Kids activities in Redwood City

Redwood City's downtown square hosts a lot of free family programming, which pairs well with the marina and nearby trails.

Coming up near Redwood City

Nothing listed in Redwood City 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 Redwood City

  • Super Family Sundays

    Sun, Oct 18 · Junior Museum & Zoo · palo alto · 6 mi away · 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 · palo alto · 6 mi away · 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 · palo alto · 6 mi away · All ages

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

  • Martial Arts Training Day — San Francisco Bay Area

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

    A special screening for Bat Week focusing on bat conservation.

  • Pajama Storytime

    Mon, Oct 26 · 6:30 PM · San Bruno Public Library · san bruno · 14 mi away · Ages 0–8

    Join us for Pajama Storytime at the San Bruno Library’s Children’s Room. This event is for ages 0-8, and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

Activity ideas that work any day in Redwood City

  • Sketch Nature Journal

    Sketch Nature Journal

    Grab your sketchbook and favorite drawing tools, and head outside to explore the natural world around you. This activity invites you to observe small details in nature, like the veins on a leaf or the patterns on an insect's wings, and capture them on paper. It's a satisfying way to slow down, focus your attention, and appreciate the hidden beauty in your own backyard or local park, building your observation skills as you create. To get started, find a comfy spot outdoors. Look closely at leaves, flowers, or small insects you discover. Use pencils, crayons, or colored pencils to sketch what you see, and add short notes about colors, textures, or interesting features. Try to draw things life-size. For an extra challenge, try to draw the same object from three different angles, or return to your journal later to add color or more details based on your memory.

    9-13 · Outdoor · 45 min

    Open
  • Learn a Few Guitar or Ukulele Chords

    Learn a Few Guitar or Ukulele Chords

    Discover the joy of making music by learning a few basic chords on a guitar or ukulele. This activity offers a quick win, as kids can go from never playing to strumming simple tunes in one sitting. It's incredibly satisfying to hear the notes come together and realize they can play along to a favorite song, building confidence and sparking a potential lifelong interest in music. First, identify four easy beginner chords like C, G, Am, and F. Look up simple finger positions online or use a chord chart. Spend time practicing each chord individually until the notes ring clear, then work on smooth transitions between them. To stretch this activity, try looking up the chords to a simple song your child loves and learning to strum along.

    9-13 · Indoor · 45 min

    Open
  • Build a Fort Out of Branches

    Build a Fort Out of Branches

    Work together to build a sturdy lean-to shelter from branches and leaves. This isn't just a game; you're using real outdoor skills to create a secret hideaway or a place to rest in nature. It's incredibly satisfying to see your fort take shape, knowing you designed and constructed it with your own hands, and it feels like a personal, cozy space in the wild. Start by finding a sturdy, slanted branch or a tree to form the backbone of your lean-to. Then, gather smaller branches and weave them against your main support to create walls. Finally, add leaves, moss, or even a tarp to make it waterproof and cozy inside. To stretch the activity, try building a small fire pit safely outside your fort, or see if you can make a second, smaller fort just for a pet or stuffed animal.

    9-13 · Outdoor · 90 min

    Open
  • Tie-Dye T-Shirts

    Tie-Dye T-Shirts

    Get ready to transform plain t-shirts into wearable works of art. Kids love the hands-on process of tie-dye, where they can experiment with bold colors and watch their designs come to life. It’s satisfying to create something truly one-of-a-kind that they can wear and share, showcasing their personal style with vibrant patterns they made themselves. You'll start by learning different folding techniques like spirals, crumples, and stripes, securing your shirts with rubber bands to create patterns. Then, choose your dyes and carefully apply them to your folded fabric. After a short wait for the dye to set, rinse, unfold, and reveal your unique masterpiece. For an extra challenge, try layering colors or creating a specific image by folding your shirt in a particular way.

    9-13 · Outdoor · 75 min

    Open

Questions parents ask about Redwood City

What can you do with a toddler in Redwood City on a rainy day?
Downtown's library branch is a few steps from the square, so a rainy morning can be storytime plus a dry lunch without moving the car. The indoor list for Redwood City shows what's scheduled.
Are these activities free?
Square events and library programs are free by design; the marina and trails cost nothing beyond parking. 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.
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