Kids activities in Palo Alto

What's on for kids in Palo Alto

• Super Family Sundays

  Sun, Oct 18 · Junior Museum & Zoo · Ages 0–12

  A free event when the JMZ is open exclusively to families with children who have disabilities. Children with all disabilities are welcome, as well as parents, siblings, and grandparents. Come meet zoo animals up-close.

• 16th Annual Peninsula Private Elementary School Fair

  Sun, Oct 18 · 11:00 AM · Center for Children and Youth · Age 4

  A unique opportunity to engage in-person with more than 30 schools located on the Peninsula. Families can speak informally with school representatives and find the right fit for their child. Light snacks will be provided.

• שעור באהבה

  Tue, Oct 27 · 8:00 PM · Oshman Family JCC · All ages

  An event focusing on love and connection, hosted at Oshman Family JCC.

Within a short drive of Palo Alto

• Santa Clara City Library Comic Con

  Sat, Oct 10 · 10:00 AM · Santa Clara City Library - Central Park · santa clara · 12 mi away · Ages 0–12

• Martial Arts Training Day — San Francisco Bay Area

  Sat, Oct 10 · 9:00 AM · Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront · burlingame · 15 mi away · Ages 0–12

  A day of martial arts training for all skill levels.

• Sewing with Teacher Jessica

  Wed, Oct 14 · 3:45 PM · Burlingame Public Library, Main, Tech Lab · burlingame · 15 mi away · Ages 10+

  Join us in the Tech Lab and learn how to use a sewing machine and make fun projects. This class is open to beginning or...

• Bat Week Screening of 'The Invisible Mammal'

  Wed, Oct 21 · 6:00 PM · Community Center · burlingame · 15 mi away · Ages 0–12

  A special screening for Bat Week focusing on bat conservation.

Activity ideas that work any day in Palo Alto

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  Make a Podcast Episode

  Imagine being a real podcast host! You'll create your very own audio show, choosing a topic you love and interviewing a family member to share their stories or expertise. It's rewarding to build something from scratch and hear your voice come alive as you craft a show for others to enjoy. This activity lets you direct the conversation and share something new with your listeners. First, decide on a topic and interview questions, then use a smartphone or computer to record your interview. Afterward, listen back and edit your audio down to a 10-minute episode, adding a simple intro and outro. You could even research some basic audio editing software to make your podcast sound more professional, or add some background music.

  10-13 · Indoor · 90 min

  Open
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  Make a Family Recipe Book

  Gather your family's most cherished recipes and turn them into a beautiful, personalized recipe book. This activity allows kids to connect with family history and traditions through food, and gives them a tangible, useful product they can be proud of. They'll enjoy taking charge of a creative project, expressing their design ideas, and seeing their family's culinary legacy preserved in a special way. It's a satisfying mix of creativity, organization, and a dash of deliciousness. Start by interviewing family members for their favorite recipes and the stories behind them. Next, help your child choose a layout, write out the recipes, and then get cooking! Take appetizing photos of the finished dishes to include in the book. You can use a simple binder with printed pages, or design something more elaborate using a digital publishing tool. To stretch this activity, consider adding a section for "secret family tips" or a "dessert hall of fame."

  10-13 · Indoor · 90 min

  Open
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  Rock and Mineral Hunt

  Explore the natural world around you by collecting interesting rocks and minerals on a walk, then bring your discoveries home to learn more about them. It's satisfying to find unique specimens, from shiny quartz to layered shale, and then use simple tests to unlock their secrets. You become a real-life geologist, understanding the building blocks of our planet right from your own backyard or local park. Your adventure begins with a walk, keeping an eye out for rocks that catch your attention. Back home, spread out your treasures and sort them by color, size, or texture. Next, try a hardness test: can a fingernail scratch it, or a penny, or a steel nail? Use a field guide or online resources to identify what you've found. To stretch the activity, create a display for your collection or draw your favorite rocks, labeling their features.

  9-12 · Outdoor · 60 min

  Open
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  Learn to Bake Cookies Solo

  Step into the kitchen and bake a batch of delicious cookies all by yourself! This is a chance to show off your growing independence and follow instructions carefully, which feels really good when you see and taste the yummy results. You'll gain confidence in the kitchen and create something tasty to share, or to enjoy as a reward for your hard work. First, you'll choose a simple cookie recipe and read it through, making sure you have all the ingredients. Next, measure everything precisely and mix the dough together. Finally, you'll scoop or shape your cookies and bake them to golden perfection. To stretch this activity, try a recipe with slightly more steps, like adding a frosting or glaze after they cool.

  9-12 · Indoor · 60 min

  Open

Questions parents ask about Palo Alto

What can you do with a toddler in Palo Alto on a rainy day?

The city libraries run several toddler and preschool storytimes a week, and they're short enough — about 30 minutes — to fit before a nap. The indoor list for Palo Alto shows what's scheduled.

Are these activities free?

Library programs and creek trails are free. The children's museum and zoo charge admission, with lower rates for Palo Alto residents. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.

How often is this page updated?

Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.