Written by Rebeca Trabachini for Nannies Plus

The Bay Area is laden with kid-friendly outdoor activities, exploration opportunities, and sunny weather, and summer is the time to enjoy it!

Now that summer is just around the corner and places that were temporarily closed by COVID are slowly reopening, we’ve gathered together six fun activities and attractions for nannies, family assistants, parents, and their charges and children!

Did you know that you can schedule a tour of your local fire station?

You simply need to contact your fire district and check their availability depending on the number of kids in your group. The kids will be able to interact with the firefighters, see their tools and accessories, sit on the firetruck’s driver’s seat, and if you are lucky they will even let the little ones water the plants with the hose! The best part is that they all get kid-sized firefighter hats to bring home!

Venture out for in-person story time at the Lafayette Library!

The Lafayette Library is hosting 30-minute in-person, outdoor story times every Monday at 9:30 AM. The books are read by Bel, owner of a local bookstore – Bel’s & Bunna – who also sings educational songs between the stories. Nannies, family assistants, and parents! Warm up your vocal cords and sing and have fun with your kids! No reservation is required.

Pedal through the water at the Lafayette Reservoir!

During the summer, pedal boats are available to rent at the Lafayette Reservoir starting at 8 AM. Hours and pricing can be officially confirmed on the website. It is a fun activity for the warmer days, but keep in mind each boat holds up to four people and you need at least one adult (18+ years old) per boat.

Visit the Lesher Center for the Arts in the heart of Walnut Creek!

This local theater is back with in-person performances. They have many family-friendly plays such as The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia, Wicked, and more! For nannies and family assistants with a Monday-Friday schedule–they are also open on weekdays, with performances starting at 9:30 AM! Tickets are sold in advance. The Lesher Center is located less than a half-mile from Civic Park, a local park highly recommended for playtime and a picnic lunch after the show.

Take a hike through Little Yosemite for natural marvels like waterfalls and small rapids!

Summer is when your nanny or family assistant job gets super fun and adventurous! The Little Yosemite Area is a hidden gem located in the Sunol Regional Preserve. It is a short 2-mile hike along a scenic gorge with views of waterfalls and the crystal clear Alameda Creek. There is no Glacier Point there, but Little Yosemite gives the kids a taste of the National Park without facing the 4-hour drive. The best thing about this must-see is that you do not necessarily need to finish the 2-mile hike to have access to the creek and waterfalls. You will find several access points along the way if you do not feel like hiking on a very hot day.

Rock out at Kidchella at the Danville Library!

Kidchella is an annual “kids festival” hosted by the Danville Library, full of music, crafts and stories for preschoolers. The event is happening on June 15th and July 13th, starting at 11:15AM. At 12PM there will be live performances by kids bands! No reservation is required!

What are some of your favorite summer activities with your charges?