Do I need to register for library storytimes?

Most are drop-in, but it's worth checking your branch's website — a few popular programs fill up fast and may ask you to grab a spot in advance.

What's a good backup if my toddler is having an off day?

Stick to shorter programs like a 30-minute storytime. Libraries are low-pressure — it's totally fine to slip out early if needed.

Are these events really free?

Yes! Library programs are free. Lindsay Wildlife Experience charges admission, but it's well worth it for hands-on animal encounters toddlers love.

A snack, a change of clothes, and a small toy for waiting. For yoga or movement classes, dress your toddler in something easy to move in.

← Guides

Mount Diablo Families

Rainy-Day Activities for Toddlers

Indoor ideas to keep toddlers happy when the weather won't cooperate.

Updated October 5, 2026

This week: Oct 5–12 · Next week: Oct 12–19

This week's weather · It's actually a dry week ahead, so while you may not need a rain plan right now, these indoor picks are worth bookmarking for the next grey day.

When the weather keeps you inside, Contra Costa County has plenty of cozy spots to keep little ones happy and busy. Libraries, wildlife centers, and community spaces around the Mount Diablo area make it easy to get out of the house without braving the elements.

This week

This week is packed with sweet options for toddlers — kick things off with Toddler Yoga at the Orinda Library on Wednesday, Oct 7, or head to I Heart Toddler Art at Pleasant Hill Library the same day for some hands-on creativity. Wild Wednesday Preschool: Wild World — Africa at Lindsay Wildlife Experience in Walnut Creek is a wonderful pick for animal-loving little ones, also on Wednesday. If your toddler loves a good story, Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show at Pleasant Hill Library on Tuesday, Oct 6 is a fun, festive treat, and Toddler Storytime & Play at Walnut Creek Library on Thursday, Oct 8 is a reliable, cozy standby.

Toddler Yoga

📍Orinda Library🕐Wed, Oct 7 · 10:30 AM· ToddlersFree

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I Heart Toddler Art

📍Pleasant Hill Library🕐Wed, Oct 7 · 11:00 AM· ToddlersFree

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Wild Wednesday Preschool: Wild World — Africa

📍Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597🕐Wed, Oct 7 · 10:30 AM· ToddlersPaid

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Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show

📍Pleasant Hill Library🕐Tue, Oct 6 · 6:30 PM· All, Kids 5+, ToddlersFree

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Toddler Storytime & Play

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Thu, Oct 8 · 10:15 AM· ToddlersFree

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See more →

Next week

Next week brings even more fun indoors — Tiny Tuesday: Nocturnal Nature at Lindsay Wildlife Experience on Tuesday, Oct 13 is a fantastic hands-on pick for curious toddlers, while I Heart Toddler Art returns to Pleasant Hill Library on Wednesday, Oct 14 for another round of creative play. Toddler Storytime & Play is back at Walnut Creek Library on Thursday, Oct 15, and the Halloween Costume Booo-tique at Concord Library on Saturday, Oct 17 sounds like a blast for little ones getting into the spooky spirit. Round out the week with a Kids Movie Matinee at Walnut Creek Library on Wednesday, Oct 14 for a relaxed, screen-time treat.

Tiny Tuesday: Nocturnal Nature

📍Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597🕐Tue, Oct 13 · 10:00 AM· ToddlersPaid

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I Heart Toddler Art

📍Pleasant Hill Library🕐Wed, Oct 14 · 11:00 AM· ToddlersFree

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Toddler Storytime & Play

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Thu, Oct 15 · 10:15 AM· ToddlersFree

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Halloween Costume Booo-tique

📍Concord Library🕐Sat, Oct 17 · 11:00 AM· AllFree

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Kids Movie Matinee

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Wed, Oct 14 · 4:00 PM· All, Kids 5+, ToddlersFree

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See more →

Coming up

Goblin's Grocery List Hidden Image Search

📍Moraga Library🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 12:00 AM· Kids 5+, ToddlersFree

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The Library Wellness Team

📍Concord Library🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 10:00 AM· AllFree

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Outdoor

Concord Farmers' Market

📍2175 Willow Pass Rd., Concord, California🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 10:00 AM· All AgesFree

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Halloween Costume Booo-tique

📍Concord Library🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 4:00 PM· AllFree

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Baybayin (Filipino Calligraphy) Workshop

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 4:30 PM· All, TeensFree

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Eskrima (Filipino Martial Arts) Workshop

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Tue, Oct 20 · 6:30 PM· All, TeensFree

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All-Ages Storytime

📍Walnut Creek Library🕐Wed, Oct 21 · 10:15 AM· ToddlersFree

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Wild Wednesday Preschool: Wild World — Australia

📍Lindsay Wildlife Experience, 1931 1st Ave, Walnut Creek, CA 94597🕐Wed, Oct 21 · 10:30 AM· ToddlersPaid

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See all upcoming →

Good anytime

Attractions

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.

Tips

💡
Do I need to register for library storytimes?
Most are drop-in, but it's worth checking your branch's website — a few popular programs fill up fast and may ask you to grab a spot in advance.
💡
What's a good backup if my toddler is having an off day?
Stick to shorter programs like a 30-minute storytime. Libraries are low-pressure — it's totally fine to slip out early if needed.
💡
Are these events really free?
Yes! Library programs are free. Lindsay Wildlife Experience charges admission, but it's well worth it for hands-on animal encounters toddlers love.
💡
What should I bring?
A snack, a change of clothes, and a small toy for waiting. For yoga or movement classes, dress your toddler in something easy to move in.

See all Toddlers events Submit an event

More ideas

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