Skip to main content
Sign In
Concord Historical Society art gallery in Concord, CA
Photo: greg roberts
View of Concord Historical Society in Concord, CA
Photo: Jorge Rivas
View of Concord Historical Society in Concord, CA
Photo: Bryan BKG

Concord Historical Society

4.6(14 reviews)$Museum
🕑 30-60 minutes👶 Best for ages 6-12. Elementary and middle school students studying California history will find the exhibits most relevant and engaging. Younger children may enjoy shorter visits focused on vintage photographs and artifacts they can relate to, while teens interested in local history or working on school projects will appreciate the research resources.

About

The Concord Historical Society offers a cozy, intimate look at local history that's perfect for sparking curiosity in young learners. This small museum features thoughtfully curated exhibits about Concord's heritage, from early settlers to community development, making California history accessible and engaging for children. The manageable size means kids won't get overwhelmed, and the friendly volunteers often share fascinating stories that bring the past to life.

Highlights

  • Vintage photographs showing how Concord looked decades ago
  • Artifacts from early Concord families and settlers
  • Interactive opportunities to ask knowledgeable volunteers about local history
  • Documents and memorabilia from significant community events
  • Rotating exhibits that focus on different aspects of Concord's heritage

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Call ahead to confirm hours since the museum is only open Tuesday afternoons, 2:00-4:00 PM, and consider scheduling a visit when your kids are learning about California history in school.
  2. 2.The staff and volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, so encourage your kids to ask about artifacts or stories that interest them.
  3. 3.Take photos of exhibits your children find interesting to create a follow-up scrapbook or school project at home.
  4. 4.Park in the lot adjacent to the building on Clayton Road for easy access, and combine your visit with a stop at nearby Todos Santos Plaza for playground time afterward.
  5. 5.The museum is small, so plan for a 30-45 minute visit unless your child is particularly interested in local history and wants to read every display.

Best Time to Visit

Visit on a Tuesday afternoon (the only day open) around 2:00 PM when the museum first opens for a quieter, more personalized experience. The staff will have more time to engage with your family and answer questions before other visitors arrive.

What to Know

Admission is very affordable (budget-friendly pricing), and the museum is only open Tuesday afternoons from 2:00-4:00 PM, so plan accordingly. Street and lot parking is available, and the small size makes it easy to navigate with strollers if needed.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round on Tuesday afternoons only. Consider visiting during the school year when kids are studying California history for maximum educational value. Call ahead during major holidays to confirm hours.

Follow Concord Historical Society

Nearby Eats

Head to Todos Santos Plaza (less than a mile away) where you'll find multiple family-friendly options including Skipolini's Pizza for kid-approved pies and outdoor seating. The Crepevine nearby offers sweet and savory crepes that appeal to picky eaters.

More Activities Near Concord

Activity

Clayton Valley Charter High School

$

Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord opens its community swimming facility to local families, offering affordable aquatic fun in a school setting. With lap pools, diving boards, and designated family swim hours, it's a budget-friendly option for parents looking to keep kids active and cool without breaking the bank.

Activity

Markham Regional Arboretum

4.6$

Markham Regional Arboretum offers families a wonderful opportunity to explore nature without venturing far from the city. With easy walking paths perfect for strollers, fascinating plant collections from around the world, and plenty of open spaces for little ones to safely explore, this hidden gem provides a peaceful outdoor adventure that is both educational and budget-friendly.

Park

Todos Santos Plaza

4.5Free

Todos Santos Plaza is a beloved community park in the heart of Concord that offers something for every member of the family. With its excellent playground equipment, open grass areas perfect for running and playing, basketball courts, and shaded picnic spots, it's an ideal destination for a morning outing or afternoon adventure. The park's central downtown location also means you're steps away from dining and shopping options, making it easy to extend your family fun.

Bowling

Clayton Valley Bowl

4.4$

Clayton Valley Bowl is a family-friendly bowling alley in Concord that makes it easy for kids of all skill levels to have a blast. With bumper lanes to keep those bowling balls out of the gutters, an exciting arcade area for game breaks, and on-site food options, it's a one-stop destination for affordable family entertainment that keeps everyone engaged.