Table of Contents
SMMC Kid-Friendly Activity List
(Updated: 6/29/16)
Short URL for this website: https://goo.gl/XQUH9C
Compiled by the San Mateo Mothers Club. Thank you Little Wonders for your contributions to this list!
Check out the SMMC’s Ongoing Discounts file on BigTent for special offers for club members at some of the places listed below.
Email president@sanmateomothersclub.org with any corrections or additional activities.
Disclaimer: The activities & programs listed here are mentioned for your convenience, and are not endorsed by the SMMC. Note that details and URLs may change at any time.
Happy exploring!
(2) Exercise With Your Kids (Parent & Me Classes)
Movies (Kid-Friendly Screenings)
Fruit Picking (Berries, Apples, Pumpkins)
(5) Playgroups & Support Groups
(7) Other Programs & Resources
Parks & Recreation Activity Websites
Other Online Resources for Activities
(1) Classes for Kids
Arts and Crafts
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- All Fired Up (Burlingame) http://www.yelp.com/biz/all-fired-up-burlingame
- Color Me Mine (Daly City, Menlo Park) http://www.dalycity.colormemine.com/ , http://menlopark.colormemine.com/
- DOARTLAB (San Mateo) http://www.doartlab.com/
- Home Depot Kids Workshops (Multiple Locations) http://workshops.homedepot.com/workshops/kids-workshops
- Marvegos (San Mateo) http://marvegos.com/art-programs
- My First Art Class (Multiple Locations) http://myfirstartclass.com/
- Scribble Me Happy (San Mateo) http://www.scribblemehappy.com/
- The Shop at Flywheel Press Toddler Time (San Mateo) https://www.facebook.com/TheShopFWP/
Gymnastics
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- Accel Gymnastics (Burlingame, Foster City) http://www.accelgymnastics.com/
- Peninsula Gymnastics (San Mateo) http://peninsulagym.com/
- San Mateo Gymnastics (Belmont) http://www.sanmateogymnastics.com/classes/
Language Classes & Schools
- Check local rec centers for offerings, and BigTent for SMMC language-based playgroups
- A+ Immersion (San Mateo - Mandarin) http://www.aplusimmersion.com/
- Dragonfly Academy (Burlingame - Mandarin) http://www.thedragonflyacademy.com/Home
- Genius Learning (Burlingame - Mandarin) http://www.geniuslearning.org/
- Mirai Gakuen (San Mateo - Japanese): http://www.miraigakuen-sanmateo.com/index.htm
- Pacific Rim International (San Mateo - Mandarin, Japanese) http://www.pacificriminternationalschool.org/
- Sora Japanese School (San Mateo - Japanese): http://sora-edu.com/en/
- Step by Step, Paso a Paso (San Mateo - Spanish) http://www.stepbystepchildren.com/
- Universe of Colors (San Mateo - Spanish, French, Italian) http://www.universeofcolors.org/
- Welcome Amigos (San Mateo - Spanish) http://welcomeamigos.com/
Music & Dance
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- Peninsula Music Together (Multiple Locations) http://www.peninsulamusictogether.com/
- Myriad Music School & Dance Academy (San Mateo) http://myriadmusic.net/
- Rana’s Academy of Dance (San Mateo) http://ranasacademyofdance.com/
- Small Fry Dance Club (San Mateo) http://www.smallfrydanceclub.com/
- The Music School (San Mateo) http://www.musicschoolsanmateo.com/
- Tutu School (Redwood City) http://www.tutuschoolredwoodcity.com/
Soccer
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- Burlingamer (Burlingame) http://www.burlingamer.com/index
- Force North (San Mateo) http://forcenorth.com/pre-academy/
- Kidz Love Soccer (San Mateo) https://www.kidzlovesoccer.com/city_detail.php?cid=111&t=Class
- Soccer and Smiles / Ready Set Sport! (Multiple Locations) http://readysetsport.com/
- Soccer Shots (Multiple Locations) http://www.soccershots.org/bayarea/
Swim Lessons
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- Aitken’s Peninsula Swim School (Redwood City) http://www.peninsulaswim.com/
- Aqua Sports Swim Academy (San Mateo) http://aquasportsswimacademy.com/
- Burlingame Aquatics (Burlingame) https://www.teamunify.com/SubTabGeneric.jsp?team=psba&_stabid_=101266
- Highlands Rec Center (San Mateo) http://highlandsrec.ca.gov/programs/
- Kings Swim Academy (Multiple Locations) http://www.kingsswimacademy.com/
- La Petite Baleen (Multiple Locations) http://www.swimlpb.com/
- Peninsula Jewish Community Center (Foster City) http://www.pjcc.org/health/swimming/swimming-lessons.html
- Peninsula YMCA (San Mateo) http://www.ymcasf.org/programs/youth-sports-peninsula
- Shipman Swim School (San Mateo) http://www.shipmanswimschool.com/
- San Mateo Athletic Club @ CSM (San Mateo) https://smccd.edu/sanmateoathleticclub/aquatics/swim-lessons/
Other Classes & Programs
- Busy Bakers Kid’s Baking Classes (San Bruno) http://busybakerssupplies.com/classes/
- Broadway Tennis Center (Burlingame) https://broadwaytenniscenter.com/programs
- Community Gatepath Little Explorers http://www.gatepath.org/Little-Explorers
- Gold Medal Tae Kwon Do http://www.goldmedalcenter.com/
- Junior Gym - open gym, gymnastics, yoga, sports skills (San Mateo) http://juniorgym.com/
- KidPower Workshops (Multiple Locations) https://www.kidpower.org/what-we-do/california-services/schedule/
- SF Zoo Little Learners (San Francisco) http://www.sfzoo.org/learn/childrens-programs.htm#early
- Tinkergarten (Multiple Locations) https://tinkergarten.com/classes
- Tiny Treks (Multiple Locations) http://www.tinytreks.com/
- Touch Blue Sky Sign Language (Multiple Locations) http://www.touchbluesky.com/baby-signs.html
(2) Exercise With Your Kids (Parent & Me Classes)
- Check local rec centers for offerings.
- Baby Boot Camp (Multiple Locations) https://babybootcamp-belmontredwoodcitysancarlos.frontdeskhq.com/offerings
- Blossom Birth (Menlo Park) http://www.blossombirth.org/yoga.html
- Fit4Moms (Multiple Locations) http://midpeninsula.fit4mom.com/programs
- Moms in Training (Multiple Locations) http://www.teamintraining.org/sportprograms/moms_in_training/
- Nandi Yoga (San Mateo) http://nandiyoga.com/kids.html
- ViLLAGE (Multiple Locations) http://www.iheartvillage.com/
- Yoga at Change (San Mateo) http://yogaatchange.com/
(3) Indoor Fun
Bounce Houses
- Jump Sky High (Burlingame) http://bur.skyhighsports.com/
- Pump It Up (Belmont) http://www.pumpitupparty.com/belmont-ca
- Rockin’ Jump (San Carlos) http://sca.rockinjump.com/
Children’s Theaters
- Bay Area Children's Theater (Oakland) http://www.bactheatre.org/
- Palo Alto Children's Theater (Palo Alto) http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/theatre/default.asp
- Peninsula Youth Theater (Mountain View) http://pytnet.org/
- San Carlos Children's Theater (San Carlos) http://www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com/
Library Story Times
- See the most recent SMMC Newsletter for a summary of locations & times. http://www.bigtent.com/group/folder/tag/newsletter
- San Mateo Libraries http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?NID=521
- Burlingame / Easton Libraries http://www.burlingame.org/index.aspx?page=1744#KidsPage
Movies (Kid-Friendly Screenings)
- Cinemark 20 (Redwood City) periodically hosts “Family Friendly Showings” (daytime, no trailers or ads, volume lowered, lights dimmed). These showings are communicated via an email distribution list; email 485@cinemark.com or call (650) 701-1341 to be added to the list. The theater also hosts a Summer Movie Clubhouse on Tuesday mornings: http://www.cinemark.com/summer-movie-clubhouse.aspx
- Curiodyssey Cinema Nights (San Mateo) http://curiodyssey.org/activities/family-events/
Play Spaces & Gyms
- Diddalidoo (San Bruno) http://diddalidoo.com/
- Gymboree Play & Music (San Mateo) https://www.gymboreeclasses.com/en/booker/28829/calendar/
- Hop N Play (San Bruno) http://www.hopnplay.com/
- Junior Gym (San Mateo) http://juniorgym.com/
- La Petite Playhouse (Redwood City) http://www.lapetiteplay.com/
- MyGym (San Carlos) http://www.mygym.com/sancarlos
- Parents Place (Foster City) http://parentsplaceonline.org/find-help/connect/parent-child-activities-groups/
- PJCC Family Gym (Foster City) http://www.pjcc.org/health/sports/sp-family.html
- Play! (Los Altos) http://www.playlosaltos.com/
- Safari Run (San Mateo) http://www.safarirun.com/
- The Little Gym (Millbrae) http://www.thelittlegym.com/MillbraeCA/Pages/default.aspx
- U-Me (Menlo Park) http://www.u-meplace.com/
(4) Outdoor Adventures
Beaches & Tide Pools
- Beaches at Foster City lagoons (all have sand beaches, playgrounds and bathrooms)
- Gull Park http://www.fostercity.org/parksandrecreation/Gull-Park.cfm
- Catamaran Park http://www.fostercity.org/parksandrecreation/Catamaran-Park.cfm
- Marlin Park http://www.fostercity.org/parksandrecreation/Marlin-Park.cfm
- Dunes Beach (Half Moon Bay) http://www.yelp.com/biz/dunes-beach-half-moon-bay
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (Half Moon Bay) https://parks.smcgov.org/fitzgerald-marine-reserve
- Half Moon Bay State Beach (Half Moon Bay) http://www.yelp.com/biz/half-moon-bay-state-beach-half-moon-bay-2
- Mori Point (Pacifica) http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/mori-point.html
- Moss Beach [tidepools] (Half Moon Bay) http://www.yelp.com/biz/moss-beach-half-moon-bay
- Redondo Beach (Half Moon Bay) http://www.yelp.com/biz/redondo-beach-half-moon-bay
- Sharp Park Beach (Pacifica) http://www.cityofpacifica.org/depts/rec_department/parksbeaches/beach_and_park_info_and_rules/sharpbeach.asp
- Venice Beach (Half Moon Bay) http://www.yelp.com/biz/venice-beach-half-moon-bay
Fairs & Festivals
- Central Park Music Series (San Mateo, Summer) http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?NID=1367
- Cherry Blossom Festival (San Francisco, April) http://sfcherryblossom.org/
- Garlic Festival (Gilroy, July) http://gilroygarlicfestival.com/
- Halloween Fun Fest (San Mateo, October) http://downtownsanmateo.org/upcoming-events/
- Harvest Festival (San Mateo, November) http://harvestfestival.com/sanmateo/
- Hometown Days (San Carlos, May) http://sancarloshometowndays.com/
- Pumpkin Festival (Half Moon Bay, October) http://pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com/
- San Mateo County Fair (San Mateo, June) http://sanmateocountyfair.com/
- SummerFest Street Festival (San Mateo, June) https://www.facebook.com/San-Mateo-Street-Festival-112955958873843/
Farmers’ Markets
- Check out the most recent SMMC Newsletter for a summary of locations & times. http://www.bigtent.com/group/folder/tag/newsletter
- Certified Farmers Markets (San Mateo County) http://agwm.smcgov.org/certified-farmers-markets
- 25th Ave (San Mateo) https://www.facebook.com/25thAveFarmersMarket
- Belmont https://www.facebook.com/BelmontMarket
- College of San Mateo https://www.facebook.com/CollegeofSanMateoFarmersMarket
- Foster City http://www.westcoastfarmersmarkets.org/foster-city.html
- Fresh Market (Burlingame) http://www.burlingamechamber.org/burlingame-events/burlingame-fresh-market/
- Hot Harvest Nights (San Carlos) http://sancarloschamber.org/hot-harvest-nights/
- Kaiser Permanente (Redwood City, South SF) http://www.pcfma.org/
- Kiwanis (Redwood City) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redwood-City-Kiwanis-FarmersMarket/278357422298854
- PJCC (Foster City) http://www.pjcc.org/health/fitness/farmersmarket.html
Farms & Ranches
- Ardenwood Farm (Fremont) http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
- Deer Hollow Farm (Los Altos) http://www.openspace.org/activities/deer_hollow_farm.asp
- Elkus Ranch (Half Moon Bay) http://ucanr.edu/sites/elkus_ranch/
- Harley Farms (Pescadero) http://www.harleyfarms.com/
- Hidden Villa Farm (Los Altos) http://www.hiddenvilla.org/visit
- Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay) http://www.lemosfarm.com/
Food Trucks
- Hiller Museum (San Carlos) http://www.hiller.org/foodtrucks.shtml
- Moveable Feast (Multiple Locations) http://mvblfeast.com/markets/
- Off the Grid SF (Multiple Locations) http://offthegridsf.com/markets
Fruit Picking (Berries, Apples, Pumpkins)
- Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville) http://gizdich-ranch.com/index.php
- Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay) http://www.lemosfarm.com/seasonal/pumpkin-farm
- Pastorino Farm (Half Moon Bay) http://www.pastorinofarms.com/
- Swanton Farm (Pescadero) http://www.swantonberryfarm.com
- Webb Ranch (Portola Valley) http://www.webbranchinc.com/farmers_upick_straw.htm
Hikes & Trails
- Bay Trail (San Mateo) http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/vtour/map2/access/Btsm2mb/Btsm2mb.htm
- Bay Trail (Foster City) http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov/vtour/map2/access/BTFoster/BTFoster.htm
- Coyote Point (San Mateo) https://parks.smcgov.org/coyote-point-recreation-area
- Devil’s Slide (Pacifica/Half Moon Bay) http://www.devilsslidecoast.org/recreation/
- Edgewood Park (Redwood City) http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/edgewood.html
- Huddart Park (Woodside) https://parks.smcgov.org/huddart-park
- Leo J Ryan Park (Foster City) http://www.fostercity.org/parksandrecreation/Leo-J-Ryan-Park.cfm
- Rancho San Antonio (Los Altos) http://www.openspace.org/preserves/pr_rancho_san_antonio.asp
- Sawyer Camp Trail (San Mateo) http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/sawyercamp.html
- Stulsaft Park (Redwood City) http://www.redwoodcity.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/47/1912?npage=2
- Sugarloaf Trail (San Mateo) http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?NID=2449
- Thornewood (Woodside) http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/thornewood.html
- Twin Pines Park (Belmont) http://www.belmont.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/208/579
- Waterdog Lake Park (Belmont) http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/waterdog.html
- Wunderlich Park (Woodside) https://parks.smcgov.org/wunderlich-park
Museums & Zoos
*Check out the Discover & Go program: http://discover.smcl.org/ (Use your library card to get free tickets! Go online and pick a day to see if passes are available for the attraction you want.)
- *Bay Area Discovery Museum (Fort Baker in Marin) http://www.baykidsmuseum.org/
- *California Academy of Sciences (Golden Gate Park, SF) https://www.calacademy.org/
- Children’s Discovery Museum (San Jose) https://www.cdm.org/
- CuriOdyssey (San Mateo) http://www.curiodyssey.org/
- *Exploratorium (Pier 15, SF) http://www.exploratorium.edu/
- Habitot Children’s Museum http://www.habitot.org/
- Happy Hollow (San Jose) http://www.hhpz.org/index.cfm/id/1/Home/
- *Hiller Museum (San Carlos) http://www.hiller.org/
- Lawrence Hall of Science (UC Berkeley) http://www.lawrencehallofscience.org/
- *Oakland Zoo http://www.oaklandzoo.org/
- Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (Palo Alto) http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/jmz/default.asp
- Randall Museum (Corona Heights, SF) http://www.randallmuseum.org/
- San Francisco Zoo (Outer Sunset, SF) http://www.sfzoo.org/
Theme Parks
- Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) http://fairyland.org/
- Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy) https://www.gilroygardens.org/
- Great America (Santa Clara) https://www.cagreatamerica.com/
- Pixieland (Concord) http://www.pixieland.com/
Parks & Playgrounds
- SMMC Member Tracy Park compiled this comprehensive list of Northern Peninsula parks & playgrounds, from San Bruno to Redwood City. Thank you, Tracy!
Other Notable Parks & Playgrounds:
- Adventure Playground (Berkeley Marina) http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/adventureplayground/
- Dennis the Menace Park (Monterey) https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dennis-the-Menace-Playground/120125658036796
- Frontierland Park (Pacifica) http://www.cityofpacifica.org/depts/rec_department/parksbeaches/picnics_and_permits/frontierland.asp
- Golden Gate Park (SF) http://www.golden-gate-park.com/
- Julius Kahn (SF, Presidio Heights) http://www.yelp.com/biz/julius-kahn-playground-san-francisco
- Magical Bridge (Palo Alto) http://www.magicalbridge.org/
- Palo Alto Duck Pond (Palo Alto) http://www.yelp.com/biz/palo-alto-duck-pond-palo-alto
- Sharon Park (Menlo Park) http://www.yelp.com/biz/sharon-park-menlo-park
- Tilden Park (Berkeley) http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
- Vasona (Los Gatos) http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Vasona.aspx
Trains
- BART http://www.bart.gov/schedules/bystation
- CalTrain http://www.caltrain.com/schedules.html
- Central Park (San Mateo) http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?NID=718
- Oak Meadow Park (Los Gatos) http://www.losgatosca.gov/910/Oak-Meadow-Park
- Railroad Museum (Sacramento) http://www.csrmf.org/
- Roaring Camp Railroad (Felton) http://www.roaringcamp.com/
- Tilden Park (Berkeley) http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden.htm
- Train Town (Sonoma) http://www.traintown.com/
Other Excursions & Programs
- Aquarium of the Bay (San Francisco) http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/
- Costanoa (Pescadero) http://www.costanoa.com/
- De Anza College Planetarium: http://planetarium.deanza.edu/
- Filoli Gardens (Woodside) http://www.filoli.org/
- Friendly Pony Parties & Barnyard Pals (Half Moon Bay) http://www.friendlyponyparty.com/
- Monterey Bay Aquarium (Monterey) http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
- Peninsula Humane Society (Burlingame) http://www.peninsulahumanesociety.org/
- Ryan’s Ride for Kids (Burlingame) http://ryansride.org/
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (Santa Cruz) http://beachboardwalk.com/
- Tiny Treks (Multiple Locations) http://www.tinytreks.com/
- UC Botanical Gardens (Berkeley) http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/
(5) Playgroups & Support Groups
- SMMC Playgroups (Multiple Locations) http://www.bigtent.com/group/subgroup or email playgroups@samateomothersclub.org
- Day One (SF, Palo Alto) https://www.dayonebaby.com/
- Healthy Horizons Support Groups (Burlingame, Menlo Park) http://www.hh-bc.com/Support-Groups.html
- Mills-Peninsula Support Groups
- Parent & Infant (San Mateo) http://www.mills-peninsula.org/ClassesSearch/view?sid=4&g_op=event&masterid=723
- Parent & Toddler (San Mateo) http://www.mills-peninsula.org/ClassesSearch/view?sid=4&g_op=event&masterid=722
- Parents Place (Foster City)
- Support Groups http://parentsplaceonline.org/find-help/connect/parents-support-groups/
- Activity Groups http://parentsplaceonline.org/find-help/connect/parent-child-activities-groups/
- Touch Blue Sky - Sign Language Playgroups (Multiple Locations) http://www.touchbluesky.com/baby-signs.html
(6) Volunteer With Your Kids
- Coastal Cleanup (Multiple Locations), e.g.
- http://pacificabeachcoalition.org/take-action/monthly-adopt-a-beach-cleanups/
- http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/bayfrontcleanup
- http://www.flowstobay.org/ccd
- https://sf.surfrider.org/what-we-do/beach-cleanups/
- Downtown San Mateo Cleanup http://dsma.org/downtown-clean-up/
- Family Connections http://www.familyconnections.org/volunteers/
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy http://www.parksconservancy.org/get-involved/volunteer/youth-and-families/
- LifeMoves / InnVision Shelter Network (San Mateo) http://lifemoves.org/how-you-can-help/
- My New Red Shoes (Redwood City) http://www.mynewredshoes.org/children--youth.html
- Peninsula Humane Society (Burlingame) http://peninsulahumanesociety.org/download/CaringForCritters.pdf
- PJCC Justice Garden (Foster City) http://www.pjcc.org/community/community-garden-about.html
- Ryan’s Ride for Kids (Burlingame) http://ryansride.org/
- SF/Marin Food Bank (San Francisco) http://www.sfmfoodbank.org/volunteer-opportunities
- There With Care (Menlo Park) http://bayarea.therewithcare.org/how-to-help/volunteer/
(7) Other Programs & Resources
Parks & Recreation Activity Websites
- San Mateo http://www.cityofsanmateo.org/index.aspx?NID=1430
- Burlingame http://www.burlingame.org/index.aspx?page=33
- Foster City http://www.fostercity.org/parksandrecreation/activitiesandclasses/index.cfm
- Millbrae http://www.ci.millbrae.ca.us/index.aspx?page=106
- Redwood City http://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/activities-programs
- San Carlos http://www.cityofsancarlos.org/depts/pr/class/default.asp
Other Online Resources for Activities
- Bay Area Hiker http://www.bahiker.com/kids.html
- Bay Area Kid Fun http://www.bayareakidfun.com/
- Bay Area Parent http://www.bayareaparent.com/Events/
- Discover & Go! http://discoverandgo.org/
- Kidfully www.kidfully.com
- Mommy Nearest http://www.mommynearest.com/bay-area
- Parenting on the Peninsula http://ponthep.com/?post_type=tribe_events
- Red Tricycle http://redtri.com/san-francisco/things-to-do-with-kids-san-francisco-bay-area/
- Silicon Valley Toddler http://svtoddler.blogspot.com/p/outings-adventures.html
Local Parent Clubs
- San Mateo Mothers Club http://www.sanmateomothersclub.org/
- Burlingame Mothers Club http://www.burlingamemothers.org/
- Foster City Parents Club http://www.fostercityparentsclub.org/
- Redwood City https://www.bigtent.com/groups/rwcmclub
- San Carlos / Belmont http://www.scbmc.org/
- Mid-Peninsula Parents of Multiples http://www.mppom.org/