The Bay Area Indoor Play Spot Guide

Peek-a-Boo Factory SF

We are thrilled that the bigger-than-ever San Francisco location is open with an even bigger play structure, a Ninja fitness course and a toddler area. The new three-level play structure features a variety of slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, bridges, swings, a zip line, sea saw, sit and spins, trampoline and more. You'll love the Ninja Fitness course that will sure keep your inner Ninja warriors entertained.

5411 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA
Online: peekaboofactory.com

House of Air

This place totally blows your backyard trampoline out of the water. It’s a huge warehouse filled with trampolines, airbags, dodgeball courts and a bounce house. Let your little jumpers (ages 3-6) bounce away in the Air Junior Bounce House, or go for a jaunt on the bigger trampolines during their Mini Jumper Program. If your bouncers get hungry, stop at the House of Snacks and pick up a little something to munch on (they have healthy snacks!).

926 Old Mason St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: houseofair.com

Imagination Playhouse ​

Imagination Playhouse was created when two mothers decided to create a place for their children to burn off energy, learn and work on their independence. The Playhouse is a massive structure designed to help children overcome challenges and advance to the next level as they learn. With all the obstacles on the structure, children can learn to figure out how to climb up safely and climb down, but their is rubber flooring to catch their fall. They offer drop-off and date night options and throw some killer kid parties.

5628 Geary Blvd
San Francisco, CA
Online: facebook.com/imaginationplayhousesf/

Recess Collective

Those who loved Recess in its former Portero Hill location will LOVE their digs in the Outer Sunset. With 3,000 sq. feet of play space and separate areas for the crawlers and toddlers to hang, you'll definitely want to sign up for a membership ASAP. The entire center is intentionally designed to support early development so that you, as a parent, can join in on the fun or comfortably watch and be there to interact as your child plays. Read all about it here.

2226 Taraval (at 32nd Ave)
San Francisco, CA
Online: recesscollective.org

The COOP

Kids will play for hours in the enormous ball pit, two-story curly slide, super cool rope climbing tunnel and bouncer equipped with a basketball net. Then they can pow wow in the COOP teepee or dance the day away on the electronic dance and gaming floor. Parents will enjoy the free WiFi, magazines and coming soon—a cappucino bar. Bonus: little birds love birthday parties at the COOP!

303 Linden Ave.
So. San Francisco, CA
Online: thecoopsf.com

Play Haven

Play Haven was created by a preschool teacher of 12 years. They offer activities that promote early childhood learning, social and emotional development and fine motor skills. Here you will find everything from art and sensory activities, to imaginative games and dramatic play areas and even a rock climbing wall.

254 Laguna Honda Blvd.
San Francisco, CA
Online: playhavensf.com

STEMful

STEMful is an inspired environment in San Francisco where children ages 1-10 “sprout curiosity” in science, technology, engineering, art and math. They are dedicated to cultivating an urban community that sprouts lifelong curiosity through hands-on, engaging learning experiences in STEAM. They encourage curiosity and resourcefulness, creating a sense of purpose, innovation, and self-expression. STEMful offers a daily play pass, after school classes, movie nights and birthday parties.

30 29th Street (between Mission Street and San Jose Street)
San Francisco, CA
Online: sf-stemful.com

Little Oceanauts

We love Little Oceanauts for its large play structure with multiple slides, trampoline, tunnels and ball pit. For the younger guests, they offer a separate infant/toddler play area where they can enjoy activities that are stimulating and fun, including their own ball pit and soft foam area. There is a stage for children to interact with each other through pretend play and performances. They also sell snacks so that you can stay and play even longer!

1917 Ocean Ave. 
San Francisco, CA
Online: littleoceanauts.com

Twirl

Instead of throwing a bunch of toys in different rooms (or even corners of the room), Twirl takes a much cleaner and inventive approach to playtime for kids under 10 in the play gallery. There’s a super fun main play structure in the center of the room with creative learning spaces surrounding it on each wall and little wall nooks offer a variety of play spaces in the open floor plan. The paint studio offers kids of all ages different art activities at each table, as well as a reusable materials and art supply center for kids to try their hand at anything they comes up with. Read all about Twirl here. 

1424 Park St.
Alameda, CA
Online: twirlalameda.com

Habitot Children's Museum

We love this Berkeley spot for the wee ones as it offers hand-ons activities for every interest under the sun. Learn about recycling, ride the fire engine, play vet in the animal hospital and splash around in the waterworks. They often have drop-off events on Friday nights and their seasonal schedule is extra fun. 

2065 Kittredge Street
Berkeley, CA
Online: habitot.org

Kids Gym Berkeley

Formerly known as "We Rock the Spectrum," this unique kids gym is more than just a place for littles to let off steam. It was founded by a mother after she discovered what a positive effect physical and sensory play had on her kids—one of whom is on the autism spectrum. The 10,000-square-foot facility has inclusive features such as a sensory-safe gym, a calming room, therapy equipment and gates at every exit. Trampolines, ziplines, climbing structures and even an arts-and-crafts area are designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities. Helpful staff members are trained to deal with kids on the autism spectrum as well as neurotypical kids. Bonus: it also has a super cool co-working space!

2920 7th St.,
Berkeley, CA
Online: kidsgymberkeley.com

Mel's Play Place

Mel’s Play Place is a children’s recreation center that provides a unique play experience for children ages 8 months to 11 years old. You'll find a soft play area, foosball table, basketball game, LEGO tables, train tables, play structures, bounce houses, obstacle jumpers and more. Socks are required in all play areas for children and parents. On Tuesdays, if you enter before noon you save a buck and can enjoy free donuts! Admission: $9/child with free in and out privileges.

20944 Redwood Rd.
Castro Valley, CA
Online: melsplayplace.wordpress.com

Play Date Redefined

This new spot in Fremont has over 2,000 square feet of intentionally-curated play area, designed especially for infants, toddlers and children. Kids can immerse themselves in a world of free and imaginative play, socialize with children, or connect with their parents in a fun, safe and clean environment.

1938 Paseo Padre Parkway
Fremont, CA
Online: playdateredefined.com

KidTopia

Kids will love taking a mega jump into the ball pit and climbing the massive play structure. There are spots for pretend play like the salon and ice cream truck, as well as a great train table for little engineers. Wee ones enjoy their own secluded area away from the big kid fray. Every Tuesday they offer a sensory-friendly environment with dimmed lighting, lowered music volume and fewer crowds.

4620 Auto Mall Parkway
Fremont, CA
Online: kidtopia.zone

Peek-a-boo Factory

Peek-a-Boo Factory provides clean, safe, fun and family-friendly environment to have your next playdate or celebrate a birthday. They offer parents a work space to catch up on emails with free WiFi and room to sit and socialize with other parents. The play room features slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, zip line, mirror maze and rock climbing. Grippy socks are required in all play areas. Save on admission when you buy a multi-visit pass. They just opened in Daly City and San Francisco!

6253 Southfront Rd.
Livermore, CA
Online: peekaboofactory.com

Jumpity-Bumpity

Kids 12 and under will not be bored when you bring them for an afternoon at this Hayward hot spot with a sweet ocean theme. Soft play structures for sliding, tumbling and climbing are the main attractions for this spot. Little ones under age four can enjoy their own contained area.

Fairway Park Shopping Center (behind Sonic)
31169 Mission Blvd.
Hayward, CA
Online: jumpitybumpity.com

The Rec Room

This play space packs in a lot of fun for the entire family. For tots and toddlers, the baby area and main play area offer a myriad of developmental play options. Does big brother or sister have the day off from school? They can challenge you to a game of chess or Scrabble at the cafe area, or play with LEGO bricks and other board games in the back lounge. Parents can bond with their babies at Parent+Tot yoga class, then bond with other parents at the New Parents Meetup right after. You can even grab a few moments for yourself on Tuesday and Thursday mornings during Parent Time Out, a guided play program for littles up to age 5. Play coordinators will lead your kiddos in a variety of activities while you enjoy a well-deserved time out.

Pro tip: Finding parking around the neighborhood streets can be tough, but the Ashby BART station is just a 4-minute walk away.

3222 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA
Online: recroomkids.com

Lost Worlds Adventures

This massive play spot is great for kids of all ages, even teens! Enjoy laser tag, black light mini golf, an arcade and the largest play structure in the area. Little ones who only want to play in the play structure can purchase a pass just for that. Check the calendar for discount days. Everyone is required to wear or purchase safety socks so bring ’em if you’ve got ’em!

6538 Patterson Pass Rd. Suite E
Livermore, CA
Online: lostworlds.rocks

CuriOdyssey

Part science center, part wildlife center and totally fun, CuriOdyssey is a great spot to go if you need some indoor time. They have tons of exhibits that make noise, teach cause and effect and show us different ways to relate to the world around us. The animal exhibits are outside but there's tons to do inside the building. Check out their First Friday Family Nights for music, food and frivolity with other families.

1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA
Online: curiodyssey.org

La Petite Playhouse

This 10,000-sq. ft. facility was the dreamt up by the folks behind the Bay’s favorite swim school: Le Petit Baleen. Naturally, this kiddie wonderland has an under-the-sea theme with features such as the Whale Lookout Sphere, Shark Tank Pendulum Walk, Sea Weed Zig Zag Run and so much more. Older kids will love exploring the huge play structure and climbing wall, while little ones can stay in a separate under-threes area where parents can keep a close watch. Birthday parties are big business here (the playhouse is closed to the public on weekends, when the parties take over) and private rooms and simple, all-inclusive packages make planning a snap.

1264 Oddstad Dr.
Redwood City, CA
Online: lapetiteplay.com

Hop N Play

Located inside the Tanforan Mall, this tiny amusement center for the four-feet-and-under set is the ideal rainy day destination for kiddos who can't stay still. What other play space in the Bay Area has play equipment that actually moves? Little ones can run through a rotating tunnel, balance on a rocking platform and ride on a moving carousel. Everything is soft and bouncy, even the floor, so everyone stays safe and happy. Tots and crawling toddlers are free, so it's an ideal place for baby to take his or her first steps! Take advantage of Friday night Date Nights, when parents can drop kids off for three and a half hours of supervised play and pizza.

Tanforan Mall, 1150 El Camino Real
San Bruno, CA
Online: hopnplay.com

Imagination City

This new spot just opened at the Tanforan Mall, lower level near Target. You'll get all-day passes so that you can leave for lunch and head back for round two later in the day. Two free adults are included with each child admission. Don't forget to bring your socks!

Tanforan Mall, 1150 El Camino Real, #144
San Bruno, CA
Online: myimaginationcity.com

Rockin’ Jump

The sky's the limit at Rockin' Jump! The main attraction is a warehouse-sized trampoline room, but kids go bonkers over the slam dunk corner, somersault foam pit and trampoline dodge ball. Both Bay Area locations offer Rockin' Tots jump times for children up to age 6, so your toddlers aren't bumping up against the big boys. Parents will enjoy the plentiful seating and WiFi while the kids bounce away the rainy day blues.

401 Quarry Rd.
San Carlos, CA

1901 Monterey Rd.
San Jose, CA

Online: rockinjump.com

Peek-a-Boo Factory

The Daly City location of Peek-a-Boo Factory offers a play structure with slides, obstacle courses, tunnels, bridges, swings, a zip line and more. The three-and-under area features its own play structure with the latest interactive wall panels. The newest addition to the facility is the arcade games and a climbing wall that will sure keep your kiddos busy for a long time.

6553 Mission St.
Daly City, CA
Online: peekaboofactory.com

My Busy Town

My Busy Town is a indoor playground space were children 0 to 14 years old can learn through play and experiences in a 5100-sq ft. facility. Along side the importance of learning through play, children desire repetition, routine, interactions and connection (community development). My Busy Town will strive to provide an environment that encompasses these opportunities to assist parents and care givers with developing the child's foundation by providing emotional and physical development opportunities through enrichment programs and play in a safe clean space. Where Learning Through Play, Happens Everyday!

556 San Mateo Ave.
San Bruno, CA
Online: mybusytown.com

Diddalidoo

This play spot is specifically designed for tiny tots ages 0-4. Parents and young children have the opportunity to bond while exploring, learning and socializing through interactive play in three distinct play areas—infant play area, toddler play area and interactive play mat. Filled with soft blocks, moonscape, wall-mounted puzzles and plenty of padding, parents can enjoy helping their infants develop new skills. The toddler play area is perfect for tots to toddle, tumble and climb as they discover new things in every nook and cranny of our multi-level play structure. Bonus: they have a quiet room for sensory breaks or nursing moms.

544 San Mateo Avenue
San Bruno, CA
Online: diddalidoo.com

Bumble

If you have been dying for a kid-free meal without the expense of a babysitter, this is the spot for you. Bumble has a bright and sunny playroom with supervised play for kids from ages 1-10 (must be walker or older). It’s a space where they get to play, meet other kids and engage with friendly staff. They offer arts and crafts, books and ample of activities to keep kids entertained. Parents can drop of their kids in the Playroom and then sit down at the restaurant and enjoy themselves with some friends, a latte, or simply get some work done! Playroom time is limited to 1.5 hours.

145 First St.
Los Altos, CA
Online: bumblelosaltos.com

The Duck Pond

For just $13, your kiddo can explore a variety of different play areas, imagination stations, a jump house, a pretend theater, a large and clean play area filled with toys, and lots of Playdough crafts. The Duck Pond is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so it’s a great way to kill a few hours before heading out on your next rainy day adventure.

GateWay Community Center/GateWay City Church
5884 Eden Park Place
San Jose, CA
650-826-3636
Online: duckpondplayspace.com

Safari Run

With two locations to choose from, Safari Run is a great spot for little monkeys who want to run around in a safe, contained and clean environment. Older kids love the animal-themed climbing area and running track, while toddlers get their own separate play area. Your admission gets you an hour of open play time and it does get crowded, especially on school holidays (your best bet is to get there when it opens). Weekends are often reserved for birthday parties so check the online schedule before heading over. In the summer, the San Mateo location has drop-off summer camps for kids.

1180 Kern Ave.
Sunnyvale, CA

341 North Amphlett Blvd.
San Mateo, CA

Online: safarirun.com

Billy Beez

With so many things to see and do, it's no wonder Billy Beez has all the kids buzzing. Older kids will love exploring the hive-like network of tunnels and rope bridges. Make sure to save some time to go down the wavy rainbow slides and blast some balls into the air! Tot and toddlers have a separate structure to play on, away from the bigger bees. They can also hop on wiggle cars and make their way around a charming pretend play town, complete with tot-sized grocery store, gas station and pizzeria. Your entrance fee gives you in-and-out privileges so make the most of your time there by taking a break at the mall’s food court or movie theater before heading back for a second visit at Billy Beez. Check out all the nitty gritty details in our post here.

Westfield Oakridge
925 Blossom Hill Rd.
San Jose, CA
Online: billybeezus.com

Bounce-a-Rama

Located inside the Great Mall in Milpitas, Bounce-a-Rama is definitely the spot to be when it's raining outside and the kids need to play! The GameZone offers loads of arcade fun where kids can earn tickets to redeem for all sorts of loot. BouncePark is an area devoted to massive inflatables with themes like San Francisco and the Roman Colosseum. Check online for specials and coupons. You can even grab pizza and other eats to make a full day of your visit.

The Great Mall
1450 Great Mall Drive
Milpitas, CA
Online: milpitas.bounce-a-rama.com

Silver Creek Sportsplex

For two hours of non-stop bouncing fun, head to Silver Creek Sportsplex and their enormous inflatables! Open play runs pretty much all day (call first to check the hours) so pick your two hours, pay your $10 per kid ($15/child after 4 p.m. and on weekends) and get bouncing! Take the sweaty kids over to High Five Pizza (also located within the sportsplex) to grab some pizza and burgers while watching hockey practice through the windows. Don't forget to wear socks!

800 Embedded Way
San Jose, CA
Online: gotoplex.com

The Jungle Island

Trampolines, arcade, laser tag and more, Jungle Island has it all and more. Little guys and gals can hang in the toddler area while bigger kids take over in the rest of the zones. Climb in the giant play structure before you nosh on some eats from the on-site cafe. Parents can access all of the areas for free and everyone is required to wear safety socks which can be purchased for $3.

5401 Camden Ave.
San Jose, CA
Online: thejungleisland.com

Whirlygig

Whirlygig has four unique play rooms, each with a theme like farm or beach, and they offer open play sessions throughout the week. Kids can come and engage in an activity, take a break for a snack and get to know some new friends.

919 The Alameda
San Jose, CA
Online: whirlygigparties.com

Bay Area Discovery Museum

One of the big draws for families in the Marin Headlands is the Bay Area Discovery Museum. This spot is particular good for the under-eight crew and offers tons of hands-on opportunities to explore. Throughout the museum’s 7.5 acres, kids will find seven exhibition spaces and more than six daily drop-in programs as well as fun traveling exhibits like Wobbleland.

The museum is closed on Mondays, parking is free and they have an awesome open door policy where no family is turned away for lack of funds. 

Fort Baker
557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA
Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org

The Planet

This Mill Valley spot is the perfect option for a rainy day. Bonus—it is drop-off so you can get the afternoon to yourself! The Planet offers drop-in classes throughout the year—during they school year they are offered after school hours on weekdays as well as Saturdays from noon-5 p.m. During school breaks they are open weekdays from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. There's no reservations needed, just drop off the kids for as much time as you need. They will enjoy the flexibility to participate in hands-on activities like woodworking, LEGO building and sewing, or they can simply do nothing! $14/hour, ages 6 and up.

220 Redwood Highway
Mill Valley, CA
Online: planetsausalito.org

Play-Well Engineering Center 

Play-Well is a LEGO builder's paradise. For just $10, your child gets access to an incredible array of bricks and hours of open ended play. The collection of bricks is amazing; boxes are stacked form floor to ceiling in every imaginable color and shape, including new collections like EV3 Mindstorms and Star Wars. In addition to drop-in play, Play-Well offers classes and camps for ages 5-12.

216 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, CA
Online: play-well.org

TumbleSpot

This gym offers acro, tumbling and gymnastics classes for children ages 12 months-10 years. They also have a fun drop-in open gym for ages 1-5 on Wed.-Fri. from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A toddler/preschool gymnastics apparatus is set up for use as an obstacle course, as well as tumbling mats and props.

750 Redwood Hwy
Suite 1212
Mill Valley, CA
Online: tumblespot.co