Our guide to great places to spend rainy days with little kids is sponsored by Kids Play Zone (KPZ), an indoor play space for kids under 10 in Oakland.
Wow, can the time pass slowly inside the house on a rainy day! While we love cuddling up to some Disney+ under a blanket and splashing in muddy puddles, here is a list of fantastic indoor but out-of-the-house family activities for East Bay parents to consider.
Places to go with Bay Area kids on a Rainy Day
Imagine and climb
Need something to do before or after naptime? Kids Play Zone is a paradise for children up to age ten with pretend play stations, a two-level play structure, tandem slide, huge ball pit, tunnels, log ride, and a special area for crawlers and pre-walkers.
Kids Play Zone offers families a safe, clean, and welcoming environment where parents can hop on the wifi and get a little done while the kids are delighted. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended on rainy days.
Your first visit is free. Some restrictions apply – please call or email info@kidsplayzoneoakland.com to inquire.
Rates: $15 for the first child, $10 for each additional, parents admitted free
Location: 900 Market St. Ste M, Oakland
Phone: (510)-817-4384
Website >
See our full list of indoor play spaces for toddlers and preschoolers here >
Step away from the screen
Well, trade screens for other screens, anyway. Big kids can get their video game fix at Plank in Oakland. In Alameda, the Pacific Pinball Museum offers pinball from every era.
Play Indoor Sports
Bowling offers hours of bowling fun for multi-generational crowds (find some bowling deals first). Try something new at Fat Shafts Archery in Benicia.
Learn Something at a Museum
The science museums, Chabot Space & Science in Oakland and Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley are super kid-friendly. Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA) and Oakland Museum of California are beautiful spaces to explore together and offer hands-on areas for little ones to feel engaged. See a list of museums you can visit for FREE.
Go to a Family-friendly Movie
With onsite cafes, The New Parkway in Oakland and The Cerrito Cinema in El Cerrito both make it possible to feed your kids a real dinner and watch a movie at the same time. If they need to flop their bodies around during the show, there’s room for that.
Make Art Together
Book studio time at Brushstrokes Studio or Color Me Mine Alameda and paint pottery together. Big kids can collaborate on a family plate or individual mug. Babies can get in on the action by stamping footprints onto your work. Finish up your creative endeavors with hot cocoa.
Jump and Roll Around
Check our calendar to see if any of the local open gym hours are happening. We like the ninja warrior courses at Traverse Fitness and the Ultimate Sports Open Gym. and if not, consider making the drive to Rockin Jump in Concord, Fremont, or Dublin for some bouncing time. Even Pump It Up in Oakland offers Pop In Playtime where you pay by the hour.
What are your go-to activities for rainy days?
Thanks to Kids Play Zone! Check their website for hours and more details about drop-in play, reservations, and parties.
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