Outdoor activities with kids 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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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  Backyard Obstacle Course Challenge

  Ready, set, go! We'll use pillows, boxes, and toys to create a super fun obstacle course in the backyard and time each other running through it.

  4,5,6,7 · Outdoor · 50 min · About $0–$5

  Open
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  Bike Skills Course

  Get ready to set up your own bike skills course and test your riding abilities. It's really fun to design a path with challenges and then try to master each one. Kids this age often enjoy friendly competition and pushing themselves to improve, so timing each run can add a satisfying challenge as they work to shave seconds off their best time. Start by gathering some cones or even small toys to mark out different stations. Try a slalom course for weaving, a slow race to practice balance, and a stop zone for precise braking. Time yourselves as you navigate each section, or even the whole course, and see who can get the best time or the smoothest ride. To stretch the activity, add new obstacles like a jump over a small stick, or use chalk to draw a narrow line to follow.

  9-13 · Outdoor · 60 min

  Open
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  Hiking Trail Challenge

  Embark on a hiking trail challenge, where you get to pick a new path to explore and take charge of your own adventure. Packing your own day bag and tracking your distance and elevation provides a sense of independence and accomplishment. It's rewarding to see how far you've traveled and how high you've climbed, using tools like a map, a compass, or a tracking app. This activity encourages self-reliance and builds confidence in navigating the outdoors. To begin, research local trails that are 2-4 miles long and choose one that sounds interesting. Before you go, gather essentials like water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a way to track your progress. On the trail, pay attention to landmarks and enjoy the natural surroundings. Afterwards, reflect on your journey and consider making a simple journal entry about what you saw and felt. For an extra challenge, try identifying a few plants or birds along the way.

  9-13 · Outdoor · 180 min

  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

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.