TUESDAY
27
OCTOBER
Things to do with kids in the Bay Area this week
968 things to do with kids in the Bay Area this week, October 27 – November 2, 407 of them this weekend: story times, classes, family festivals, puppet shows and more. We reviewed 550+ Bay Area event sources to find them. Last updated October 27, 2026.
All kids & family events in the Bay Area — October 27 – November 2
Halloween Storytime at West Oakland Branch features themed songs, movement activities, stories, and a 30‑minute free play period afterward for all ages.
The Puppet Company presents a Halloween‑themed adaptation of Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow with happier ending, performed by puppeteer Randal Metz at Castro Valley Library, all ages.
Guests enjoy not‑so‑spooky animal encounters, crafts, games, a Mad Scientist, face painting, and food from Rosie’s Mexican Food Truck, Kona Shaved Ice, Market on Larkey at Lindsay Wildlife.
Costumed Halloween variety show at Danville Library features happy ghosts, Frankenstein, Purple People Eater, a not‑scary witch, spider, and activity bags, for ages 3–9.
Kids in costumes hear stories and songs, then visit booths and treat stations at City of Newark’s Once Upon a Halloween event, for ages 5 and under.
Spooktacular showcase with banjo sing‑along, shadow theater, costume parade led by a webbed friend, shadow puppetry, cookie decorating ($5), slimes, pumpkin toss and photo booth ($5) all ages.
Stories and songs fill the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space at the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation Boo Bash, all ages.
Happy Halloween Haul Activity Bags (Danville Library) — Halloween‑costumed visitors receive a bag of creepy crafts, frightful activities, and surprises, two per family, for ages 3–9.
Search hidden ingredients in Moraga Library’s children’s section to help Goblin brew his spooky spell; bring completed checklist to service desk for a prize, ages 3–12.
Spooky creatures roam the children's area; collect a search list at the info desk and find them all to claim a prize, free, for ages 12 and under.
Tote decorating evening with fall‑themed designs at Morgan Hill Library’s Children’s Activity Room, supplies provided, no registration required, for ages 5–18.
Spooky paper creations hide among bookshelves at Biblioteca Latinoamericana, where participants grab clue cards, search the shelves, and claim prizes at the information desk, ages 5–18.
Make a cotton‑and‑lace trick‑or‑treat bag in the Belmont Library’s Taube Room, a STEAM activity for ages 6–18; supplies limited, no registration.
Make haunted houses with provided supplies in the Community Room at Educational Park, San Jose, free, for ages 5–12.
WEDNESDAY
28
OCTOBER
Halloween storytime at Vineland Library includes a costume parade and library trick‑or‑treat, with rhymes, songs, and fingerplays for ages 5 and under. Free.
Halloween dance party in the Secret Garden of Children's Library, with costume dancing, crafts, and refreshments; rain moves it to the Treetop Room, for ages 11 and under.
Costume parade, not‑scary activities, and library trick‑or‑treating in Milpitas Library’s Children’s Activity Room, for ages 0‑6.
Spooky storytelling and a costume parade wind through Pearl Avenue’s children’s area, with limited picture book access, for ages 5 and under.
Andy Z performs at King Library, then a costume parade moves from first to third floor, ending with a scavenger hunt in Children’s Room, ages 10 and under.
Halloween-themed storytime and costume parade at Edenvale Children’s Area includes stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, movement and trick‑or‑treat stations, with treats provided, for ages 10 and under.
Spooktacular evening at Twin Pines Park features free Trunk or Treat decorated vehicles, a haunted house in the Manor building, live music, and food trucks, all ages.
A Halloween-themed magic show at West Oakland Branch features tricks, treats, and costume fun for all ages.
Costumed visitors wander the Belle Haven Community Campus parking lot, collecting candy and treats from decorated trunks while music plays, free treat bag provided, all ages.
Walk Columbia Park while reading Meowl‑o‑ween by Diane Muldrow, then craft at the end if supplies remain, costumes and treat bags encouraged.
Costume‑clad toddlers explore sensory play and make ghostly crafts while caregivers mingle at Atherton Library, for ages 5 and under.
Spooky tales and a costume parade fill West Valley Library, featuring interactive storytelling and a simple Halloween craft activity, for ages 5 and under.
Maker Madness at Civic Center Library Storytime Room offers beaded jack‑o‑lantern crafting with free snacks, no registration required, for ages 8–12.
High‑energy contemporary pop playlist fuels dancing at the Excelsior San Francisco Public Library, all ages.
Unleash your inner artist this Halloween! Drop in on Wednesday October 28th between 2:00pm-5:00 pm to paint something spooky. All materials provided. Open to all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rodeo Library.
Spooky creatures roam the children's area; collect a search list at the info desk and find them all to claim a prize, free, for ages 12 and under.
Spooky library session in the Edinger Room features chilling age‑appropriate stories followed by a creepy craft to take home, ages 7 and up.
Spooky paper creations hide among bookshelves at Biblioteca Latinoamericana, where participants grab clue cards, search the shelves, and claim prizes at the information desk, ages 5–18.
Halloween craft session at Montclair Branch, Oakland offers a not‑too‑creepy Halloween project, for all ages.
DIY Halloween lanterns in the San Bruno Public Library community room, a free drop‑in program for Grade K‑8, must register for Homework Center, ages 5–14.
Stanford Libraries staff guide participants in sewing a single-board computer and lights into costumes and coding interactive behavior, with all materials provided free.
Teen Time: Make a Mini Haunted House (Teen Room, Downtown Library, Hayward) — all ages.
Halloween-themed crochet club at Ingleside Library offers a selection of projects and optional instruction for crocheters of all skill levels, all ages.
Crawl-O-Ween takes place in Historic Downtown Danville at Hartz and Prospect Avenues.
Free art workshop builds a pop‑up mini haunted house in the YBCA Grand Lobby for Halloween.
Make a haunting terrarium with spooky decorations and eerie accessories at Fremont Public Library, registration required, for ages 5–10 and 13–18.
THURSDAY
29
OCTOBER
Spooktacular Halloween storytime with costume parade and trick‑or‑treating, plus stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities, at Cambrian 2nd Floor Picture Book Area, free for ages 5 and under.
Vice Mayor reads spooky stories at Concord Library, then kids parade in costumes around the City Offices, for ages 9 and under.
Witches wiggle and monsters mash at a Halloween-themed dance party in Potrero Library, with costumes encouraged, tickets first‑come at the front desk, for ages 0–5 and caregivers.
Halloween-themed storytime and costume parade with trick‑or‑treating at Fremont Library, Fremont, for ages 12 and under, free tickets.
Costume parade at Dublin Library after a Halloween story, with treat collection around the library, for ages 5 and under.
Halloween storytime and costume parade in the Chabot/Canyon room, with trick‑or‑treating around the library; costumes encouraged, bring a treat bag, ages 5 and under.
Costumed storytime with songs followed by a short library parade awarding small non‑edible prizes, San Carlos Library Children’s Room, for ages 5 and under.
Halloween storytime and indoor trick‑or‑treating with singing and dancing at Central Park Library, costumes optional, all ages.
Halloween storytime with songs and activities, followed by a costume parade through the library, Almaden Program Room, San Jose, for ages 5 and under.
Halloween storytime with kid‑friendly tales, treats, and a 15‑minute play session at San Ramon Library, costumes welcome, ages 1–5.
Trick-or-treat inside the Ferry Building Marketplace with festive shop signage, Halloween crafts, spooky music and games; RSVP on Eventbrite helps candy supply, free for all ages.
Bayshore Library hosts a Halloween Family Night with not‑spooky stories, paper‑plate spider crafts, treats, and a costume parade for all ages.
Interactive Halloween storytime with My Lileigh Pad features hands‑on sensory stations for creativity and fine motor development, Walnut Creek Library Oak View Room, ages 1–3.
Atherton Library hosts a Halloween Spooktacular with arts‑and‑crafts, a spooky musical storytime, bounce houses, costume parades, scavenger hunt and sweet treats, all ages.
Family-friendly Halloween storytime with a parade and treats on the grass behind Campbell Library and City Hall, costumes encouraged, all ages.
Spooky tales and interactive storytelling fill the Bascom Community Room, followed by a toy‑filled stay‑and‑play session, for ages 5 and under.
Haunted Library at Claremont Branch offers games, trick‑or‑treating, and prizes for ages 5–10.
Trunk or Treat at Hiller Aviation Museum offers aviation‑themed decorations, candy, and Halloween fun in the Haunted Hangar.
Spooky Halloween Treats Workshop (Shinn Historic Park and Arboretum, Fremont) — Make pudding cups, Madeline mummies, monster mash snack mix, take home bucket of treats, ages 5–10.
Spooky songs and stories for toddlers at Golden Gate Branch, Oakland, followed by playtime, with participants dressed in Halloween costumes, all ages.
Halloween Zoo Night at Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo offers free food, face painting, animal encounters, and costume fun for members only.
The Joe Rock Children’s Room transforms into a Haunted Library, encouraging costumes.
Spooky creatures roam the children's area; collect a search list at the info desk and find them all to claim a prize, free, for ages 12 and under.
Spooky paper creations hide among bookshelves at Biblioteca Latinoamericana, where participants grab clue cards, search the shelves, and claim prizes at the information desk, ages 5–18.
Halloween karaoke in Mitchell Park Library’s Midtown Room features costume singing, spooky song choices, and lively performances for ages 6–11 and 14 and up.
Halloween Zoo Night (Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo) — Evening of themed zoo activities and animal encounters.
Create a Halloween bracelet using a basic crochet chain stitch at Woodside Library, with all materials supplied while supplies last, ages 6–18.
Paint skull-shaped ceramic planters and a small succulent in a hands‑on workshop with exclusive early access to the Conservatory of Flowers for Día de Muertos or Halloween.
Pumpkin painting with BIO in Eshleman Hall 544 offers pumpkins, painting supplies, snacks, and refreshments; costumes are welcome.
FRIDAY
30
OCTOBER
Halloween Boonanza (Central Lawn & Main Plaza) — candy collecting, magical fairy encounters with Happily Ever Laughter, festive crafts by GoGo Craft, and a performance by Jamaroo.
Halloween Parade starts at Marina Library, then trick-or-treats along Chestnut Street merchants, for ages 5 and under.
Spooky Mad Science show, Halloween craft station, and limited spooky treats at Pearl Avenue’s Halloween Festival, with costumes encouraged, seating first‑come, for ages 12 and under.
Costumed kids read and dance at the Halloween Baby Bash in Pleasant Hill Library, a celebration for the littlest patrons, for ages 5 and under.
Scaregrove Halloween Event at Sigmund Stern Grove — free Halloween fun for all ages.
Storytime with Halloween songs, dancing, and a post‑story parade led by librarians at Fremont Public Library, tickets at Kids Help Desk, for ages 3–5.
Spooky Mad Science Show (Pearl Avenue, Children’s Area, San Jose) — bubbling concoctions, creepy creations, and surprise experiments delightfully weird, costumes encouraged, first‑come seating, for ages 12 and under.
Halloween themed art activities, costume party, trunk‑or‑treat, live DJ, sweet treats and spooky surprises on Pulgas Ave between Bay Rd and Weeks St for all ages.
Costumes, food, games, crafts, and stories fill Southside Community Center Room 11, for ages 3–5.
Astronomers narrate eerie nebulae and vampire stars while telescopes reveal the Moon, planets and distant galaxies at Robert Ferguson Observatory, costumes and treats included, all ages.
Hands‑on seasonal sensory stations with pumpkins, fall leaves, spooky and Halloween discoveries in Room 9 at Willow Glen Community & Senior Center, for ages 6 months–3.
Trick-or-Treat Street fills Lafayette Plaza with candy stations and costumed participants during a temporary street closure and restricted parking.
Trick-or-treat quest leads participants to stores with orange pumpkin signs, then balloon artist, creepy crafts and games at Veterans Community Plaza, for ages 3–13.
Stanford Symphony and Wind Symphony perform Strauss, Holst, Goldsmith and Williams for Halloween in Dinkelspiel Auditorium, featuring a costume contest; tickets $32, $27 seniors/non‑Stanford, free for Stanford students.
Costumed trick-or-treaters roam Laurel Street, stopping at Goblin Walk‑marked businesses for candy and a free bag from the Parks & Recreation tent, for ages 7 and under.
Coco plays on the Plaza at Ruth Bancroft Garden after a stroll through the garden and nursery, with craft stations on the patio, snacks, and limited chairs available.
Trunk-or-Treat in the Seven Trees Community Center parking lot offers costume-wearing trick-or-treating, music, games, art, and local vendors, free, all ages.
Haunted house in Willow Glen Community Room with creepy cemetery, spider‑web corner, Halloween surprises, then a free book and candy giveaway in the Children’s Area, all ages.
Unleash your inner artist this Halloween! Drop in on Friday October 30th between 2:00pm-5:00 pm to paint something spooky. All materials provided. Open to all ages. Sponsored by the Friends of the Rodeo Library.
Businesses from Minnesota Avenue to Willow Street hand out candy and goodies along Lincoln Avenue, with a clockwise traffic route for safety, ages 1–13.
Boo Bash at Red Morton Community Center offers creepy crafts, spooky desserts, ghoulish games, pizza and drinks, $35, for ages 5–10.
Spooky creatures roam the children's area; collect a search list at the info desk and find them all to claim a prize, free, for ages 12 and under.
Spooky crafts celebrating Halloween and Day of the Dead in the Milpitas Library Activity Room, with all materials provided, ages 5–13.
Spooky paper creations hide among bookshelves at Biblioteca Latinoamericana, where participants grab clue cards, search the shelves, and claim prizes at the information desk, ages 5–18.
Pumpkin carving and marigold garland making at Happy Girl Kitchen, with tables, candles, costume encouragement, free entry, optional dinner purchase, limited pre‑ordered garland kits.
The Great Big BOO! takes place at Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park.
Halloween Ghost Craft (Temescal Branch, Oakland) — An afternoon of a not‑too‑creepy Halloween craft, all ages.
Create spooky Halloween buttons featuring favorite characters, choose two designs in various sizes, and pin them to backpacks or clothes at Hillview, San Jose, free for ages 5–18.
Ghosts and goblins guide a stroll through a jack‑o‑lantern display at Lytton Plaza.
SATURDAY
31
OCTOBER
Halloween trick‑or‑treating at Fairyland features performances, DJs, food trucks, candy stations, arts & crafts, games, prizes, STEM activities, and a Mad Science Fairy Fun House.
High‑energy musical story time and an awe‑inspiring marionette show fill The Freight with Halloween fun, free for ages 5–10.
Costume parade and spooktacular contest with toddler, family/group, animal, and judge’s favorite categories at San Francisco Zoo, for ages 1–4.
Trick-or-treat parade winds through the Main Library, starting and ending in the Children’s Room, with stickers, bookmarks, and allergen‑free candy for all ages.
Green Halloween at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo offers creepy crawly critter shows, costume parades, crafts, ghoulish games, trick‑or‑treating, and special animal encounters, $3 off admission.
Halloween-themed storytime, library‑wide parade with trick‑or‑treating, and grab‑and‑go arts and crafts at Joyce Ellington Library, free, for ages 12 and under.
Trick-or-treat stations with non‑food treats appear in the Children’s Room, Teen Zone, second‑floor reference desk, customer service area, and library gift shop, costumes optional, for ages 0–18.
Spooky tales and interactive storytelling fill the library, followed by a costume parade through Educational Park, San Jose, free, for ages 5 and under.
Scientific chills and tech‑tastic thrills with Halloween twists on favorite exhibits at The Tech Interactive, all ages.
Free Halloween night at Emma Prusch Farm Regional Park features candy, games, food trucks, animals, haywagon rides, and more.
Candy, games, food trucks, farm animals and hay wagon rides fill Emma Prusch Farm Regional Park for a free Halloween celebration, all ages.
Halloween dress-up storytime at Hercules Library features seasonal music, rhymes, flannel board stories, and book-centered Halloween fun, costumes highly encouraged, for ages 5 and under.
Spooky Science at Chabot Space & Science Center offers a lab with gooey experiments, a pumpkin elevator challenge, a rooftop pumpkin drop, and a dark‑matter film premiere panel.
North Beach Library open house features a Día de los Muertos ofrenda, Halloween storytime, tea tasting, acrylic painting, LEGO play, and shadow‑puppet crafts, all ages.
Spooky crafts, treats, games, and a library storytime fill City Plaza Park, with costumes encouraged and a picnic lunch, for all ages.
Craft stations, a small costume contest, and goody giveaways fill the Virginia Bennett Room for a Halloween trick‑or‑treat experience, all ages.
Spooky Sunol Open house (Sunol Visitor Center) — bat‑pollinated foods, games, scavenger hunt, animal ambassadors, nocturnal story time, Halloween costumes encouraged, all ages.
Explore creepy crawly critters at Del Valle Visitor Center with crafts, activities, and sweet treats, all ages, $5 parking fee.
Costume parade and dance party in front of Coyote Hills Visitor Center, with parent participation required; drop‑in, no registration, parking fees may apply, all ages.
Spooky Science Saturday at Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History explores nocturnal bats, owls, creepy crawlies and scavengers with hands‑on activities; free, all ages.
Trick-or-Treat and a Costume Parade turn Small World Park into Halloween wonderland, 150 receive pumpkins; adults $6, kids $3 (free with canned good), for ages 10 and under.
Librarian Juliana leads sing‑along rhymes and story reading at Mitchell Park Library’s Midtown Room, for ages 5 and under.
44 more events through Monday, November 23.