The Best Children’s Activities in Marin

Bay Area Discovery museum

Summer weekends call for a good place to take the kids, and every school year needs to be broken up occasionally with an educational field trip. Marin has a variety of museums geared to all ages, so there’s no need to trek to the city for an exciting and enriching excursion.

The 2026 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is the Bay Area Discovery Museum (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Children’s Museum picks see below.

Our 2026 Arts & Entertainment category sponsor is Marin Arts. View the rest of the Arts & Entertainment category here.

Southern 

Mill Valley – Sausalito – Tiburon

Central

Corte Madera – Fairfax – Greenbrae – Kentfield – Larkspur – Ross – San Anselmo – San Rafael

Northern

Novato

West

Bolinas – Forest Knolls – Inverness – Lagunitas – Marshall – Nicasio – Point Reyes – Stinson Beach – Tamales – Woodacre 

Southern Marin

Bay Area Discovery Museum

Sausalito

This hands-on museum of discovery has been igniting curiosity through exhibits, live music and summer camps since 1987. The iconic location under the Golden Gate Bridge ensures a memorable day for all ages.

557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, 415.339.3900

The Social Klub

Sausalito

Three little girls are playing at a white table in a white room.
Photo by Cameron Cressman courtesy of Tessa White

The Social Klub is an indoor playground for ages 0–7, with four different zones that each cater to a different type of enrichment, ranging from physical to mental. And in the evenings, it welcomes adults for workshops, wellness talks and other gatherings. 

2650 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415.599.3440

Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum

Tiburon

Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society's Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum building with an American flag next to it.
Photo courtesy of Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum

Although the extensive train lines are no longer running, with the last train having left the Tiburon station in 1967, the history that was left behind is far from gone. Nestled right up on the shore, this beautifully restored building contains detailed models of Tiburon’s old rail town and exhibits of what was once the stationmaster’s home.

1920 Paradise Dr, Tiburon, 415.435.1853

Central Marin

AndrewsCamps

Corte Madera

With the school year, holidays and summer camps centered around sports, crafts and games, the popular AndrewsCamps has you covered all year long. Programs aimed at kids, middle schoolers and teens range from after-school programs, Counselor in Leadership Training for high schoolers and overnight summer camps in Shasta County. Birthday parties, off-site events and activities like yoga also make for happy campers and residents all around.

400 Tamal Plaza, Corte Madera, 415.891.3185

Elite Naach Academy (DBA Dance with E.N.A.)

Greenbrae

This nonprofit dance academy ensures the arts are accessible and representative of a variety of cultures and styles, ranging from ballet and tap to Bollywood and bhangra. There’s also a boot camp option for the dancers looking to get more of a cardio workout. 

151 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.299.7145

Esporterz

Larkspur

A collage of kids participating in different activities, including esports.
Photo courtesy of Esporterz

Since 2020, Esporterz has been a trusted esports and tech hub, turning screen time into skill time for hundreds of Bay Area kids and teens. From hands-on coding and robotics classes to competitive esports leagues, Minecraft teams and unforgettable camps and parties, Esporterz offers an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, build friendships and have some fun. 

586 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.570.9991

Karma Club Teen

San Rafael

Karma Club was established to ensure that Marin’s teens have somewhere safe to go that’s also accessible and enriching socially, creatively and emotionally. Teens ages 13–19 are welcome and will find plenty of classes and clubs where they can make friends and discover new passions, while programs like FuturePrep and Future Healers Academy prepare them for a successful future. 

Inside Northgate Mall 5800 Northgate Drive, Suite 74, San Rafael, 415.847.2534

Marin Ballet

San Rafael

A group of ballerinas are center stage.
Photo courtesy of Sara Abushaban

Having been part of the community for over 60 years now, Marin Ballet trains dancers at all levels from 18 months through adulthood. Regardless of age, there’s a culture of mentorship and passion that weaves its way into every class.

100 Elm Street, San Rafael, 415.453.6705

Marin Museum of Bicycling

Fairfax

Fairfax is the heart of the bustling local cycling culture, and nowhere better exemplifies that tradition than the Marin Museum of Bicycling. Founded by a team of dedicated bicycle enthusiasts, this educational nonprofit is volunteer-run by passionate cyclists who want to share their love of cycling with the county.

1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax, 415.450.8000

Northern Marin

Splitz Dance Academy

Novato

Established in 2016, Splitz offers training in a wide variety of dance styles for all ages, starting at age 3 and into adulthood. Find everything from classical ballet to performing arts here. 

503b S Palm Dr, Novato, 415.598.7732


Discover the best of Marin’s vibrant creative scene through Marin Magazine’s Best of the County. This annual, reader-driven guide highlights standout venues, performers, and cultural experiences that make Marin County a hub for arts and entertainment.

From live music and theater to galleries and comedy venues, each listing reflects the voices of local readers who vote for their favorites each year. Businesses that receive at least ten votes are considered, with top vote-getters earning the coveted Readers’ Choice designation.

Explore more across all categories in our full Best of the County guide, featuring top businesses across dining, wellness, services, shopping, and more, and discover why Marin continues to be one of the most culturally rich communities in Northern California.

Know a business that should be included? Submit a suggestion to our editorial team and look out for nominations in early 2027.

Are you a BOC business but want to change your photo, or did we miss including it? Submit your new photo here.

Arts & Entertainment Sponsor

MarinArts

MarinArts three women

MarinArts

Fun Fact: Their website is accessible in 11 languages—including Spanish, French, and Vietnamese — helping you connect with a wide and diverse audience.

Pictured above: Susan Searway-Fertig, Sandra Grimshaw, Mary O’Mara

MarinArts | San Rafael, CA | 415.578.3856 | marinarts.org