Where to start? We have so many outdoor trails, playgrounds and amazing spots around Pacifica, that it is sometimes hard to choose. Let's share a few outdoor classes, kid favorites and community gems:
Oh, and if the Pacifica weather tricked you and it started raining out of nowhere, check out the post about indoor activities here.
Let's have a look at some weekly (or regular classes) and some activities to do any day in Pacifica or surroundings to get those wiggles out and entertain the kiddos.
Live the Dash Kids is an empowerment program designed to motivate kids of all ages & abilities. We transform traditional running games and drills into bite-sized life lessons that teach confidence and resilience. Our powerful curriculum encourages a growth mindset so every child can learn the tools to LIVE THEIR BEST DASH!
Source: https://livethedashkids.com
Tuesdays 10:30am (if weather permits) Let’s make music together! Join us for a silly, funny, song-and-dance-filled storytime for all ages. This event will be held outdoors at San Pedro Valley Park. Please bring your blanket/seating and sun protection. Storytime may be canceled in the event of inclement weather or poor air quality. (Source: https://smcl.bibliocommons.com/events/6552cd32eb28943d0077a847)
We are a farmer-directed Certifed Market designed to link Coastside residents with their neighbors — the Coastside farmers, ranchers, fishermen and culinary artisans that produce some of the most beautiful, nutritious and creative food in the world.
Twice a week we showcase these outstanding producers, as well as providing an incubator for emerging local businesses and a forum for our many community-serving nonprofits.
We serve the Coastside community from Pacifica to Pescadero, and the many visitors to the area, and offer a resilient forum for direct relationships to develop and endure between the people of our community and those who produce our food.
(April - December.) Source: https://www.coastsidefarmersmarkets.org
Bay Area Discovery Museum
It is a fantastic world of fun, play and exploration. Explore a Giant Drawing Arm, Tinker with Tools and Learn about patterns. Explore the Exhibits, Programs and Events! The Bay Area Discovery Museum has some outdoor areas like a large sandbox with toy, a ship to climb and play on, a large play structure, caves and a big garden with mud kitchen and interesting installations to discover, as well as many indoor play areas which include a large toy train table, an art studio with changing projects, and so much more. single admission & memberships available.
The San Francisco Zoo is a fantastic spot for family fun, combining wildlife wonders with plenty of outdoor activities. Not only can you explore over 1,000 animals from around the world, but there’s also a fantastic playground where kids can run, climb, and burn off energy. For a more hands-on experience, don’t miss the petting zoo, where little ones can get up close to friendly farm animals like goats and sheep. With picnic areas, a carousel, and plenty of wide open space, the SF Zoo offers a perfect day out for families looking to enjoy both nature and play.
The Oakland Zoo is a hidden gem for families seeking outdoor adventure and animal encounters! With over 700 animals to see, the zoo offers an exciting mix of wildlife exhibits, from African lions to California condors. But it’s not just about the animals—kids will love the interactive play areas, including the Children’s Zoo, where they can meet farm animals up close. There's also a fantastic playground and even a skyride that offers stunning views of the Bay Area. With picnic spots, hiking trails, and plenty of open space to explore, the Oakland Zoo is a great place for families to spend a fun and active day together.
We are a serious science playground. We're a place where more than 100000 kids a year observe wild animals and experiment with real scientific phenomena. (source: https://curiodyssey.org)
Beaches
Rockaway Beach (Pacifica)Rockaway Beach in Pacifica is a scenic spot perfect for a laid-back day by the ocean. With its rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs, it’s a great place to relax, take a stroll along the beach, or enjoy a picnic while listening to the waves. The area also offers easy access to local shops and cafes, making it a great stop for both beach lovers and casual explorers.
Linda Mar Beach (Pacifica)Linda Mar Beach, also known as Pacifica State Beach, is a popular spot for families, surfers, and anyone looking to soak up the sun. Its gentle waves make it a great place for beginner surfers, while the spacious shoreline is perfect for beach games and picnics. With easy access to nearby trails and plenty of parking, Linda Mar is a go-to beach for a fun and active day by the water.
(Many more beaches in the area.)
Trails
San Pedro Valley Park: San Pedro Valley Park offers seven trails with a variety of habitats, lengths and levels of difficulty. An all time fav is the Montara Mountain Trail with great views of Pacific Ocean, the Farallon Islands and the exterior of Pacifica, yet it is a long, windy and steep trail at times. An easy flat trail that I have managed with all of my three kids (1, 3, 5) is Valley View Trail which starts of of the flat trail Weiler Ranch trail and zic zacs up the hill and back down meeting with Weiler Ranch Trail again further down the way.
The easiest and stroller friendly trail would be Weiler Ranch Loop which leads you down the Valley to a turn around point and is mainly flat with light ups and downs along the way. Gravel path with benches along the way.
Pier and Levee at Sharp Park: makes for a fun (mainly) flat walk alone the water or even down the pier. For real explorers you can take it up the hill (steep stairs) to the top of the hill with amazing view over the ocean and windy paths along the rocks towards rockaway.
Playgrounds
Frontierland Park (Park and Playground): Frontierland Park is nestled up against the hills of Pacifica with lots of open space and picnic, BBQ, horseshoes and playground amenities. There are several individual picnic tables located around the perimeter of the park which are first come, first serve and have small BBQ pits that are available for use at no cost. The Playground has great options for all ages including swings, slides, monkey bars and climbing options. (text source: https://www.cityofpacifica.org/departments/parks-beaches-recreation/parks-and-beaches-locations-maps-safety-guides/frontierland-park)
Community Center Playground: A fenced in playgrpund next to the skate park & Community Center in Linda Mar with animal figures and a large climbing structure with a tod side and a higher side for older kids. Rubber floor mats make the playing safe and fun.
Pedro Point Playground: Perdo Point is a hidden gem playground. Beach themed, this playground features a customized beach house with aquatic creatures around the structure. A customized sand sunken boat is also in the playground by the custom surf board entryway. This blue colored playground has personalized touches of crashing waves and beached wood repurposed for seating. Although this playground is compact, it offers a swing set, sand pit, palm tree climbers, net climb, a slide, a wiggle board, and a transfer point. (text source: https://pbdplaygrounds.com/portfolio/pedro-point-pacifica-ca/)
Moss Beach Playground: The whimsical shipwreck-themed playground at Moss Beach Park features a sea creatures, a plank-walk, a tots area, and a crow's nest with climbable rigging. Improvements were unveiled in November 2020 after a two-year project to redesign the aging playground with input from the community. In addition to thematic additions, playground was redesigned for better accessibility and sightlines for supervising guardians. This is a lovingly conceived and imaginative community play area for kids of all ages! (text source: https://www.smcgov.org/parks/moss-beach-park)
Let's grow these resources together
Surely, there are many more resources to be added, please email me or comment below with your suggestions with as much info as possible (you can even write a short blurb, in case I am unfamiliar with the service.) The list here will grow as we receive more ideas and tips! Thank you for participating in spreading the word and growing this communal resource.
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