# Free things to do with kids in San Mateo

Parks, playgrounds and other things to do in San Mateo that are free to get into. 3 listed.

Last updated 2026-09-28, from the newest confirmation among these places.

## The list

1. [Ryder Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/ryder-park-san-mateo) (playground, San Mateo). Bayfront park with one of the Peninsula's few splash pads plus a big playground and picnic lawns right on the water. Flat Bay Trail access makes it stroller and balance-bike friendly. Has: free to enter.
2. [Beresford Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/beresford-park-san-mateo) (playground, San Mateo). A Park a Day Bay Area 'Top Pick': three climbing huts linked by a rope bridge, a big rope-climbing structure, 10 swings (4 of them baby swings) and a separate little-kids playground. Skate park next door for older siblings. Has: free to enter.
3. [Central Park (San Mateo)](https://ourplayday.com/places/central-park-san-mateo) (playground, San Mateo). A Japanese tea garden, a miniature train on weekends, and a playground with restrooms. Has: free to enter.

## Other lists for San Mateo

- [High chairs](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/with-high-chairs) (4)
- [Changing tables](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/with-changing-tables) (3)
- [Kids' menu](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/with-kids-menu) (6)
- [Restrooms](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/with-restrooms) (8)
- [Shade](https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/with-shade) (5)

## 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) A list needs at least three places to exist.

Page: https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo/free-to-visit. All of San Mateo: https://ourplayday.com/united-states/california/san-mateo