This Month

Peninsula Family Fun: September 2026 Picks

Fall is officially here, Peninsula families! Get ready for crisp air, harvest vibes, and a calendar packed with adventures for every age.

25 spots curatedUpdated Sep 2, 2026

With warm days and perfect outdoor weather, September is ideal for exploring our local parks and nature preserves, from redwood trails to levee walks. Dive into hands-on science and art, meet some amazing animals, or celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with a special storytime.

Whether you're looking for creative workshops, outdoor adventures, or community events, there's something wonderful happening this month to make lasting family memories.

Fall in the Bay Area — warm days, harvest festivals, and perfect outdoor weather.

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Featured uses Phirky family appeal and guide fit. Distance uses your browser location only on this device.

Top picks

A curated starting point from Phirky's trusted family inventory.

Pick 1

Green Forest Art Studio

Green Forest Art Studio is a strong arts option in Union City.

Parents appreciate the supportive environment that encourages kids to explore their artistic talents. Green Forest Art Studio is a creative space in Union City where children can explore various art forms through classes and workshops. Kids can engage in painting, drawing, and crafting activities designed to inspire.

Insider tip: Check for seasonal workshops that focus on different themes, such as holiday crafts or nature-inspired art.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 32627 Alvarado Blvd, Union City, CA 94587, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 2

Camp Galileo San Mateo

Camp Galileo San Mateo is a strong camp option in San Mateo.

Families appreciate the emphasis on creativity and the variety of activities available. Camp Galileo San Mateo provides a fun and educational summer camp experience for children, focusing on innovation and creativity through hands-on projects in art, science, and technology. Kids can engage in various.

Insider tip: Check for themed weeks that may include special activities like science experiments or art showcases.

Ages: Ages 0-14

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 2619 Dolores St, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 3

Steve & Kate's Camp - Redwood City

Steve & Kate's Camp - Redwood City is a strong camp option in San Mateo.

Families enjoy the freedom kids have to choose their activities, fostering independence and creativity. Steve & Kate's Camp in Redwood City offers a fun and engaging summer camp experience for kids, featuring a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, and outdoor games. Children can explore their creativity.

Insider tip: Kids can switch activities throughout the day, so encourage them to try something new each time.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 2701 Hacienda St, San Mateo, CA 94403, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 4

Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center

Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center is a strong theater option in Atherton.

Families appreciate the high-quality productions and the opportunity to introduce children to the performing arts. Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art theater in Atherton that hosts a variety of performances, including family-friendly shows and events. Kids can enjoy live theater and engage with the arts.

Insider tip: Look for matinee performances that are specifically geared towards younger audiences.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 555 Middlefield Rd, Atherton, CA 94027, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 5

Fairy Garden

Fairy Garden is a strong garden option in San Mateo.

Families appreciate the magical atmosphere and the opportunity for imaginative play. The Fairy Garden is a whimsical garden located in Central Park, San Mateo, featuring enchanting plants and decorations that spark children's imaginations. Kids can explore the garden's unique features and enjoy the.

Insider tip: Bring a small toy or trinket to leave in the garden as a fun surprise for other visitors.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Parking: Nearest parking: Motorcycle Parking (~3 min walk) · Tennis Court Garage (~3 min walk)

Address: 101 9th Ave (Located-Central Park, San Mateo, CA 94401, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 6

Decathlon Sports Club-Summer Camps/Sports Camps

Decathlon Sports Club-Summer Camps/Sports Camps is a strong camp option in Palo Alto.

Families enjoy the wide range of sports options available for kids of all skill levels. Decathlon Sports Club offers summer and sports camps that focus on a variety of athletic activities. Kids can participate in sports like swimming, tennis, and gymnastics, all while developing their skills in a fun.

Insider tip: Participate in their family days for a chance to join in on the fun and see what the kids are learning.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Nearest parking: Civic Center Garage (~1 min walk) · City Hall (~1 min walk)

Address: 250 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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More options to compare

Additional picks that can work depending on location, timing, and energy level.

Pick 1

Foster City Levee

Foster City Levee is a strong nature option in Foster City.

Foster City Levee is a natural area that offers families a chance to explore the beauty of the Bay. It features walking paths and open spaces for picnicking and enjoying the outdoors.

Insider tip: Look for picnic spots along the levee for a family lunch with a view.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: Bay Trail, Foster City, CA 94404, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 2

Camp Unalayee

Camp Unalayee is a strong camp option in Palo Alto.

Families appreciate the camp's commitment to fostering a love for nature and the environment. Camp Unalayee is a summer camp located in Mountain View that offers a variety of outdoor activities for children, including hiking, swimming, and arts and crafts. Kids can engage in team-building exercises and learn.

Insider tip: Encourage kids to bring a journal to document their experiences and observations during their time at camp.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 206, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 3

Fireside Books & More

Fireside Books & More is a strong bookstore option in Redwood City.

Families love the welcoming atmosphere and the knowledgeable staff who can recommend great reads. Fireside Books & More is a cozy bookstore located in Redwood City, offering a wide selection of children's books and engaging reading materials for kids. Families can enjoy storytime events and browse through various.

Insider tip: Be on the lookout for their monthly book club for kids, which can be a fun way to engage with literature.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Parking: Nearest parking: BikeLink Redwood City Station (~1 min walk) · Winslow Parking Lot (~2 min walk)

Address: 2421 Broadway, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 4

BlueCopperFarmPettingZoo

BlueCopperFarmPettingZoo is a strong zoo option in El Sobrante.

Families appreciate the intimate setting and the opportunity for children to learn about animals. BlueCopperFarmPettingZoo is a small petting zoo located in El Sobrante, providing children with the chance to interact with various farm animals in a friendly environment. Kids can learn about animal care and enjoy.

Insider tip: Check for any special events or themed days that may offer unique animal interactions.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: Valley View Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 5

TechKnowHow Summer Tech Camps

TechKnowHow Summer Tech Camps is a strong camp option in Foster City.

Parents value the educational focus and the opportunity for kids to develop valuable tech skills. TechKnowHow Summer Tech Camps offers a variety of technology-focused camps for kids, including robotics, coding, and game design. Children can engage in hands-on projects that enhance their STEM skills in a fun and.

Insider tip: Encourage kids to bring their own ideas for projects to make the experience more personalized and engaging.

Ages: Ages 0-14

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 1291 E Hillsdale Blvd #201, Foster City, CA 94404, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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Pick 6

San Bruno Community Garden

San Bruno Community Garden is a strong garden option in San Bruno.

Families appreciate the hands-on learning experiences and the chance to connect with nature. San Bruno Community Garden is a small, well-maintained garden where families can learn about local flora and gardening techniques. Kids can enjoy exploring the garden and participating in seasonal planting activities.

Insider tip: Participate in any scheduled community events to engage with other families and learn more about gardening.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 1st Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066, USA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then public rating.

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