Marin County’s Best Beaches for Families

1. Stinson Beach

This stretch of sand is one of the most popular beaches in Marin County. It also makes it one of the busiest, but it’s worth the traffic to spend a day here. Lifeguards are on duty from late May to mid-September. It has showers, grills, picnic tables, and a snack shop that is open during the summer months.

You can grab a bite at Parkside Cafe, whether inside or at the snack bar that serves menu items like fish tacos, grass-fed burgers, and soft serve ice cream.

2. Chicken Ranch Beach

This Marin County hidden gem is in West Marin, just outside of Inverness. Situated on Tomales Bay, the water is shallow, usually warm, and the waves are nonexistent, making it perfect for families. It’s just over 45 minutes away from the center of Marin County, but the route is so beautiful that the drive will fly by.

3. McNear's Beach

Located in a 55-acre park on the San Pablo Bay, besides the sandy beach, you can fish off the pier, swim in the swimming pool, play volleyball, and admire the fantastic views of the Bay Area.

4. Heart’s Desire Beach

This bucolic spot is in Tomales State Park. There’s no surf, but the water is warm and shallow, making it perfect for kids. There are restrooms, water fountains, and picnic tables if you want to make a day out of your adventure.

Best Parks, Playgrounds, and Hikes in Marin County with Kids

Trek this family-friendly trail with coastal views. Photo by Gabby Cullen

5. Tennessee Valley Trail

This easy 3.4-mile trail is one of the most popular hikes in Marin County for kids. It’s a flat path, the midway point is Tennessee Cove, a beach perfect for picnics, and you can use an off-road jogging stroller. It does get busy, so we recommend going in the morning to avoid other hikers and bikers.

6. Indian Valley Preserve

There are plenty of trees to offer shade during a hot summer day, and Pachecho Pond gives kids a chance to see frogs, newts, and other amphibious creatures. The waterfall trail leads to a gorgeous seasonal cascade, and the fire roads and flat trails make it easy for even the littlest hiker to enjoy the outdoors.

7. Cascade Falls

Not to be mistaken for the other Cascade Falls trail in Fairfax, this short hike along Cascade Creek offers stunning (but seasonal) views of waterfalls, redwood trees, and at just .5 miles, it’s manageable for most families.

8. Samuel P. Taylor State Park ​​

The paved Cross Marin Trail is a popular spot for families to enjoy the beauty of Lagunitas Creek. It follows the historic North Coast Pacific Railroad route: you can picnic in the redwood forest, watch salmon spawn in the creek, and let the kids cool off in the water on a hot day.

9. Millennium Playground at Memorial Park

This is one of the best playgrounds for kids in Marin County. Built by volunteers, this all-wood playground has a train-themed toddler area, a castle structure, a mini San Anselmo play town, swings, a dinosaur in the sand, and more.

It’s fenced in for safety, and the grass field outside the playground is ideal for running, playing games, or celebrating special occasions.

10. Hal Brown Park at Creekside

If the fun playground doesn’t suck you in, the jaw-dropping views of Mt. Tamalpais will do the trick. It has a climbing web, naturalistic play structures for both toddlers and older kids, a tricycle track, a water play area, spinning bowls, and a climbing wall. Situated along Corte Madera Creek in Greenbrae, it’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

11. Piper Park

This park in central Marin has a new playground, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, plenty of shade for picnics, grills, and even a dog park for your furry friends.

Awesome Activities in Marin County with Kids

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a must for kids in Marin County. Photo by Gabby Cullen

12. Bay Area Discovery Museum

This museum in Fort Baker is one of the best children’s museums in the Bay Area. Created for kids ages 0-8. There is so much to do, thay you’ll need at least two visits to see it all. There's a reason why it's one of the best things to do with preschoolers in San Francisco. Stop off in the tot spot for a splash in the creek and crawl on the waterbed play area. 

Spend time in the Bay Hall learning about the local fishing industry or play on the Fort Baker train table. Lookout Cove, complete with a fishing boat, gravel pit, and native plants, is the place to be on sunny days, and Gummet Grove is where kids ages five and up can climb high and play on ladders and bridges. 

13. The Lark Theater

Watch a family-friendly movie at this iconic theater: Check the schedule, book your tickets, and, depending on the time, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants in historic downtown Larkspur.

14. Turtle pond at Marin County Mart

This shopping center in Larkspur is a hub of activity, especially on the weekends. The turtle pond in the middle is a particularly fun spot for kids to congregate. There are plenty of restaurants, seasonal family-friendly activities like pony rides, movie nights, and live music.

15. Marin County Farmers Market

This farmers' market is open year-round, every Sunday, and it is the third largest in California. There are over 150 vendors, including local artisans, organic farmers, and food options like Dim Sum. Located in the historic Marin County Civic Center parking lot, do your weekly shopping, grab lunch, and head for the playground across the pond.

16. 5 Little Monkeys

You can go to the Novato or Corte Madera location of this independent toy chain. Expect to see hands-on sustainable toys that fuel creativity, and be sure to check their website for special events like crafternoons, trading events, summer activity classes, and more.

17. Marin French Cheese Company

The oldest cheese company in the United States is also a great place for a picnic on a sunny day. Located in Petaluma, nestled between Marin and Sonoma County, the grassy fields and pond make an idyllic location for enjoying the beauty of West Marin. The cheese shop has plenty of cheeses, sandwiches, and adult beverages, but you’re welcome to bring your own provisions!

18. Ferry to Angel Island

Catch the ferry to the historic island in Tiburon—a fun experience on its own. You can take a tram tour, hit the five-mile Perimeter Road, which is paved and perfect for kids, hang out on the beach, visit the Angel Island Immigration Station or Fort McDowell, both important parts of U.S. history, or wander through the oak and eucalyptus groves. A perfect day trip!

19. Corte Madera Pathway

This paved walking/running/biking path is perfect for a weekend bike ride with the kids! It’s also near Hal Brown Park, so you can pack a lunch, stop for play time, and ride home when everyone’s had enough fun.

Enjoy scenic views everywhere you walk in Marin County. Photo by Gabby Cullen

Best Restaurants in Marin County with Kids

20. Bar Bocce

This laid-back Sausalito restaurant is on the beach, so kids can play in the sand before the food arrives. They serve everything from chicken wings and spicy prawn appetizers to pizza, pasta, and rock shrimp “Po’ Boy” sandwiches. There’s even a kids' menu with mini pizzas and plain pasta just for them.

21. Creekside Pizza & Taproom

Pizza and beer are a winning combo anytime, but add in a park where the kids can play while you enjoy your dinner? A game changer. This popular San Anselmo restaurant allows takeout, and Redwood Grove and Creek park are directly behind the restaurant, so you can grab your dinner and enjoy the outdoor space freely.

22. Sorella Caffe

A popular Fairfax dining spot is nestled amongst the redwood trees; since it’s across the street from Bolinas Park, you can order some of the best Italian food around, and then let the kids blow off steam before the food arrives. It is a tiny spot, so it does get busy, but what it lacks in square footage is more than made up for with the great outdoor dining area.

23. Blue Barn

Two words: tater tots. The Novato location of this Bay Area chain is a great Marin restaurant for families because not only does it have some of the best salads and sandwiches for the adults, a fantastic kids’ menu that includes things like grilled salmon and PB&J, but the outdoor area has turf which is perfect for kids, a stage for live music, and it’s also dog-friendly. Did we mention they serve tater tots?

24. El Hurache Loco

This popular fast-casual Mexican restaurant has great tacos, enchiladas, and tacos dorados, as well as a dedicated kids’ menu that includes alphabet soup, quesadillas, and other mini versions of popular items. You can eat it on the patio, which is next to the turtle pond in Marin Country Mart.

25. Silbermann’s

Okay, so this isn’t a restaurant per se, but it is a Marin institution. It opened as a Swensen’s in 1966, was re-named in 1986, and to this day has the same nostalgic vibe and serves up the same great house-made ice cream.