Indoor and rainy day activities with kids in Redwood City

Dry, warm and mostly walkable — plus at-home ideas for when nobody leaves the house.

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.

Rainy day ideas you already have the stuff for

  • Tinker Station: Take Apart Race Car

    Tinker Station: Take Apart Race Car

    For the curious engineer who loves to know how things work. Let's use a real, kid-safe drill to take apart this cool race car and put it back together again.

    7,8 · Indoor · 50 min · About $25–$30

    Open
  • Learn Simple Woodworking

    Learn Simple Woodworking

    In this activity, you and your grown-up will build something useful and lasting with wood. It's rewarding to see raw materials transform into a finished object you made with your own hands. You'll learn fundamental woodworking skills like measuring carefully, using tools safely, and understanding how different pieces fit together. Finishing your project with a smooth sand and maybe a coat of paint will give you a real sense of accomplishment. Start by choosing a simple project, like a small shelf or a pencil box. With your grown-up, you'll measure and cut the wood, then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Next, you'll assemble the pieces, using wood glue and small nails or screws to hold everything together. As you work, always remember to measure twice and cut once. To extend the activity, try painting or staining your finished project, or even designing a simple add-on feature like a divider or a lid.

    10-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 120 min

    Open
  • Make a Short Documentary

    Make a Short Documentary

    In this activity, you'll create a short documentary film by interviewing a grandparent about their childhood. It's a satisfying project because you get to learn fascinating stories from someone special and then use your creativity to bring those stories to life on screen. You'll develop interviewing and storytelling skills, and make a cherished family memory. Start by preparing questions for your grandparent about their early life. Next, record your interview, paying attention to clear audio and good lighting. Then, you'll use a simple video editing tool to choose the best moments from the interview, adding pictures or old family photos if you have them. To stretch this activity, consider adding a voice-over narration or a simple title sequence.

    10-13 · Indoor · 120 min

    Open
  • Create a Family Newspaper

    Create a Family Newspaper

    You and your family can become investigative journalists, reporters, and designers to create your very own family newspaper. This is a chance to tell your family's unique stories, share recent news, and even highlight special achievements. Kids in this age group will enjoy taking on different roles, gathering information through interviews, and seeing their ideas come to life on the page in a creative and tangible way. It’s a great way to practice writing, interviewing, and design skills. Start by brainstorming sections like "Family News," "Local Events," "Interviews," or even "Puzzles." Decide who will be the editor, reporters, and photographers. Gather news and photos, then write short articles and captions. Finally, arrange everything onto a single page using paper, markers, or a simple computer program. To stretch the activity, consider adding a "Letters to the Editor" section for family members to submit thoughts.

    9-13 · Indoor · 90 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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