Fantastic park and playground finds in Northern California
Backpacks are packed, lunches are made, and homework and extracurricular activities once again dominate your weekday calendar. It’s open season for students, teachers and parents everywhere. But, while school may be back in session, that doesn’t mean that your frolicking summer days have to be shelved. There are still plenty of places to go, things to see, and mountains to climb with your kiddos in tow. From playgrounds within San Francisco’s city limits, to East Bay amusement parks and elephant seals along the Half Moon Bay coastline, this Northern California list has you covered for your next weekend wanderlust.
Over the river and through the woods vibes
Pack up the family and head into the great outdoors of NorCal nature at its best.
The grass is always greener vibes
San Francisco parks, playgrounds, and picnic spots sure to entertain everyone– from the young to the young-at-heart!
San Francisco Botanical Garden
Park & Living Museum
- relaxing
- oasis
- spontaneous
- peaceful
Mission Bay Kids' Park
Playground
- creative
- fun
- popular
- children
Helen Diller Civic Center Playground
Playground
- creative
- civic
- family
- outdoors
Koret children’s quarter and carousel
Playground
- colorful
- delightful
- fun
- playful
Amusement is my middle name vibes
Dive right into these plug-and-play attractions for immediate family fun.
Children's Fairyland
Amusement Park
- timeless
- unique
- park
- fun
Oakland Zoo
Zoo
- historic
- unique
- big
- discover
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
Theme park
- joyful
- park
- busy
- animals
Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium
- park
- walk
- animals
- public
Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center
Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center offers year-round public skating in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced skater, you’ll find figure skating and hockey instruction, plus group sports activities. It’s a great place to learn something new or enjoy time on the ice with friends and family.
- positive
- inclusive
- active
- interactive
The best way to the heart is through the stomach vibes
Because sometimes the best family bonding happens over food.
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