Diablo Valley
Mount Diablo Families

Things to Do This Weekend with Kids

What's on for families this Saturday and Sunday in the Mount Diablo area.

Updated October 5, 2026

This weekend: Oct 10–11 · Next weekend: Oct 17–18

This week's weather · It's a dry week ahead with no rain in sight — perfect for hitting the outdoor farmers markets and getting the kids outside.

There's a lot happening around the Mount Diablo area this weekend, and with dry weather in the forecast, it's a great time to get the family out and explore. Whether you're looking for something low-key or a little more adventurous, there's something for everyone nearby.

This weekend

This Saturday, kick off the morning at the Danville Farmers' Market or the Pleasant Hill Farmers' Market for fresh local produce and a relaxed family stroll. Kids who love animals will enjoy Paws to Read at the Orinda Library, where they can practice reading aloud to a friendly dog, or head to the Martinez Library for Storytime or Read to a Dog. Budding builders should check out Lego Builders Club at the Pleasant Hill Library, and if your crew is into something a little more imaginative, Dungeons & Dragons® (Table 1) at the Walnut Creek Library is a fun Saturday option. On Sunday, don't miss Junior Zookeeper Experiences: Batologist for a Day at Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek — a genuinely cool hands-on activity — or browse the Open Air Market in Downtown Martinez for a laid-back outing.

Next weekend

Next weekend brings a great mix of activities across the area — the Clayton Community Library Foundation Book Sale on Saturday is a treasure hunt for book-loving families, while the Halloween Costume Booo-tique at the Concord Library is a fun and festive way to get ready for the season. Young athletes can catch the Youth Tennis Tournament (Day 1) at California High School and Dougherty Valley High School on Saturday, and the Lego Builders Club returns at the Pleasant Hill Library for another session of creative building. On Sunday, Kids Face Painting at Duck Donuts is a sweet treat for little ones, and the Youth Tennis Tournament (Day 2) wraps up the weekend on an active note.

Coming up

Good anytime

Hap Magee Ranch ParkParks

Hap Magee Ranch Park

📍1025 La Gonda Wy

Hap Magee Ranch Park is a family favorite in Danville, featuring playgrounds for both younger and older kids, open grassy areas, picnic spots, walking trails, and a dog park. In the summer, children can cool off in the park’s popular splash pad and water play area, making it a perfect destination for warm-weather family outings.

Heather Farm ParkParks

Heather Farm Park

📍301 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA, USA

Heather Farm Park is a local favorite for families, with tons of space to play, explore, and unwind. There’s a great playground (including an all-abilities area), open fields, a pond, and easy trails for little legs. You’ll also find picnic spots, a dog park, and sports areas. It’s an easy go-to for a laid-back outing, whether you’re meeting friends or just getting the kids outside.

Larkey ParkParks

Larkey Park

📍2728 Buena Vista Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA

A spacious 13-acre neighborhood park perfect for easy family outings. With separate playgrounds for ages 2–5 and 5–12, kids of all stages have space to play, while grown-ups can enjoy picnic areas, sports courts (tennis, basketball, volleyball), and peaceful trail connections. There’s a swim center, restrooms, and plenty of open space, plus dog-friendly paths (on leash). Whether you’re planning a picnic, playdate, or just some fresh air, it’s a solid go-to from dawn to dusk.

Lindsay Wildlife ExperienceAttractions

Lindsay Wildlife Experience

📍1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA
Closed today

Kids can get up close to rescued native California animals through interactive exhibits and live animal encounters. The museum is especially great for younger children, with hands-on learning areas, outdoor play spaces, and easy walking paths that make it an engaging outing for the whole family.

Playground as The OrchardsParks

Playground as The Orchards

📍2830 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA

Small but fun playground with multiple climbing options, suitable for toddlers or slightly older kids.

Pleasent Hill LibraryAttractions

Pleasent Hill Library

📍2 Monticello Ave, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA
Closed today

Pleasant Hill Library is a great stop with kids. There’s a large, dedicated children’s area where little ones can spread out with books and activities, and a gated backyard space that’s perfect for a quick break to move around safely. Easy, low-key outing when you need something calm but engaging.

Pleasent Hill ParkParks

Pleasent Hill Park

📍147 Gregory Ln, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA

An easy, reliable spot for a quick outing with kids. There’s a larger playground for older kids and a separate gated one for little ones, which is great when you don’t want to worry about them wandering off. Plenty of open grass for running around, plus good shade for warm days. It’s right next to the YMCA and the public swimming pool. Restrooms and parking are close by.

Pleasent Oaks ParkParks

Pleasent Oaks Park

📍2 Santa Barbara Rd, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523, USA

Pleasant Oaks Park is a family-friendly park in Pleasant Hill with a small playground that works well for both younger and older kids, plus plenty of open space to run around. The park is also popular for its multiple baseball and softball fields

Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley RailwayAttractions

Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway

📍2481 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, USA
Closed today

All aboard for a classic East Bay adventure at the Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Regional Park! Scenic ride through beautiful parkland that kids (and parents) love. Tickets are $4 each, or buy 5 tickets for $20. Tip: If you walk a bit further down into the valley past the main station, you’ll also find a small ride-on train that’s free to enjoy. It has shorter operating hours, so it’s worth checking early in your visit.

Walden ParkParks

Walden Park

📍2698 Oak Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, USA

Situated by the Iron Horse Trail, Walden Park is a small but popular neighborhood park in Walnut Creek with playgrounds for both younger and older kids, open grassy areas, basketball courts, picnic tables, and a unique disc golf course. Lots of shaded spots make it great for a casual afternoon outing or scooter ride.

Tips

  • 💡

    Are the farmers markets stroller-friendly?

    Yes — all the local markets are outdoors and generally easy to navigate with a stroller or wagon. Go early for the best crowds and freshest picks.

  • 💡

    Do library events like Storytime and Paws to Read require registration?

    Some do, some don't. Check your local library's website or call ahead to confirm — spots for read-to-a-dog programs especially can fill up fast.

  • 💡

    Is the Junior Zookeeper experience at Lindsay Wildlife suitable for young kids?

    It's designed for kids who want a hands-on animal experience. Check Lindsay Wildlife's site for age recommendations and to reserve a spot in advance.

  • 💡

    What's a good free option for kids this weekend?

    Library events like Storytime, Paws to Read, Lego Builders Club, and Chess Hour are all free and great for kids of different ages and interests.

More ideas

Refreshed weekly from real local listings.