The Things to Do With Toddlers in Palo Alto

Located just 35 miles south of San Francisco, the city of Palo Alto is a vibrant community with plenty to offer families of young children. Whether you're looking for a chance to get your toddler out in nature, or something to do indoors on a rainy day, you will have no trouble finding an enjoyable way to pass the day with your little one in tow.

  1. Elizabeth Gamble Garden

    • Take your toddler on a stroll through the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden (http://gamblegarden.org/index.html). The 2.5 acre property features a historic home, carriage house, tea house and a variety of gardens whose colors and beauty will delight your little one. Admission is free to the public and the gardens are open every day of the year. Bring your toddler to their annual Christmas puppet show or Children's Easter Party -- featuring crafts, treats and an Easter egg hunt.

    Library

    • There are no shortage of toddler activities at the Palo Alto City Library(http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/lib/default.asp). Take your little one to a weekly story time hour geared specifically for your active toddler, or join their weekly "Friday Fun" and play games and do crafts with other families. The library also hosts monthly events that your toddler is sure to enjoy, such as storytelling groups, puppet shows, pizza parties and magic shows.

    Junior Museum and Zoo

    • The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/depts/csd/jmz/default.asp) is home to over 50 species of animals and a variety of hands-on science exhibits. While your toddler may be too young to appreciate the science portion of the museum, he will certainly enjoy taking in the bobcats, jungle bats and giant tortoise. When your toddler reaches age 3, he will be old enough to attend classes offered by the museum -- covering every subject from how to make slime to fossil digging.

    J. Pierce Mitchell Park

    • Palo Alto's Mitchell Park (http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/news/displaynews.asp?NewsID=114&TargetID=14) boasts everything from tennis courts to horseshoe pits -- but there is plenty for you and your toddler to enjoy together. Pack a swimsuit for your little one and let him run around in the water play area, climbing in and out of the faux gopher holes and atop the large cement animals. Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch together in a shady spot before you spend the afternoon pushing him on the swings or catching him at the bottom of the slides.

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