Nature

In the Bay Area, we have to be intentional about seeking nature and places where our children can have explore or have unstructured play. Here are time-tested recommendations.
If you are looking for a homeschool group to explore nature with, check our Community/Activity listings.
 

Astronomy

Start with star gazing apps such as Sky View, Night Sky, etc to just go outside, recognize constellations and planets and get children excited. The Bay Area is challenging because of light pollution but we also benefit from enthusiasts who freely share their knowledge.

Local/Regional

• Peninsula Astronomical Society: Facebook page is frequently updated with upcoming events viewable from our area. They also host free weekly viewings at the Foothill College Observatory in Los Altos.
• San Mateo County Astronomical Society: Free star parties twice a month at Crestview Park, San Carlos where you can look through their telescopes and chat with them about astronomy, or telescope buying tips.
•  Menlo Park Library's Science Nights: check their schedule for StarLab or astronomy exhibits, sometimes they have telescopes in front of the library.
• Monte Bello (Los Altos) Open Space Preserve: You can reserve a permit for after-hours astronomy viewing in dark (by Bay Area standards) skies
• Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland: A well planned museum with self guided exhibits and planetarium, plan on spending a few hours here. They also have free entrance to the observatories. 
• Henry Cowell State Park, Santa Cruz: Special Full Moon Madness events where you can go on a guided night walk, listen to an astronomy lecture and look through telescopes.

 Online

• Griffith Space Observatory, Los Angeles - They live stream events of interest (e.g. lunar eclipse), often with commentary, so the programs are accessible for the general public. You can also view previous events in their archive. 
• Experience Astronomy: An excellent Classical Astronomy course which integrates scripture, history and science. The course comes in 2 levels: elementary and upper (middle to high school) grades. They also email out a free newsletter every month, highlighting events to watch for and tips to make it fun for the family. 

BirdWatching

• Sequoia Audubon

  The Sequoia Audubon society consists of bird lovers in San Mateo county. They publish a map of birding sites as well as host field trips.

Parks/Open Spaces

• Baylands Nature Preserve - Palo Alto

  The Baylands are good for walking and bird watching.For the duck pond, try address 2500 Embarcadero Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94303 - please watch, but don't feed.

• Butano State Park - Pescadero

  Butano State Park is great for camping. It's in the Redwoods near Pescadero (follow previous directions to Phipps Ranch, but turn right off of Pescadero Rd. to go into the park). One campsite near has a huge seesaw made out of redwood logs plus big hollow logs to climb inside. The hiking trail along the creek is pleasant; some of the others are too hot. For a break you can easily drive out to Pescadero or Ano Nuevo beaches, go to Phipps Ranch, or stop at Duarte's in Pescadero for a meal.

• Coyote Hills Park - Fremont

  Coyote Hills Park) has a birdwalk built over water in marshes, so you can feel like a duck on the water. There is also an interpretive Center and picnic area also.

• Edgewood Park - Redwood City

  Edgewood Park is popular during the weekends, especially during wildflower season. Be sure to check the map for alternate entrances/parking.

• Half Moon Bay State Beach - Half Moon Bay

  This beach has easy access restrooms and is easily accessible off Hwy 92/Hwy 1. Other activities near Half Moon Bay include watching the boats at Princeton; watching the horses on Hwy I just north of Half Moon Bay; Dunes Beach (just north of the horses); eating at Barbara’s Fish Trap Restaurant (children fit in well).

• Huddart Park - Woodside

  Friends of Huddart Park offers educational guided walks in spring and fall, if booked in advance. This is also a lovely area to enjoy playing in the woods.

• Purisima Creek Redwoods Preserve - Skyline (near Hwy 92 and 35)

  The Purisima Creek Redwoods Trail offers amazing views of the bay, and lovely trails among trees. Although the entire trail is rated hard, you can keep it to moderate by stopping before the gulch. Not stroller friendly.

• Rancho San Antonio (Deer Hollow Farm) - Cupertino

  The preserve has several hiking trails with nice scenery. Those with young ones will appreciate Deer Hollow Farm which is stroller-friendly and offers a chance to pet farm animals.

• San Pedro Valley Park - Pacifica

  San Pedro Valley Park has picnic areas as well as a variety of trails. The visitor center, open on weekends and holidays, has interesting natural history dioramas and specimens. Also, the Friends of San Pedro Valley Park organize nature presentations which are often geared to kids.

• Stulsaft Park - Redwood City

  The lower part of Stulsaft Park has trails and picnic areas besides a creek. Be sure to enter from the entrance on Recreation Way (off Goodwin Av).

Special Events

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  Ano Nuevo - Elephant Seal Walks

  Ano Nuevo State Park is open year round, but guided walks to see the elephant seals are only between December to March. Reservation begins in mid October.

• Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Negative Tides

  You can check Friends of Fitzgerald Reserve for days with low or negative tides to explore the tidepools. Note: this is a protected reserve, no collecting.