Living in the Bay Area is mad expensive!
Sometimes it’s nice to go out for a lunch with the kids that ends up costing you $100. But other times, you want an activity that’s fun but doesn’t cost a penny.
We gathered 14 of our favorite totally free activities with kids here in the 925. Enjoy!
1. Stroll at Heather Farm Park
Heather Farm Park is the jewel of the 925 park system. There’s something here for everyone, and it’s totally free.
For younger kids under 12, Heather Farm has a massive and incredibly exciting playground. There’s also a swim center.
If the playground is too busy, you can wander around the lake or pond, which makes for a perfect nature hike. The gardens at Heather Farm are also free and feature incredible rose bushes, along with plenty of spots for a picnic.
Got a dog? Hit up the free dog park.
2. Grab Cotton Candy at City Center
On Saturdays, City Center Bishop Ranch transforms into a farmers market featuring some of the best local vendors. You can wander around and check out local artisan goods or even sample fresh produce.
If you venture into City Center itself, you can also stop by Miette and get free cotton candy! Take it to the lawn in the middle of City Center, a great place for kids to run around.
City Center also holds free events for most major holidays, and regional/cultural ones too. Bastille day party, anyone?
During the summer, there’s a big fountain where kids can put on rain boots and splash around.
3. Visit the Splash Pad at Rancho San Ramon
Speaking of splashing, Rancho San Ramon Park in San Ramon, California, has one of the best free splash pads in the area.
You can play in the water or explore the excellent playground, which has three sections for kids of all ages. There’s a new climbing structure, a giant slide, and a zip line (although it was under construction during our visit).
4. Smell the Roses at Osage Station Park
We’ve called Osage Station Park the best park in Danville, and we stand by it.
In addition to a playground and a lovely mile-long walking loop, Osage Station Park boasts over 1,000 rosebushes maintained by the city and volunteers. You can find them scattered throughout the park, making for a fun adventure for little kids. We love smelling as many roses as we can, which adds some structure to our walks.
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5. Catch an Outdoor Animal Demo at Lindsay Wildlife
The Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek is inexpensive, but not free. However, outside the museum in Larkey Park, Lindsay Wildlife hosts free animal demonstrations for the public.
You might see staff members exercising the museum’s raptors or enjoy the entertaining (and funny) porcupine demonstration. Even if there isn’t a demo, you can stop by and say hello to the museum’s turkey vulture, who lives outdoors.
6. Embrace Inclusivity at Moraga Commons Park
Yes, we know Moraga is a bit far out from parts of the 925. But Moraga Commons Park is one of the most popular local parks for little kids.
One of the features is a relatively new playground intended for kids of all abilities.
You’ll find sensory experiences, a small sandpit, swings to accommodate all types of kids, and more.
In addition to the abilities playground at Heather Farm, it’s a great way to embrace inclusivity.
7. Bike on the Iron Horse Trail
If you’re looking for a spot to go bike riding, the Iron Horse Trail is perfect for kids from about five years old up to teenagers.
Following the pathway of an old railway line, the trail is perfectly flat, and many parts are nicely shaded.
The trail stretches over 40 miles, so you can bike as long as you want. A great starting point is in Danville at the parking lot by the Museum of San Ramon Valley, which features a restored Union Pacific rail car with public bathrooms. This section of the trail is shaded and family-friendly.
8. Check Out Public Art in Downtown Walnut Creek
Downtown Walnut Creek is a perfect place to walk around with kids. If you want to give structure to your walk, the public art in Walnut Creek is perfect.
There are public installations all around downtown, including giant murals covering buildings, but also more subtle offerings.
The art is strange and eclectic enough that kids will find it engaging, maybe even a bit funny.
My son certainly doesn’t understand Walnut Creek’s iconic sculpture The Fountainhead‘s Ayn Rand reference, but he calls it the “floating baby head” and finds it absolutely worth a visit.
Other pieces like Bullman and Bulldog (above) are eclectic enough to appeal to kids, too.
9. Kick a Ball Around at San Ramon Central Park
San Ramon Central Park is perfect because it has easy parking, and a (bit small) playground, but mostly lots of space.
There are massive fields here, and I rarely see them used for structured activities. That makes this a wonderful place to stop with kids and kick a ball around or play catch.
I won’t tell you you should fly a drone here. But I also won’t say that I haven’t tried it myself…
10. Watch Planes at Buchanan Field in Concord
Speaking of aircraft, Concord, California has a strange little wonder that most people aren’t aware of—a playground right at the end of the Buchanan Field runway.
You might think that aircraft would be soaring directly over your kids as they play, but this playground is located on the side of the passenger area at Buchanan Field, not right in the flight path.
It’s still close enough to the runway that you can easily spot small aircraft as well as larger private jets and regional planes taking off and landing.
It’s one of the most unique and interesting places to play in the 925! And for kids who are obsessed with planes and transportation, it’s even better.
11. Visit Lafayette’s Pocket Park
Lafayette, California doesn’t have that many big parks. The land here is expensive, and everything is built up.
The city made a great step toward improving that somewhat with the opening of a brand-new park a few years ago, called Brook Street Park.
This pocket park is built in a tiny stretch of land right in downtown. It’s fully enclosed and has a small but very fun aviation-themed play structure.
Given its size, it’s best for kids five and under. Parking can also be a challenge. But everything is brand new, and there’s a very cool swing that allows you to swing with your baby, which is something I’ve never seen before.
My three-year-old and four-year-old love this place. It’s also super convenient because you can easily walk to downtown Lafayette for a snack afterward.
This park needs a bathroom, but other than that, it’s a great stopping point.
It’s at 3550 Brook Street.
12. Walk Among Cows on Lafayette Ridge Trail
After mudslides wiped out the trail at Lafayette Ridge, EBMUD redesigned the trail with new facilities, including bathrooms, running water, and disabled parking spaces. This makes it a world-class hiking destination near Acalanes High School.
The highlight of the trail is the cows! While you should never approach them (and absolutely don’t take a selfie), it’s fun to see these curious creatures grazing nearby as you hike.
13. Push a Stroller Around Lafayette Reservoir
Lafayette Reservoir is an absolutely beautiful hike and one of the best spots in Lafayette.
It’s a tough trail for small kids to walk because it is 3 miles long and has live elevation changes. If you’re up to the challenge and are pushing a stroller, though, it’s a terrific workout.
I used to push my kids around this while my wife and I walked with them as newborns. Just be careful on the steep downhill sections when that 45-pound stroller really starts to show its weight!
You’ll be winded once you finish this one, but if you’re walking with a kid who can get out of the stroller and play, there’s a nice, engaging playground at the end of the walk.
14. Picnic by the Lake in San Ramon
San Ramon, California is landlocked, so you wouldn’t think there would be any aquatic activities.
But the city’s flagship Bishop Ranch office park built a gigantic lake back in the 80s, and today it’s full of ducks, native flora, and more.
Because this is a business park, there is almost nobody there on the weekends. That makes it a secluded—yet very safe feeling and extremely nice—place to take a walk.
I like to bring a picnic, stroll around the giant lake, and then find a nice spot to sit and have lunch.
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