Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.

Latest posts by Sandra

23 Free Hidden Gems and Secret Spots for Kids in San Francisco

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 09/07/2025 - 2:21am

Bookmark these hidden gems in SF. Photo by Yesenia Diaz-Flores via Canva

Search for these San Francisco hidden gems with kids that are hiding in plain sight.

San Francisco is full of big attractions like cable cars, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and so many others that bring tourists to the city on the daily, but parents know the real fun often lies in the little surprises. From tucked-away playgrounds and secret staircases to hidden museums and quirky art installations, San Francisco has a ton of free, off-the-beaten-path adventures that kids actually love.

Whether you’re exploring with toddlers, tweens, or a stroller in tow, here are the best hidden gems and secret spots in San Francisco for families. Whether you've been there or not, these are sure to be a hit on your next day trip, and they are all absolutely free. Want more free things to do? For more inpso, check out these free things to do with kids in San Francisco and our San Francisco Visitors' Guide for families.

Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for San Francisco Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 2:42am

Fall into pumpkin season at Rancho Siempre Verde Christmas Tree and Pumpkin Farm. Photo courtesy of the venue

The San Francisco Bay Area is full of great family-friendly pumpkin festivals to celebrate the autumn harvest and the fall season.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in San Francisco: Festivals, Fairs, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 08/27/2025 - 2:48am

Enjoy a ride on the steam trains at Roaring Camp Railroad. Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Labor Day weekend? Enjoy a railroad festival, the Monterey County Fair, family celebrations, and more.

21 Toddler & Preschooler Birthday Party Ideas in San Francisco

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 08/17/2025 - 5:46am

Plan the big day at these Bay Area spots. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Planning a toddler or preschooler’s birthday party in the Bay Area? You’ve got options, almost too many. Whether your little one loves animals, art, bounce houses, or just needs space to run wild, there’s a party venue that can match their energy (and your planning style). From creative museums to indoor play zones, the Bay Area has plenty of places that know how to throw a party for the under-five crowd.

We’ve rounded up some of the best birthday party spots across San Francisco, the East Bay, North Bay, and South Bay/Peninsula. Each one is age-appropriate, parent-tested, and offers enough structure to keep the chaos fun. Consider this your go-to when you (or another mom friend) starts asking, “Where should I throw a birthday party for a three-year-old?”.

Celebrate the big day at these birthday party spots in the East Bay, or these top indoor birthday party places in San Francisco for kids. If you've got little ones and teens, here are the best teen birthday party ideas in San Francisco.

The All-Inclusive AVA Resort Cancun Has Everything for Kids from Toddlers to Teens

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Tue, 07/29/2025 - 1:19am

Cancun is a longtime favorite for families, thanks to its turquoise beaches, endless activities, and abundance of all-inclusive resorts. But as any seasoned parent knows, not all all-inclusives are created equal. Peak travel season can bring packed buffets, underwhelming food, and sky-high prices.

I’ve stayed at more than my share of resorts in Mexico with my family, from budget-friendly to bougie. So when I heard about the newest addition to Cancun’s hotel scene, AVA Resort, I was eager to see if it lived up to the buzz.

Read on for my honest take on AVA Resort Cancun, including what worked, what was wow-worthy, and why it’s worth a spot on your shortlist for your next family beach escape. For even more family vacation ideas in Mexico, check out our Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.

San Jose with Kids: 31 Best Things to do in San Jose, CA

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 07/27/2025 - 11:21am

Dig into fun in San Jose. Photo courtesy of Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

If you haven’t explored San Jose with kids yet, you’re in for a surprise. This South Bay city often flies under the radar, but it’s packed with family-friendly gems, think hands-on museums, giant playgrounds, quirky local history, and even a few wild peacocks. Whether you’ve got toddlers who love trains or tweens who crave techy fun, San Jose has something for every age (and energy level). As a local parent, I’ve spent plenty of weekends testing out these spots with my crew, and this list is full of go-tos, hidden gems, and places worth the drive.

From indoor bounce zones to gorgeous hiking trails and immersive science museums, here are some fun things to do with kids in and around San Jose. Check them out, make a list, and start making plans!

For more adventures in the Bay Area, discover all there is to do in Oakland with kids, plan adventures in Santa Cruz with kids, and discover more easy day trips in our Weekend Getaway Guide and Day Trips for San Francisco Kids.

Best San Francisco and Bay Area Libraries with Indoor Play Spaces

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 07/13/2025 - 3:52pm

Slide into the Redwood Romp Play Space. Photo courtesy of Santa Clara County

Looking for an indoor spot where your little ones can climb, explore, and burn some energy without you having to shell out money for a play space? The Bay Area is home to some truly amazing public libraries that go way beyond books—think treehouse slides, fish tanks, hands-on stations, and cozy corners perfect for a midweek escape or a rainy-day reset. Whether you’ve got a curious toddler or a big kid who loves to get lost in a good story (or a STEM wall), these libraries are meant for families to stay awhile.

From the immersive “Storybook” play spaces popping up in the South Bay to kid-friendly reading rooms tucked into historic branches in San Francisco, these spots offer free, low-key fun that feels anything but boring. We rounded up our favorite Bay Area libraries where kids can actually play, explore, and hang out, not just check out a book and go.

For more budget-friendly indoor fun, check out these free museum days for kids in San Francisco. Let kids keep the indoor fun going at these indoor playgrounds and play spaces in San Francisco, and browse our Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces for San Francisco Kids.

4th of July Weekend in San Francisco: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 07/02/2025 - 10:25am

Celebrate at the Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party. Photo by Igor Porton for Miramar Events.

4th of July weekend in San Francisco and the Bay Area is alight with fireworks, fun runs, parades, and more family-friendly events.

Independence Day weekend is here, and this year, it's a super long one! So we've packed our weekend roundup with things to do: Spend the 4th of July at Great America's 4th of July Celebration in Santa Clara for rides, water slides, BBQ, and fireworks. Run off the BBQ and flag cake at the Firecracker Run in Santa Cruz. And the Bay Area's ever-popular 4th of July Parade and Drone Show takes place in Redwood City, where you can have festive family fun without spending a dime.

Before the rockets' red glare and fireworks blast off, celebrate Independence Day with the best 4th of July activities for kids, including crafts, games, and flag cake.

Read on for our picks for the best things to do all weekend long on the Fourth of July, including county fairs, chalk fun, a rodeo, and so much more!

Please be aware that Northern California fireworks shows are being canceled due to the Esparto warehouse fire. Our hearts go out to the families affected by the devastating fire. Please check the official city websites for updates on whether fireworks shows in San Francisco and the Bay Area are continuing as planned.

Sandra Lee

Latest posts by Sandra

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