Winter Activities for Kids in the Bay Area — Ice Skating, Whales & Holiday Trains

A stunning coastal wilderness with tide pools, elephant seals, whale watching, and the iconic Point Reyes Lighthouse. The Bear Valley Visitor Center has junior ranger programs. Drakes Beach is calm and perfect for families.

A world-famous elephant seal rookery where massive seals breed from December to March. Guided walks take families on a moderate 3-mile hike through dunes to the beach colony. Self-guided visits available April-November with no reservation needed.

A stunning Pacific Ocean overlook perched on the cliffs north of Muir Beach with WWII bunker remains that kids love to explore. A very short, easy walk from the parking lot to panoramic ocean views. Perfect quick stop on the way to Stinson Beach.

A unique state beach famous for its wave-carved natural rock arch, rich tide pools, and as California's only State Monarch Butterfly Preserve. Monarch butterflies arrive October-January, and the accessible boardwalk makes viewing easy for families.

One of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast at 115 feet, with a short 10-minute walk from parking. Kids can spot sea lions, search for whales, and explore tide pools on the beach below. Visitor Center open Thu-Mon 10am-4pm.

A historic 1870 lighthouse perched on windswept Point Reyes headlands, one of the best whale watching spots on the California coast. The 308 steps down to the lighthouse offer dramatic ocean views. Visitor center has exhibits about maritime history.

A lushly wooded 1,147-acre park in the Santa Cruz Mountain foothills featuring a spectacular 1-mile Waterfall Loop Trail with 5 waterfalls along Swanson Creek. The easy loop crosses charming bridges through a redwood and bay laurel forest. 25 campsites with hot showers available.

A beautiful 20-foot waterfall nestled in the Elliott Nature Preserve, reached via an easy two-mile round-trip trail through towering redwoods and moss-covered boulders. One of Marin's most rewarding and accessible waterfall hikes for families.

The largest tract of undisturbed marshland remaining in the San Francisco Bay at 1,940 acres. Fifteen miles of trails through tidal and freshwater habitats. The Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center has wildlife displays, microscopes for kids, and guided nature walks. One of the best birdwatching areas on the West Coast.

A serene old-growth redwood park with an easy family-friendly trail to Tiptoe Falls. The half-mile Sequoia Nature Trail is flat and interpretive. 53 forested campsites. One of the quietest and least crowded redwood parks near the Bay Area.

Historic narrow-gauge steam trains through ancient redwood forests, plus a beach train to Santa Cruz. The 1880s logging camp atmosphere includes a general store and picnic grove. Special holiday trains are seasonal favorites.

A beautiful Marin County state park with a 3-mile paved bike trail through redwood-shaded valleys along Lagunitas Creek. The campground is popular for family camping, and kids love spotting spawning salmon in the creek during winter.

The only permanent outdoor ice skating rink west of the Sierras, rated #1 in the US by Yelp. Open mid-October through mid-April with twinkling lights and a cozy atmosphere. Group classes for kids 5+.

Historic indoor ice arena built by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz in 1969. Features the Warm Puppy Cafe rink-side and Snoopy's Gallery & Gift Shop nearby. Offers skating lessons, hockey, and public sessions.

The largest ice rink facility west of the Mississippi with six NHL-sized rinks in a 370,000 sq ft facility. Offers public skating, hockey leagues, figure skating lessons, and birthday parties. An incredible venue for skating enthusiasts of all ages.

A year-round indoor ice skating center in downtown Oakland with two rinks (one NHL-sized, one Olympic-sized). Offers public skating, skating classes for kids age 3+, and skating aids for beginners. Oakland residents get 10% off admission.

An official San Jose Sharks practice facility open year-round for public skating, hockey, figure skating, and birthday parties. Skate rentals and skating aids available for beginners. A great indoor activity for all ages in the East Bay.

A year-round ice skating rink in Bridgepointe Shopping Center in San Mateo offering public skating sessions, skating school, figure skating and hockey programs. Rental skates available with a variety of camps and classes for kids.