Having two kids under 3 years old means our day is dictated by naps… 5 times a day we are getting some kid down to sleep, and we found out an hour drive is a perfect length to get our 1 year old to nap both directions! (and 3 year old in at LEAST 1 ;)

Here are some amazing kids museums we have been visiting, (and more we plan to!) with our little ones.

We created a map to help pull up in case you just need to get out and explore a bit. Map of East Bay Parks to Explore! and we have a separate article on exploring Nature hikes with kids.

Palo Alto Junior Museum

Feed the flamingos everyday at 11am! And the coolest rope climbing walkways of your dreams.

Epic park right outside, too!

East Bay Discovery Museum, Sausalito

Views of the Golden Gate, tons of play structures, mostly outdoors, with some fun spaces to explore in various buildings. I LOVE this one most for its outdoor structures! Absolute favorite. But the inside places were great, too! Everything had lots of natural light and beautiful wood structures. My boys also could have just spent the day in the water structure roping around just outside the baby room.

Be sure to check out the kid-friendly Sausalito Beach just around the corner! Small, but great to play in the sand. If you want a little prettier of a beach, go to the southern end of the golden gate to Golden Gate Beach.

Bar Bocce is a great place to eat and hang out another few hours, or walk over to grab a pork sandwich at Le Garage right on the pier.

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Full size ambulance, fire truck, amazing outdoor space and beloved baby zone. Don’t miss out on the huge Guiness world record holder of the largest Monopoly Board in the park outside!

And don’t forget to take a little walk to check out the electric trains, nearby cafes (Bijan bakery had some sugar free treats!, and great sandwiches)

Oakland Zoo

You can ride the train without zoo tickets! Buy a pack of tickets or ride just for the day! 11am-3pm

Sonoma Train Town

Weekends only (10am-4pm)

Open daily in the summer

Children’s Museum of Sonoma County

Full size buildings for kids! Plus helicopter!

Tilden Steam Train

The prettiest little steam train and trail you’ll ever find! Come just for the trains under the redwoods, stay for the petting zoo or botanical gardens or just hike through the woods with a little lunch.