Trying to plan some family fun in Marin County this spring? There’s no need to cross the Golden Gate Bridge—Marin is packed with cool activities for kids and adults. Just north of San Francisco, you’ll find hiking trails, gorgeous beaches, and plenty of family-friendly attractions that keep both children and parents happy.
Marin County offers a great mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences for families. Whether you’re wandering the towering redwoods at Muir Woods National Monument or soaking up the bay views on the Sausalito Boardwalk, you’ll find plenty to do. Mount Tamalpais State Park has easier trails for little legs, but still delivers those wow-factor vistas.
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Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Beyond nature, Marin’s family scene includes local theaters with snacks for parents, museums offering hands-on exhibits, and seasonal u-pick fruit adventures. Parks like Eastwood in Tam Valley even have pickleball courts where everyone can play together. With spring weather warming up, it’s a great moment to see why so many Bay Area families head to Marin for weekends.
Top Family-Friendly Attractions in Marin County
There’s no shortage of places for families to explore in Marin. From ancient redwoods to quirky museums, something here will spark a kid’s (or parent’s) curiosity.
AppleGarden Farm Tours
Bear Valley Visitor Center
Best Aquariums in the Bay Area
Best Corn Mazes Near the Bay Area and Northern California
Best Fruit Picking in Bay Area and Northern California
Best Hikes in Marin County
Best Ice Skating Near the Bay Area and Northern California
Best Snow Parks near the Bay Area and Northern California
Best Train Rides and Railroad Adventures for Kids in the Bay Area and Northern California
Best Water Parks in the San Francisco Bay Area
Best Zoos in the Bay Area
Carousels Near the Bay Area and Northern California
Dominican University of California Athletics Games
Elk Watching in Marin County
Ember Stomp
Marin County Beaches
Marin County Breweries and Wineries
Marin County Community and Recreation Centers
Marin County Community Gardens
Marin County Fair
Marin County Farmers’ Markets
Marin County Free Library
Marin County Museums
Marin County Parks
Marin Shakespeare Company
MARINet Libraries of Marin
Nicasio Valley Cheese Company Tours
Point Reyes Lighthouse
San Rafael Pacifics Games
Seal Watching in Marin County
Tule Elk Reserve
Waterfalls in the Bay Area and Northern California
Whale Watching in Marin County
Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods lets families stroll among redwoods that seem to touch the sky—some over 250 feet tall. The Main Trail loop is easy for all ages, and the flat boardwalks are stroller-friendly.
The Junior Ranger program gives kids a fun way to learn about the forest. They can grab a booklet at the visitor center and earn a badge for completing activities.
If you want to avoid crowds, show up early (before 9 AM) or later in the afternoon. You’ll need a parking reservation, so make sure to book online ahead of time.
This forest stays cool and shady, even in summer. Bring a light jacket—trust me, it can get chilly under those trees.
Interactive Museums and Science Centers
The Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito is a dream for kids under 10. There are outdoor exhibits, art studios, and all sorts of hands-on activities that encourage creative play.
The Marin Museum of Bicycling in Fairfax takes you through the history of bikes, with displays where kids can tinker and learn about bicycle mechanics.
Space fans should check out the Space Station Museum in Novato. It’s small but packed with real spacecraft parts and spacesuits—pretty fascinating, honestly.
Most museums have family workshops on weekends. It’s worth checking their websites for special events or discount days to make visits more affordable.
Outdoor Adventures and Parks
China Camp State Park has hiking trails with bay views, plus a beach that’s great for picnics and shoreline exploring.
Stafford Lake Park in Novato features a bike park with courses for all skill levels, along with a disc golf course and a playground.
McNears Beach in San Rafael is a good spot for gentle swimming, fishing, and tennis. The cove is calm, making it safer for little swimmers.
• Some family-friendly parks worth a visit:
- Samuel P. Taylor State Park (easy creek-side trails)
- Ross Commons (nice playground and a big grass field)
- Marin Headlands (hiking trails with lighthouse views)
Aquatic Activities in Sausalito
At the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, you can get up close to rescued seals and sea lions. Free guided tours share a lot about ocean conservation.
Take the Angel Island ferry from Tiburon for a fun boat ride and then hike or bike around the island. Bring a picnic—there are plenty of great spots to eat with a view.
Sea Trek rents kayaks for families with older kids, so you can paddle around Richardson Bay and maybe spot harbor seals or pelicans.
The Sausalito Boardwalk is a low-key stroll with awesome San Francisco views. Grab an ice cream or pop into a casual restaurant for an easy afternoon with the kids.
Annual Festivals and Cultural Events
Marin County celebrates art, culture, and community with a bunch of festivals and events throughout the year. These gatherings are a fun way for families to experience local traditions together.
Family-Oriented Community Festivals
The Marin County Fair is a major annual event around July 4th. It runs for five days and has carnival rides, games, exhibits, and live music—something for everyone, really.
Point Reyes Birding & Nature Festival lets families connect with wildlife through guided walks and educational programs. Kids can learn about the local environment while having a good time outdoors.
San Rafael’s Italian Street Painting Festival turns downtown streets into colorful works of art, and you can watch the artists in action.
All year long, different towns host seasonal celebrations. Many communities put on holiday parades and festivals, especially in summer and winter. These events usually include:
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- Free kids’ activities
- Food from local vendors
- Live entertainment
- Craft stations for hands-on fun
Art Fairs and Performances
The Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival sets up in a redwood grove—pretty magical. You can browse art from over 100 artists, and there are creative activities just for kids.
Marin Art Festival gathers painters, sculptors, and craftspeople at the Civic Center grounds. The outdoor setup is perfect for families, so kids can move around between exhibits.
Theaters like Marin Theater Company and Throckmorton Theatre offer family-friendly shows and youth programs throughout the year.
Music concerts pop up at smaller venues all over Marin. Check out outdoor summer concert series in places like:
- Corte Madera Town Center
- Downtown San Rafael
- Parks and plazas around the county
These concerts usually start earlier in the evening, which is great for families with young kids.
Best Parks and Playgrounds for Children
Marin County has some fantastic parks and playgrounds where kids can burn off energy and adults can relax. From well-designed play structures to peaceful picnic areas, these spots blend fun and Marin’s natural scenery.
Scenic Picnic Spaces
Millennium Playground in San Anselmo is a favorite family destination. It’s got modern equipment and shaded spots where parents can hang out while kids play.
Pioneer Park in Novato offers big picnic areas under mature trees, clean facilities, and a playground that keeps kids busy for hours.
Piper Park in Larkspur sits by the river with beautiful views. The playground is well-kept and has equipment for different ages.
Hal Brown Park at Creekside is a go-to for family gatherings. The picnic spots overlook marshland, and the playground is accessible for kids of all abilities.
Nature Trails and Hiking
Muir Woods National Monument isn’t your typical playground, but kids love exploring the boardwalks among the redwoods.
Mount Tamalpais State Park has family-friendly hikes, even for young kids. The Verna Dunshee Trail is a short loop with awesome views—honestly, adults will love it too.
Ross Commons has both playground equipment and easy access to nature paths, so you can mix active play with a gentle walk.
Lots of Marin playgrounds connect to short trails, making it easy to combine playtime with a little adventure. Don’t forget water and snacks for the kids—you’ll need them.
Family Dining and Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Marin County has a bunch of dining spots where kids are welcome and parents can actually enjoy the food. These places make eating out with children feel a lot less stressful.
Local Favorites in Marin County
Lighthouse Breakfast & Lunch is a top family pick in Marin. Their American cafe menu works for picky eaters and foodies alike. The vibe is relaxed, so no one cares if your kids get a little loud.
Fred’s Coffee Shop is another go-to for families. Their kid-friendly approach and speedy service help keep everyone happy.
Lappert’s Ice Cream is a must for dessert. The bright, colorful flavors are a hit with kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too).
Sorella’s in Fairfax is great for families, and if your kids need to burn off energy mid-meal, Bolinas Park is right across the street.
Dining in Sausalito and Petaluma
Sausalito’s waterfront restaurants cater to families with menus that work for all ages. Many serve kid-sized portions of seafood, while parents get to enjoy the views.
Over in Petaluma, farm-to-table restaurants offer child-friendly options that introduce kids to local ingredients without getting too fancy.
Gott’s Roadside, with locations in both towns, covers the bases—classic cheeseburgers and hot dogs for the kids, Ahi Poke tacos for the more adventurous. Perfect for families with different tastes.
Lots of places hand out crayons or activity sheets, and quick service is the norm—definitely a plus when your kids are hungry and impatient.
Educational Experiences for All Ages
Marin County has plenty of ways for families to learn while having fun. You can explore natural habitats and history, picking up new knowledge about the area along the way.
Nature Education Centers
The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito lets you see rescued seals and sea lions and learn about ocean conservation. Public viewing areas let you watch the animals recover before they head back to the wild.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Point Reyes National Seashore hosts ranger-led programs for all ages. The Bear Valley Visitor Center has interactive exhibits about local wildlife, and kids love the earthquake trail that explains the geology.
Olompali State Historic Park offers nature walks where you can spot birds and native plants. The docents point out local species and share why they matter to the ecosystem.
The Richardson Bay Audubon Center runs bird watching events for families, providing binoculars and field guides to help you spot local and migrating birds.
Historic Landmarks and Guided Tours
The Marin Headlands has old military sites you can wander through at your own pace. Explore bunkers, peek inside artillery posts, and get a feel for the history of coastal defense. The Golden Gate Bridge views are a bonus—sometimes you just have to stop and take it all in.
China Camp State Park preserves a former Chinese shrimping village. The museum is small but packed with stories about 19th-century Chinese immigrants—how they lived, worked, and built their community. On weekends, docents chat with visitors and share what daily life was like back then.
Angel Island Immigration Station gives you a window into West Coast immigration history. The ferry ride over is half the fun, honestly. Walking tours on the island reveal how thousands of immigrants passed through the facility and what their journeys looked like.
The Marin History Museum in downtown San Rafael shows off artifacts from the county’s past. Exhibits rotate often, and they throw in hands-on stuff for kids, so it doesn’t feel too much like a grown-up-only place.
Day Trips and Nearby Family Destinations
Marin County sits in a sweet spot for quick family adventures. You can head out in almost any direction and find something fun for all ages—no epic road trip required.
Exploring Sonoma with Kids
Sonoma County has a bunch of kid-friendly options. Train Town in Sonoma is a classic—imagine a quarter-scale railroad, tiny town, and amusement rides that keep little kids entertained. The train chugs through tunnels and over bridges for about 20 minutes, which is just right for short attention spans.
Safari West near Santa Rosa lets you get surprisingly close to giraffes, rhinos, and zebras—in California, no less. Their guided tours use open-air vehicles, so you feel like you’re on a real safari. And if you’re up for it, their safari tents make for a memorable overnight stay.
The Children’s Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa is packed with interactive exhibits—water play, an art studio, science stuff, and a garden that begs kids to dig in and explore.
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a must for family hikes beneath towering trees. The Discovery Trail is super accessible—wheelchairs, strollers, you name it—and has cool educational displays along the way.
Petaluma Family Activities
Petaluma feels like a small town but has plenty for families. The Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum, run by high schoolers, houses over 50 species of live animals and offers hands-on activities every Saturday. It’s quirky and surprisingly impressive.
Shollenberger Park features a flat, 2-mile loop that’s great for walking or biking with kids. You’ll probably spot birds and maybe a few other critters while you circle the wetlands. Bring binoculars if you’ve got ’em.
On rainy days, Playland in Petaluma is a lifesaver—huge indoor playground, climbing structures, and a separate area for toddlers. It gets noisy, but the kids burn off energy and everyone leaves happy.
Petaluma Creamery serves up local ice cream and cheese. You can peek through windows and watch the production line, and their grilled cheese sandwiches are seriously good—kids usually devour them.
The Petaluma River is perfect for kayaking if your kids are a bit older. Paddling the calm water gives you a different view of downtown, and it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Visiting San Francisco from Marin
San Francisco is just over the Golden Gate Bridge, so it’s an easy day trip. The Exploratorium is a blast—hundreds of hands-on science exhibits that even adults get sucked into. If you’re planning a night out, Thursday evenings are adults-only.
Golden Gate Park has some gems for families: the California Academy of Sciences (think aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum rolled into one) and the Japanese Tea Garden, which is honestly just a lovely place to wander.
Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf are still family magnets—sea lions, street performers, and seafood joints everywhere. The Musée Mécanique is a personal favorite: vintage arcade games that still work with quarters. It’s a little weird, a lot of fun.
Pro tip: Instead of fighting for parking in the city, hop on the Golden Gate Ferry from Larkspur. Kids love the boat ride, and you’ll get some killer views of the bay and skyline.
Planning Your Family Visit to Marin County
If you’re bringing the family to Marin County, a bit of planning goes a long way. Sorting out transportation, picking the right place to stay, and figuring out your budget can make the whole trip smoother—and more fun.
Transportation and Getting Around
Marin is easy to reach, but honestly, having a car makes everything simpler. The Golden Gate Bridge links San Francisco and Marin (there’s a southbound toll). If you’re flying, both SFO and Oakland airports are about 30-45 minutes away, depending on traffic and luck.
Public transit exists—Marin Transit buses connect the main towns, and the SMART train runs from San Rafael to Santa Rosa—but it’s not super convenient for families wanting to explore parks and beaches. Renting a car gives you freedom to roam.
Biking is a big deal here, with trails like the Mill Valley-Sausalito Pathway. Plenty of parks are bike-friendly, so if your kids are up for it, bring bikes or rent them locally. It’s a good way to see more and burn off some energy.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
You’ve got options when it comes to staying in Marin. Mid-range hotels in San Rafael and Novato tend to offer the best value, with perks like pools and free breakfast. For something different, try the historic Pelican Inn in Muir Beach or cozy cottages in Point Reyes.
Vacation rentals work well for families needing more space and a kitchen. Mill Valley, Tiburon, and Sausalito have charming homes close to restaurants and shops—nice if you want to walk around instead of driving everywhere.
On a tighter budget? The Marin Headlands Hostel is affordable and set in a historic building. Camping is popular too—check out Samuel P. Taylor State Park or China Camp for family-friendly campgrounds that get you close to nature without breaking the bank.
Try to book your spot a couple months ahead, especially in summer or on weekends. Marin gets busy with Bay Area folks looking for a quick escape, so planning ahead saves headaches.
Budgeting and Cost of Living Considerations
Marin County sits near the top when it comes to pricey places in California. For a family of four, you’ll probably spend somewhere between $150 and $250 a day on meals, activities, and getting around. Groceries run about 20% higher than the national average, so if you can, maybe bring some basics with you.
Outdoor spots here often give you a lot for your money. Beaches, hiking trails, and state parks usually charge just $8-10 per car, sometimes nothing at all. The Bay Area Discovery Museum ($15 per person) and Marin Country Mart Farmers Market (free to wander) make for fun, affordable outings with kids.
Ways to save a bit:
- Pack up picnic lunches for the beach or park
- Come in April-May or September-October to avoid peak prices
- Check the free Visit Marin app for deals and events
- Book your stay mid-week—hotels drop their rates big time
Mix things up: maybe splurge on horseback riding, but balance it out with free redwood hikes. That way, you’ll get a trip to remember without emptying your wallet.
Get a discount of 15% to 70% on accommodation in Marin County! Look for deals here:
Marin County Hotels, Apartments, B&Bs
Cities and Towns in Marin County
Things to Do in Marin County
Places to Stay in Marin County
