Things to Do with Kids in Marin County: The Ultimate Family Fun Guide
Looking for fun things to do with kids in Marin? Whether you're planning a weekend adventure, searching for free family activities, or looking for rainy-day fun, there's no shortage of wonderful places to explore. From beautiful beaches and redwood forests to playgrounds, museums, storytimes, and seasonal celebrations, Marin offers something for kids of all ages. We've rounded up some of our favorite family-friendly activities in Marin, along with helpful guides to make planning your next outing easy.
Free Things to Do with Kids in Marin
You don't have to spend a lot to have a great day out with the family. Marin County offers plenty of free activities, including parks, playgrounds, library storytimes, nature walks, and community events.
Explore our favorite free family activities:
Best Playgrounds and Parks in Marin County
Marin is home to some fantastic playgrounds, from imaginative play structures and climbing areas to beautiful parks with picnic spots and room to run. Some family favorites include Millennium Playground in San Anselmo, Pioneer Park in Novato, Piper Park in Larkspur, and Old Mill Park in Mill Valley. Whether you have a toddler or an adventurous older child, there's a playground for everyone.
Family-Friendly Hikes and Outdoor Adventures
With its redwood forests, coastal trails, and spectacular views, Marin County is one of the best places in the Bay Area for outdoor family adventures. Explore the towering redwoods of Muir Woods, discover beautiful waterfall hikes in Marin, enjoy spectacular views from Mount Tamalpais, or explore the beaches and scenic trails of Point Reyes National Seashore. Take a ferry to Angel Island State Park for a fun family adventure with hiking trails and stunning views of San Francisco Bay. From easy nature walks and camping with kids to family-friendly hiking trails like Roy's Redwoods, Marin County offers endless outdoor adventures for kids of all ages.
- Marin Mommies Outdoor Guide
- Fall Camping with Kids
- Marin County Parks – Offers guided outdoor nature walks and hikes for the whole family.
Family-Friendly Beaches in Marin County
Marin County has plenty of beautiful beaches for families to play, explore, and enjoy a day by the water, whether its along the dramatic Pacific shoreline or the gentler San Francisco or San Pablo bays. Spend a sunny afternoon at Stinson Beach, explore the shoreline at McNears Beach Park in San Rafael, or head to the Marin Headlands for spectacular ocean views. Bring a picnic, play in the sand, and enjoy a fun family outing.
Museums and Educational Activities for Kids
Fo a family outing that's both fun and educational, visit on of the fantastic hands-on museums for kids in Marin and the Bay Area. One of our favorites is the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, where little ones can explore interactive exhibits, outdoor play areas, and creative activities. Families can also discover science, art, nature, and history at museums throughout the Bay Area.
Library Storytimes and Free Children's Activities
Marin County's public libraries are wonderful destinations for families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Enjoy free storytimes, music and movement programs, bilingual activities, arts and crafts, LEGO clubs, puppet shows, movie screenings, and special children's events at libraries throughout Marin.
Check out our guide to Marin County Library Storytimes & Free Kids' Activities for library locations and links to upcoming children's programs.
Indoor Play and Rainy-Day Activities
Rainy days don't have to mean staying home! Marin County has plenty of indoor activities where kids can play, climb, create, and burn off energy. From indoor playgrounds and open gyms to gymnastics, art activities, and museums, there are lots of ways to keep little ones entertained.
Baby and Toddler Activities in Marin
Marin offers plenty of age-appropriate activities for families with babies and toddlers, including storytimes, music classes, movement programs, indoor play spaces, and toddler-friendly playgrounds. Whether you're looking for a weekly activity or something fun to do today, there are lots of opportunities for little ones to explore and play.
Farms, Animals, and Nature Experiences
Kids love getting up close to animals and discovering where their food comes from. Throughout Marin and the North Bay, families can visit farms, explore nature, pick seasonal fruit, and enjoy special agricultural events. Depending on the season, you can visit pumpkin patches, enjoy farm activities, or head out for a fruit-picking adventure.
- Explore U-Pick Farms & Fruit Picking in Marin and the Bay Area
- Family-Friendly Farm Tours in Marin & Sonoma Counties
Family-Friendly Festivals and Community Events
From community festivals and farmers markets to parades, outdoor concerts, and family celebrations, local events offer fun ways to explore Marin's towns and neighborhoods. Many of these events are free and offer children's activities, entertainment, food, and more.
Seasonal and Holiday Activities
Every season brings something special for families in Marin and the Bay Area.
- Spring: Enjoy wildflower hikes, Easter celebrations, farm visits, and outdoor adventures.
- Summer: Cool off at local swimming pools, visit the beach, enjoy outdoor concerts and movies, and explore summer fairs and festivals.
- Fall: Discover pumpkin patches, corn mazes, Halloween events, the best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Marin, and family-friendly fall hikes.
- Winter: Winter: Discover Christmas tree U-cut farms and tree lots, holiday performances, craft fairs, Christmas tree lightings, ice skating, family-friendly holiday events, and holiday fun in San Francisco.
Explore our Halloween and Fall Fun, Marin Holiday Guide, Marin Summer Guide and check the Family Events Calendar for seasonal activities throughout the year.
Looking for More Things to Do with Kids in Marin?
There's always something fun to discover in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you're planning a weekend outing, looking for free activities, or searching for something special to do with the kids, we're here to help.
Be sure to check out our Marin Mommies Family Events Calendar for the latest family-friendly events, activities, storytimes, festivals, and more.