Indoor activities for kids near Mill Valley

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

• 10 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.

• 11 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.

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

• 11 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.

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

• 11 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.

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

• 21 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.