emmyTry Emmy free

Outdoor activities with kids in San Francisco

Parks, trails, water and open space, sorted by age.

Museums, playgrounds and free park days sit within a few blocks of each other in San Francisco, so a weekend plan usually comes down to weather and nap timing.

What's on for kids in San Francisco

Within a short drive of San Francisco

  • Nature Walk for Kids

    Fri, Oct 9 · Redwood Regional Park · oakland · 8 mi away · Ages 4–10

    Discover local wildlife and plants on a guided nature walk designed for kids.

  • Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of the Beatles for Kids

    Wed, Oct 14 · Henry J Kaiser Center for the Arts · oakland, ca · 8 mi away · Ages 4–11

    Join us for a fun-filled musical experience for kids featuring the beloved songs of The Beatles!

  • Outdoor Kids' Adventure Day

    Tue, Oct 20 · Adventure Park · alameda, ca · 10 mi away · Ages 4–11

    Join us for a thrilling day of adventure activities designed just for kids!

  • Family Camping Night

    Thu, Oct 8 · Tilden Regional Park · berkeley · 10 mi away · Ages 4–11

    A fun-filled evening of camping activities, storytelling, and stargazing!

  • Event 3

    Fri, Oct 9 · 9:00 PM · Cornerstone · berkeley · 10 mi away · Ages 4–10

    Description of event 3.

  • Fall Nature Hike for Kids

    Fri, Oct 9 · 10:00 AM · Aquatic Park · berkeley, ca · 10 mi away · Ages 4–11

    Explore the beautiful trails and learn about nature on our guided hike!

  • Berkeley Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow and Indian Market

    Sat, Oct 10 · 10:00 AM · Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park · berkeley · 10 mi away · Ages 4–11

    Join the celebrations of Indigenous culture with music, food, and community activities.

  • Gallery+Studio / Echoes of Nature

    Sat, Oct 10 · 11:30 AM · BAMPFA · berkeley · 10 mi away · Ages 6–12

    See how Maren Hassinger incorporates knotting and repetition into her work to make forms that echo natural rhythms and express her commitment to the environment.

  • Gallery + Studio / Wind Chime Sculpture

    Sat, Oct 10 · 11:30 AM · BAMPFA · berkeley · 10 mi away · Ages 6–12

    Find echoes of nature in Maren Hassinger’s work as you create a wind-activated sculpture using natural and recycled materials.

Activity ideas that work any day in San Francisco

  • I'm a Little Garden Helper

    I'm a Little Garden Helper

    It's time to get our hands in the dirt! With these special kid-sized tools, you can help water plants, dig for worms, and tend to our garden.

    4,5 · Outdoor · 40 min · About $19–$25

    Open
  • Fishing Trip

    Fishing Trip

    Take to the water and learn the basics of fishing. It's rewarding to master skills like baiting a hook, casting a line, and reeling in a catch. Kids this age will enjoy the patience and focus fishing requires, and the excitement of feeling that first tug on the line. There’s also the satisfaction of experiencing nature, whether it's a quiet pond or a bustling pier, and connecting with the rhythm of the water. This adventure begins with setting up your gear, learning about bait, and practicing your cast. Then, you'll find a good spot and settle in, watching your line and waiting for a bite. Remember, fishing is about enjoying the outdoors and the process, not just the catch. To stretch the activity, try identifying the different types of fish you see or research local regulations to understand catch limits and seasons.

    9-13 · Outdoor · 180 min

    Open
  • Autumn Leaf Rubbing Collection

    Autumn Leaf Rubbing Collection

    Let's gather the most interesting fall leaves we can find, then bring them inside to reveal their beautiful patterns with crayons and paper.

    4,5,6,7 · Indoor/Outdoor · 45 min · About $0–$5

    Open
  • Shaving Cream Marbled Paper Art

    Shaving Cream Marbled Paper Art

    Create beautiful, swirly marbled paper using simple shaving cream and food coloring. It's a wonderfully messy and magical sensory art project.

    4,5,6,7 · Indoor/Outdoor · 40 min · About $5–$10

    Open

Questions parents ask about San Francisco

What can you do with a toddler in San Francisco on a rainy day?
The branch libraries run toddler storytimes most weekday mornings, and the big museums have stroller-friendly indoor space if you want a longer stretch out of the rain. The indoor list for San Francisco shows what's scheduled.
Are these activities free?
Library and park programs are free; San Francisco museums often have free or discounted resident days, so it's worth checking the organizer link before you pay full price. 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.
Emmy

Picks that fit your week

Try Emmy free