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This Weekend

This Weekend: September 12-13, 2026

Get ready for a picture-perfect Bay Area weekend! With warm fall days ahead, it's time to dive into harvest fun, creative adventures, and unforgettable family memories.

29 spots curatedUpdated Sep 9, 2026

Saved guide. Check current costs, hours and access with each venue before going.

Fall in the Bay Area is truly magical, and this weekend, September 12-13, 2026, promises warm, sunny days perfect for outdoor exploration and family fun. Embrace the harvest season with apple picking, farm tours, and plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

From captivating stage shows to hands-on art and exciting animal encounters, there's a bounty of activities designed to delight every member of your family. Get ready to soak up the glorious weather and make some cherished memories before autumn fully settles in!

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

Magazine order

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

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.

Pick 2

Mt Tam Bikes Camp - Summer Day Camp

Mt Tam Bikes Camp - Summer Day Camp is a strong camp option in Mill Valley.

Parents enjoy the active lifestyle and the opportunity for kids to connect with nature. Mt Tam Bikes Camp is a summer day camp located in Mill Valley, offering kids the opportunity to learn mountain biking skills in a fun and supportive environment. Children can participate in guided rides, skill-building.

Insider tip: Bring your own bike if possible — it helps with comfort and familiarity on the trails.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 104 Lovell Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941, USA

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

Pick 3

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.

Pick 4

Summer Cool Camp

Summer Cool Camp is a strong camp option in Fairfield.

Parents love the positive and energetic atmosphere that keeps kids excited about summer. Summer Cool Camp is a seasonal camp in Cordelia that offers a variety of fun activities for kids, including sports, arts and crafts, and swimming. It's designed to keep children active and engaged during the summer.

Insider tip: Pack extra water bottles as outdoor activities can be physically demanding.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: Camp in Cordelia, 5055 Business Center Dr, Fairfield, CA 94534, USA

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

Pick 5

Celsius and Beyond

Celsius and Beyond is a strong camp option in San Francisco.

Families appreciate the camp's focus on STEM education and the enthusiastic staff. Celsius and Beyond is a summer camp program in San Francisco that offers a variety of activities for kids, including science experiments, arts and crafts, and outdoor games. It's designed to engage children in fun and.

Insider tip: Check for special workshops that allow kids to build their own projects or participate in competitions.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Nearest parking: 512 Arguello Blvd Parking (~5 min walk)

Address: 140 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA

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

Pick 6

Artist Playground (KidaWorkshopPlus)

Artist Playground (KidaWorkshopPlus) is a strong arts option in Castro Valley.

Families appreciate the nurturing environment that encourages creativity. Artist Playground (KidaWorkshopPlus) is a creative space designed for children to engage in artistic activities. Kids can participate in various workshops that focus on different art forms, fostering their imagination.

Insider tip: Check for drop-in sessions that allow kids to try out different art activities without a long-term commitment.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 20664 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546, USA

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

More options to compare

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

Pick 1

Mega Outdoor Movies

Mega Outdoor Movies is a strong entertainment option in Cerritos.

Families enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to watch movies in a unique outdoor environment. Mega Outdoor Movies is an outdoor movie screening venue that offers a fun atmosphere for families to watch films together. Kids can enjoy the experience of watching movies in a park-like setting with plenty of space to.

Insider tip: Check for special themed movie nights that may include activities for kids before the show.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Address: 12104 Park St, Cerritos, CA 90703, USA

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

Pick 2

The Creative Play Center

The Creative Play Center is a strong community_center option in Albany.

Parents appreciate the nurturing environment and the focus on creative play. The Creative Play Center is a community center in Albany that offers a variety of play-based activities for young children. Kids can engage in arts and crafts, imaginative play, and social interactions with peers.

Insider tip: Participate in their scheduled craft sessions for a guided experience.

Ages: Ages 0-5

Cost: Free

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 614 Masonic Ave, Albany, CA 94706, USA

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

Pick 3

Once Upon A Petting Zoo

Once Upon A Petting Zoo is a strong farm option in Morgan Hill.

Families appreciate the high-quality care and interaction their children receive with the animals. Once Upon A Petting Zoo is a charming farm in Morgan Hill where children can interact with a variety of friendly animals. Kids can enjoy petting goats, sheep, and other farm animals, making it a delightful experience.

Insider tip: Check for special events or feeding times to enhance your visit and make it more interactive.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Paid

Address: 991 Monterey Rd, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, USA

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

Pick 4

Brentwood Martial Arts

Brentwood Martial Arts is a strong sports option in Los Angeles.

Families appreciate the emphasis on character development alongside martial arts training. Brentwood Martial Arts is a martial arts school offering a variety of classes, including karate and self-defense, for children. Kids can engage in physical activity while learning important life skills such as respect.

Insider tip: Inquire about family discounts for enrolling multiple children in classes.

Ages: Ages 5-12

Cost: Varies

Address: 11942 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049, USA

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

Pick 5

Bella Dance Academy

Bella Dance Academy is a strong dance option in San Ramon.

Parents appreciate the small class sizes and personalized attention from instructors. Bella Dance Academy provides a nurturing environment for children to learn dance. With classes in ballet, tap, and jazz, kids can develop their skills and express themselves through movement.

Insider tip: Inquire about summer camps for an immersive dance experience.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Varies

Parking: Nearest parking: Armstrong (~4 min walk)

Address: 2248 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583, USA

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

Pick 6

Bright Horizons at South Mountain View

Bright Horizons at South Mountain View is a strong camp option in Mountain View.

Families value the nurturing environment and educational focus. Bright Horizons at South Mountain View is a childcare center that offers a variety of educational programs for young children. Kids can engage in play-based learning activities that foster creativity and social skills.

Insider tip: Participate in family events to connect with other parents and staff.

Ages: Ages 0-5

Cost: Paid

Parking: Street parking area — check posted signs.

Address: 92 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040, USA

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

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