For those days that just seem too sunny (hey, it can happen!), or the playground is feeling too packed, or you're just a tired parent who wants to keep your kids contained, indoor play spaces are where it's at. Christine Chen shares some of the best indoor options in the city for your little ones all year 'round.
Includes an extremely clean indoor climbing structure with two slides and a plastic ball pit for kids ages 2 to 10. Separate play area for younger kids with trains and other toys. Ideal for toddlers and preschoolers.
When: Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; weekends vary
Where: 5628 Geary St.
Cost: $12 per visit; 5, 10, 15 day passes for $50, $100, $195; monthly membership $110.
Indoor playspace for kids under 5. Highlights include a mini Golden Gate Bridge, child-sized cable car, castle, slide, and train table.
When: Weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 900 North Point St., Suite F100
Cost: Free GGMG access to playspace monthly first Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and third Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; 3-month FREE trial membership to GGMG members new to Peekadoodle; discounted registration fees for Peekadoodle summer and school break camps.
Indoor trampoline park with a space dedicated to younger jumpers. Older kids (7 and up) enjoy regular access to the park.
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Jump Session for kids 3 to 6)
Where: 926 Mason St.
Cost: $18 for 60-minute session; $2 for socks.
Drop-in classes every day of the week. KinderGym is open play; other classes are more structured.
When: Weekday and weekend classes vary; check schedule
Where: 3200 California St.
Cost: $16 per class ($13 for JCC members); $150 for 10 classes within a 3-month period ($120 for JCCSF members).
Little Bugs is an open-format drop-in class for toddlers ages 1 to 3 ½. Structured activities or explorations in a safe environment with parental participation. Classes 5also available for children ages 3 to 12.
When: Little Bugs: Mondays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: 1405 Fillmore St.
Cost: Little Bugs $25 per class ($22 for members).
California Academy of Sciences
Entertainment for kids and adults at the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium, Osher Rainforest, Discovery Tidepool, and at the penguin feeding. For children five and under, Curiosity Grove offers a safe playspace to explore.
When: Mondays through Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 55 Music Concourse Dr.
Cost: Adults $35.95; Youth (ages 12 to 17) $30.95; Students (ages 18+ with ID) $30.95; Child (ages 4 to 11) $25.95; Child (ages 3 and under) and Academy members free.
With more than 650 hands-on exhibits and the fabulous SeaGlass Restaurant, kids and adults can be entertained (and learn something) for hours on end.
When: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)
Cost: Adults $29.95; Child (ages 4 to 12) $19.95; Child (ages 3 and under) FREE.
While some exhibits are outdoors, the Tot Spot indoor play space, Bay Hall’s large train table and fishing ship, and various drop-in programs (Art Project, FabLab, Creativity Kit, Toddler Kit) will easily keep kids from 6 months to 10 years entertained.
When: Select Mondays; Tuesdays through Fridays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 557 McReynolds Rd., Sausalito
Cost: Adults $14.95; Child (ages 1 to 17) $14.95; Baby (6 months to 11 months) $13.95.
Christine has analyzed and advised consumer companies for a career. She has a 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter, who both need to burn off energy so they will nap. She realizes she is lucky that they still actually nap.
This article originally appeared in the Feb/March 2018 issue of GGMG Magazine. Class and hours information was current at the time of publication; please confirm directly with the venue before striking out with your kids in tow!
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