12 Bay Area Family Outings for Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is summer vacation's last hurrah (even if most kids are in school already). Make the most of this last long weekend of summer with a fun family outing or activity in Marin or elsewhere in the Bay Area. Many of the destinations and activities here close up shop after Labor Day, so this is your last chance to visit until next summer!

Here are our 12 ideas for terrific family outings this Labor Day Weekend:

McNears Beach Park, San Rafael

McNear's Beach is a 55-acre county park located on the shores of San Pablo Bay. It's the a perfect place to go on a warm day to wade in the bay, swim in the pool, picnic, fish, take in spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay Area, and more. Admission to both the park and the pool is free! Labor Day is the final open day for the pool this season. More info.

Take a Road Trip to Apple Hill

This rural area just east of Placerville off Highway 50 is Northern California's favorite fall hot spot! Visit over 50 different farms, ranches, and growers where you can pick apples, sample locally made apple treats like pie, cider, donuts, and wine, meet farm animals, take part in fun family activities, and so much more. It's in the Sierra Foothills about a two-hour drive from Marin and worth the time it takes to get there. Also, make sure to check out the Gold Bug Park & Mine in Placerville not far from Apple Hill. More info

Pacific Grove and the Monterey Bay Aquarium

Take a road trip to Pacific Grove, Asliomar Beach and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. With a close proximity to the Bay Area, plenty of things to see and do, and an amazing coastal location, Pacific Grove is an ideal place for a family getaway this Labor Day Weekend. More info.

Explore the Presidio and Tunnel Tops in San Francisco

The San Francisco Presidio is always a fun place to explore. Visit museums, play on the Civil War Parade Ground lawn, go bowling, and visit historic sites. The Presidio Tunnel Tops is built on top of the Presidio Parkway tunnels and offers amazing Golden Gate views as well as natural open space, picnic sites, lawns and gathering spaces, food trucks, The Mess Hall and an incredible two-acre nature play space for kids. More info.

Take a Family Fun Train Ride

Take a fun and exciting train ride with the kids. There are plenty of opportunities to take a real train ride in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, even if it is on a working scale-model! More info.

Cool off at a Bay Area Water Park

Most water parks in the San Francisco Bay Area are open for summer hours through Labor Day! All offer thrilling water slides and gentler aquatic adventures like lazy rivers, wave pools, and kids' activity areas. (Don't forget the amusement park junk food, too!) They're fun for all ages. More info.

Tilden Park, Berkeley

Head to Berkeley's Tilden Park for hiking, nature, a farm, a historic carousel, steam trains, and more. Head east over the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge and up into the Berkeley Hills, where you'll find Tilden Park, a 2,000-acre playground where there's literally something for everyone. Part of the East Bay Regional Parks system, Tilden is so big and there's so much to do here, that it really bears repeat visits! More info.

Go for a Swim and Picnic at Morton's Warm Springs

Morton's Warm Springs is a family resort famous for its geothermally heated pools filled with natural mineral water. It's a fantastic place for a family day out, with multiple pools, picnic areas, an organic cafe, and more. More info.

Explore Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park

Nestled in the hills outside of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, the park offers over 40 rides and attractions. Many of the rides are specially designed for little ones, so it’s the perfect amusement park for all ages. In addition to rides, it has 6 beautiful gardens to explore and amazing water play areas for cooling off on hot days. It’s totally worth the drive! More info. 

Experience the magical Sequoias at Night

Take a magical evening walk under the old-growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains! At Roaring Camp’s Sequoias at Night, you’ll walk among these thousand-year-old giants adorned with giant lighted lanterns for a truly unforgettable experience. More info.

8 Awesome Summer Hikes in Marin

Try one of our 8 awesome summer hikes for Families in Marin. All of these hikes are easy enough for everyone in the family to tackle, and many are manageable with a sturdy jogging-style stroller. We've included our favorite summer hikes from all parts of Marin. More info.

Chill Out at a Marin County Beach

Spend the day at one of Marin County's beaches, From Heart's Desire Beach and Chicken Ranch Beach near Inverness to Stinson and Rodeo Beaches, there's something for everyone. More info.

Have fun this Labor Day Weekend!