San Leandro families have easy access to the Oakland Zoo (just a block outside the city limits) and the Oakland Airport, but did you know there are a lot of fun things for kids to do in San Leandro? The San Leandro Improvement Association helped us put together this list of family activities in San Leandro.
Whether you are looking for an outdoor adventure or a simple day in the city, here are some of the Best Things to Do in San Leandro with kids– and parents too!
Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in San Leandro
San Leandro Family Aquatic Center – This summertime gem is home to a splash pool, water play structure, free-swim pool, lap lane, a spray park, and a 17-foot high waterslide. Open seven days a week from 1-4:45 pm from mid-June to mid-August, this park is spacious enough to where every family is able to carve out their own space at a table or on the grass to relax and soak up those summer rays. Check out our review on the San Leandro Family Aquatic Center >
Downtown San Leandro Farmers’ Market – Families can enjoy an evening filled with fun at the Downtown San Leandro Farmers’ Market. This farmers’ market offers delicious, locally-grown fruits and vegetables all summer long, and is perfect for the whole family to partake in! Runs from April to October.Â
Casa Peralta – San Leandro’s photogenic Spanish-style villa invites you to explore with your family. The historic landmark offers a great picnic area—bring a blanket and some snacks. The San Leandro Improvement Association has also added multiple table-and-chair sets with umbrellas that make the perfect place to rest and enjoy lunch with the family as kids run around through the beautiful grounds.
San Leandro Marina Park – This waterfront park is great for walking, biking, scootering, and pushing a stroller. Toddlers will love spotting numerous planes flying overhead as they approach the Oakland Airport. It has two nice playgrounds, public bathrooms, and wide-open grassy fields for a game of soccer, football, Wiffle ball, or frisbee. Check out our review of San Leandro Marina Park >
DC Dance Center – This dance studio welcomes dancers of all ages to participate in Zumba, hip-hop, ballet, combo classes, and more! Every summer the studio also offers fun summer camps for children.
Joaquin Plaza – The Exploratorium’s musical activation at Joaquin Plaza is a kid and parents-approved spot to check out! The musical exhibit has seating that will create an educational and auditory experience for visitors and residents to enjoy. The exhibit features eight points of interaction, where users can use a rocking, glider-chair mechanism to trigger individually pitched chimes for a soothingly ambient, pentatonic musical experience.
The Libraries – The San Leandro Public Libraries have all sorts of children’s programming.
Washington Manor Park and Pool – This large city park has picnic areas and playgrounds, but don’t miss the swimming pool as it boasts a couple of kid-friendly waterslides for an extra splash!
Oyster Bay – Bring new riders to this shoreline park which has a paved path and a cool sculpture, perfect for bike-riding, scootering, and jogging.
Where to eat in San Leandro with kids
Drake’s Brewing Company – This brewery will make it feel like date night as the kids will be occupied by the goldfish crackers at every table just for kids!
Sabino’s Coffee Shop – A local favorite, this indie coffee shop boasts a back patio and fancy hot chocolates for the kids.
Loard’s Ice Cream – What’s better for kids than a delicious ice cream shop with old-school arcade games, a ping-pong table, and tasty ice cream flavors? Loard’s Ice Cream is the perfect spot to take kids on a hot summer day.
Sons of Liberty Ale House – This tavern offers a menu selection for children under 10! Parents can enjoy a drink or two at the Sons of Liberty Ale House while the little ones enjoy mac n’ cheese bowls, fish & chips, or grilled cheese & fries. Puppies are also invited!
Porkys Pizza –  For parents who just want their kid to eat their food, Porky’s offers an easy environment and a simple, winning combination: pizza and beer!
Zocalo Coffee – Magic! It’s a coffeehouse and a small play space: everything a toddler’s parent needs at 8 am on a Sunday morning. (Bonus! They open at 7 am on weekdays!)
Things to do with kids *close* to San Leandro
Oakland Zoo – Yep, you can walk to San Leandro from the Zoo, no problem. Animals, play areas, and all sorts of cool stuff to do at the Oakland Zoo.
Cull Canyon Recreation Area – This East Bay regional park is home to a fantastic swimming lagoon.
Ardenwood Farms – Seasonally changing activities and events make Ardenwood Farms in Fremont a fun day trip.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center –Â Animal education and drop-in toddler activities are programmed into this Hayward destination’s year-round fun.
Recurring activities for kids in San Leandro
These big box stores are hosts to drop-in activities for children.
Home Depot offers hands-on kids’ workshops the first Saturday of every month and they are free! More details about Home Depot kids activities >
Lowe’s offers monthly workshops for kids that are often seasonally-themed, as well as some for adults! Located just south of San Leandro in Union City, enjoy a free DIY workshop where your kiddos can build, craft, paint, and more. Be sure to register online >
Upcoming family events in San Leandro, open to the public
2 thoughts on “Best Things to Do in San Leandro With Kids”
Please don’t forget the Ghirardelli factory very close to downtown. Besides purchasing chocolates at discount rates, there is a fairly new ice cream parlor inside with the same menu as in S.F. but at discounted prices. Cute tables, sweet decor, and friendly servers make it the perfect stop for the entire family.
There is also the new Fieldworks beer garden which just opened and is family friendly.
We moved here in 2021 and I love our little city! They have a very special Moon Festival and the as well as a brand new Car Show as of 2022. The library hosts a lot of larger events in the parking lot (car show, farmers market, etc) as well as their large event room on the south side of their building. There’s a few special hikes nearby too that you could add to your “nearby” list: my favorites are Fairmont Ridge (allows dogs off leash) and Lake Chabot. Of course, Lake Chabot is especially nice because of that cafe with snacks! Finally, check out 85 C Bakery, yum! You could stay in that complex all day long and have hot pot, bakery treats, and a fancy drink.