Kids activities in San Mateo

Coming up near San Mateo

Nothing listed in San Mateo 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 San Mateo

• Martial Arts Training Day — San Francisco Bay Area

  Sat, Oct 10 · 9:00 AM · Hilton San Francisco Airport Bayfront · burlingame · 2 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 · 2 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 · 2 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 · 7 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.

• Super Family Sundays

  Sun, Oct 18 · Junior Museum & Zoo · palo alto · 13 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 · 13 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 · 13 mi away · All ages

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

• Outdoor Kids' Adventure Day

  Tue, Oct 20 · Adventure Park · alameda, ca · 15 mi away · Ages 4–11

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

Activity ideas that work any day in San Mateo

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  Paper Plate Animal Masks

  Who do you want to be today? A roaring lion, a cute bunny, or a hooting owl? Let's turn simple paper plates into amazing animal masks.

  4,5,6 · Indoor · 45 min · About $5–$15

  Open
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  Grow a Kitchen Herb Garden

  Transform your kitchen into a green haven by growing your own fragrant herbs. Choose basil, mint, or chives and plant them in individual pots. Watching your seeds sprout and leaves unfurl connects you directly to nature, offering a quiet sense of accomplishment each day. It’s rewarding to nurture something from a tiny seed, especially knowing you’ll soon be adding its fresh flavor to your favorite meals. Start by filling small pots with soil, then carefully plant your chosen herb seeds according to package directions. Water gently and place them in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. Keep a simple journal to track their growth, noting when sprouts appear and how tall they get. Once your herbs are ready, snip some leaves to elevate dishes like pasta, salads, or even a glass of water. Try growing different herbs and experiment with new recipes to expand your culinary skills.

  9-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 45 min

  Open
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  Ocean in a Bottle Sensory Craft

  Capture the magic of the ocean in a bottle you can hold. We'll add water, oil, and sea creatures to create a calming, swirling seascape.

  4,5 · Indoor · 20 min · About $5–$35

  Open
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  Family Post Office & Letter Writing

  Let's open our own post office! We can write letters and draw pictures for each other, design stamps, and then deliver the mail all around the house.

  5,6,7 · Indoor · 50 min · About $5–$20

  Open

Questions parents ask about San Mateo

What can you do with a toddler in San Mateo on a rainy day?

San Mateo's libraries run toddler storytimes most mornings, and the indoor play and gym classes nearby take drop-ins when it rains. The indoor list for San Mateo shows what's scheduled.

Are these activities free?

Library programs are free; the park train, rides and drop-in classes charge a few dollars per child. 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.