Looking for things to do with kids in the Bay Area this summer? From having fun in the sun to exploring interactive exhibits and opportunities to spark creativity, California offers endless possibilities for families to connect, explore, and learn together.
To help families make the most of the warm weather, we’ve gathered some of the top Bay Area activities that inspire imagination, encourage discovery, and create lasting memories.
Adventure Awaits: Fun for the Whole Family
Adventure Playground (Berkeley)
Starting off strong, a visit to Berkeley’s Adventure Playground is a great Bay Area activity for kids. This hands-on, creative space lets children build, paint, climb, and explore with real tools and raw materials. It’s a great environment for risk-taking and imagination—perfect for adventurous spirits.
Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito)
We can’t compile this list without mentioning our hands-on summer camps at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. From STEAM projects to hidden grottos, children ages 3-8 explore, create, and make new friends across our 7.5-acre campus. See available dates and enroll your camper today!
California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park)
This living museum features an aquarium, planetarium, rainforest dome, and more. It’s one of the most engaging things to do in the Bay Area with kids, especially for budding scientists.
Chabot Space and Science Center (Oakland)
If you’re raising a future astronaut, this is one of the best Bay Area activities for kids. Families can explore space-themed exhibits, participate in science experiments, and observe the skies through real telescopes—a great option for curious minds of all ages.
Children’s Fairyland (Oakland)
Step into a storybook world at Children’s Fairyland, one of the most whimsical things to do with kids in the Bay Area. With storybook sets, gentle rides, puppet shows, and animals to meet, it’s designed especially for young children. Watch your little one’s imagination take flight in this beloved Oakland gem.
Crissy Field East Beach (San Francisco)
As part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this wide, family-friendly beach offers gentle surf (perfect for busy toddlers), soft sand, and iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s ideal for picnics, kite-flying, and beachcombing.
Exploratorium (San Francisco)
One of the most fascinating Bay Area activities for kids, the Exploratorium is a hands-on museum where science meets play. Interactive exhibits invite children (and adults) to experiment with light, sound, motion, and perception. It’s a must-visit for curious families and a great way to spark STEM learning through fun.
Presidio Tunnel Tops (San Francisco)
Presidio Tunnel Tops is where national park adventures begin! Offering panoramic views, nature play spaces, picnic areas, and trails, this spot is one of our top outdoor picks. Plus, it’s free to all and open every day. Families can explore the Outpost play area, enjoy food trucks, or simply relax with breathtaking views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.
Tilden Park Little Farm (Berkeley)
Meet cows, goats, chickens, and more at this free, family-friendly farm. Kids can feed the animals with celery or lettuce brought from home. It’s a simple, down-to-earth way to connect with nature.
A Summer of Wonder Awaits
A summer of exploration and fun wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Bay Area Discovery Museum. Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, our museum is more than a destination—it’s a place where kids can get hands-on learning, explore the outdoors, and ignite their imaginations. It’s a must-visit for families looking for fun things to do in the Bay Area with kids that will spark curiosity and foster creativity.
Add it to your list of unforgettable Bay Area activities this summer! Ready to join us on a summer adventure? Get started today.
