# Free things to do with kids in Novato

Parks, playgrounds and other things to do in Novato that are free to get into, with who said so on each one. 4 listed.

Last updated 2026-09-05, from the newest confirmation among these places.

## The list

1. [Pioneer Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/pioneer-park-novato) (playground, Novato). A freshly rebuilt, fully accessible playground (rubberized surfaces, shade umbrellas, perimeter fencing) with separate tot lot and big-kid structures, on nine rolling acres with BBQs and a gazebo - Marin's go-to birthday party park. Confirmed: free to enter (Play Day, September 2026).
2. [South Hamilton Park (Palmisano Community Play Park)](https://ourplayday.com/places/south-hamilton-park-palmisano-community-play-park-novato) (playground, Novato). An aviation-themed, community-built playground in Novato's Hamilton neighborhood - helicopter, plane and boat play pieces for toddlers, a big central structure with a swinging bridge for older kids - next to the Bay Trail for wildlife walks. Confirmed: free to enter (Play Day, September 2026).
3. [Stafford Lake Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/stafford-lake-park-novato) (playground, Novato). A 139-acre lakeside county park with an adventure playground (climbing obstacles, spinners, zip line) for ages 5-12, the North Bay's first public bike park with a kids' learn-to-ride zone, fishing, disc golf and free entry. Confirmed: free to enter (Play Day, September 2026).
4. [Bahia Oak Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/bahia-oak-park-novato) (playground, Novato). A community-rebuilt neighborhood playground in eastern Novato's Bahia wetlands edge: modern structure with bridge, slides and climbing wall, baby and full swings, and paved paths made for trikes and balance bikes. Confirmed: free to enter (Play Day, September 2026).

## Other lists for Novato

- [High chairs](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/with-high-chairs) (5)
- [Changing tables](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/with-changing-tables) (4)
- [Kids' menu](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/with-kids-menu) (3)
- [Restrooms](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/with-restrooms) (3)
- [Shade](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/with-shade) (3)
- [Order at the counter](https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/order-at-the-counter) (3)

## About this list

Every place here is a listing on Play Day, and a place is listed only when something positive is known about it for kids. Each listing carries the kid facts (high chairs, changing tables, kids' menus, wheelchair access) with the source and month of each. A list needs at least three places to exist.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato/free-to-visit. All of Novato: https://ourplayday.com/places/in/novato