Today

What's Happening Today: September 6

Today's family shortlist has 12 events, led by Mitchell Park Splash Pad & Magical Bridge Playground, Mitchell Park & Magical Bridge Playground, Children's Fairyland.

11 spots curatedUpdated Sep 6, 2026

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

Mitchell Park Splash Pad & Magical Bridge Playground

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

Families appreciate the inclusive design of the playground, ensuring fun for kids of all abilities. Kids splash, zip line, play music installations, and explore sensory zones at this inclusive playground designed for all abilities. Free park access with shade and plenty of amenities.

Insider tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and bring extra clothes for the splash pad.

Ages: Babies to tweens

Cost: Free

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

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

Open Maps Details

Pick 2

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.

Open Maps Details

Pick 3

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.

Open Maps Details

Pick 4

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.

Open Maps Details

Pick 5

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

This museum is a favorite for its engaging and educational exhibits tailored for young children, making learning fun. Kids splash in the water play area, create art, explore bubbles, and role-play in a kid-sized San Jose streets replica. Bring a change of clothes for messy, engaging hands-on discovery.

Insider tip: Bring a change of clothes for the water play area to ensure your little ones can enjoy all the exhibits.

Ages: Ages 0-8

Cost: $16 per person, free under 1.

Address: 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95110

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

Open Maps Details

Pick 6

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.

Open Maps Details

More options to compare

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

Pick 1

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.

Open Maps Details

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.

Open Maps Details

Pick 3

Paint-A-Plane

Paint-A-Plane is a strong fit for What's Happening Today.

Kids love the opportunity to unleash their creativity while learning about aviation in a hands-on environment. Kids paint a real Cessna plane and explore aircraft up close at this hands-on aviation museum activity. A unique creative experience that combines art with interactive discovery.

Insider tip: Check for any special discounts on family tickets to save money while enjoying the activities.

Ages: Ages 4-12

Cost: Included with admission

Address: 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos, CA 94070

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

Open Maps Details

Pick 4

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.

Open Maps Details

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.

Open Maps Details

Related guides

Your weekend, already planned

One ready-to-go plan + 5 verified picks for Bay Area families — every Thursday morning, free.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

All guides

More Phirky guides

📅 What's happening today|🗓 This weekend's picks|📆 This month's guide|All guides →