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For a rundown of all the latest kid-friendly events on the Peninsula, check out Klabbit.
There’s something magical about watching a toddler proudly hold a strawberry they picked themselves or seeing a preschooler discover that cherries really do grow on trees. Fruit picking is one of the Bay Area’s best family outings—combining fresh air, hands-on learning, and delicious snacks all in one adventure.
Whether you have a baby along for the ride or an energetic preschooler eager to fill a basket, there are plenty of family-friendly u-pick farms within a short drive of the Peninsula.
Why Fruit Picking Is Perfect for Young Children
Fruit picking naturally slows families down and encourages curiosity. Children can:
Bay Area Fruit Picking Destinations for Families
Brentwood: The Bay Area's U-Pick Capital
If you're looking for the largest concentration of u-pick farms, Brentwood is the place to go. Located about an hour from much of the Peninsula, it offers dozens of farms and orchards with fruit available from spring through fall. Brentwood is especially known for cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and strawberries.
Family favorites include:
And many more!
Coastside: Farms Just Across the Hills
Hop over on 92, then make your way down Highway 1. The coastal location keeps temperatures comfortable even during summer. The drive is part of the fun, with ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop at beaches along the way.
What Fruit Is in Season?
Early Summer (May – June)
*Mulberries: These sweet, blackberry-like fruits grow on trees rather than bushes and are often easy for young children to reach. The berries can stain hands and clothing, so dress accordingly. Because mulberries are delicate and don't ship well, u-pick farms are one of the few places where families can enjoy them fresh.
Summer (June – August)
Fall (August – October)
Harvest timing varies each year depending on weather, so always check farm websites or social media before heading out.
Tips for Visiting with Littles
Go Early
Morning visits are cooler, less crowded, and often offer the best fruit selection. Many farms open by 8 or 9 a.m.
Things to Bring
Consider Using a Baby Carrier or a Wagon
Many orchards have uneven terrain. A carrier is often easier than a stroller for babies and younger toddlers, while a wagon will be helpful for carrying your
Set Realistic Expectations
Your two-year-old may eat more strawberries than they place in the basket. Your four-year-old may spend more time chasing butterflies than picking fruit. That's perfectly normal.
The goal is family fun, not maximizing your harvest.
Make Reservations if Needed
Some farms require reservations, so plan ahead before going.
Fruit Picking Etiquette
U-pick farms are working farms, and a little courtesy helps preserve the experience for everyone. Teach children to:
Make It a Full-Day Adventure
You can combine fruit picking with:
Final Thoughts
Fruit picking offers something increasingly rare: a chance for children to slow down, connect with nature, and experience where their food comes from. Whether you're picking strawberries by the coast, gathering cherries in Brentwood, or searching for apples in the fall, these simple outings can become some of the most memorable family traditions.
So grab a sun hat, pack a few wipes, and head to the orchard. The sweetest memories may be the ones your kids pick themselves.
Summer is all about sunshine, splashing, and family fun, but if you have young children, water safety is a top priority. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in young children, and it can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water. The good news is that with the right precautions, water play can be both safe and enjoyable.
Here are essential tips to help keep your little ones safe around pools, beaches, splash pads, and other water areas this summer:
1. Never Leave a Child Unattended Around Water
This is rule number one for a reason. Always maintain touch supervision—stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times. Even if they’re wearing floatation devices or are just playing on the steps, accidents can happen in seconds.
2. Install Barriers and Alarms
Pools should be completely enclosed with a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet high and has a self-latching gate. Pool alarms and door alarms that alert you when someone enters the area can provide an added layer of safety.
3. Avoid Distractions
It’s easy to get distracted by phones, conversations, or other children, but when your little one is near water, your full attention is the most important safety tool you have.
At parties or gatherings, consider assigning a "Water Watcher": a responsible adult whose only job is to supervise children in and around the water.
4. Skip the Floaties; Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets
Inflatable arm floaties or rings can give a false sense of security and aren’t reliable safety devices. If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, use a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
5. Teach Water Familiarity, Not Just Swimming Lessons
While formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, they are not a substitute for supervision. For young children, focus on water comfort and basic safety skills like floating, kicking, putting their face in the water, and safely entering and exiting the pool.
6. Empty Small Pools and Buckets When Not in Use
Even a few inches of water in a kiddie pool, bucket, or bathtub can pose a drowning risk. (And a breeding ground for mosquitoes!) Always drain and store small water containers when they’re not being actively supervised.
7. Learn CPR
In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be life-saving. Many local organizations and hospitals offer quick, affordable courses for parents and caregivers.
Looking for ways to beat the heat while keeping safety in mind? Here are some family-friendly Peninsula destinations where young children can enjoy water play.
Parks and Outdoor Water Play
Parkside Aquatic Park (San Mateo)This hidden gem features a sandy swimming lagoon with a roped-off swim area, a small playground, and beach-like surroundings. Parents should note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so close supervision is essential.
Coyote Point Recreation Area (San Mateo)A longtime favorite for Peninsula families, Coyote Point combines the famous Magic Mountain Playground with shoreline access, picnic areas, and plenty of space to explore. It’s a great place for supervised water play and a full day outdoors.
Stafford Park (Redwood City)Stafford Park features a large snail-shaped spray feature that is popular with toddlers and preschoolers. The park also offers separate play areas for toddlers and older children, plenty of open space, and shady areas.
Magical Bridge Playground in Red Morton Park (Redwood City)This award-winning inclusive play space is designed for children of all ages and abilities. Young children especially love the sensory water-play features, interactive music installations, slides, swings, and imaginative play areas.
Note: Ryder Park has been a popular splash-pad destination, featuring ground-level water sprays next to a playground and picnic area. However the splash pad is currently closed for filtration upgrades. The park is still a great destination for its playground and shoreline setting.
Public Pools with Kiddie or Shallow Pools
San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center (San Bruno)One of the Peninsula's premier aquatic facilities, featuring family recreation swim opportunities and water-play amenities designed with children in mind.
Burlingame Aquatic Club (Burlingame)A modern aquatic center offering recreation swim times and shallow-water areas suitable for younger swimmers building confidence in the water.
Burgess Pool (Menlo Park)A favorite among local families, Burgess Pool offers family swim sessions and shallow-water areas, along with easy access to a playground and park, making it ideal for a summer outing.
Belle Haven Pool (Menlo Park)This community pool provides a welcoming environment for children who are learning water skills and becoming comfortable in the pool.
Rinconada Pool (Palo Alto)Recently renovated and family-friendly, Rinconada Pool offers recreation swim opportunities in their fantastic kids’ play pool, and is surrounded by a park and playgound.
Before You Go
Pool schedules, recreation swim hours, admission policies, and seasonal water features can change throughout the summer. Be sure to check each facility's website before visiting.
Final ThoughtsWater play is one of the joys of childhood, but it comes with serious responsibility. Whether you're spending the afternoon in a backyard kiddie pool, visiting a local aquatic center, or exploring one of the Peninsula's waterfront parks, active supervision is the key to keeping children safe. With the right safety measures in place, your family can enjoy a summer full of splashes, smiles, and peace of mind.
Stay safe, cool, and have a great summer!
Back to the Future by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, June 2-7
Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, June 5
Family Fun Day (Free) – Los Altos, June 6
Proud of My Family – San Jose, June 6
Mosaic Festival (Free) – San Jose, June 6
Ranch Day – Morgan Hill, June 7
Solano County Fair – Vallejo, June 11-14, 2026
BubbleFest – Oakland, June 13
Fiesta Cultural Street Fair (Free) – Walnut Creek, June 13
Native Plant and Pollinator Day (Free) – San Jose, June 13
2nd Saturdays on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, June 13
Family Day at SFMOMA (Free) – San Francisco, June 14
Viva Calle (Free) – San Jose, June 14
San Mateo County Fair – San Mateo, June 5-14
Juneteenth Freedom Day – Newark, June 18
Juneteenth Celebration – San Jose, June 19
Alameda County Fair – Pleasanton, June 19 – July 12
Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest – Alameda, June 20
Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, June 20
Vegetable Gardening for Kids – Palo Alto, June 20
North Beach Festival – San Francisco, June 20 & 21
Juneteenth Festival – Berkeley, June 21
Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, June 21
The Sound of Music by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, June 21-26
Pinocchio by CMTSJ – San Jose, June 24-28
Starlight Movies In The Park : The Aristocats (Free) – Alameda, June 26
Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, June 28
Sundays at Hagemann Ranch (Free) – Livermore, June 28
There’s something quietly magical about gardening with young children. It’s messy, unpredictable, occasionally chaotic—and completely worth it.
If you have a toddler or preschooler (ages 1–5), gardening won’t look like neat rows and carefully labeled beds. It will look like digging in the wrong place, overwatering, picking unripe tomatoes, and asking “why?” about everything. But that’s exactly the point.
Gardening becomes less about perfection and more about curiosity, connection, and small daily rituals that stick.
At this age, children learn best by doing—and gardening is about as hands-on as it gets.
Digging, watering, and harvesting help build motor skills, patience, and focus, while also encouraging curiosity about how the natural world works. (Early Advantage Child Care)
It’s also a powerful way to:
Encourage healthy eating (kids are far more likely to try what they grow)
Build responsibility and confidence
Spend meaningful time outdoors together
And perhaps most importantly: it slows everyone down.
Let’s be honest—your role is part gardener, part supervisor, part narrator of what’s happening.
Here’s what tends to work:
A few pots, a raised bed, or even a single planter is enough. Young kids thrive with manageable, repeatable tasks.
You can also try a Kitchen Scrap Garden to keep materials simple.
Let them pick one plant. Let them water it. Let them call it theirs. Kids are more engaged when they feel like co-creators, not assistants. (Tilth Alliance)
Think:
Gardens that engage smell, touch, and taste hold their attention longer.
Dirt will end up everywhere. Plants may get uprooted. Seeds may be dumped in one spot. That’s not failure—that’s learning.
Young children don’t have a long timeline. Fast-growing plants keep them engaged and help them understand cause and effect.
Even 10 minutes—watering in the morning, checking for growth after daycare—creates consistency without pressure.
May in coastal California is a transition month. The soil is warming, and it’s time to shift from cool-season crops to heat-loving plants. (The Tiny Life)
Here’s what works especially well right now—and what’s kid-friendly.
Great for attention spans + easy harvesting:
These thrive when planted in late spring as temperatures rise. (The Tiny Life)
May is the time to plant crops that can handle warmer weather:
These plants are well-suited to the increasing heat typical of Zone 10 summers. (BloomingExpert)
Herbs are some of the best plants for young children:
They grow quickly, can be touched and smelled often, and are forgiving of imperfect care.
Add color and excitement with:
Many of these tolerate heat well and grow quickly from seed. (NurturingPlants)
If you’re starting from scratch, here’s an easy way to begin:
Week 1:Set up a small bed or 3–5 containers. Let your child help fill with soil.
Week 2:Plant:
Ongoing:
Your garden may not look like a magazine spread this year.
But your child might:
And that’s a different kind of success.
One that grows slowly – but lasts.
In May, the Peninsula comes alive with vibrant farmers markets offering a bounty of fresh, locally grown produce. This is an especially exciting month for food enthusiasts, as it marks the start of peak season for many fruits and vegetables in the Bay Area. Here's a guide to the farmers markets in and around San Mateo, along with a look at what's in season this month.
Farmers Markets in San Mateo
25th Ave. Farmers' Market
Farmers Markets Nearby
Belmont Farmers Market
What's in Season in May?
May is a delightful month for seasonal produce in the Bay Area, as summer tree fruits and other produce start to come into season. Here's what you can expect to find at your local farmers market:
Tips for Shopping at Farmers Markets
To make the most of your visit to the farmers market:
Whether you're a seasoned market-goer or a first-time visitor, Bay Area farmers markets offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy fresh, local produce and connect with the community. Happy shopping and eating!
Reposted with minor edits from an SMPC blog post from April 28, 2025.
Still looking for something to do this weekend? Check out these spring- and egg-themed events happening in and near San Mateo this weekend!
Easter Bunny Photos at Hillsdale Shopping Center Through April 4
The Easter Bunny is set up in Macy's Center Court for photos through April 4, making it easy to pop in during a shopping trip. Little ones who are still figuring out their feelings about giant bunnies will appreciate the relaxed, indoor mall setting.
Photos from $28. Walk-ins welcome
Eggstravaganza at San Mateo Central Park Saturday, April 4, 9am-noon
Celebrating nearly 50 years, this beloved community event is a rite of passage for San Mateo families. The big news for parents of the tiniest egg hunters: there's a dedicated Peter Rabbit's Playground in the gazebo for little ones age 3 and under, hosted by San Mateo Building Blocks. Older kids (4–9) can join the main wristband egg hunt at Fitzgerald Field. Beyond the hunt, the event includes a Spring Bunny photo station, a costume contest, food vendors, and performances by PAL Ballet Folklorico and Puppet Art Theater Co. A heads-up: Online wristband reservations for the main egg hunt have sold out, but a limited number of walk-up wristbands will be available on the day.
Free. Arrive early for walk-up wristbands
Belmont Egg Adventure Hunt at Twin Pines ParkFriday, April 3, 4:30-5:30 pm and Saturday, April 4, 10am–noon
Belmont is offering two separate events this year. On April 3, there's a smaller, preregistration-required evening adaptive hunt in the meadow — a lovely low-key option for little ones who might get overwhelmed by larger crowds. On April 4, the bigger hunt kicks off with 18,000 eggs and four golden eggs hidden for kids ages 3–10, organized by age group so your toddler isn't competing with five-year-olds. Easter Bunny photos and refreshments round out the morning. Bring your own basket!
Free. April 3 requires advance signup. Note arrival times
Foster City Egg Hunt at Leo J. Ryan Park Saturday, April 4, 10am–noon
Foster City hosts their egg hunt at the scenic Leo J. Ryan Park meadow, right along the lagoon. A well-organized neighborhood event that's great for stroller-age kids — the flat park terrain means easy maneuvering for parents and wobbly toddler walkers alike.
$10
Easter Bunny Arrives by Helicopter! at Hiller Aviation MuseumSaturday, April 4, 10am–noon
If your toddler is obsessed with planes and helicopters (and which one isn't?), this is the event of the season. The Easter Bunny makes a dramatic arrival at the Hiller Aviation Museum via helicopter, touching down at the San Carlos Airport. The day also includes face painting, a bounce house and slide, and model train displays, plus everything the aviation museum itself has to offer. A genuinely unique combo of aviation wonder and Easter magic that you won't find anywhere else on the Peninsula.
Museum admission applies.
Easter Egg Hunts at Lemos Farm — Half Moon BayThrough April 5 (Hunt times: 10am most days; 1pm on April 5)
Lemos Farm is hosting large Easter egg hunts on multiple weekends through Easter Sunday, with egg hunts included in the price of admission. That same ticket gets your family unlimited access to pony rides, train and hay rides, a petting zoo, farm slides, bounce houses, and more. This is a full half-day (or full day!) adventure and an absolute dream for toddlers who love animals and outdoor exploration. Kids 14 months and under are free.
~$32–$37 kids · $17 adults · under 14mo free
Imagine you had access to free concerts, kids' performances, expert talks, a seed bank, a portable photo studio, a California State Parks pass, and thousands of books — all in one place and within a few blocks of downtown San Mateo. You don't have to imagine it; it's the library, and this month it's throwing a party!
First observed in 1958, National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association and occurs each April. In 2026, it is celebrated April 19–25, with the theme "Find Your Joy at the Library."
The San Mateo Public Library Foundation is marking the week with San Mateo Celebrates!, its annual National Library Week festival. This year's theme is "A Place for Everyone's Story," honoring the Main Library's 20th anniversary and the role it plays as a shared civic space where individual lives and community history meet.
The festival lineup includes a few kid- and family-friendly activities, including:
After the week is over, visit the San Mateo Public Library to take advantage of its regular offerings. Did you know that you can:
All of this is available for free, as long as you have a library card!
Slide Ranch Family Farm Day – Muir Beach, April 4
Earth and Arbor Day Festival – Cupertino, April 4
Penguins & Pajamas Sleepover at Cal Academy – San Francisco, April 10
Family Astronomy – Oakland, April 10
Science Fridays (Free) – Oakland, April 10
Between the Lines by Playful People – April 10-12
SF Jazz Family Matinee – San Francisco, April 11
Roundtable Reading: Fast Pitch by Nic Stone – Berkeley, April 11
Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, April 11
2nd Saturdays on the Farm – Watsonville, April 11
Carquinez Model Railroad Society Open House – Crockett, April 11 & 12
Model Trains at Roaring Camp – Felton, April 11 & 12
Bugology with Insect Discovery Lab – San Francisco, April 11, 25
Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, April 12, 26
Sensory Friendly Family Concert (Free) – San Francisco, April 18
Spring Shindig – Alameda, April 18
Tri Valley Innovation Fair – Pleasanton, April 18
Sensory Friendly Family Concert (Free) – Palo Alto, April 18
Terrarium Craft at Lowes (Free) – Several Locations, April 18
Pete the Cat – San Francisco, April 18-May 3
Northern California Cherry Blossom Parade (Free) – San Francisco, April 19
Sensory Friendly Family Concert (Free) – Berkeley, April 19
Messy Art Day (Free) – El Cerrito, April 19
Viva Calle (Free) – San Jose, April 19
Mary Poppins by PYTC – Pleasanton, April 24
Hansel and Gretel – Mountain View, April 24, 25
Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, April 25
Spring Farm Tour at Deer Hollow Farm – Cupertino, April 25
The Princess and the Pea by Palo Alto Children’s Theatre – Palo Alto, April 26-27
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