We’ve hand-picked these events to spark curiosity and help your child discover their next passion. From robotics and coding to theater and chess, seeing an activity live is the best way to “test drive” a new hobby. Some events—especially technical competitions or STEM challenges—have spectator rules, so be sure to check the official sites for details.
Want more? Jump to Year-Round STEM Learning Events or skip ahead to the April Curious Kids Calendar.
Best Picks This Month (Bay Area STEM Events)
Apr 17–19, 2026 — San Jose State University
🤖 FIRST Robotics Competition: Silicon Valley Regional
Age 10–18 | Best for inspiration & real-world robotics
If you only attend one event, make it this. High school teams compete with industrial-sized robots in a fast-paced, strategy-driven environment.
Read more: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/event-search
May 1–June 16, 2026 — Stanford University
🤖 AI Agents Showcase
Age 10–18 | Best for future tech exposure
A chance to see cutting-edge AI systems and student innovation in action. Great for teens exploring AI pathways.
Link: https://hai.stanford.edu/events
June 13, 2026 — San Carlos
🚀 Hiller Aviation Museum: Biggest Little Air Show
Age 5–15 | Best for hands-on + visual learning
Scale aircraft, drones, and live demos make engineering highly engaging for younger kids.
Link: https://www.hiller.org/events
Read full list hidden Year-Round STEM Events in Bay Area here
April Kids Events in the Bay Area
Apr 4, 2026 — San Carlos
🚂 Hiller Aviation Museum: Trains and Planes
Age 5–13 | Interactive & Observation
Hands-on exhibits and simulators exploring rail + aviation systems.
Read more: https://www.hiller.org/events
Apr 11, 2026 — San Jose
🔧 Repair Café Silicon Valley: Spring Garden Fair
Age 8–15 (with adult supervision) | Interactive
Families learn repair skills for tools and household items.
Read more: https://repaircafesv.org
Apr 16, 2026 — San Francisco
🤖 Choose Our Future with AI: KQED
Age 10–15+ | Interactive & Observation
Multi-generational event featuring music creation with AI and discussions on the future impact of artificial intelligence.
Read more: https://www.kqed.org/events
Apr 17–19, 2026 — San Jose State University
🤖 FIRST Robotics Competition: Silicon Valley Regional
Age 10–18 | Good for observation
One of the most competitive robotics regionals in Northern California.
Read more: https://cafirst.org/frc/silicon-valley/
Apr 19, 2026 — San Jose
🔧 3D Printing Workshop: Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
Age 6-12 | Interactive
Kids design shapes using TinkerCAD and watch their creations come to life with real 3D printing.
Read more: https://www.cdm.org
Apr 25, 2026 — San Francisco
🤖 Free Coding Workshops for Kids: Kalmanovitz Hall (USF)
Age 7–14 | Interactive
Hands-on 60-minute robotics and coding exercises in a university setting where kids build real projects.
Read more: https://www.usfca.edu
Apr 26, 2026 — Palo Alto
🔧 Repair Café Silicon Valley: Museum of American Heritage
Age 8–15 (with adult supervision) | Interactive
Kids observe and help fix electronics, toys, and appliances.
Read more: https://repaircafesv.org
Ongoing Kids STEM & AI Eventsin the Bay Area
- Exploratorium Tinkering Studio Workshops
- Randall Museum Science Saturdays
- Mission Science Workshop Maker Lab
- Penguins & Pajamas Sleepover — California Academy of Sciences
- Chabot Observatory Telescope Viewing Nights
- ZooKids Program — Oakland Zoo
- Lego Monthly Mini Builds
- Apple Store Kids Creative Sessions — Interactive Storytelling & Drawing
- AI Agents Showcase — Stanford University
- Free Coding Workshops for Kids — USF Kalmanovitz Hall
- Bellarmine Robotics Demos — Rose Garden Library
- Junior STEAM Club — Calabazas Library
- 3D Printing Workshops — Children’s Discovery Museum
- Tinker Thinkers — San Ramon Library
- AI Engineering Meetups — House of AI
Read full list hidden Year-Round AI & STEM Events in the Bay Area Here
May Kids Events in the Bay Area
May 1–June 16, 2026 — Stanford University
🤖 AI Agents Showcase
Age 10–18 | Observation
Showcase of emerging AI technologies and student innovation.
Link: https://hai.stanford.edu/events
May 8, 2026 — San Jose
🔬 Symphony San Jose: Philharmonia Fantastique
Age 6–18 | Interactive & Observation
STEAM-focused orchestral performance connecting music and science.
Link: https://symphonysanjose.org
May 9, 2026 — Sunnyvale
🔧 Repair Café at Sunnyvale Library
Age 8–15 (with adult supervision) | Interactive
Hands-on troubleshooting and repair experience.
Link: https://repaircafesv.org
May 16, 2026 — San Francisco
🌱 America Innovates Expo
Age 6–14 | Interactive & Observation
Family-friendly innovation expo showcasing real-world STEM.
Link: https://americainnovates.org
May 24, 2026 — San Ramon
🎨 Art & Wind Festival
Age 5–13 | Interactive
Kite-flying + wind engineering activities.
Link: https://www.sanramon.ca.gov
June 2026 (Early Summer Bridge Events)
June 13, 2026 — San Carlos
🚀 Hiller Aviation Museum: Biggest Little Air Show
Age 5–15 | Interactive & Observation
Drones, model aircraft, and flight demos bring engineering to life.
Link: https://www.hiller.org/events
Deriatives & startup experience across 3 continents. Elementary school mom to one very active kid. :-)
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