Exploring the San Francisco Bay Area with toddlers and preschoolers is an interesting mix of wonder and challenge. The under-5 crew is curious, energetic, and eager to explore the world around them (they've also discovered the art of running). San Francisco parents know that finding the right activities to keep little ones engaged, entertained, and safe can be a cardio workout on its own.
From interactive museums to outdoor adventures, these spots offer something unique, catering to the boundless curiosity and energy of young kids. Whether it's touching starfish at the California Academy of Sciences or exploring the magical world of Children's Fairyland, we've done the research and found the best places to take little explorers for a day of fun.
Check out our top picks and make some plans to take your little one on an adventure. For more toddler fun, we've researched the best day trips with kids, family-friendly urban hikes, 100 things to do with kids before they grow up, petting zoos and znimal farms, and more.
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Best Children's Museums To Visit with Preschoolers in San Francisco
1. California Academy of Sciences—San Francisco
This all-ages museum has a ton of interactive exhibits, including the discovery tidepool, where kids can touch starfish; the indoor rainforest to see butterflies in flight; and the aquarium, where little ones can see Dory, Nemo, and the mesmerizing jellies.
2. Exploratorium—San Francisco
With hands-on exhibits designed especially for playful learning, the Exploratorium offers plenty for families and toddlers. Create colored shadows, make mega bubbles, listen to storytimes, and more.
3. Children's Creativity Museum—San Francisco
Located in Yerba Buena Garden, this museum offers interactive art and technology experiences for young kiddos. Check out the Imagination Lab, where kids can enjoy free play and creative expression. Don't forget to ride the outdoor carousel for a perfect post-museum treat.
4. Bay Area Discovery Museum—Sausalito
Designed for kids 8 and younger, this Sausalito museum has outdoor and indoor play areas guaranteed to be a hit with toddlers and preschoolers. The dedicated Tot Spot is for kids 42 inches tall and below with so many activities and hands-on learning opportunities. Kid-friendly food is available on site, and you can enjoy a picnic outside with the Golden Gate Bridge as the backdrop.
5. Randall Museum—San Francisco
The Randall Museum offers free admission and plenty of hands-on exhibits, including a toddler playroom. Live animals, an interactive model train room, and regular workshops designed for families with tots make this one a must-visit.
6. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose—San Jose
Nicknamed the "Purple Museum," this San Jose gem has a ton to explore. Toddlers can climb on the iconic fire engine, splash around in the WaterWays, blow bubbles, and scale the tree climber in Bill’s Backyard. There are hands-on arts and culture programs, STEM, health, and nature-themed experiences that change year-round.
7. Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo—Palo Alto
The small zoo and hands-on science exhibits are ideal for younger children. Inside, enjoy hands-on learning with blocks, balls, gears, and more. Outside, toddlers can feed the flamingos, see the giant tortoise, and climb on the play structure. Reservations need to be made before visiting.
8. CuriOdyssey—San Mateo
Interactive science exhibits, a small, friendly zoo with local animals perfect for close-up encounters, and enclosed outdoor play areas make this one a popular choice for South Bay parents. After a visit, check out Magic Mountain Playground with tons of space to run around, see the water, and burn off some energy before heading home.
9. Lawrence Hall of Science—Berkeley
Head over to the Young Explorers Area at this science museum for a day of learning and play. Play with the colorful gear wall, shoot items up the wind cannon, and much more. The Animal Discovery Zone is also a highlight, with reptiles and small creatures in tanks at a very child-friendly level. $5 Days vary throughout the year, and are a great time to visit.
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RELATED: Golden Gate Park with Kids: What You Need to Know
Explore the animal exhibits at the world-famous San Francisco Zoo. Photo by M Lui via Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers in the Bay Area
10. Children's Fairyland—Oakland
The storybook-themed park has age-appropriate rides and attractions, including puppet shows, animals, and storytime events designed for the under-8 set. Family sleepovers and seasonal events are a big hit.
11. TrainTown—Sonoma
Rideable miniature steam trains are perfect for young train lovers. There is a small petting zoo with food dispensers for only a quarter, and best of all, admission is completely free.
12. Happy Hollow Park and Zoo—San Jose
Part amusement park, part zoo, Happy Hollow is a popular pick for parents of toddlers and preschoolers. The toddler area has rides just for them as well as a petting zoo. Enjoy tons of shady areas for rest, snack time, and running around.
13. San Francisco Botanical Garden—San Francisco
Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and let the kids be one with nature. Bean Sprouts Family Days let kids explore the garden up close. Storytimes and the popular Flower Piano are also great to visit on a nice day.
14. UC Berkeley Botanical Garden—Berkeley
East Bay families can check out the UC Berkeley Botanical Garden, with 34 acres and more than 10,000 species of plants, many endangered, from all over the world, arranged by region. Take a stroll, then stop by Fenton's Creamery for a scoop of ice cream.
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15. Sonoma Botanical Garden—Sonoma
North Bay parents rejoice, the Sonoma Botanical Garden is another spot for toddlers to enjoy the beautiful flowers and plants. The Ribbit Exhibit, extended until September 29, 2024, allows kids see 23 larger-than-life frog characters placed in vignettes throughout the Garden.
16. Lindsay Wildlife Experience—Walnut Creek
Explore the natural world with a focus on animal wildlife and the world we all live in together. Toddlers can check out Tiny Tuesday, a special day for children ages 2–5 to play and learn, along with an adult caregiver.
17. Oakland Zoo—Oakland
See all the animals at this beautiful zoo in Oakland. Purchase a zoo key and open up little boxes throughout the zoo, and don't miss the gondola ride. Seasonal events such as Halloween and the holidays feature special activities for kids of all ages.
18. San Francisco Zoo—San Francisco
In addition to exploring animal exhibits, enjoy interactive storybooks and wildlife-themed playgrounds at the SF Zoo. The River Play Area is specifically designed for toddlers, as well as the Polar Zone exploration space for preschoolers.
19. Tilden Little Farm—Berkeley
Bring celery and lettuce and let the kids feed farm animals themselves. Then, check out the nearby playground and merry-go-round. The Tilden Steam Train is also nearby for a fun train ride through the tall trees.
20. Mission Dolores Park—San Francisco
Spanning 16 acres, Mission Dolores Park is one of San Francisco’s most popular parks, with green lawns shaded by tall palm trees, playgrounds, and more. Kids can go on the slides, swing on the many swings, climb, and run around to their heart's content.
21. Magical Bridge Playground—Redwood City and Mountain View
With multiple locations throughout the Bay Area, including Redwood City and Mountain View, this inclusive playground is designed for all abilities to play, explore, and have fun. Special events like art and storytimes are scattered throughout the year and are free to attend.
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22. Presidio Tunnel Tops—San Francisco
This expansive outdoor space features a nature-based play area designed with young children in mind. It offers plenty of room for toddlers and preschoolers to explore safely. The scenic views and easy access make it a perfect spot for a family outing, with areas to picnic and enjoy the fresh air. Seasonal family-friendly events are offered year-round.
RELATED: Free Museum Days for Kids in San Francisco
Introduce your kids to the beauty of nature at Filoli Garden. Photo by Albert Dros
23. Filoli Garden—Woodside
Filoli Garden offers a safe, enclosed environment where toddlers and preschoolers can explore the beauty of nature, with wide pathways perfect for little feet. The gardens are colorful and vibrant. Seasonal events include Summer Nights, Spring Tea, Santa Days, and more.
24. Golden Gate Park—San Francisco
Golden Gate Park is a vast playground for young children, with multiple areas like the Koret Children's Quarter designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. With plenty of open space, playgrounds, and the engaging Children's Playground Carousel, it's ideal for a day of fun and adventure.
25. Pier 39—San Francisco
Pier 39 has an entertaining environment with plenty of sights and sounds to captivate curious minds, including the famous sea lions. The carousel and kid-friendly attractions are enough to spend the entire day there.
26. Ardenwood Historic Farm—Fremont
A farmyard with a variety of animals, a large hay barn, an outdoor kitchen, and a working blacksmith shop are all fun to explore, but the kids are there for the animals. See goats, chickens, and more at this small, historic house and farm.
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27. Great America—Santa Clara
While big kids can go on all the roller coasters and thrill rides, Planet Snoopy is where it's at for toddlers and preschoolers. Think big amusement park, but sized down for the little ones. Kids can go on swings, ride cars, see performances from Snoopy and the Gang, and more.
28. Gilroy Gardens—Gilroy
Gilroy Gardens is a theme park designed with young children in mind, featuring gentle rides, beautiful gardens, and interactive play areas. The park's focus on nature and family-friendly attractions makes it a perfect destination for toddlers and preschoolers.
29. Pixieland—Concord
A small amusement park perfect for little explorers, this Concord spot has rides and entertainment all within reach.
RELATED: The Best Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in San Francisco
The Chalk Wall is a highlight of the Habitot Little Town Experience. Photo courtesy of the venue
Indoor Fun for Preschoolers in the Bay Area
30. Bookshop West Portal—San Francisco
Bookshop West offers a cozy, inviting environment perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, with a well-curated children's section and regular storytime events.
31. Hicklebee's Bookstore—San Jose
Outdoor storytime is a great excursion on a sunny afternoon with the little ones. Shop a well-curated children's section and bring home a book or two for bedtime. Manresa Bakery is right next door, making it even more of a reason to stop by.
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32. The Reading Bug—San Carlos
The Reading Bug provides a welcoming space for young children to explore books, with a well-stocked children's section and frequent storytime sessions. The bookstore's focus on engaging young readers makes it a popular destination for parents of toddlers and preschoolers.
33. Habitot Little Town Experience—Emeryville
A miniature, hands-on town where toddlers and preschoolers can engage in imaginative play, at the Habitot kids can drive a fire engine, put out "fires," make art, get pretend groceries, and even visit a garden.
34. Aquarium By The Bay—San Francisco
Toddlers and preschoolers can explore underwater life with all the interactive exhibits on display. The touch pools and large, colorful displays are mesmerizing for even the most active toddlers. It's also free for kids younger than 3.
35. Linden Tree Books—Los Altos
With a carefully curated selection of children's books, toddlers are free to explore stories tailored to their age and interests. The warm, welcoming environment and regular storytime sessions create a space where young children can develop a love of reading.
36. Peek-a-Boo Factory—Multiple Locations
Locations in Livermore, Daly City, and San Francisco feature indoor play spaces designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, perfect for active play. The padded play structures and dedicated toddler area let little ones roam free without the bigger kids.
37. Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA)—Berkeley
With a creative outlet for toddlers and preschoolers, MOCHA offers hands-on art activities designed to engage young minds. The museum's focus on process-oriented art makes it an ideal place for children to explore their creativity.
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