3 Bay Area Hidden Gems for Sweet Rainy Day Fun

With the first real storm of the winter season greeting the Bay Area with torrential downpours, we’re left scrambling to find indoor activities that will keep the kids busy and us sane. If the thought of dragging yourself to same ol’ indoor play space that is likely to be brimming with stir-crazy kids (and rain-weary parents) makes you shudder, then it’s time to check out one of these Bay Area hidden gems for some sweet (literally) indoor fun.

Modern Cookie
Made-to-order cookies? Need we say more? Located in Larkspur, Modern Cookie gets Red Tricycle CEO Jacqui Boland’s stamp of approval. Not only does the sweet store offer warm cookies and biscuits made-to-order (you choose the dough and mix in’s and they create), but the family-friendly space features a large play space for kids, complete with a wall full of magnets and another dry erase board wall as well. Modern Cookie also does birthday parties, too (we think their delicious cookies make great party favors). And, if you love cookies but hate the hassle of making the dough, then you have to check out their half-baked cookies to take home. Store-bought cookies never tasted so good.

25 Ward Street
Larkspur, Ca
415-891-8577
Online: moderncookieco.com

American Cupcake

Anyone who has ever visited Marina hot spot American Cupcake can’t help but love their retro white interior and of course, their fab cupcakes. So much more than just a run-of-the-hill cupcakery, American Cupcake has become one of our fave rainy day destinations because of their drop-in cupcake decorating for the kids ($5 per person), cocktails, beer and wine menu for the grown-ups, and their newly-launched brunch menu. The dynamic shop’s new brunch menu (served weekends only) offers savory and sweet treats for the entire fam including a “design your own” pancakes and waffles (a kid favorite), mimosas (our favorite), brioche French toast, and huevos rancheros, amongst other options. If you’re dying to get out of the house during the week day, American Cupcake also offers a full lunch and dinner menu. And, don’t forget to check out their party packages for kids.

1919 Union Street
San Francisco, Ca
415-896-4217
Online: americancupcake.com

Angel Heart Cakes

Founded by two local moms, Angel Heart Cakes in Redwood City opened in February, serving up their secret family angel food cake recipe. While their fresh local ingredients and delectable cakes speak for themselves, it’s truly Angel Heart Cakes’ customer service that makes this Bay Area dessert spot stand out from the rest. The store offers a variety of year round flavors like hazelnut and lemon poppy seed, as well as seasonal selections such as pumpkin, apple-spice, and candy cane. While the store currently doesn’t offer a large indoor space (the friendly folks at Angel Heart Cakes will set your fam up with a seating area so you can enjoy your goodies), they do have a sweet kid-friendly outdoor patio for sunnier days.

3716 Florence Street
Redwood City, Ca
650-363-2253
Online: angelheartcakes.com

Looking for more rainy day ideas? Check out this list of indoor playspaces or this list of kid-friendly cafes.

— Erin Lem