Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.

Latest posts by Sandra

San Jose with Kids: 31 Best Things to do in San Jose, CA

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 11:21am

Dig into fun in San Jose. Photo courtesy of Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

If you haven’t explored San Jose with kids yet, you’re in for a surprise. This South Bay city often flies under the radar, but it’s packed with family-friendly gems, think hands-on museums, giant playgrounds, quirky local history, and even a few wild peacocks. Whether you’ve got toddlers who love trains or tweens who crave techy fun, San Jose has something for every age (and energy level). As a local parent, I’ve spent plenty of weekends testing out these spots with my crew, and this list is full of go-tos, hidden gems, and places worth the drive.

From indoor bounce zones to gorgeous hiking trails and immersive science museums, here are some fun things to do with kids in and around San Jose. Check them out, make a list, and start making plans!

For more adventures in the Bay Area, discover all there is to do in Oakland with kids, plan adventures in Santa Cruz with kids, and discover more easy day trips in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco Kids.

Best San Francisco and Bay Area Libraries with Indoor Play Spaces

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 3:52pm

Slide into the Redwood Romp Play Space. Photo courtesy of Santa Clara County

Looking for an indoor spot where your little ones can climb, explore, and burn some energy without you having to shell out money for a play space? The Bay Area is home to some truly amazing public libraries that go way beyond books—think treehouse slides, fish tanks, hands-on stations, and cozy corners perfect for a midweek escape or a rainy-day reset. Whether you’ve got a curious toddler or a big kid who loves to get lost in a good story (or a STEM wall), these libraries are meant for families to stay awhile.

From the immersive “Storybook” play spaces popping up in the South Bay to kid-friendly reading rooms tucked into historic branches in San Francisco, these spots offer free, low-key fun that feels anything but boring. We rounded up our favorite Bay Area libraries where kids can actually play, explore, and hang out, not just check out a book and go.

For more budget-friendly indoor fun, check out these free museum days for kids in San Francisco. Let kids keep the indoor fun going at these indoor playgrounds and play spaces in San Francisco, and browse our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for San Francisco Kids.

4th of July Weekend in San Francisco: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:25am

Celebrate at the Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party. Photo by Igor Porton for Miramar Events.

4th of July weekend in San Francisco and the Bay Area is alight with fireworks, fun runs, parades, and more family-friendly events.

Independence Day weekend is here, and this year, it's a super long one! So we've packed our weekend roundup with things to do: Spend the 4th of July at Great America's 4th of July Celebration in Santa Clara for rides, water slides, BBQ, and fireworks. Run off the BBQ and flag cake at the Firecracker Run in Santa Cruz. And the Bay Area's ever-popular 4th of July Parade and Drone Show takes place in Redwood City, where you can have festive family fun without spending a dime.

Before the rockets' red glare and fireworks blast off, celebrate Independence Day with the best 4th of July activities for kids, including crafts, games, and flag cake.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do all weekend long on the Fourth of July, including county fairs, chalk fun, a rodeo, and so much more!

Please be aware that Northern California fireworks shows are being canceled due to the Esparto warehouse fire. Our hearts go out to the families affected by the devastating fire. Please check the official city websites for updates on whether fireworks shows in San Francisco and the Bay Area are continuing as planned.

Free San Francisco Summer Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 06/22/2025 - 9:57am

Dance at Thrive City. Photo courtesy of the Chase Center

Free summer concerts in San Francisco is music to our ears! We've rounded up a host of free San Francisco summer outdoor concerts ideal for kids and families, so all parents need to do is grab some lawn chairs or a picnic blanket. From lively parks to scenic waterfronts, these events are set in some of the most iconic locations across San Francisco and the Bay Area. Whether you're into jazz, rock, classical, or world music, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide offers tons more ideas for getting the best out of the warm-weather months. Enjoy!

Be sure to check back often, because we continue adding and updating concerts throughout the season!

Free Outdoor Movies in San Francisco Summer 2025 for Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 06/15/2025 - 10:10am

Blankets & Blockbusters at Thrive City. Event photo courtesy of the Chase Center

Outdoor movies are a great way to spend a San Francisco summer evening. Kids love seeing a big blockbuster on a big screen next to the ocean waves, in parks, and under the stars. In this case, screen time is not only allowed but highly encouraged.

We've rounded up the best family-friendly outdoor movie screenings in the Bay Area, so grab a blanket or lawn chair, pack some snacks, and get ready for a summer family date night.

For more summer essentials, discover the best Bay Area beaches for kids, visit the top splash pads in San Francisco, and bask in summer traditions with our Ultimate San Francisco Summer Vacation Guide.

Father's Day Weekend 2025 Things To Do in San Francisco: Plus, Honoring Juneteenth and More

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 06/11/2025 - 12:12pm

Gotta catch 'em all at the Solano County Fair! Photo courtesy of the Solano County Fair

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Father's Day weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Father's Day is this Sunday! Since they are real-life superheroes, aviation events flying high in the sky might suit him, like The Biggest Little Airshow in San Carlos. If Dad always wears old band tees, he'll probably appreciate the Blues & Brews Festival in San Jose or the King of the County BBQ & Music Festival in Martinez.

Juneteenth is also celebrated this weekend with family-friendly events, such as the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival.

There are endless ways to treat Dads or soon-to-be dads preparing for fatherhood. Find more ideas for things to do in San Francisco this weekend in our Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

50 Awesome Free Things To Do in San Francisco This Summer With Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 06/08/2025 - 7:25am

Ready for free summer fun! Photo by Nora Garcia courtesy of the Habitot Mobile Museum

There are so many free things to do in San Francisco this summer that the season might not be long enough to do them all!

The kids are out of school, the weather is warming up, and the Bay Area is sprawling with things to do every day of the week. Free outdoor movie nights and free museum days are a great way to spend an afternoon that won't cost you a penny (if you steer clear of the gift shop). Summer is also the best excuse to take a day off from work and go on a day trip to one of the many beautiful places just a short drive away.

Whether you've got a summer filled with summer camps and travel or prefer to enjoy the days as they come, we've got 51 free things to do in San Francisco with those kiddos this summer.

Have the best summer ever in San Francisco at summer festivals and fairs, and find more summer fun in Ultimate San Francisco Kids Summer Vacation Guide.

19 Best Summer Festivals and County Fairs in San Francisco for Kids and Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Mon, 06/02/2025 - 7:12am

Find great fair food and fun in Napa this summer. Photo courtesy of the Napa Town and Country Fair

Summer festivals in San Francisco are the best way to enjoy those few months without any fog or rain. These outdoor festivals bring families and friends together to celebrate fabulous food, cool cultures, and loads of fun activities. There are county fairs in San Mateo and Solano County, block parties, music festivals, and, of course, plenty of events honoring the 4th of July.

From Ferris wheels and mini roller coasters at fests like the Bay Area KidFest in Concord to honoring our missing fog at Pacifica's Fog Fest, we rounded up the best summer festivals in San Francisco and the Bay Area for kids and families.

For more fun things to do in the Bay Area every day of summer, check out our calendar of events. Plus, plan your summer road trips with our Weekend Getaway and Day Trips for San Francisco Guide.

Sandra Lee

Latest posts by Sandra

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