Best Places to Spend a Rainy Afternoon with Your Kids

Where did the early spring go? After two weeks of May-like sunny days, wet, winter weather rolled back into the Bay Area Sunday night and has lasted all week. 

So, playground playdates might be out Friday.

The rain, including heavy showers at times, is expected to continue through today. With this forecast in mind, Walnut Creek Patch's Katie M. Zeigler offers you the best places in and near Walnut Creek to spend a rainy morning or afternoon with your kids.

1)    Lindsay Wildlife Museum

1931 First Ave, Walnut Creek 
925-935-1978

Owls and hawks and rabbits, oh my! The Lindsay Wildlife Museum offers children and adults the rare opportunity to get this close to a variety of local wildlife. Daily feedings take place at 11 am and 2 pm. On Monday and Tuesday, the museum will offer two great programs: “Outstanding Owls” and “Wildlife Families.” Visit www.wildlife-museum.org for more information.

2)    Jump Sky High
1631 Challenge Dr., Concord
925-682-JUMP (5867)

An entire warehouse filled with trampolines? Yes indeed. Bouncing off the walls takes on new meaning at Jump Sky High in Concord. Here, you and your kids can spend the afternoon jumping, twirling, somersaulting and giggling your way across 360 degrees of trampoline walls. (And for you adults out there, Jump Sky High offers AIRobics classes so you can jump back into those skinny jeans.). Check it out at http://con.jumpskyhigh.com/

3)    All in the Kiln
1950 Mt. Diablo Blvd.,Walnut Creek
925-939-2888

For those budding artists out there, All in the Kiln offers a fun spot to explore your creativity! Whether it’s a ceramic bowl or a fused glass plate, this on-the-spot ceramic studio provides all the materials needed to make your next great masterpiece. And kids 10 and under are free every Tuesday. For more information, visit www.allinthekiln.com

4)    Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation
 2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek
(925) 256-1273

With pet condos outfitted with lots of space to roll and scratch, Walnut Creek’s own Animal Rescue Foundation is a safe haven for animals in need of a little TLC and a new home. Visit the center to see a menagerie of adorable cats and dogs all with fantastic names and compelling life stories. The Learning Center offers a child-size veterinary clinic and pet supply store, and the volunteers are always remarkably friendly and helpful. Looking for a pet to call your own? Adoption hours are Thursday  Friday: 3 - 7 p.m. and Saturday - Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m. Visit www.art.net for more information.

5)    Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek
925-935-7871

Now open again after its winter hiatus, the Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum pays homage to the remarkable history of Walnut Creek with collections of vintage newspapers, government records and amazing photos. Housed in a gorgeous 1903 house, Shadelands offers tours on Wednesday and Sunday between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., from mid-February through mid-November. Visit www.walnutcreekhistory.info for more information.