It’s been a wet winter and if you feel like you can’t handle one more day stuck inside, this post is for you! We’re here with some fun indoor activities for families with kids of all ages.
And give Otter a follow on Instagram (@otterchildcare) or check out our Eventbrite - we have some fun events, indoors and outdoors, coming up soon!
La Petite Playhouse (Redwood City)
A popular indoor playground, La Petite Playhouse has activities for kids 10 and under, including a baby and toddler area. While weekends are for party reservations only, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a weekday activity. They even have an evening open play session Mondays-Thursdays (5-7 pm).
Gamelandia (Palo Alto)
Gamelandia is perfect for older kids, as an inclusive tabletop game store and community hub where both new and experienced players of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels are welcome. They have a large space for open game play and you can buy a game, borrow from their library, or bring your own. If your kiddos are into any particular game, they also host lots of after school programs and evening events for different ages!
Storytime at various locations around the Peninsula
There are plenty of storytime hours all over the area, giving you your choice of different locations and times. Some of our favorites are at Palo Alto Libraries, Menlo Park Libraries, Atherton Library, and Books Inc. Mountain View.
Taste Buds Kitchen (Palo Alto)
If your kids love helping in the kitchen, they can take a cooking class at Tastebuds Kitchen and build their culinary skills. Tastebuds offers classes for ages 2-teen, with options for caregiver & child classes, family classes, or independent classes, depending on age. Kids in upcoming classes will be trying out everything from soft pretzels to sushi!
The Junior Museum is a local favorite! While the connected zoo might be best for a sunny day, the indoor museum is perfect for these rainy days we’ve been having recently. The hands-on exhibits let kids explore and learn about science and the natural world!
Music Together (Palo Alto and Menlo Park)
Music Together offers music classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in Palo Alto and Menlo Park. While most of their classes are offered in 9 or 10 week sessions, you can sign up online to drop-in on one class as a trial. The teachers lead the class in sing-alongs, jam sessions, and other musical activities!
HyperSpace (Los Altos)
The perfect place to escape a rainy day, Hyperspace has lots of options for older kids: private karaoke rooms, an arcade, and a gaming lounge - there’s something for everyone!
Safari Run (Sunnyvale)
Safari Run is another indoor playspace option and like other nearby options, weekends are mostly reserved for private parties. If you’re looking for drop-in play, weekdays are your best bet. Safari Run is perfect for kids ages 3-12.
Linden Tree author events (Los Altos)
Linden Tree Books is a children’s bookstore that hosts wonderful events where kids can meet their favorite authors! They even offer story writing workshops for older kids. We’re also big fans of their Sunday storytime, but since it’s outside, it doesn’t quite make for a great rainy day activity.
Cantor Arts Center (Stanford)
Cantor Arts Center is Stanford’s FREE art museum, with 24 galleries and more than 15 special exhibitions every year. They have special family guides to help the little ones explore the art and keep your eyes open for their twice yearly family days, where they feature activities and performances especially for kids!
Little Gym (Mountain View)
A visit to Mountain View’s Little Gym might require a bit more advance planning than other options, as gym time is reserved for regular classes and party reservations, but it can be the perfect rainy season activity.
Sky Zone (San Carlos)
What kid doesn’t love a trampoline park? This San Carlos location welcomes kids of all ages - they have a specific toddler zone and even have Toddler Time to allow younger children to enjoy the attraction without big kids.
If you just need a break, you can always use Otter to find a sitter who can come to your home to play with your kids and get some of that rainy day energy out! Otter helps parents find vetted sitters in their community and new families get a two hour free trial.