Things to do this weekend with kids in Palo Alto

Coming up near Palo Alto

Nothing listed in Palo Alto for this view right now. Here's what's on elsewhere in the Bay Area, plus ideas you can do today.

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...

Activity ideas that work any day in Palo Alto

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  Plan a Family Day Trip

  Imagine planning the perfect family day trip without leaving your house. You'll research a fun destination, figure out how much it will cost, and create a schedule for the whole day. This activity gives you a chance to take charge and use your organization skills, which can be really satisfying. You get to be the expert and present your ideas to the family, showing off your ability to think ahead and make a great plan. First, pick a destination and research what it offers and how much it might cost, including travel, admission, and food. Then, create a detailed schedule for the day, from leaving home to returning, making sure there's time for everything. Finally, present your plan to your family. To stretch the activity, consider having a "Plan B" destination ready in case your first choice doesn't work out.

  10-13 · Indoor · 60 min

  Open
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  Make a Duct Tape Wallet

  Design and build a unique, working wallet from colorful duct tape. This project lets you show off your creativity while making something genuinely useful that you can carry every day. It's satisfying to craft a practical item with your own hands, especially when you get to choose all the colors and design elements to make it truly yours. Start by choosing your favorite duct tape colors and planning where each will go. You'll layer strips of tape to create strong, flexible sheets, then cut and fold these sheets to form the wallet's pockets and main body. Don't be afraid to experiment with different tape patterns or add extra pockets for cards. To stretch the fun, try adding a clear ID window or a small coin pouch to your design.

  9-12 · Indoor · 45 min

  Open
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  Escape Room at Home

  Transform your home into an exciting escape room challenge. This activity lets you and your family work together to solve a series of puzzles, find clues, and unlock secrets, all from your own living room. For kids this age, the thrill of cracking codes and uncovering mysteries is very satisfying. It's a chance to use logic and teamwork to overcome a fun challenge. To play, one person sets up a series of puzzles and locks, leading to a final "escape" or prize. You might hide clues under furniture, write riddles, or use simple padlocks on boxes. Another option is for the whole family to design an escape room together for guests. A helpful tip: Start with a clear story or theme for your escape room, it makes the puzzles more engaging.

  9-13 · Indoor · 75 min

  Open
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  Volunteer Together

  Spending a morning volunteering at a food bank, animal shelter, or for a park cleanup helps kids understand the impact they can have on their community. It offers a tangible way for them to contribute, seeing firsthand how their efforts directly benefit others, whether it's helping pack food boxes, caring for animals, or making a local park cleaner. This experience fosters empathy and a sense of responsibility, showing them that even small actions can make a big difference and that they are part of something larger than themselves. Begin by researching local organizations that welcome volunteers, then contact them to understand their needs and sign up for a specific date. Before you go, talk with your child about what to expect and why this work is important. Afterward, reflect together on the experience: what they did, who they helped, and how it made them feel. To stretch this activity, consider making it a regular commitment or exploring other ways your family can support the chosen cause.

  10-13 · Outdoor · 180 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.