Bay Area Family Resource Guide

Welcome to our Family Resource Guide, your ultimate companion on this incredible journey of raising and entertaining your little ones in the Bay Area. This guide is your go-to source for discovering educational insights and many family-friendly activities uniquely tailored to our Bay Area community.

Activities

Bay Area Discovery Museum – https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
Interactive exhibits and outdoor play where kids explore art, science, and the environment through play-based learning.

California Academy of Sciences – https://www.calacademy.org
Science exhibits and planetarium shows with live animals, including Claude the albino alligator and adorable penguins.

Children’s Creativity Museum – https://creativity.org
Hands-on activities and workshops, including an animation studio for kids interested in making their own videos and a beautiful carousel.

Children’s Fairyland – https://fairyland.org
Storybook-themed amusement park on 10 acres with animal encounters, fairy tale attractions, and interactive play areas; best for ages 3+ to enjoy the full experience.

Exploratorium – https://www.exploratorium.edu
Interactive science museum and public learning laboratory where kids explore the world through science, art, and human perception.

Sprinkles Parents – https://sprinklesparents.com
Local organization providing education, activities, and resources for families from pregnancy to kindergarten, creating inclusive spaces to help all Bay Area parents thrive.

Peninsula Book Collaborative – https://www.peninsulabookcollab.com
Peaceful space in Daly City’s Westlake Shopping Center for kids to read, parents to read to them, pick up new books, and connect with other families.

Butterfly Joint Café – https://www.thebutterflyjoint.com
Outer Richmond woodshop and café where children create heirloom wood projects from reclaimed materials using traditional Japanese hand tools.

510 Families – https://www.510families.com
Go-to resource for Alameda, Berkeley, and Oakland parents featuring daily kid-friendly activities, seasonal events, free local fun, and a robust events calendar.

Additional Services

Beau SF – https://www.beausf.com
Hair and esthetic studio in San Francisco offering haircuts, brow, lash, skin, and body services for men, women, and kids in a relaxed, family-friendly environment.

Closeted – https://www.closeted.co
Home organization business focused on decluttering, organizing, and creating functional systems to simplify busy family life.

Link Therapies – https://www.linktherapies.com
Speech, language, and ABA therapy in the East Bay supporting communication, preschool readiness, daily living skills, social skills, and behavior management.

Persimmon – https://www.joinpersimmon.com
In-home Botox services for busy parents, bringing aesthetic treatments directly to your home or preferred location; use code FCBW for 40% off your first service.

Tiny Tots Diaper Service – https://tinytots.com
Eco-friendly diapering with commercially composted diapers and convenient pickup and delivery for Bay Area families.

Animals & Nature

Aquarium of the Bay – https://www.aquariumofthebay.org
Focuses on marine life from the San Francisco Bay with touch pools, exhibits, and daily feedings to teach kids about the local aquatic ecosystem.

CuriOdyssey – https://curiodyssey.org
Hands-on science museum and zoo with interactive exhibits and live California native animals plus educational programs and wildlife encounters.

Oakland Zoo – https://www.oaklandzoo.org
Long-standing Bay Area institution recognized for animal welfare, rescue, and conservation, offering immersive exhibits and rides for families.

San Francisco Zoo – https://www.sfzoo.org
Urban zoo on the Pacific Ocean with over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals in a scenic, family-friendly setting.

Artists

Jane the Coyote – https://www.janethecoyote.com
Local Alameda watercolor artist specializing in architecture, portraits, and pet portraits, with work inspired by motherhood and life transitions.

Childcare

Premier Nanny Source – https://www.premiernannysource.com
Stress-free and reliable childcare solutions for busy Bay Area families, specializing in corporate childcare, full-time nanny placements, backup care, and occasional babysitting.

Swings and Wings – https://www.swingsandwings.com
Alameda play space offering 1st and 3rd Friday drop-off babysitting with pizza, a movie, playtime, and three hours of attentive care so parents can enjoy date night.

Ruby’s Tumbling – https://www.rubystumbling.com
Gymnastics and tumbling classes for kids plus Saturday night care (5–8 pm) including childcare, free play, and pizza.

Date Night

Kokkari Estiatorio – https://kokkari.com
Upscale Greek restaurant in San Francisco known for its rustic yet elegant ambiance and flavorful dishes.

The Punch Line – https://punchlinecomedyclub.com
Comedy club where you can laugh the night away with stand-up performances from local and touring comedians.

Sam’s Chowder House – https://www.samschowderhouse.com
Half Moon Bay seafood restaurant ideal for a beach picnic and sunset views.

Sofar Sounds – https://www.sofarsounds.com
Intimate, secret live music events featuring emerging artists in unique, unconventional venues.

Top Hatter’s Kitchen – https://www.tophatterskitchen.com
San Leandro restaurant offering rustic, made-from-scratch dishes inspired by seasonal ingredients and local farms.

Yoshi’s Oakland – https://yoshis.com
Renowned music venue and Japanese restaurant combining live jazz and R&B with Japanese cuisine.

Doulas

Brilliant Births – https://www.brilliantbirths.com
Doula services supporting expectant parents with evidence-based information, comfort techniques, and continuous care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Family Support

Support for Families – https://www.supportforfamilies.org
Nonprofit providing free, comprehensive support to families of children with disabilities, developmental concerns, learning differences, and complex medical needs.

Giggle + Grow – https://www.gigglegrowco.com
Creates Montessori-inspired home environments and supports toilet learning for children 0–5/6, promoting independence and development.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

Almanac Beer Co. – Alameda – https://almanacbeer.com/locations/alameda
Family-friendly brewery with spacious outdoor seating and a large sandbox filled with toys, plus nearby activities for kids.

The Ramp – https://www.rampsf.com
Waterfront spot in San Francisco’s Mission Bay with live music, Bay views, outdoor dining, and easy access to a nearby park and marina.

Nido’s Backyard – https://www.nidosbackyard.com
Oakland restaurant with a spacious outdoor patio, Mexican-inspired cuisine, and a designated play area and family-friendly events.

Mersea – https://mersea.restaurant
Treasure Island restaurant with skyline views, lawn games, and outdoor seating where families can enjoy fresh, locally sourced food.

SPARK Social SF – https://sparksocialsf.com
Food truck park and event space with communal seating, live music, play areas for kids, and a rotating lineup of trucks and pop-ups.

City Gal Bakes – https://www.citygalbakes.com
San Francisco baker and fellow mom who customizes treats based on dietary and creative needs.

Finance

Way Financial – https://www.wayfinancial.com
Helps families and small business owners with life insurance, wealth, and estate planning, plus HR and benefits support so families can focus on what matters most.

Mental Health

Cultivate Together Psychology – https://cultivatetogetherpsychology.com
Online therapy for individuals and couples, with expertise in perinatal mood disorders, trauma, and women’s health.

Therapy with Lisie – https://therapywithlisie.com
Therapist for adults, teens/kids, and couples, focusing on harmony through accountability, authenticity, and communication, using a culturally sensitive, family-systems approach.

Music

SF Music Together – https://www.sfmusictogether.com
Music classes for little ones offered since 2007, nurturing family music-making and early childhood development.

Music with Toby – https://www.musicwithtoby.com
Outer Sunset studio offering private Suzuki violin lessons for children 3+ and voice lessons for children 5+ in a warm, nurturing environment.

Parks and Playgrounds

Adventure Playground (Berkeley) – https://www.cityofberkeley.info/adventureplayground
Interactive outdoor play space where kids build and explore using tools and materials, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning.

Golden Gate Park – https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park
San Francisco’s iconic park with vast green spaces, walking trails, gardens, museums, and multiple playgrounds for family picnics and outdoor fun.

Magical Bridge Playground – https://www.magicalbridge.org
Inclusive Palo Alto playground designed for children of all abilities with innovative, accessible play structures.

Mia’s Dream Come True Playground – https://www.haywardrec.org/facilities/facility/details/Mias-Dream-Come-True-Playground-169
All-abilities playground in Hayward featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory-friendly elements, and inclusive play spaces.

Presidio Tunnel Tops – https://www.presidiotunneltops.gov
Scenic park built over highway tunnels in the Presidio with overlooks, meadows, nature play areas, and family-friendly trails.

Nex Playground – https://nex.inc/playground
Active entertainment system that turns your living room into a virtual arcade, gym, obstacle course, theme park, and more.

Sprinkles Parents – https://sprinklesparents.com
Local organization offering events, education, and community for families from pregnancy to kindergarten.

Photographers

Crystal Liu – https://www.crystaljkidsphoto.com
Family and kids photographer; mention Premier Nanny Source for a promotion: free session, pay only for the photos you love.

Meg Karaan Photography – https://www.megkaraanphotography.com
Specializes in light-filled maternity, newborn, and family sessions in the East Bay, Napa Valley, and beyond.

Samantha Brancato – https://www.samanthabrancatophotography.com
Mom of three offering family, newborn, maternity, couples, and wedding photography focused on creating lasting memories.

Pregnancy and Postpartum

Mewl – https://www.mewl.co
Maternity and early motherhood products including an easy-to-use baby schedule log for feedings, diaper changes, and sleep.

Cosmic Motherhood – https://www.cosmicmotherhood.com
East Bay support group for new moms offering resources, postpartum support, creative motherhood workshops, and gentle embodiment guidance.

Shopping

CheBabyKids – https://www.etsy.com/shop/CheBabyKids
Local Alameda mom-owned shop featuring adorable hair clips, bows, and accessories for little ones.

Mommy’s Trading Post – https://mommystradingpost.com
Family-friendly consignment shop with children’s clothing, toys, and accessories, where you can also trade items for store credit.

Live Simply Surf Shop – https://www.livesimplysurf.com
Alameda surf shop with surf-inspired products, wetsuit and board rentals, and community programs for all ages.

Splash Parks

Aqua Adventure Water Park – https://www.goaquaadventure.com
Fremont water park with splash pads, slides, and interactive play areas plus shaded seating for a full day of family fun.

Cannery Park Splash Pad – https://www.hayward-ca.gov/your-government/departments/parks-recreation/cannery-park
Hayward splash pad with colorful water features and interactive play structures for kids to cool off on warm days.

Castro Valley Splash Pad – https://www.ebparks.org/parks/castro-valley-community-park
Vibrant water play area in Castro Valley Community Park with spraying jets and fun structures.

El Cerrito Splash Park – https://el-cerrito.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Splash-Park-at-Harding-Park-44
Dynamic splash park with fountains and jets, offering hours of refreshing outdoor play.

The Wave (Dublin) – https://www.dublin.ca.gov/1999/The-Wave-at-Emerald-Glen-Park
Water park with slides, wave pool, and interactive play structures in Dublin’s Emerald Glen Park.

Swimming

Aquatech – https://aquatechswim.com
Alameda-based swim school offering small group and private lessons from beginner to advanced, plus pre-competitive teams, recreational swim, and party rentals.

Premier Nanny Source Services

Premier Nanny Source is proud to partner with Bay Area families by offering:

Full-time Nanny Placements
Backup Child Care
Babysitting Services
Corporate Child Care

Learn more at https://www.premiernannysource.com.