Pine Meadow Park in Martinez
Pine Meadow Park is a sweet neighborhood park with a unique play structure, accessible design, spinning merry-go-round, and swings.
Best Places to Take Kids in Concord
Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
Jumpity Bumpity: An Indoor Play Space in Concord
Concord's Jumpity Bumpity is a clean, spacious fun indoor play space with many creative slides and features to keep your kid moving!
We Love the Drive-In Movie Theater in Concord
We love to pile into our minivan for the drive-in movies in Concord at the Solano West Wind. Winter is the best time for little kids.
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!
Christmas Tree Lightings in the East Bay & San Francisco
This list of Christmas tree lightings provides festive options for families in the East Bay and beyond.
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.
50 Things to Do With Bay Area Kids When School Is Out
Wondering what to do when school is out? Take one of these 50 fantastic Bay Area ideas and build your day around it.
Where to Take Kids Ice Skating in the Bay Area
During the winter season temporary ice skating rinks are set up throughout the Bay Area, making ice skating more accessible than ever.
Ticket Alert: Garden of D’Lights, a Sparkling Outdoor Holiday Event in Walnut Creek
Ruth Bancroft Garden lights up 3 acres of garden paths with twinkling lights to explore on a dark evening. Lovely outing for mixed ages.
Ticket Alert: Bay Area Nutcrackers & Other Holiday Performances
Want to see the Nutcracker in Oakland? Here are some lovely holiday performances to choose from including larger- and small-scale theaters.
Joan’s Pumpkin Patch in Livermore is Old School And Scenic
Nestled in the hills, Joan’s Farm is a nostalgic, classic, kind of pumpkin patch experience. Even during its busiest moments Joan’s feels very relaxed.
10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland
Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
10 Trunk-or-Treat Events in the East Bay
Trunk or treat events, where kiddos can dress up in their costumes and go tailgating for candy from decorated car trunks, are back.
Shadelands Pumpkin Patch in Walnut Creek
With a petting zoo, cow train, and a field full of pumpkins, Shadelands is a great fall outing in Walnut Creek.
On Sale Now: Teddy Bear Tea in Walnut Creek
Teddy Bear Tea in Walnut Creek on December 6+7, 2025, is a perfect holiday tea service for preschoolers. And it will sell out quickly!
Golf for Tykes in Concord
Golf for Tykes is a guided program designed to introduce golf to kids 3-4, with parents and coaches assisting, hosted at Skylinks Golf Course
Our visit to G & M Farms Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Livermore
The pumpkin patch portion of G & M Farms couldn't be cuter. Grab a red Radio Flyer wagon and pick from rows of perfectly placed ...
Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. We found a variety of ways to celebrate with kids in the East Bay.
5+ Family-Friendly Turkey Trots
Turkey trots we love for families and where to play afterward. Here are five we like in the East Bay
East Bay Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide
East Bay pumpkin patches come in many types: a pile at the market, a quick pumpkin picture, a carnival atmosphere, or a full day on ...
San Ramon Indoor Play Space: Kidplex
Kidplex is a modern, interactive play center. Take off your shoes and check out the movement activities, ball pits, and pretend play stations.
Birthday Party Place: Lush Handmade Cosmetics
For ages 5+, birthday party guests can mold soap and bath bombs with natural ingredients at the Lush Shop.
10 Mostly Free & Cheap Outings for Mixed Ages in the East Bay
With kids age two to nine, it is hard to find something for everyone. Here are ten terrific East Bay places that we all love.
Apple Picking with Children Near the Bay Area
Apple-picking season is upon us. Here are a few U-pick options and Bay Area apple orchards worth a visit with your family. Always, call first!
Family Summer Movies Deals
The Century 14 Walnut Creek will show eight kid-friendly movies for the summer with a deal on admission and snacks.
Kid-friendly Fairy Tale Theater in Walnut Creek
Four shows in this season are ideal for introducing little ones to live theater.
Summer Fairs and Festivals for Bay Area Families
Here is a list of outdoor street fairs, carnivals, county fairs, and festivals to pencil into your Summer plans from May to August.
U-Pick Strawberries & Other Berries in the Bay Area
The warmer days of Spring and early Summer (from April to July) bring the prospect of juicy sweet strawberries and other yummy berries
Ticket Alert: Alameda County Fair June 13-July 6
The Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton is a traditional fair: carnival rides & games; quilts and pigs; and funnel cakes. This year June 14-July 7.
Clarke Swim Center: Swimming Pool with Inflatables in Walnut Creek
Clarke Memorial Swim Center has inflatable obstacle courses, lap pools, and a grassy lawn just across the parking lot from Heather Farm Playground.
Water Park Fun at Public Pool Prices: Rankin Aquatic Center in Martinez
The Rankin Aquatic Center includes a play structure with a "big yellow bucket" that dumps water every few minutes while it's on.
Castle Rock Pool: A Bucolic Swimming Destination
Located at the foothills of Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, Castle Rock Pool offers a peaceful setting for a swim.
Bay Area Fruit Picking Guide
Fruit picking is a year-round activity in California. Here's your guide to the what/where/when/how of Bay Area farms and orchards.
Spotlight on American Swim Academy
American Swim Academy offers warm indoor year-round swim lessons to build water safety, confidence, and strong swimming skills.
6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay
We've rounded up our favorite splash pads in the East Bay - perfect for pre-swimmers and toddlers to get cool in the summer heat.
75 Days of Summer Fun for East Bay Kids
The best ideas for family fun all summer long: fruit picking, ice cream, bike rides, beaches, splashing, and concerts!
What Parents Should Know About Bay Area Water Parks
Your guide to Bay Area waterparks; find the one that works best for your family. From water slide junkies to sprayground newbies, we love ya!
Peach Picking & Other Summer Stone Fruit in the Bay Area
The time is ripe for picking perfect peaches, amazing apricots, and nectarous nectarines in the East Bay!
Kids Bowl Free & Cheap This Summer
Kids bowl free at participating bowling alleys in the East Bay: Antioch, Concord, Dublin, and Livermore. Deals in Alameda & Oakland.
Best East Bay Destinations & Tips for Train Lovers
When my kid was one, the best way to get him out of the house was to talk about the choo choos we would see: ...
Best Places in the Bay Area for Camping With Little Kids
Here are our favorite Bay Area places to go tent camping with our little kids -- plus some cabin camping options for good measure.
A Guide to Cherry Picking in Brentwood for 2025
Brentwood: When to go, where to go, and what to bring on a cherry-picking day trip from the Bay Area.
Beyond Books: More to Love from the Library
Visit your local branch for some amazing checkouts and free offerings—from power tools and baking pans to telescopes and a museum outing.
Save the Date: San Ramon Art & Wind Festival
Kick off summer at the Bay Area’s beloved free two-day festival — the San Ramon Art & Wind Festival on May 25-26, 2025.
Free Building Workshops for Kids
Calling all mini builders! Local hardware stores host a variety of free family-friendly workshops and craft projects for kids with real tools
Where to Find Dinosaurs in the East Bay
If you and your kid are always looking for cool dinosaur books and toys, you'll love to see these life-size (and bigger!) local dinos.
Ticket Alert: Touch A Truck Event at Balestrieri Farms
The Junior League of the East Bay is holding Touch A Truck event on 4/26 at a scenic farm in Briones. Families are invited! Book ...
Summertime Reading Games Powered by the Libraries
Summer is for reading! Many area public libraries offer summer reading games, community events & many cool kid-sized prizes for reading.
Pixieland for Pint-sized Adventures in Concord
Pixieland Amusement Park was a super fun day for all three of my kids (age 2, 6, and 8). Think of it as a more ...
Spring Break Staycation Guide
How many of these day trips and adventures for grade school-age children can you squeeze into one week of your Bay Area staycation?
Favorite East Bay Milkshake Spots
My favorite milkshakes from Oakland and San Pablo to Walnut Creek include organic, vegan, and extremely delicious flavors. Drink it in your car!
Spotlight on Soccer Stars Contra Costa
For kids 12 mos to 12 years, Soccer Stars Contra Costa offers a progressive curriculum that teaches soccer FUNdamentals in a supportive way.
Book Now: Dive into a Floating Egg Hunt
We love a good egg hunt, and we love swimming so grab your baskets and goggles, and get ready to find some treasure.
Free Splash Park: Emerald Glen Park in Dublin
Emerald Glen Park in Dublin has a splash park; large sandlot; playground structure for all ages; spacious open sports field; and garden.
The Wave Waterpark in Dublin
The Dublin Wave is a water park with slides and water play areas for all ages.
Sunny Day Spot: Antioch Water Park
Antioch Water Park has splashy activities for babies and every age on up: super shallow tadpool, toddler & preschooler waterslide, big kid body slides.
Larkey Spray Ground in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek's Larkey Spray Ground is the perfect place to spend a sunny day in the Bay with kids 5 and under.
San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park
We love the splash-centric water playground, a large inflatable obstacle course, and swim lane pools all at a reasonable price.
Get Free Museum Entry with Discover & Go
Powered by our local libraries, Discover & Go gets you and your kids in free to some of our most popular museums and attractions for ...
Cold or Wet Day? Go Indoor Swimming
My kids love to go to an indoor swimming pool even if the weather outside is frightful. Here are some fave East Bay pools.
Toddlers’ Guide to Lindsay Wildlife Experience
Everything at Walnut Creek's animal rescue and museum, Lindsay Wildlife Experience, is great for a three-year old.
Field Trip: Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek
At three different "Petting Circle" time slots each day, children can hold bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, or rats at the Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek. ...
Best Pizza in the East Bay for Families
50 favorite East Bay pizza places beloved by kids & families sliced up by type of crust including 10 for half-baked!
14 East Bay Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Did you know there's a handful of restaurants where kids eat free? Skip cooking on Tuesday night and head to one of these places.
A Driving Christmas Light Tour of Walnut Creek and Concord
See who is bringing holiday cheer to their neighbors with the best Christmas Lights in the greater East Bay. We've got a map for you.
Worth the Drive: Heather Farm Park & Playground in Walnut Creek
One unique feature of the colorful Heather Farm playground in Walnut Creek is a set of turf covered mounds that children can slide down on. ...
Walk or Drive Through Christmas Lights: Candy Cane Lane in Pleasanton
My favorite part part about the Christmas lights at Candy Cane Lane is that it is a dazzling holiday outing that doesn’t require unbuckling car ...
Worth the Drive: Deacon Dave’s Awesome Christmas Lights in Livermore
Spectacular lights, patriotism, and whimsy make the annual holiday lights at Deacon Dave's totally worth the drive for East Bay families.
Gem of the East Bay: Rock City Trail at Mt Diablo State Park
Rock City is a fun place to explore, climb, and maybe even spot tarantulas!
Favorite Bay Area Donuts and Doughnuts
From El Cerrito to Downtown Oakland to San Francisco, here are our favorite Bay Area donuts (and doughnuts!)
Favorite East Bay Food Halls for Families
Choose your own dining adventure at a food hall. Here are our favorites with dozens of meal choices to please even the pickiest taste buds.
Orinda: A Single BART Stop Past Rockridge
Start your morning at Orinda Village for a cafe, park, library, bookstore, and even a pizza joint if you make it until lunchtime. Here's a ...
Niles Canyon Railway 2024 Season
Niles Canyon Railway is opening for a limited number of autumn rides out of Sunol Station. Get your tickets now. All aboard!
Robert Livermore Aquatic Center Open June 10 for 2024 Season
The Robert Livermore Aquatic Center has a lagoon-style play pool, a water play structure, and a 22-foot-long water slide. Perfect for some splash-time fun!
10 Swim Clubs for East Bay Families
Some people like to belong to a club because of an attached gym, tennis courts, or a snack bar that makes it easy to feed ...
7 Places to Go Fishing with Beginners Around Oakland
Have you ever wanted to take kids fishing but not known where to go? My favorite seven freshwater places to fish in the East Bay ...
Parents’ Guide to East Bay Gardens
Explore family-friendly East Bay Gardens for outdoor fun: admire flowers, follow butterflies, enjoy nature, & get inspired!
Fat Shafts Archery in Benicia: Fun for Nearly an Hour
For $20 per hour (or pro-rated in half-hour chunks), people older than age eight can rent equipment and shoot at the targets of this indoor ...
Bay Area Go Kart Tracks
With the adrenaline rush of racing, go karting is an easy way to turn kids into adult and adults into children.
FUNBOX Offers 25,000 Square Feet of Inflatable Fun in Pleasanton
Visit FUNBOX, an oversized inflatable destination will be located in the parking lot of the Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton.
Things to Do with Kids in Walnut Creek
Find out what makes Walnut Creek worth the drive. Pretty parks, shareable sundaes and free trolley rides to name a few.
Half-day Trip: Lafayette Reservoir and Playground
This lovely East Bay spot for stroller walks and picnics has a wonderful new playground.
Kids Roller Skate Free at Paradise Skate in Antioch
Paradise Skate is closed for repairs.
What to Do in Danville With Kids
From the playgrounds and libraries to the community events, there are loads of things to do in Danville with kids.
12 Best Bay Area Science Museums for Kids
The Bay Area has some of the world's best science museums. Play with your kids while learning about science, technology, and nature.
Best Mini Golf Courses in East Bay and Beyond
We rounded up the most entertaining and creative creatives for a family mini golf outing in the East Bay and beyond.
East Bay Restaurants with Kids’ Play Areas
When restaurants have play areas, or even a small basket of chalk and a chalkboard, it can make a parent's life easier. We are grateful ...
Créatif Art Studio: Drop-in painting in Pleasanton
Bring your little artist to this drop-in art studio for a creative outing. It's combination of art and tech make it worth the drive to ...
12 Places to Go Plane-Spotting in the Bay Area
We rounded up the best destinations for plane-loving kids to view airplanes.
Matteo’s Dream Playground, Inclusive Fun in Concord
Imaginations can run wild at Matteo's Dream Playground in Concord, a space for all children to experience the joys of outdoor play regardless of their ...
Watch Planes Soar at Buchanan Field Playground in Concord
Plane-loving kiddos will love spotting airplanes and jets at Buchanan Field Playground and Observation Area. Plus, it's free!
3 Places to Get a Kid’s Pedicure in the East Bay
While any nail salon will likely take your child as a client, we discovered three that make it extra special.
Mini-Golf at Putter’s Goat Track Country Club in Walnut Creek or Martinez
It's the perfect time for some mini-golf fun at Putters Putt Putt — a charming, neighborhood mini golf course in Walnut Creek.
Getting Started With Youth Basketball in the East Bay
Here's your guide for East Bay parents whose kids are eager to try basketball with classes, camps, coaches, and neighborhood hoops to visit.
Let Us Plan 10 Summer Adventures for Your Little Kids!
Have you ever spent hours googling for activities to do with kids, instead of going out and doing them? Let us spare you the effort. ...
The Veranda: An Outdoor Mall in Concord With a Way-Cool Play Structure
The most exciting feature of The Veranda, a shopping center in Concord, is hands down the play structure, the Veranda Climber.
Ruth Bancroft Garden is a Desert Wonderland
A visit to Ruth Bancroft Garden is like being transported to the desert with its amazing collection of succulents, cacti, and low-water plants.
Park Profile: Rancho San Ramon Splash Pad & Community Park
The Rancho San Ramon Community Park has it all for my children. With 3 separate play areas & a splash pad, little ones want to ...
Kid-Friendly Activities in Lafayette — That Parents Will Love, Too
Lafayette has some active family adventures just 15 minutes from Oakland. Here are our favorite spots that are both kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
Canceled 2021 KidFest: Labor Day Weekend in Concord
Bay Area KidFest is canceled for September 4-6, 2021.
U-Pick Strawberries at George’s Berry Farm in Brentwood
As of April 2025, George’s Berry Farm is not open. The article that follows is from 2021. U-Pick fruit season is warming up in Brentwood! ...
Host a Private Movie Watch Party at Emeryville’s AMC Theaters
Starting at $379, you can rent out a full movie theater for a variety of new release and classic films.
Now Open: Batting Cages in the East Bay
Baseball and softball batting cages are reopening around the Bay Area. They will get your heart pumping and are lots of fun. Batter up!
Going Back Again and Again to Sunol
We love Sunol because of Alameda Creek. It flows through the section of the park toward Coyote Hills. It makes us feel relaxed and happy ...
Bedford Art Gallery in Walnut Creek is Small & Kid-friendly
Bedford Gallery in Walnut Creek is a small art space with exhibits, colorful and kid-friendly, that rotate every few months. Parking and transit is easy.
9 Horseback Riding Birthday Party Places for East Bay Kids
Go big for your kiddo's next birthday with a horseback riding party! We've lassoed up 9 venues within an hour of Berkeley.
Mom’s Night Out idea: Step-by-step Canvas Painting Studios
Painting studios where adults can feel confident about putting their brushes to canvas, including some with kid-friendly painting classes.
Gently Used Sporting Goods for Kids
At Play It Again Sports, families can buy and sell used sporting goods for water sports, baseball, golf, hockey gear, skis, bikes, roller blades, and ...
Pleasanton BMX Park, dirt jumping with kids
I just took our two oldest boys to the Pleasanton BMX Park, and boy was it fun! I am an avid mountain biker and occasionally ...
Profile: Golfland mini golf center & birthday party place
A classic miniature golf venue in the East Bay with loads of fun challenges and hazards.
{510} Family Faves with Mishi and Carter
Local favorites from an East Bay mom and children's book author.
Yes, the Bay Area Does Have Seasons: Winter
We gratefully welcome back Annie Burke, founder of Outside Kids, for today’s post. Most people say that the Bay Area doesn’t have seasons. I disagree. ...
Circus Vargas at Pleasanton’s Alameda County Fairgrounds
From August 16 to 19, the blue and yellow big top tent for Circus Vargas will be in position at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in ...
Field Trip to the Hills and Tunnels of Black Diamond Mines
Thank you to Annie Burke sharing her terrific tips for exploring Black Diamond Mines with kids in tow. There’s something cool about exploring an ...
The COOP in Pleasanton is now closed
The COOP Pleasanton is a clean, modern indoor play space perfect for preschoolers with full espresso bar, wifi, and magazines for the parents.
Special experience gift idea: Warriors Camps for kids
Between December 3 and February 26, the Golden State Warriors host a series of basketball "camps" for kids with lots of cool perks.
Kid Report: Lost Worlds in Livermore
Lost Worlds Livermore has fun places in it such as laser tag, trampolines, mini golf, you name it! The play structure is epic.
Kid Report: Best Skate Parks in the East Bay
Juliette tells us about the best skate parks for skateboarders and scooter riders in the East Bay: Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Moraga. Plus San Rafael.
Tutu School offers ballet in Oakland’s Montclair Village
Tutu School, where toddlers and preschoolers can take their first ballet steps, is the latest addition to Montclair Village. Classes begin at 18 months.
Wine without whining for East Bay parents
Wine tasting with kids in the Bay Area
Brentwood farms fruit picking, tips for families
Monday, I drove four boys out to Brentwood to go fruit-picking. I was vague in my promises — berries, cherries, apricots, or whatever they have. You like ...
Music Together review: East Bay baby and toddler music class
I wrote up my family's experience trying Music Together for the first time. Basically, we loved it. I wasn't sure it could be as great ...
5 Family-friendly road trips from Oakland
Looking for a fun day trip or mini vacation for your long weekend? These fellow Bay Area bloggers have a few inspiring ideas and photographs ...
New mom challenge: Find bookstore events for babies
Celebrate your local, independent bookstores by discovering a new one, visiting with your well-behaved children and buying a terrific book. Better yet, find out which ...
{510} Family Faves: East Bay mom (and Olympian) Kristi Yamaguchi
I met Kristi Yamaguchi, mom of two, at an event recently where she was showing off Tsu.ya, her new line of women’s apparel. I learned ...
My East Bay summer bucket list (Heather)
After reading Whitney’s East Bay summer bucket list, I wanted to create one of my own. Here are ten things I’d like to do with ...
Hiking in the East Bay with kids
I have a shelf full of travel books that I’m reluctant to toss because they remind me of my past life. However, I know that ...
Field trip: Farm day in Brentwood
I took the kids to an awesome pick your own farm and pumpkin patch out in Brentwood that I totally recommend!
