When you think of Silicon Valley, visions of tech campuses and startup hustle may come to mind. But this dynamic region surrounding the southern shores of San Francisco Bay is also an incredible family-friendly getaway destination! With our mild climate, diverse attractions, and proximity to amazing outdoor spaces, the Bay Area is a wonderland for kids and families. Whether you’re visiting on vacation or a local looking for a weekend escape, here are five can’t-miss activities to put on your radar when traveling with the crew.
Then, once you’re ready to plan your itinerary, book your stay at Good Nite Inn — one of the most family-friendly Redwood City hotels!
Exploratorium Museum
No trip to the Bay Area is complete without a visit to the iconic Exploratorium Museum. This beloved institution has been sparking curiosity and hands-on learning for over 50 years. With hundreds of interactive exhibits spread across nearly 7 acres, kids can touch, play, and experiment their way through the principles of science, art, and human perception. Don’t miss the Tinkering Studio where your visitors can build their own creations, or the pitch-black Tactile Dome where they’ll navigate by touch alone.
Pier 15 — Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
Children’s Fairyland
A Family stay at Good Nite Inn Fremont isn’t complete without a visit to Children’s Fairyland in Oakland. Step through the gates and you’ll enter a storybook world of themed gardens, whimsical storybook sets, and puppet performances. As one of the earliest themed amusement parks in the U.S., Fairyland has been delighting young guests since 1950 with gentle rides, safe play areas, and the Open Storybook Puppet Theater showcasing traditional fairy tales. The park also hosts special events throughout the year celebrating holidays and cultural traditions.
699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610
The Tech Interactive
What better place for a kid-focused science and tech museum than the capital of Silicon Valley itself? The Tech Interactive in downtown San Jose celebrates the spirit of innovation. Kids can look forward to immersive IMAX films, hundreds of hands-on exhibits and even interactive labs. Young makers will have so much fun designing robots, video games, and virtual worlds, they’ll forget they’re learning. Then, they can interact with exhibits that explore themes like clean energy, biotechnology, and digital innovation. The Tech interactive is just moments from Good Nite Inn, one of the best Fremont San Jose Hotels for family getaways.
201 S. Market St, San Jose, CA 95113
Golden Gate Park
Looking to explore the great outdoors? Take the crew to San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Park. This lush 1,000-plus acre oasis stretches from the Haight to the Pacific Ocean with gardens, playgrounds, lakes, and meadows for running and relaxation. Key stops include the Japanese Tea Garden, Conservatory of Flowers, the Buffalo Paddock, and the newly renovated de Young Museum sculpture gardens. Rent bikes, surreys, or buses to get around, or simply wander and enjoy the gorgeous weather.
501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk
Just a short drive south of Silicon Valley lies one of the Bay Area’s most classic attractions — the Santa Cruz Beach & Boardwalk. This oceanfront amusement park has been thrilling visitors with its historic wooden roller coasters, midway games, and seaside carnival atmosphere since 1907. In addition to rides like the Giant Dipper and Looff Carousel, kids can build sandcastles on the adjacent beach or play midway games. The park also hosts free summer concerts and movies on the beach for a quintessential California theme park experience. You’ll discover the boardwalk just minutes from Good Nite Inn — one of the very best Hotels Near Fremont California.
Good Nite Inn is the Perfect Stay For Adventure
No matter where your travels take you in the Bay Area, there’s an abundance of stimulating, enriching, and just plain fun activities to share with kids. From skyline views to sandy shores, you’ll make lifelong vacation memories while giving children’s natural curiosity room to explore. Book your family’s stay at Good Nite Inn Redwood City CAtoday and let the good times begin!