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 12, 2026

This weekend: Oct 17–18 · Next weekend: Oct 24–25

This week's weather · Dry skies all week make it a perfect time to hit the farmers markets and outdoor festivities without worrying about rain.

There's a lot happening around the Mount Diablo area this weekend for families of all ages. Dry skies make it a great time to get outside and explore everything the area has to offer.

This weekend

This Saturday is packed with something for everyone — kick off the morning at the Danville Farmers' Market or the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market at Shadelands, then head over to Broadway Plaza for Once Upon a Street: Broadway Plaza Turns 75!, a free outdoor celebration the whole family can enjoy. Book lovers won't want to miss the Clayton Community Library Foundation Book Sale, and little ones will love Martinez Library Storytime or the Halloween Costume Booo-tique at Concord Library. On Sunday, grab fresh produce at the Walnut Creek Downtown Farmers Market, then let the kids get their faces painted at Kids Face Painting at Duck Donuts — a sweet way to wrap up the weekend.

Next weekend

Next weekend brings even more fall fun — the Diwali Celebration Street Fair at Lesher Center for the Arts on Saturday promises color, culture, and community for the whole family. Little ones can get creative at the Día de los Muertos Picture Frame Craft at Lafayette Library, while book lovers can browse the Friends of the Danville Library Book Sale or the Friends Fall Book Sale at Moraga Library. Don't miss the Happy Halloween Kids Costume Contest at Duck Donuts, and on Sunday the Walnut Creek Downtown Farmers Market is back for another fresh morning out.

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
Opens at 10:00

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 most of these events free?

    Many are — farmers markets, library storytimes, and the Broadway Plaza celebration are all free to attend. Check individual event pages for any ticketed shows or activities.

  • 💡

    What's a good rainy-day backup if plans change?

    Library events like Chess Hour, Lego Builders Club, and the Clayton Book Sale are all indoors and family-friendly — great low-key options any time.

  • 💡

    Can I bring a stroller or wagon to the farmers markets?

    Yes! All the local farmers markets are stroller-friendly outdoor spaces. Go early for the best produce and easier navigation before the crowds arrive.

  • 💡

    Are the Broadway Plaza events suitable for young kids?

    Absolutely — the Once Upon a Street celebration is designed to be fun for the whole family, with a festive, street-fair feel right in the heart of Walnut Creek.

More ideas

Refreshed weekly from real local listings.