Family Shopping

A legendary independent children's bookstore in San Jose's Willow Glen neighborhood, Hicklebee's has been a community treasure since 1979. They stock books, games, and toys for infants through teens, and host regular author events and storytimes.

A beloved Berkeley toy shop since 1962, Mr. Mopps' is filled with carefully curated toys, stickers, books, stuffed animals, and party supplies. They famously avoid TV and movie-licensed products, focusing instead on imaginative, creative play.

A beloved community bookstore and cafe in the Outer Sunset with a fantastic children's section and a charming indoor treehouse that kids adore. Curated book collections alongside quality coffee make this a perfect family stop.

A family-owned toy store in downtown Menlo Park offering a thoughtfully curated selection of toys, games, crafts, and books. Known for exceptional customer service and creative gift ideas for children of all ages.

A beautiful 10,000 sq ft independent bookstore in a restored brick building in downtown Petaluma, with a dedicated children's book room. Part of the Copperfield's chain with multiple North Bay locations since 1981.

A family-friendly music store in Danville's Village Shopping Center offering instrument sales, rentals, repairs, and lessons for all ages. Perfect for kids starting their musical journey with beginner guitars, keyboards, ukuleles, and band instruments.

A wonderful neighborhood bookstore in Oakland's Rockridge district with a large children's corner that feels like a secret garden. Offers a curated selection of picture books, chapter books, and young adult titles.

San Francisco's iconic farmers market at the historic Ferry Building, featuring artisanal foods, cooking demos, and Foodwise education programs for kids. The stunning waterfront setting and gourmet food stalls make every visit special.

A premier Bay Area independent toy store on charming Burlingame Avenue. Five Little Monkeys focuses on creative, educational, and sustainable toys with exceptional play value. They also offer gift wrapping and free play areas.

The North Bay outpost of the beloved Five Little Monkeys toy store chain, located in downtown Novato. Features creative, educational, and sustainable toys with a huge selection for all ages and helpful, knowledgeable staff.

Oakland's beloved Saturday farmers market at Splash Pad Park near Lake Merritt, featuring bouncy houses, face painting, balloon artists, live music, and a kids' play fountain alongside fresh local produce and prepared foods.

A beloved Noe Valley institution offering art supplies, crafts, toys, puzzles, and fun gifts. This legacy store has been a neighborhood favorite for decades, perfect for creative kids and craft enthusiasts of all ages.

A beloved independent bookstore since 1955 with an excellent children's section. Regular author events, story times, and a warm community atmosphere. Staff picks are always spot-on and the kids' corner is cozy and inviting.

A unique store offering books, educational toys, fair trade gifts, and green lifestyle products for a more peaceful world. Specializes in multicultural toys, peace-themed games, and socially conscious gifts for children.

A massive outdoor gear store in a historic Army building near Crissy Field. Features a full kids' section with gear for camping, biking, skiing, swimming, and more. Offers family-friendly rental programs and community events.

The Mill Valley location of TANTRUM toy store, nestled in the charming Lumber Yard shopping area. Offers the same wonderful selection of unique toys, crafts, costumes, and party supplies as the SF flagship.

A charming San Francisco toy store on Clement Street offering modern toys for old-school fun. TANTRUM carries unique toys, party supplies, craft kits, puzzles, costumes, and cards that spark creativity and imaginative play.

A homegrown neighborhood toy store in Los Gatos's King's Court shopping center. The collection includes dolls, cars, pretend food, animal figurines, jewelry kits, puzzles, stuffed animals, outdoor toys, and train sets.

A beloved Marin toy store at The Village at Corte Madera, on a mission to help kids unleash their creativity. Carries a wide selection of wholesome toys, games, art supplies, and educational items that inspire imaginative play.

A festive Saturday farmers market at Center St and MLK Jr Way featuring food demonstrations, Berkeley Library storytimes, local produce, live music, fresh pretzels, and family-friendly events. Adjacent to the library and BAMPFA.

The West's oldest independent bookseller with a wonderful children's section. Regular story times, author visits, and book clubs for kids. A cozy neighborhood bookstore where families can browse and discover their next favorite read.

A LEGO resale store where you can buy, sell, and trade LEGO sets, minifigs, and bulk bricks. Great for finding retired sets and individual pieces. Also offers classes, camps, and birthday party packages for LEGO enthusiasts.

Potrero Hill's beloved neighborhood bookstore since 1991, featuring a great selection of multilingual kids' books, games, and toys alongside staff-curated adult titles. A welcoming community gathering spot for families.

A charming Hayes Valley boutique since 2004, specializing in organic Japanese cotton clothing for babies, kids, and adults. Carries hard-to-find Japanese brands with adorable kids' clothes, including Godzilla-shaped toddler socks.

A premier baby store in Dublin offering the latest cribs, strollers, car seats, high chairs, and nursery furniture from top brands. Expert staff helps parents navigate the overwhelming world of baby gear with confidence.

The Bay Area's premier art supply destination, located at the beautiful Fort Mason Center. Carries items for all ages including fun kids' art kits, craft supplies, sketchbooks, and creative gifts. A paradise for young artists.

A legendary Berkeley game store carrying board games, card games, puzzles, science kits, plush toys, and outdoor activities. A massive selection from family-friendly classics to advanced strategy games, with knowledgeable staff to help find the perfect game.

The official LEGO Store at Hillsdale Shopping Center features the full range of LEGO sets, exclusive products, and a Pick-a-Brick wall where kids can choose individual bricks. Interactive displays and building tables make this a hands-on experience.

An official LEGO Store in Stoneridge Shopping Center featuring the full range of LEGO sets, exclusive products, Pick-a-Brick wall, and interactive building tables. A must-visit for LEGO fans in the East Bay and Tri-Valley.

A Japanese stationery paradise in SF Japantown offering 30 years of curated Japanese imports. Kids love the unique pens, cute character notebooks, stickers, quirky erasers, and kawaii accessories imported directly from Japan.

The oldest independently owned toy store in Oakland, Montclair Toyhouse carries dolls, stuffed toys, science toys, outdoor toys, puzzles, games, building sets, LEGO, cars, craft and art supplies, and children's books.

A vibrant Sunday farmers market at the Downtown Caltrain Station with 70+ vendors, live music, balloon artists, kids' craft activities, and seasonal events like Easter egg hunts. Easy Caltrain access makes it a car-free outing.

The Bay Area's best costume shop with over 40 years in San Jose. Features thousands of costumes for purchase and 40,000+ pieces for rental, plus wigs, makeup, and accessories. Kids love trying on costumes year-round.

A beloved independent bookstore on charming Solano Avenue with the biggest kids' section among their three Bay Area locations. The children's area features cozy chairs and stuffed animals for little readers to enjoy.

A magical toy store, cafe, and gathering space in downtown Petaluma that is family-owned and operated. Features a dedicated play area for kids, a boba tea cafe, and a curated selection of toys, crafts, and games.

A well-stocked REI store serving the East Bay since 1975 with outdoor gear for the whole family. Full kids' section with camping gear, hiking boots, rain gear, bikes, and clothing. Also offers family outdoor classes and workshops.

The Bay Area's official Sanrio store packed with Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and other beloved characters. Features plush toys, stationery, beauty products, clothing, and exclusive merchandise that kids love.

Marin's best children's consignment shop, offering high-quality used kids' clothes, toys, and gear for ages 0-16 and maternity. Located in charming downtown San Anselmo with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

A natural and organic children's boutique on Union Street specializing in non-toxic baby products. Carries organic cotton clothing, safe toys, natural skincare, and eco-friendly nursery items from carefully vetted brands.

Named SF's Best Family-Oriented Farmers Market, this Sunday market features kids' activities, free monthly craft projects with the Museum of Craft and Design, fresh produce, prepared foods, and a spacious community area.

A family-run Alameda institution for over 25 years, Toy Safari buys, sells, and trades new and vintage toys. The store features displays of Transformers, LEGO bricks, and other collectibles alongside the latest toys for kids.

A family-owned variety store since 1986, Affordable Treasures is a one-stop shop for party supplies, toys, games, puzzles, arts and crafts, balloons, costumes, and seasonal merchandise. Perfect for birthday party preparation.

An authorized Sanrio and Tokidoki seller in SF Japantown carrying the cutest and newest kawaii products. Features Hello Kitty merchandise, Sonny Angel collectibles, Smiski figurines, and adorable Japanese character goods.

A major art supply chain store on Market Street carrying everything from kids' first crayons to professional-grade materials. Wide selection of children's art kits, craft supplies, sketchbooks, markers, and creative project materials.

An interactive experience at Pier 39 where kids stuff, dress, and personalize their own stuffed animals. Choose from bears, bunnies, and character friends, then customize with outfits, scents, sounds, and accessories.

San Francisco's favorite children's consignment shop with locations on Cortland Ave and Irving St. Buy and sell gently used kids' clothing, toys, baby gear, and maternity clothes at great prices. A sustainable shopping choice for families.

A massive board game and hobby store with an enormous selection of board games, card games, miniatures, and RPGs. The attached free game room is perfect for family game nights. Great for discovering new games beyond the mainstream.

A charming Sausalito toy and game store on Bridgeway since the 1970s, offering games, stuffed toys, building toys, puzzles, baby toys, art kits, and European Tintin collectibles. A waterfront shopping gem for families visiting Sausalito.

SF's premier board game and toy store with a huge selection of family games, strategy games, puzzles, and unique toys. Knowledgeable staff can recommend age-appropriate games. Has gaming tables to try before you buy.

The Bay Area's leading baby furniture and nursery store since 1982. A family-owned destination for cribs, strollers, car seats, gliders, and nursery decor, with expert staff to help new parents find exactly what they need.

A teacher and parent favorite for educational toys, games, and classroom supplies. Features a free craft station on Saturdays where kids can make a take-home project. Great selection of STEM toys and learning materials.

A family-owned Haight Street institution for over 50 years, selling fabrics, art supplies, costume accessories, and craft materials. Kids love the faux fur, face paint, masks, and costume-making supplies. A DIY costume paradise.

An Alameda consignment shop specializing in parenting necessities including gently used baby and toddler clothes, maternity wear, toys, strollers, and gear. Offers both in-person and online shopping for budget-conscious families.

A Rockridge neighborhood staple on College Ave offering over 30 years of curated children's clothing, toys, and gifts. Known for unique European brands and quality items that make perfect gifts for babies and kids.

The nation's oldest creative reuse center, founded in 1976. An ever-changing treasure trove of affordable art and craft materials including paper, fabric, wood, beads, and unique oddities. Perfect for creative projects on a budget.

A charming consignment store on Oakland's Lakeshore Avenue specializing in name-brand children's clothing, shoes, and toys for ages 0-12 in excellent condition. Great for finding quality items at a fraction of retail price.

An elegant open-air shopping center featuring kid-friendly stores like Pottery Barn Kids, Gap Kids, and American Girl. Kids love the fountains and outdoor spaces. Multiple family dining options in a beautiful garden setting.

A delightful toy store at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur focusing on developmental toys, books, arts and crafts, science kits, and building toys. Their goal is to expand every child's imagination through quality, creative play.

A family-owned Albany institution since 1976, Toy Go Round sells quality new and recycled toys. They've been keeping toys out of landfills while providing the community with a diverse selection of high-quality, affordable products.

One of the West Coast's largest bookstores near Westfield Valley Fair, with a sprawling children's section featuring books, educational toys, stuffed animals, and games. Regular storytimes and kids' events make this a family destination.

One of the Bay Area's largest Daiso locations inside Serramonte Center. The Japanese variety store offers endless kawaii stationery, cute bento supplies, fun toys, craft materials, and household items, mostly priced around $1.50.

A magical craft supply treasure trove of donated and surplus materials perfect for kids' art projects. Bins of buttons, fabric, paper, beads, and unique finds at incredibly low prices. Sparks creativity and teaches sustainability.

A huge used bookstore with an extensive children's section featuring picture books, chapter books, board books, and educational materials at deeply discounted prices. Also carries used toys, games, music, and movies.

A unique toy store and Japanese-style arcade in San Rafael's Northgate Mall, specializing in fidget toys, games, puzzles, and arcade gaming. Kids love the claw machines and Japanese arcade games alongside the toy selection.

Northern California's largest costume retailer since 1985, offering a massive selection of costumes, wigs, masks, and accessories for toddlers through adults. A family-owned Halloween headquarters that's open year-round.

A massive upscale shopping center with 214 stores, large children's play areas, an enormous food court with options like Din Tai Fung and Eataly, plus kid-friendly stores including Disney, LEGO, and Build-A-Bear.

Japan's famous bookstore chain in SF's Japantown with an amazing selection of Japanese children's books, manga, stationery, and cute character goods. Upstairs has toys, plushies, and Studio Ghibli merchandise kids adore.

California's largest outdoor outlet mall with 180+ brands including Carter's, OshKosh, Gap Kids, Old Navy, Children's Place, Disney Outlet, and Hanna Andersson. The best place for discounted kids' clothing in the Bay Area.

A major East Bay shopping destination with 165+ stores including LEGO, Build-A-Bear, and kids' play areas. Features Jumpity Bumpity indoor playground, kiddie rides, and family-friendly dining, all near I-580/I-680 and BART.

A Japanese variety store where most items are $1.75. A treasure trove of craft supplies, stickers, stationery, small toys, and bento accessories. Kids love browsing the aisles for unique Japanese snacks and cute character items.

The state's largest outlet mall featuring LEGOLAND Discovery Center, an indoor LEGO playground for ages 3-10 with rides, 4D cinema, and building workshops. Also has outlet stores for Carter's, OshKosh, Gap Kids, and more.

The Swedish furniture giant with a supervised kids' play area (Smaland) where you can drop off potty-trained kids ages 4-10 while you shop. Affordable Swedish meatballs in the cafeteria are a family tradition.

A kids' resale store buying and selling gently used children's clothing, shoes, toys, books, and gear. Great deals on quality brands. Trade in outgrown items for cash on the spot. Multiple East Bay locations.