There’s something for everyone in Concord. The city offers wonderful attractions, delightful parks, newly built shopping areas, and a healthy dose of small-town charm. Families can’t go wrong spending time in the area—about 30 minutes east of Oakland.
Where to Play with Kids in Concord:
Matteo’s Dream Playground
This all-abilities playground allows all kids to play and make believe in the spacious play area. With a tot lot and a big kid playground, the structures are made from a wood-like material and feature tunnels, bridges, ramps, slides, turrets, and other features to spark imaginary play.
Meadow Home Spray Park
This free splash park is open on afternoons and provides a playful space to cool off from the heat. Mixed-age families will appreciate the water features in the park. A baby/toddler area includes a cute slide and adorable statues that use lower water pressure, while the big kid area has a pirate ship, water-dumping palm trees, and soaring water fountains.
Vertical Climber at The Veranda
This climbing structure allows kids to climb up and around in a safe and interactive environment. The modern jungle, evocative of lily pads suspended in space, is suitable for toddlers to grade schoolers.
Pixieland Amusement Park
Families in search of pint-sized thrills will enjoy this pay-per-ride theme park. Check out the carousel, dragon roller coaster, teacups, and other child-sized rides at the outdoor fun park. Some say it’s a more modern, smaller version of Children’s Fairyland.
Rockin’ Jump
Rockin’ Jump is the operator of several Bay Area trampoline centers, including a location in Concord (formerly Sky High Sports). Come to jump leaps and bounds on the trampolines, but families can also expect: a stunt bag to bounce or swing into, a dodgeball room, an aerial skills space, an arcade, and a 28-foot rock-climbing wall. Put Rockin’ Jump on your list of places to visit when school is closed.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
For a special outing, this mega waterpark is sure to be memorable! From daring waterslides to a tot-friendly splash area, the park is a great fit for littles to teens and adults, too; though, children who are 48 inches or taller will have the greatest access to water rides.
Unique Family-friendly Outings in Concord:
West Wind Drive-in Movie Theater
Pile into the car and go to a drive-in movie theater – a rarity these days! Movies are shown throughout the year and typically feature the same blockbusters as indoor theaters. Arrive early to purchase tickets, park the car, and grab a bite from the concession stand. Pro tip: bring camp chairs and blankets.
Observation Area & Playground at Buchanan Field Airport
Watch airplanes soar into the sky at Buchanan Field. The viewing area features a sweet airport-themed play area, a miniature runway, bleachers, and shaded picnic tables. Plus, it’s fully fenced!
Where to Eat with Kids in Concord:
The Veranda
There’s no shortage of dining options at The Veranda. The upscale and new-ish destination has choices that kids and parents will enjoy for lunch, dinner, and dessert. My family likes Super Duper Burger, Mikuni, Nick the Greek, Popbar, and Angel & Devil. For a pseudo-date, order food to go and then enjoy it together while your kids explore and play on the aforementioned vertical climber.
Latinx Cuisine
From Mexican to Niguaruan, Concord has an abundance of restaurants that serve scrumptious offerings from Latinx countries. My family enjoys dishes from Mercado del Sol. Though with so many options, why not try them all?
Todos Santos Plaza Farmers’ Market
Shop local at the farmers market in downtown Concord. Browse fresh produce, hot food stands, and sweet pastries on two days: Tuesdays year round and Thursdays from April through October. On Thursdays, there’s also live music and a green space for kids to run around.
Skipolini’s Pizza
Everyone has their own idea of what makes the best pizza (my vote is for Chicago-style deep dish pizza), but Skipolini’s is a local favorite. You may have heard of its Prego pizza that’s rumored to jump-start labor. Whether or not you’re expecting, the Concord location is worth a try, especially if you can sit outside on the large outdoor patio.
Side Gate Brewery
This brewery and beer garden has a beautiful, fenced-in outdoor space to enjoy a drink or meal from the rotating food trucks. You’ll love the chill vibe and the fact that kids and dogs are welcome.
More East Bay Breweries Families Love >
Where to Score Points with Tweens and Teens:
Dave & Busters
Tweens can hit the massive arcade, play virtual reality games, or watch a sporting event at the Concord location. A parent must be on site, but adults can give kids their space by spending time at the on-site bar. Website >
The Flipper Room
Kick it old school at this pinball arcade. With 30 pinball games, there’s a big opportunity for fun. Bring plenty of quarters because games are pay to play. Don’t get thrown off by the framing business in the front of the buildings; the owners also run a custom framing center. Website >
Round1 Bowling & Amusement
There are so many activities under one roof at Round1 in Concord. Kids can choose from bowling, arcade games, karaoke, billiards, ping pong, and darts. Read about Whitney’s visit to the Round1 arcade with kids; she recommends visiting in the morning.
Selfie Wrld
Selfie Wrld has various installations where visitors can pose and create content for social platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Think of small rooms with lots of colors, props, and neon signs galore. It may not be a parent’s cup of tea, but sometimes you just “gotta do it for the gram.”
What are your favorite spots to spend time with kids in Concord? Tell us in the comments section.
