Rainy day? Free indoor things to do with kids in the Bay Area
By Nil Ni, founder, dad of three · Updated Tuesday, Oct 27
Checked against the organizers' pages by freekidsevents editorial team on Tuesday, Oct 27.How we check
When it rains in the Bay Area, the best free indoor option for kids is usually your public library. Libraries here run storytimes, craft hours, science programs and open play through the week, and a few have dedicated play spaces for little ones. A handful of museums are free every day, or free for kids. The two live lists at the bottom of this page show this week’s free indoor storytimes, crafts, science and play.
Storytimes: the easiest rainy-day plan
Bay Area library systems hold storytimes, usually split by age:
- Babies: songs, rhymes and board books for infants and their grown-ups. San José calls these Baby Lapsit, for ages 0 to non-walkers (SJPL).
- Toddlers: short books, movement and songs. San Francisco Public Library’s toddler storytimes are for 16 months through age 2 (SFPL).
- Preschoolers: books, songs and fingerplays. SFPL’s preschool storytimes are for ages 3 to 5.
- Family storytimes: mixed ages, good when you have siblings of different ages.
SFPL says every one of its locations has weekly storytimes. Some branches limit numbers and hand out tickets shortly before the start, so arriving a little early on a rainy morning, when everyone has the same idea, is a good plan.
Library play spaces and toys
Some libraries go further than a storytime rug:
- San José: the Wee Explore PlaySpace in the children’s room at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library (details) and the Wee PlaySpace at the Alum Rock branch, 3090 Alum Rock Avenue (details). Both are for children 0 to 5 and their grown-ups, and neither needs a reservation. SJPL says the Alum Rock space is free.
- Oakland: Oakland Public Library’s Play at the Library page lists toys to use in the library and toys you can borrow, plus Play Café for kids under five, Baby Bounce, and toddler, preschool and family storytimes.
Crafts, science and maker programs
Afternoons and weekends are when libraries and community centers run hands-on programs for older kids: LEGO building, coding clubs, science experiments, art projects and maker sessions. These are listed under arts, STEM and play in the second live list below. Some need registration because supplies are limited, so check the listing as soon as you see one you like.
To browse a whole library system, these are the official event calendars:
- San José Public Library
- San Francisco Public Library
- San Mateo County Libraries
- Contra Costa County Library
- Oakland Public Library
Museums that are free, or free for kids
For a bigger outing on a wet weekend:
- Cantor Arts Center, Stanford: always free, no reservation needed for regular visits. Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
- SFMOMA: free every day for anyone 18 and younger. Adults pay.
- Oakland Museum of California: free on the first Sunday of each month, including special exhibitions.
- de Young and Legion of Honor: free on Saturdays for residents of the nine Bay Area counties (permanent collection only).
Our free museum days guide covers these and the Museums on Us weekends in more detail.
Tips for a rainy day out
- Check the live list in the morning. Organizers post and change events through the week, and the list below updates as they do.
- Pack a change of socks. Wet shoes and a long storytime don’t mix.
- Go to a branch you don’t usually visit. Different branches have different toys, books and programs.
- Borrow before you leave. A fresh stack of library books makes the rest of a rainy afternoon at home easier.
- Check parking first. Each branch’s page has its address and hours, and a branch near transit saves a wet walk from the car.
See the free events near you
Nil, who started this site, is a Bay Area dad of three. Every weekend he worried about what to do with the kids that was fun, close and free, and the answers were spread over dozens of calendars, so he built this site to put them in one place. These two lists are the rainy-day version: free indoor storytimes, crafts, science and play across the Bay Area for the next seven days, straight from the organizers’ calendars. For one city, see free kids events in San José, San Francisco, Oakland, Palo Alto or Fremont.
Free indoor storytimes this week
Live from the official calendars, the next 7 days. It changes as organizers post and update events.
Today · Tuesday, Oct 271 free
All day
FreeGoblin's Grocery List Hidden Image Search
1Moraga, Contra Costa County Library
Halloween is on its way and Goblin needs help getting ready to make his spooky spell brew!
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
Tomorrow · Wednesday, Oct 2823 free
9:30–10:15 am
FreeBaby Bounce
2Vacaville Town Square Library
Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10–10:30 am
FreeBaby Bounce
3Dublin, Alameda County Library
A first storytime experience to share with babies (ages 0-18 months who are not yet walking) and their caregivers.
Source: Alameda County Library · checked today
10–11 am
FreeBaby Bounce
4Suisun City Library
Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10–11 am
FreeBilingual Spanish/English Storytime Halloween Edition
5Dixon Library
Stories, music, movement and fun for everyone. Perfect for ages 0 to 5. Cuentos, música, danza, y diversión para todos. Perfecto para niños de 0 a 5.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10–10:30 am
FreeBooks and Bubbles Storytime
6Novato, Marin County Free Library
Join us every other Wednesday for Books and Bubbles Storytime with Teacher Carrie!
Source: Marin County Free Library · checked today
10–11 am
FreeFamily Storytime
7Rio Vista Library
Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10–10:30 am
FreeFamily Storytime
8Yountville Library
We share stories, sing songs, learn fingerplays, and laugh along with puppets. Kids can discover their lifelong love of books at the library today. Everyone is welcome!
Source: Napa County Library · checked today
10–10:30 am
FreeFrench Storytime
9Belvedere Tiburon Library
Children will delight in stories, songs, fingerplays, and puppets while discovering the sounds and rhythms of the French language. All families and languages are welcome!
Source: Belvedere Tiburon Library · checked today
10–11 am
FreePreschool Storytime
10Vacaville Cultural Center Library
Regular attendance at preschool storytime can ease the transition to school and promote a love of reading.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10–11 am
FreeStay & Play
11Orinda, Contra Costa County Library
Enjoy gentle play in the Gallery Room until Storytime returns November 18.
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
10–10:25 am
FreeWee Wednesdays
12Napa Library
We share stories, sing songs, learn fingerplays, and laugh along with puppets. Kids can discover their lifelong love of books at the library today. Everyone is welcome!
Source: Napa County Library · checked today
10:15–10:45 am
FreeAll-Ages Storytime
13Walnut Creek, Contra Costa County Library
Storytime at your local library! Enjoy lively songs and stories that inspire a lifelong love of learning and support Early Literacy. Stay after to play together.
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
10:15–10:45 am
FreeToddler Storytime
14Mill Valley Public Library
Join Librarian Miranda for books, songs, and stories in the library's outdoor amphitheater. Designed for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with their caregivers.
Source: Mill Valley Public Library · checked today
10:15–10:45 am
FreeToddler Storytime
15Dimond Branch
Toddler storytime session outdoors @ Dimond Park's Toddler Lot (weather permitting). Songs, active rhymes and stories especially for ages 18 months to 3 years.
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
10:15–11:30 am
FreeToddler Storytime: 18 months-3 years old
16San Mateo Main Library
Toddler Storytime has two sessions: 10:15 am and 11:00 am. Families who cannot attend the 10:15 storytime are encouraged to stay for the 11:00.
Source: San Mateo Public Library · checked today
10:15–11 am
FreeWiggles and Wonder Storytime
17Marin City, Marin County Free Library
Join Ms. Amanda every Wednesday morning for a wiggly, giggly, all-ages, multilingual storytime!
Source: Marin County Free Library · checked today
10:30–11 am
FreeA Sprinkle of Spanish / Un poquito de Español Storytime
18Berkeley Central Library
English: Need a Sprinkle of Spanish in your life? Then come to the newly launched weekly Sprinkle of Spanish / Un poquito de español Storytime at the Central Children's…
Source: Berkeley Public Library · checked today
10:30–11:30 am
FreeBaby Bounce
19Fairfield Civic Center Library
Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10:30–11 am
FreeBaby Bounce
20Main Library Children's Room
Bring your babies to the library for songs, books, and socializing! This program is best for parents or caregivers with babies from birth to 12 months, or pre-walkers who will…
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
10:30–11:15 am
FreeBaby Bounce
2Vacaville Town Square Library
Just for babies and their grownups! Bring your baby for some cozy, active time on your lap.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
10:30–11:30 am
FreeBaby Bounce Storytime
21Millbrae, San Mateo County Libraries
Baby storytime centers around parent/caregiver-child interactions. Please join us for rhymes, lap bounces, singing, instruments and a book or two.
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today
10:30–11:30 am
FreeBaby Bounce Storytime With Stay and Play
22Pacifica Sharp Park, San Mateo County Libraries
Bring your bouncing baby to our weekly playtime, full of nursery rhymes and songs you can do together to stimulate your baby’s development.
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today
10:30–11:30 am
FreeBaby Bounce With Stay & Play
23Foster City, San Mateo County Libraries
Bring your bouncing baby to our weekly playtime, featuring lap bounces, songs, rhymes, and a sweet board book or two, ideal for newborns and babies up to 18 months old.
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today
Free indoor crafts, science and play this week
Live from the official calendars, the next 7 days. It changes as organizers post and update events.
Today · Tuesday, Oct 273 free
All day
FreeHalloween Week Scavenger Hunt
1Pearl Avenue, San José Public Library
The children’s area has been taken over by spooky creatures! Help us find them all to collect a fun prize*! Stop by the information desk to get your own search list.
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
All day
FreeHappy Halloween Haul Activity Bags
2Danville, Contra Costa County Library
Visit the Danville Library in your Halloween costume to celebrate this spooky time of the year with a not-so-spooky Happy Halloween Haul Activity Bag for our youngest readers!
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
All day
FreeSpooky Season Scavenger Hunt / Búsqueda del tesoro de la temporada de Halloween
3Biblioteca Latinoamericana, San José Public Library
Looking for a fun activity this Halloween? Stop by the branch for our spooky season scavenger hunt!
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
Tomorrow · Wednesday, Oct 2827 free
10 am–4 pm
FreeDrop-In Art Activities
4Richmond Art Center
Source: 510 Families · checked today
10 am–12 pm
FreeEarly Learning Readiness/ Aprendizaje Temprano
5Gilroy Library
By prior registration only. Scan QR code or visit https://www.ymcasv.org/child-c... for more information and to submit an interest form. / Escanee QR code para nueva informacion
Source: Santa Clara County Library District · checked today
10:30 am–12 pm
FreeItty-Bitty Halloween S'Booktacular (For Ages 0-6)
6Milpitas Library
Join us for not-so-scary activities, a costume parade, and trick-or-treating in the library. Wear your spookiest costume and join the fun!
Source: Santa Clara County Library District · checked today
10:30–11:15 am
FreeMart Littles Music
7Marin Country Mart
Source: Marin Mommies · checked today
11 am–5 pm
FreeFree Admission Day at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA)
8Yerba Buena Center for the Arts
Source: Funcheap SF · checked today
11 am–12 pm
FreeMini Makers
9Cupertino Library
Calling all littles ages 2-5 years old! We’ll have three different stations to practice and learn more about fine motor skills. Limited to 30 children. No registration required.
Source: Santa Clara County Library District · checked today
11 am–12:30 pm
FreePlaydates for Children and Their Caregivers
10Seven Trees, San José Public Library
Join us every Wednesday for weekly playdates. Kids get to practice early social skills like sharing, taking turns, imitation of play, and joint attention while caregivers get a…
Source: San José Public Library · checked today
11–11:30 am
FreeStay & Play @North
11North Branch Library
After storytime, please stay for playtime with toys, soft blocks, and musical instruments. Enjoy the company of other caregivers.
Source: Berkeley Public Library · checked today
11–11:30 am
FreeStay-n-Play @Central Children's Room
12Berkeley Central Library
Unstructured play in a group is a great way to build social and emotional skills by spending time together!
Source: Berkeley Public Library · checked today
11 am–12 pm
FreeToddler Time: Costume Playdate
13Atherton, San Mateo County Libraries
Join us for a community playdate for you and your little one! Toddlers and their caregivers can drop in for a free-play environment based around sensory exploration or simple arts…
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today
12:30–1 pm
FreeRockin' Kids Sing-Along
14Albany Library
Source: 510 Families · checked today
1–3 pm
FreeDrop-In 3D Printing – Quick Prints @ Hillsdale Branch
15Hillsdale Branch Library
Are you interested in 3D Printing? Join us at the Hillsdale Library for Drop-In 3D Printing. 3D printing will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays and is first come, first served.
Source: San Mateo Public Library · checked today
1–2:30 pm
FreeKids LEGO Club
16Morgan Hill Library
We provide the bricks, you provide the imagination! Children will use their creativity and engineering skills to free build anything they can imagine.
Source: Santa Clara County Library District · checked today
1:15–2:15 pm
FreeTween Club
17Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
Join us for Tween Club at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch! Activities may include 3D pen art, painting, movies, arts and crafts, and much more.
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
1:30–2:30 pm
FreeDía de Los Muertos Calavera Decorating
1881st Avenue Branch
Join us to decorate skulls made out of magic modeling clay! All materials provided. ¡Únete a nosotros para decorar calaveras con plastilina mágica!
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
1:30–2:30 pm
FreeDía de Los Muertos Calavera Decorating
19Elmhurst Branch
Join us to decorate skulls made out of magic modeling clay! All materials provided. ¡Únete a nosotros para decorar calaveras con plastilina mágica!
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
1:30–2:30 pm
FreeDía de Los Muertos Calavera Decorating
20Asian Branch
Join us to decorate skulls made out of magic modeling clay! All materials provided. ¡Únete a nosotros para decorar calaveras con plastilina mágica!
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
1:30–3:30 pm
FreeI Heart Afternoon Art
21Pleasant Hill, Contra Costa County Library
Have fun creating art during our studio time each Wednesday after school in our Maker Space!
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
1:30–2:30 pm
FreeKids' Craft Hour
1881st Avenue Branch
Join us on the fourth Wednesday of the month for crafting fun! We'll work on a new art project each month, best for kids ages 5 and up.
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
2–3 pm
Free3D Print and Paint
22Portola Valley, San Mateo County Libraries
Join us for a fun afternoon of painting 3D printed models! 3D printing is one of our most popular activities here at the library, and now you have the chance to paint what you…
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today
2–3 pm
FreeAfternoon Adventures
23Rio Vista Library
“Afternoon Adventures” is a series of programs for kids to have after-school fun, with a different activity each week. All school age children and their families are welcome.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
2–5 pm
FreeBoo-tiful Brushstrokes
24Rodeo, Contra Costa County Library
Unleash your inner artist this Halloween! Drop in on Wednesday October 28th between 2:00pm-5:00 pm to paint something spooky. All materials provided. Open to all ages.
Source: Contra Costa County Library · checked today
2–3 pm
FreeBuild It!
25Albany, Alameda County Library
Come see what you can build! We have LEGO and other building materials. No registration necessary, just drop in. Children under 8 must be with an adult.
Source: Alameda County Library · checked today
2–3 pm
FreeCookie Decorating
26Vallejo Springstowne Library
Come to the Springstowne Library and learn how to decorate Halloween themed cookies with Miss Kate. All supplies provided. Registration required.
Source: Solano County Library · checked today
2–3 pm
FreeCraft for Kids
27Lakeview Branch
Come and get creative with us here at Lakeview! We will be doing a different craft every week.
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
2–3 pm
FreeCrafternoon for Kids/ Manualidades para Niñ@s
28Fruitvale Branch
Join us every Wednesday afternoon for a relaxing and fun-filled activity! After our exciting MOCHA program on the first Wednesday of the month, kids can look forward to a new…
Source: Oakland Public Library · checked today
2–4 pm
FreeDiwali Special Henna Art
29San Carlos, San Mateo County Libraries
Celebrate Diwali with the art of henna! Local artist Swati will apply a beautiful henna design on your hand.
Source: San Mateo County Libraries · checked today