A strong El Niño is shaping up for this winter, and forecasters are calling for a wetter-than-average season across the Bay Area. That's good news for local reservoirs and bad news for anyone with restless kids and a weekend of rain ahead. Luckily, the Peninsula has no shortage of indoor spots where families can burn energy, get curious, and have a great time — rain or shine. Here's where to go when the forecast calls for staying dry.
Arcade & Entertainment Centers
GAMA Ride — San Mateo (Bridgepointe)
For a one-stop rainy-day fix, GAMA Ride is hard to beat. This indoor entertainment center near Foster City's Bridgepointe Shopping Center packs bumper cars, glow mini bowling, 3D motion simulator rides, arcade games, and billiards all under one roof, with a restaurant and bar on-site for parents who want to relax while the kids play. It's open daily and doubles as a great option for birthday parties or a low-key family night out when the weather won't cooperate.
Pinstripes — San Mateo (Hillsdale Shopping Center)
Bowling, bocce and a full Italian-American menu under one roof make this Hillsdale Shopping Center spot a fun pick for the whole family. Kids can use lightweight bowling balls, ramps and bumpers, and food and drinks are served right at the lanes and courts. It's a great choice for a rainy-day outing, a family dinner or a birthday celebration.
Topgolf — Burlingame
Topgolf's covered, heated bays keep the fun going whatever the weather. Kids and adults take turns hitting microchipped balls at glowing targets, no golf experience needed, while staying dry and cozy under cover. Specialty games like baseball, hockey, football and dodgeball give non-golfers plenty to play too, and a full food menu served right to the bay makes it easy to spend an afternoon.
Dave & Buster's — Daly City
Hundreds of arcade games, plus a full menu of American eats, make Dave & Buster's a crowd-pleaser for families with older kids and teens. Win tickets, trade them for prizes, and refuel with burgers and shareable bites between games. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; check the location's age policy before visiting.
Museums & Hands-On Learning
CuriOdyssey — San Mateo
Part science center, part wildlife park, CuriOdyssey lets kids get up close with rescued animals — including daily otter and bobcat feedings — alongside hands-on science exhibits. Great for a range of ages, and there are monthly Community Days worth building a visit around.
Hiller Aviation Museum — San Carlos
Vintage and experimental aircraft fill this hangar-like museum, which also runs preschool activities and the occasional open cockpit day for kids who want to get closer to the exhibits than "look, don't touch."
San Mateo County History Museum — San Mateo (Redwood City)
Interactive exhibits that hold up well for older kids and teens, making this a good option if your group spans a wider age range.
Computer History Museum — Mountain View
A perfect rainy-day pick for curious kids and tech-loving families, the Computer History Museum brings Silicon Valley's story to life. Kids can talk to a chatbot-powered robot in Chatbots Decoded: Exploring AI, try hands-on coding activities in the Make Software lab, and watch a restored 1959 IBM computer in action. The new Extended Reality exhibit, opening October 1, showcases more than 100 VR and AR devices and smart glasses from six decades. Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trampoline Parks & Active Play
Rockin Jump — San Carlos
Wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, a climbing wall, and basketball hoops make this the go-to spot for kids who need to burn off serious energy. It's a favorite for open jump sessions as well as birthday parties.
Safari Run — San Mateo
A jungle-themed indoor playground featuring slides, rope courses, and a running track. Safari Run also runs kids' fitness classes and camps, so it's worth checking their schedule if you're looking for something beyond a drop-in visit.
La Petite Playhouse — Redwood City
Built for the littlest adventurers (ages 10 and under), this 10,000-square-foot play space has an undersea-themed structure, a dedicated toddler area, a climbing wall, and two sport courts — a solid pick for families with younger kids who aren't ready for the bigger trampoline parks.
