Playgrounds & Activities

An award-winning inclusive playground designed for children of ALL abilities. Features a music zone, swing zone, spinning zone, and sensory wall. Every element is accessible and thoughtfully designed for kids with different needs.

Award-winning 1-acre all-abilities playground designed for inclusive play. Features a Liberty Swing for wheelchairs, all-abilities swings, cushy rubber surfaces, AstroTurf, and an automated accessible restroom. Themed after Hayward landmarks.

The Bay Area's biggest and most adventurous playground spanning two acres at Presidio Tunnel Tops. Explore a giant fallen tree, scale the Woodland Wall, play in water features inspired by historic water channels, and enjoy panoramic Golden Gate Bridge views.

An award-winning children's museum nestled under the Golden Gate Bridge with hands-on exhibits, outdoor play areas, and art studios. Perfect for curious kids who love to explore, build, and create in a stunning waterfront setting.

Fully accessible playground in Dolores Park with age-designated areas for older and younger children. Features modern play structures, inclusive design elements, and stunning city views from the hilltop location.

A unique junkyard-style playground where kids build forts, paint structures, and zip-line. One of the last adventure playgrounds in the US. Kids use real hammers, nails, and saws under supervision. Gloriously messy and creative.

A legendary playground designed with input from Hank Ketcham, creator of Dennis the Menace. Features a giant rock climbing wall, hedge maze, roller slide, suspension bridge, and a real Southern Pacific steam engine.

Koret Children's Quarter in Golden Gate Park is the oldest public children's playground in the US, recently renovated with modern play structures, a concrete slide built into the hill, climbing walls, and a beautiful carousel. Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park near the California Academy of Sciences.

Epic castle-and-dragon themed playground at Coyote Point with a 42-foot castle, one of California's longest enclosed slides, two huge purple dragons, 11 slides, and 13 swings. Separate gated area for toddlers.

A premier climbing gym in the Presidio with 25,000 sq ft of climbing terrain and 40-foot walls, plus yoga studios and fitness areas. Youth programs include after-school classes, seasonal camps, and competitive teams designed to build strength, confidence, and teamwork.

A beautiful hillside zoo with over 850 native and exotic animals. The California Trail features grizzly bears, wolves, and condors. The Wayne & Gladys Valley Children's Zoo has a barn, rides, and a nature play area.

A beloved free petting farm in Tilden Regional Park where children can feed goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. Bring celery and lettuce to feed the animals. Clean bathrooms and a small playground nearby. Open 365 days a year. The Tilden Merry-Go-Round, steam trains, and Lake Anza (swimming in summer) are nearby.

The largest American Ninja Warrior gym in California, welcoming kids ages 6 and up for classes, open gym, birthday parties, and camps. Features a wide variety of ninja warrior obstacles in a massive indoor space. Their Pro Team competes worldwide.

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+.

A Santa Clara County holiday tradition since 1999 at Vasona Lake County Park, with more than 50 themed animated light displays and a 90-foot twinkling tree. Most nights are drive-thru; a few walk-thru nights let families stroll the displays on foot.

A welcoming bouldering, yoga, and fitness gym in El Cerrito behind the Ranch 99 complex. Offers kids climbing classes, slacklining, summer camps, after-school programs, birthday parties, and a running club. Great for introducing children to climbing.

A hands-on museum in Yerba Buena Gardens where kids create animations, music videos, and art projects using technology. Features a historic carousel and rotating exhibits that blend art with tech.

America's first storybook theme park, located on the shores of Lake Merritt. Enchanting fairy-tale sets, puppet shows, gentle rides, and a petting zoo. The inspiration for Disneyland, it's perfectly sized for young children.

A unique science zoo and playground in Coyote Point featuring native wildlife exhibits, hands-on science stations, and a fantastic outdoor nature play area. Kids can meet animals, conduct experiments, and explore nature trails.

A free working farm in the Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve with 75-100 farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Self-guided tours available through the farm's history. Beautiful hiking trails surround the property.

A free splash pad in the 48-acre Emerald Glen Park featuring ground sprayers, overhead sprayers, and a rainbow sprayer. The surrounding park has excellent playgrounds with two structures, a rocky hillside with slides, and wide open space for kids to run.

A charming small zoo and amusement park combo with gentle rides, puppet shows, and close-up animal encounters. Sized perfectly for young children with lemurs, capybaras, and a petting zoo.

La Petite Playhouse in Redwood City is a 10,000 sq ft indoor playground on the Peninsula, with giant multi-level play structures, a dedicated baby-and-toddler soft-play area, and activities suitable for all abilities up to age 10. Popular for open-play sessions and birthday parties.

Charming play cafe with three themed playrooms and a cozy parent lounge. Offers 90-minute play sessions with imaginative play toys for younger children and a calm baby room. Ages 0-6.

The Bay Area's premier ninja warrior gym with over 6,000 sq ft of American Ninja Warrior-style obstacles including warped walls, rope swings, monkey bars, and more. Designed for all skill levels with classes, open gym, camps, and birthday parties.

Touchstone climbing gym with bouldering, top rope, lead climbing, yoga, and fitness. Youth programs include after-school camps, summer camps, and competitive climbing teams.

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.

A legendary 23,000 sq ft climbing gym in San Francisco's Mission District with a 50-foot lead wall, 2,000 sq ft of bouldering, and 160+ routes. Kids 12 and under climb free with a membership. Offers youth programs, private lessons, camps, and clubs.

A 3,000 sq ft custom-built indoor playground across four levels with two climbing walls, a ninja ropes course, bounce house with slide, mixed reality room, and a full arcade. Features a designated toddler area for the little ones and is a 2025 Bay Area Parent Gold winner.

Touchstone climbing gym in Berkeley featuring extensive bouldering and rope climbing areas. Offers kids classes, camps, climbing teams, and clubs with trained youth instructors.

A hidden gem in Cupertino with an outdoor pool, picnic areas, a creative playground, and seasonal activities. The U-pick garden lets kids harvest vegetables. Surrounded by nature with trails connecting to Stevens Creek.

Unique roller skating rink set inside a converted church in the Fillmore District. Offers classes, parties, open skating sessions, and a truly one-of-a-kind San Francisco experience.

Touchstone climbing gym featuring bouldering and rope climbing with dedicated youth programs. Offers kids classes, summer camps, after-school programs, and competitive climbing teams.

Marin County's premier indoor rock climbing gym at 440 Smith Ranch Rd in San Rafael. Kids ages 5 and up can climb with experienced instructors offering 6-week class sessions. Birthday parties include 1.5 hours of climbing and 30 minutes in the party room.

An iconic indoor trampoline park in a converted airplane hangar at Crissy Field in the Presidio, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Features 42 conjoined trampolines, basketball courts, a dodgeball arena, and The Fort — a special trampoline space for ages 3-6.

An interactive role-play city inside Hillsdale Shopping Center where children experience real-world roles in a child-sized city. Kids develop confidence, social skills, and fundamentals of math, reading, and science through imaginative play.

Brand-new indoor playground at City Center Bishop Ranch with 3,500 sq ft of interactive and imaginative play. Features a dedicated toddler room, pretend play section, and fine motor skills area for ages 0-8.

Lemon Tree Play Cafe in Santa Clara is a South Bay play cafe on El Camino Real designed for crawlers and toddlers ages 6 months to 3.5 years. Lemon Tree's indoor play area features slides, a train table, and pretend-play stations including a doll house, market, and kitchen, while parents relax in the cafe.

Free pirate-themed spray park with play areas for tots, tweens, and teens. Features water sprays, splash zones, and picnic areas. Open Memorial Day through September.

Movement Sunnyvale (formerly Planet Granite Sunnyvale) is a full-service climbing gym with bouldering, top rope, and lead climbing walls. Offers youth programs, kids camps, and birthday parties with trained instructors in a welcoming environment.

San Francisco's last true old-school bowling alley with 12 lanes, bumpers for kids 8 and under, lightweight balls, and ramps. Features an outdoor patio with Bay views, a great bar and grill, and All You Can Eat Pizza Sundays. Open every day of the year.

A 19-hole indoor miniature golf course at 1600 Park Street in Alameda showcasing East Bay landmarks, plus pool tables, slot cars, and an arcade. A unique indoor activity that's great for families year-round.

A hidden gem playground atop the Moscone Center with a sandy play area, creative climbing structures, and beautiful garden surroundings. Steps away from the Children's Creativity Museum and ice skating rink. Perfect urban playground.

A free downtown San Jose holiday tradition at Plaza de César Chávez with an enchanted forest of decorated trees, more than 40 animated displays, a 50-foot Christmas tree, photos with Santa, and live entertainment. Open nightly from late November through New Year's Day.

Splash park with multiple play structures and a padded splash area for toddlers. Open seasonally on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with extended summer weekday hours.

Walk-in pottery painting studio where kids can choose from hundreds of ceramic pieces to paint. Staff fires the pieces in a kiln and they're ready for pickup in about a week. Great rainy day activity.

Full waterpark with a massive Slide Tower featuring six water slides, a Splash Zone for toddlers with interactive water features, lap pool, and recreation pool. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

A quirky indoor mini golf club at South Van Ness and 22nd Street with creatively themed holes, a full bar, and a restaurant. Kids under 13 welcome with an adult before 8pm. Offers special kids birthday party packages.

The only two-story laser tag arena in the Bay Area, featuring 15-minute action-packed games where you score points by tagging opponents. Also offers a laser maze and arcade games. Popular for birthday parties and group events.

A working family farm in Half Moon Bay offering pony rides, train rides, hay rides, petting zoo with baby goats and bunnies, farm slide, barn jumpers, and goat yoga. Especially popular during the fall pumpkin patch season.

An ocean-themed indoor playground and party venue at 1917 Ocean Ave in SF for children ages 0-12. Features a 3-story play structure with three slides, two ball pits, a trampoline, and a swing, plus a separate area for tots under 2.

A massive 45,000 sq ft dinosaur-themed indoor playground with 13 attractions including Northern California's largest play structure, black light mini golf, multi-level laser tag, a foam pit with trampolines, rock climbing wall, and the Pterodactyl Cafe. Perfect for kids of all ages with a dedicated toddler area.

A 13,000 sq ft two-floor indoor playground at Eastridge Mall featuring ball pits, slides, hurdles, a full arcade, and safe spaces for babies, toddlers, and big kids. One of San Jose's most popular play destinations for families.

A charming 18-hole artist-designed outdoor mini golf course in San Rafael with a waterfall, windmill, and lush landscaping on tiered hillside terrain. Kids under 5 play free with a paying adult. Open daily, weather permitting.

Stylish bowling venue in a converted warehouse in the Mission District. All-ages until 6pm with a full restaurant serving elevated comfort food and craft cocktails. Great for weekend family outings.

Indoor playground and party venue with slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, and a dedicated toddler zone. Parent workspace with free Wi-Fi makes it great for working parents.

Charming amusement park for young children ages 1-10 open since 1955. Features a miniature train, carousel, mini roller coaster, tea cups, airplanes, frog hopper, antique cars, and prize games. Free admission and parking.

Movement Belmont (formerly Planet Granite Belmont) is an indoor climbing gym on the Peninsula with bouldering and rope climbing walls. Offers youth programs, kids camps, birthday parties, and a welcoming environment for beginning climbers.

Northern California's largest water park with over 30 rides and attractions. Features a dedicated kids' area with shallow pools and mini slides, plus thrilling water coasters for older kids and teens.

Animal-themed indoor jungle gym where children can climb, slide, and explore. Features a separate toddler play area and an animal-themed climbing area with a running track for older kids.

San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is home to the Fisher Family Children's Zoo, featuring a nature trail, insect zoo, barn, and playground. The 100-acre zoo near Ocean Beach houses gorillas, grizzly bears, penguins, a classic carousel, and over 2,000 animals.

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.

An indoor 18-hole miniature golf experience at Ghirardelli Square with holes celebrating San Francisco landmarks. Also features a fully loaded arcade and boba shop. A creative, rainy-day-proof activity near Fisherman's Wharf.

A creative 18-hole indoor miniature golf course in downtown San Jose inspired by the South Bay, combined with a full restaurant and bar. Each hole features distinctive, high-tech designs. Families welcome before 8pm, 21+ after 8pm.

A 4,500 sq ft play space on The Alameda in San Jose for children ages 8 weeks to 8 years, filled with play structures, games, toys, and room to imagine. Offers open play sessions, classes, camps, and private birthday party events.

A family-friendly waterpark in Fremont with a lazy river, water slides, splash pad for toddlers, and a large swimming pool. More affordable alternative to Raging Waters with a relaxed vibe perfect for younger kids.

A major theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and Planet Snoopy kids' area. Features rides for all thrill levels, from gentle carousel rides for little ones to intense coasters for older kids. South Bay's go-to for amusement park fun.

An ocean-themed indoor recreation center inside Stoneridge Mall for children 12 and under, featuring a dynamic two-level soft play structure and a toddler-friendly zone. Great for rainy day play and birthday parties.

KidTopia in Fremont is the East Bay's largest soft-play indoor playground, designed for children up to age 10. KidTopia features vibrant play structures, slides, ball pits, and a dedicated baby and toddler playground. Weekday all-day passes make it one of the best-value family play destinations in the East Bay.

Spray park at Larkey Park with water play features for young children. Adjacent to Larkey Park swimming pool and playground. Open summer months on select days.

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.

Pirate-themed splash pad at Ortega Park with water spouts, dump bucket, and a playground. Small but fun water play area perfect for toddlers and young kids on hot summer days.

Premier indoor playground featuring slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, bridges, swings, and a zip line. Has a dedicated area for toddlers under 3 with interactive wall panels.

A premier indoor playground and party place in the Inner Richmond neighborhood at 5411 Geary Blvd. Designed for children to socialize, learn, and play with emphasis on physical exercise, mental stimulation, and collaborative activities.

Premier trampoline park featuring open jump rooms, dodgeball court, stunt bag, 28-foot rock climbing wall, aerial silks, and a designated area for kids 6 and under. Offers Rockin' Tots sessions at discounted prices.

Sky Zone San Carlos (formerly Rockin' Jump San Carlos) is a family trampoline park on the Peninsula with over 10,000 sq ft of trampolines. Features a main jump arena, basketball arena, dodgeball, a stunt bag, and toddler-only jump sessions for ages 6 and under.

SF's largest arcade at Stonestown Galleria featuring Japanese arcade games, claw machines, rhythm games, bowling, billiards, karaoke, and a kids play area. Authentic Japanese snacks available.

Popular animal-themed indoor playground with multi-level climbing structures, slides, and a dedicated toddler area. A favorite for birthday parties and rainy day outings.

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.

Family-friendly roller skating rink in Marin County with walkers available for new skaters. Great for birthday parties and family outings with arcade games and snack bar.

Originally the first Rockin' Jump location, now operating as Sky Zone Dublin with over 10,000 sq ft of trampolines in an 18,000+ sq ft space. Features a basketball arena, foam pit, dodgeball, cafe, and private party rooms.

San Francisco's only outdoor mini golf course in the Mission Bay neighborhood, featuring an 18-hole course in Parklab Gardens. A fun, family-friendly outdoor activity in a vibrant, up-and-coming part of the city, near UCSF and Chase Center.

One of the North Bay's only roller skating rinks, hosting parties, school events, and free skate sessions. A long-standing community favorite for family fun in Sonoma County.

A pirate-themed indoor playground at Westfield Oakridge Mall filled with nautical-themed slides, climbing sections, and play areas for children under 10. Engaging pirate decor makes every visit an adventure on the high seas.

A stylish 40-lane bowling center on Park Street in Alameda with bumper bowling, bowling ramps, a full arcade, and kid-friendly food including pizza, chicken tenders, and milkshakes. Perfect for family outings and birthday parties.

Upscale bowling and entertainment venue with 12 stylish lanes welcoming guests of all ages and skill levels. Features a full bar and dining menu in a chic modern atmosphere.

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.

Inflatable bounce house playground featuring giant inflatables, slides, and obstacle courses. Great for high-energy kids who love to jump, bounce, and climb.

Multi-entertainment facility at Sunvalley Mall with bowling, arcade games from Japan, claw machines, karaoke, billiards, ping pong, darts, and party rooms. Great for birthday celebrations.

Entertainment hub at Eastridge Shopping Center featuring bowling, Japanese arcade games, claw machines, rhythm games, karaoke, billiards, ping pong, and darts. Popular for family outings and birthday parties.

Northern California's best family fun center featuring award-winning miniature golf courses, go-karts, laser tag, bumper boats, batting cages, a huge arcade with 200+ games, and the Clubhouse for Kids indoor playground. A full day of fun for all ages.

An indoor trampoline park with wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, dodge ball courts, and a dedicated toddler zone. Perfect for burning energy on rainy days. Multiple Bay Area locations available.

Indoor mini golf and game pub with a nine-hole course featuring a Bay Bridge model. Also has cornhole, basketball hoops, board games, and photo booths. Families welcome during daytime hours.

San Francisco's ultimate indoor playground theme park at 1650 Polk St, near Russian Hill. A colorful, exciting play space with multi-level structures, slides, and climbing elements designed for younger children.

Small neighborhood splash pad and playground in the Mission District. Free water play area perfect for toddlers and young children. Part of a mini park with seating for parents.

A fun-filled trampoline park at 5502 Monterey Rd in South San Jose offering wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball, a ninja warrior course, performance trampolines, and a dedicated kids zone. Popular for birthday parties and group events.

A premier family entertainment center in Livermore featuring go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, laser tag, and a full arcade. Offers unlimited day passes for go-karts and laser tag. Also has a cafe, bar, and free parking.

Lucky Strike San Jose (formerly Bowlero San Jose) is a massive 59-lane bowling center near Oakridge Mall with a trendy menu, arcade, lounge area, and bumper bowling for kids. One of the Bay Area's largest bowling venues, great for large groups, birthday parties, and family fun.

60-lane bowling center with bumper lanes for kids, lightweight bowling balls, small shoes, baby changing stations, and high chairs. Budget-friendly family fun with leagues for all ages.

A family entertainment center on Jacklin Road featuring challenging miniature golf courses, a massive arcade, bumper cars, laser tag, laser maze, and a snack bar. A South Bay classic for affordable family fun.

Family fun center with two mini golf courses, 90+ arcade games, snack bar, and seasonal water slides and splash pad. Over 70 years of family entertainment tradition.

Multi-entertainment facility at Southland Mall with bowling, arcade games, claw machines, karaoke, and party rooms. Features authentic Japanese arcade games not found elsewhere.

Marin County's only bowling alley with 40 lanes, automatic scoring, and plenty of bumper lanes for kids. A family-friendly destination for bowling, birthday parties, and group events.

A popular family fun center off Highway 101 in Rohnert Park with two 18-hole miniature golf courses, Lil' Indy Raceway go-karts, batting cages, the Vertical Boom drop tower, and Blaster Boats. Open year-round for family entertainment.

Massive 240,000 sq ft entertainment complex with inflatable jumpers, rock climbing wall, basketball court, craft area, arcade games, bocce ball, and more. Also offers ice hockey, soccer, and roller skating.

A massive indoor adventure park with trampolines, a warrior obstacle course, indoor zip line, ropes course, climbing walls, laser tag, and a Kid Zone for ages 7 and under. All-day passes mean no rush — kids can play at their own pace.