Indoor activities for kids near Sausalito

Aquarium, four-story rainforest dome, planetarium and natural history museum under one roof. The default answer when it’s raining.

• 6.3 mi
• All ages
• Indoors

Before you go The rainforest dome runs on timed entry and the line builds fast — go early. Weekend parking in the park is rough; the underground garage is the reliable option.

Hundreds of hands-on exhibits you’re actually supposed to touch, pull and climb on. Adults tend to lose track of time here.

• 6.3 mi
• 6 and up
• Indoors

Before you go It’s enormous and you will walk — comfortable shoes matter. Under-5s can enjoy it but will miss most of the point. It’s on the water, so it’s windy outside the doors.

Stop-motion animation studio, clay lab and music room. Kids leave holding something they made.

• 6.8 mi
• 3–9
• Indoors

Before you go Small enough for a half day. Pair it with the historic carousel and the gardens right outside to make a full outing.

A small hilltop community museum with live animals, craft workshops and one of the better views in the city.

• 7.0 mi
• Under 10
• Indoors

Before you go Compact — plan a half day and add the hill outside. It closes on set days each week, so check before driving over.

Planetarium shows, space exhibits and large research telescopes up in the hills above Oakland.

• 17 mi
• 6 and up
• Indoors

Before you go Telescope viewing runs on specific evenings and depends entirely on clear skies — check the schedule and the forecast together, and bring warm layers for standing outside after dark.

Real aircraft and helicopters at eye level, with a few you can actually climb into, plus flight simulators.

• 27 mi
• 3 and up
• Indoors

Before you go A strong rainy-day pick that stays interesting for a wide age spread. It’s beside a working airport, so there are usually small planes taking off to watch outside.