Local Hikes with Kids
Hiking with kids turns every trail into a treasure hunt—full of curiosity, discovery, and wonder. Slow down, look closely, and let their sense of adventure lead the way!
Some of Our Favorite Adventures:
This trail, above the shoreline, is a gorgeous hike to stop and enjoy the beauty of the bay. With the whistling of nearby trains and the paved route, it makes for a great adventure for families. There are benches and picnic tables along the way and even several quite tricky Geocaches.
For anyone looking for a little more of an adventure, the labyrinth is a fabulous local trail that boasts creativity and magic (from the perspective of my students and kids). In the summer, be aware of rattlesnakes. Trails are wide, so typically they just slither by, but it's a great reminder to stay on trails. Sometimes you can even spot them sunbathing here.
For anyone who has ever heard of the ladybug trail, this is it! But, there is so much magic to be found here in every season! Enormous trees, fairy rings and places to let immagination free. It's also considerably cooler on these trails in the summer than it is in Clayton.
Always a nearby favorite! The sweeping views of the mountain coupled with the evidence of wildlife makes this trail one to hop on againa and again. Toward the end of the summer, you may even get lucky and spot a tarantula if you head there around dawn/dusk.
This area is so much fun and is often a great spot to escape the summer heat. You can walk, run, bike or scooter your way along the wildlife preserve. This space is excellent for birding as you're able to see marsh birds, shoreline birds, songbirds and even raptors! It's a beautiful view of the Carquinez Strait. As an added bonus, you can add this to your list on a Sunday after swinging by the Farmer's Market and supporting local farmers and visiting a few special antique shops (one of which inspired Toy Story 4)!
My students LOVE Fossil Hill! All of the remants of a time millions of years ago keeps them amazed. It's like opening a door to a time long ago. You can follow a loop, trails there are pretty wide or make it 50 feet from the parking lot and sit there for 3 hours of looking at shells, whatever you do, I'm sure it will be wonderful.
As a special note, dogs are allowed off leash on this trail.
Summer Hiking Safety Tips for Bay Area Families
1. Start Early or Late
Avoid the midday heat by hiking in the early morning or late afternoon. Trails can get hot fast—especially in inland areas like Mount Diablo or Briones.
2. Pack Plenty of Water
Bring more water than you think you’ll need—at least one liter per person for short hikes. Hydration is key, especially for kids.
3. Dress Smart
Wear lightweight, breathable clothes, sun hats, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Light-colored clothing helps reflect heat.
4. Apply Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Use SPF 30+ and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget ears, necks, and the tops of feet! In shaded or wooded areas, bug spray helps prevent ticks and mosquito bites.
5. Know Your Trail
Check the trail’s difficulty before heading out. Some Bay Area trails may be too steep or exposed for young children. Choose kid-friendly options like Redwood Regional Park, Tilden Nature Area, or Shell Ridge.
6. Watch for Wildlife
Teach kids to observe wildlife from a distance. In the Bay Area, you may see deer, lizards, coyotes, or even snakes—so stay on trail and keep pets leashed.
7. Bring Snacks & Take Breaks
Frequent snack breaks help with energy and morale. Look for shaded rest spots to cool down and check in with your kiddos.
8. Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion
Watch for fatigue, dizziness, or nausea. If anyone feels unwell, find shade, rest, and hydrate immediately.
9. Leave No Trace
Teach kids to respect nature by packing out all trash, staying on the trail, and leaving plants and animals as they are.
10. Have a Backup Plan
Bay Area weather can shift—fog, heat, or trail closures can happen fast. Always let someone know where you're going and when you’ll be back.
