Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.

Latest posts by Sandra

Best Halloween Events in San Francisco 2025 for Kids and Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 09/21/2025 - 12:45pm

Enjoy these spooky events. Photo courtesy of Winchester Mystery House

Halloween events in San Francisco are haunting all corners of the Bay Area and are springing up at a supernatural rate. There are terrifyingly terrific Halloween activities for kids of all ages, from trick-or-treating to pumpkin patches to Halloween train rides.

Keep reading below for scary, good Halloween events in San Francisco. Halloween events continue to brew, so check our SF calendar of events for more haunts and happenings.

For more spooky and festive fun, enjoy gourds galore at the best pumpkin patches near San Francisco and fall into the best harvest & pumpkin festivals in San Francisco. There are more not-so-frightening festivities to discover in our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for San Francisco Kids.

Kids Day in the Park, Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, and More Fun Things To Do in San Francisco This Weekend

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 09/17/2025 - 8:39am

Photo courtesy of the Great Big Family Play Day

Looking for the best things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area this weekend? Here are some great family-friendly events and activities.

Best Pumpkin Patches 2025 Near San Francisco

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 09/14/2025 - 7:29am

Where your little pumpkin can meet up with a great pumpkin. Photo courtesy of Speer Family Farms

Visits to the pumpkin patches are an annual family tradition for many of us, and the Bay Area has no shortage of places where kids can find a farm for pumpkin picking. Farms from Half Moon Bay to Petaluma to Livermore offer fun fall activities, including hayrides, bounce houses, petting zoos, u-pick fruits and vegetables, and beautiful backdrops for those obligatory photos in pumpkin patches.

From a two-acre Minotaur's Labyrinth hay maze to a four-story ship slide, it's easy to spend an entire day at one of our favorite Bay Area pumpkin patches that offer a little something extra.

Don't miss other fall traditions like apple picking near San Francisco, and discover more to do during pumpkin season in our Fall Fun Guide for San Francisco Kids.

23 Free Hidden Gems and Secret Spots for Kids in San Francisco

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 09/07/2025 - 2:21am

Bookmark these hidden gems in SF. Photo by Yesenia Diaz-Flores via Canva

Search for these San Francisco hidden gems with kids that are hiding in plain sight.

San Francisco is full of big attractions like cable cars, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, and so many others that bring tourists to the city on the daily, but parents know the real fun often lies in the little surprises. From tucked-away playgrounds and secret staircases to hidden museums and quirky art installations, San Francisco has a ton of free, off-the-beaten-path adventures that kids actually love.

Whether you’re exploring with toddlers, tweens, or a stroller in tow, here are the best hidden gems and secret spots in San Francisco for families. Whether you've been there or not, these are sure to be a hit on your next day trip, and they are all absolutely free. Want more free things to do? For more inpso, check out these free things to do with kids in San Francisco and our San Francisco Visitors' Guide for families.

Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for San Francisco Families

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 08/31/2025 - 2:42am

Fall into pumpkin season at Rancho Siempre Verde Christmas Tree and Pumpkin Farm. Photo courtesy of the venue

The San Francisco Bay Area is full of great family-friendly pumpkin festivals to celebrate the autumn harvest and the fall season.

Labor Day Weekend 2025 in San Francisco: Festivals, Fairs, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Wed, 08/27/2025 - 2:48am

Enjoy a ride on the steam trains at Roaring Camp Railroad. Photo courtesy of Roaring Camp

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this Labor Day weekend? Enjoy a railroad festival, the Monterey County Fair, family celebrations, and more.

21 Toddler & Preschooler Birthday Party Ideas in San Francisco

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Sun, 08/17/2025 - 5:46am

Plan the big day at these Bay Area spots. Photo courtesy of the Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Planning a toddler or preschooler’s birthday party in the Bay Area? You’ve got options, almost too many. Whether your little one loves animals, art, bounce houses, or just needs space to run wild, there’s a party venue that can match their energy (and your planning style). From creative museums to indoor play zones, the Bay Area has plenty of places that know how to throw a party for the under-five crowd.

We’ve rounded up some of the best birthday party spots across San Francisco, the East Bay, North Bay, and South Bay/Peninsula. Each one is age-appropriate, parent-tested, and offers enough structure to keep the chaos fun. Consider this your go-to when you (or another mom friend) starts asking, “Where should I throw a birthday party for a three-year-old?”.

Celebrate the big day at these birthday party spots in the East Bay, or these top indoor birthday party places in San Francisco for kids. If you've got little ones and teens, here are the best teen birthday party ideas in San Francisco.

The All-Inclusive AVA Resort Cancun Has Everything for Kids from Toddlers to Teens

Submitted by Sandra Lee on Tue, 07/29/2025 - 1:19am

Cancun is a longtime favorite for families, thanks to its turquoise beaches, endless activities, and abundance of all-inclusive resorts. But as any seasoned parent knows, not all all-inclusives are created equal. Peak travel season can bring packed buffets, underwhelming food, and sky-high prices.

I’ve stayed at more than my share of resorts in Mexico with my family, from budget-friendly to bougie. So when I heard about the newest addition to Cancun’s hotel scene, AVA Resort, I was eager to see if it lived up to the buzz.

Read on for my honest take on AVA Resort Cancun, including what worked, what was wow-worthy, and why it’s worth a spot on your shortlist for your next family beach escape. For even more family vacation ideas in Mexico, check out our Family Travel Guide and our list of the best all-inclusive resorts for families.

Sandra Lee

Latest posts by Sandra

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