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What's Happening Today: September 11

Today's family shortlist has 12 events, led by Children's Fairyland, Exploratorium, Bay Area Discovery Museum.

11 spots curatedUpdated Sep 11, 2026

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

This guide is built from Phirky's trusted family inventory and refreshed for September 2026. It prioritizes options with concrete parent-useful details like age fit, cost, stroller or dog notes, and timing where available.

Fall in the Bay Area — warm days, harvest festivals, and perfect outdoor weather. Use it as a fast starting point, then open individual picks for the practical details.

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

Children's Fairyland

Children's Fairyland is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Families would love this because it provides a safe and enchanting environment for young children to explore and engage with their favorite stories. Kids climb through storybook sets, ride gentle attractions, watch puppet shows, and interact with animals at this historic Oakland theme park designed for young children.

Insider tip: Arrive early to enjoy shorter lines for rides and shows.

Ages: Ages 0-8

Cost: $18 per person, free under 1. Season passes available.

Address: 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, CA 94610

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 2

Exploratorium

Exploratorium is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Families love the interactive exhibits that make learning about science fun and engaging for all ages. Kids explore 650+ interactive exhibits exploring science, art, and perception. The Tactile Dome and tinkering studio keep hands busy for hours.

Insider tip: Visit on a Thursday evening for discounted admission and fewer crowds.

Ages: Ages 3-16

Cost: $30 adult, free under 4. First Wed of month free for Bay Area residents.

Address: Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 3

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Bay Area Discovery Museum is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Families enjoy the diverse indoor and outdoor exhibits designed specifically for young children, fostering exploration and creativity. Kids explore hands-on art studios, imaginative outdoor playgrounds, and interactive exhibits designed for toddlers through early elementary. Stunning Golden Gate Bridge views make it a standout Bay Ar

Insider tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy on the scenic grounds, and visit during weekdays for smaller crowds.

Ages: Ages 0-8

Cost: $17 per person, free under 1. First Wed free for Marin residents.

Address: 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 4

California Academy of Sciences

California Academy of Sciences is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

This museum offers a unique combination of an aquarium, planetarium, and natural history exhibits that fascinate both kids and adults. Kids explore penguins, touch stingrays, walk through a 4-story rainforest, and watch the planetarium show under one roof. Plan 3-4 hours for aquarium, natural history exhibits, and interactive science

Insider tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and money, especially for busy weekends.

Ages: Ages 0-17

Cost: $42 adult, $32 child (4-11), free under 4. Quarterly free community days available.

Address: 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco, CA 94118

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 5

Mitchell Park & Magical Bridge Playground

Mitchell Park & Magical Bridge Playground is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Parents love this inclusive playground that caters to children of all abilities, ensuring everyone can have fun together. Kids play on innovative, fully accessible playground structures including wheelchair swings and sensory areas. Free park with sports fields and library nearby.

Insider tip: Go during off-peak hours on weekdays to enjoy the playground with fewer crowds.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

Address: 600 E Meadow Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 6

CuriOdyssey

CuriOdyssey is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Families appreciate the combination of a science playground and wildlife center, offering hands-on learning experiences for young kids. Kids explore live native animals like otters and bobcats, tackle hands-on science exhibits, and roam a nature trail at this sprawling outdoor playground in Coyote Point.

Insider tip: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds and bring a picnic to enjoy in the outdoor nature area.

Ages: Ages 2-12

Cost: $15 per person, free under 1. Coyote Point parking $6.

Address: 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo, CA 94401

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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More options to compare

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

Pick 1

Tree Urchins Outdoor Preschool

Tree Urchins Outdoor Preschool is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Combines physical play, nature discovery, and unstructured learning—everything preschoolers need in one program. Outdoor preschool program where kids ages 2-5 explore nature, build forts, and learn hands-on skills in the park. Children develop confidence through climbing, digging, and discovering plants and wildlife in a supervised

Insider tip: Dress kids in layers and bring a change of clothes; outdoor play means dirt is part of the curriculum.

Ages: Ages 2-5

Cost: Paid

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 2

Children's Creativity Museum

Children's Creativity Museum is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Make stop-motion animations, design video games, and record music — where art meets tech. Kids design video games, create stop-motion animations, record music, and build with LEGO in hands-on tech and art stations. Open-ended creative play keeps all ages engaged for hours.

Insider tip: Right next to the Yerba Buena Gardens playground and carousel. Combine for a full day.

Ages: Ages 2-12

Cost: $14 per person, free under 2

Address: 221 4th St, San Francisco, CA 94103

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 3

Upper Pete Siemens Trail and Redwood Springs Loop

Upper Pete Siemens Trail and Redwood Springs Loop is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Shaded trails and moderate terrain make this accessible for kids of various ages and abilities while delivering real wilderness magic. Explore towering redwoods on shaded, moderate trails through Bear Creek Redwoods Preserve. Kids discover forest wildlife, giant trees, and natural springs while staying cool under the canopy—perfect for families seeking

Insider tip: Start early to beat crowds, bring a backpack carrier for younger kids who may tire, and pack water—the shade keeps it cool but the hike is still active.

Ages: Ages 3-12

Cost: Parking is limited but FREE.

Address: Los Gatos, CA

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 4

Fall Campout

Fall Campout is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Unique blend of camping adventure and boardwalk fun keeps all ages entertained from sunset to sunrise. Families camp overnight at the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, combining beach access with classic amusement park fun. Kids enjoy rides, beach time, and the unique experience of sleeping under star

Insider tip: Bring blankets and pillows for comfort; arrive early to claim good camping spots near attractions.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Varies by group

Address: 400 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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Pick 5

SF Fleet Week Air Show (Blue Angels)

SF Fleet Week Air Show (Blue Angels) is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Blue Angels roaring over the Golden Gate Bridge — one of the most spectacular free shows anywhere. Watch the Blue Angels perform high-speed aerial maneuvers over the bay while exploring Navy ships docked at the waterfront. Free viewing from Marina Green and nearby beaches.

Insider tip: Bring ear protection for toddlers. Crissy Field has the best views. Friday practice show is less crowded.

Ages: Ages 0-17

Cost: Show box between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz; free along the waterfront; paid seating at Marina Green ($192.50-$

Address: Marina Green, San Francisco, CA 94123

Order: Sorted by Phirky family appeal, then event date.

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