If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Bay Area, you’re in luck! Family friendly Novato is a safe, family-centered community with many wonderful recreational and educational venues that are perfect for parents and kids alike.
Pack a picnic lunch and take a jaunt to historic Pioneer Park — a popular, nine acre destination close to downtown with a large playground and updated play structure, picnic tables, BBQ area, four public tennis courts, and plenty of lawn for throwing frisbees or a lively game of catch. Walking paths meander through the grounds with room for tricycles and strollers. The park was named for its adjacent cemetery, the oldest in the city, and the final resting place of many of Novato’s first residents dating back to the 1800s.
Another favorite choice among local families on warm summer days is shady, wooded Miwok Park, which offers horseshoe pits, Bocce ball courts, hiking trails, a playground, and picnic/BBQ areas. It also happens to be the home of the Marin Museum of the American Indian, which rests on the actual site of a native American coastal Miwok village. Families will enjoy exploring the rich culture, history, artifacts, and traditions of our nation’s ancient Indian tribes in this educational venue.
Feeling the urge to ride your skateboard? Daredevils can practice their skill set at Novato’s 15,000-square-foot skate park facility on Hamilton Parkway from 10:00am to sunset daily. Newly constructed in 2002, this popular destination has plenty of challenging bowls, walls, and ramps to keep your aspiring Tony Hawk entertained. *Helmets required by city ordinance.
To treat the kids to something sweet, visit Celine’s Sweets. Situated Downtown on Grant Ave, Celine’s Sweets includes modern day candy favorites, chocolate fudge and truffles, old-fashion treats and so much more. They also have an ice cream bar where you can indulge in an ice cream cone, sundae, milkshake or root beer float! With an ever rotating selection of goodies, you never know what you might find on a visit to Celine’s Sweets.
