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Courthouse Square plaza in Redwood City, CA
Photo: Odin
View of Courthouse Square in Redwood City, CA
Photo: Mihir Shah
View of Courthouse Square in Redwood City, CA
Photo: George Shih

Courthouse Square

4.8(108 reviews)FreeLibrary
🕑 1-2 hours for a casual visit, 2-3 hours when attending farmers market or special events👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers and preschoolers (1-5) enjoy the fountains and open space for running, while school-age kids (6-12) love the movie nights and special events. The flat, open layout makes it ideal for families with strollers or multiple children of different ages.

About

Courthouse Square is Redwood City's vibrant downtown plaza that offers something for families year-round. Kids love splashing in the interactive fountains during warm months, while parents appreciate the rotating calendar of free community events including outdoor movie nights under the stars, seasonal festivals, and the popular Saturday farmers market where little ones can sample fresh fruit and watch street performers.

Highlights

  • Interactive water fountains perfect for splash play on warm days
  • Free outdoor movie nights during summer months
  • Weekly Saturday farmers market with kid-friendly vendors
  • Seasonal events including holiday celebrations and cultural festivals
  • Adjacent Redwood City Public Library for story time and bathroom breaks

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring a change of clothes during summer months,kids won't be able to resist the fountains, which are perfect for cooling off on hot Peninsula days
  2. 2.Arrive early for movie nights (typically summer evenings) to snag a good spot; bring blankets, camping chairs, and snacks for a proper outdoor cinema experience
  3. 3.Visit the farmers market on Saturday mornings for kid-friendly samples, fresh produce, and live music,many vendors offer free fruit samples that kids love
  4. 4.The plaza has plenty of benches in shaded areas, perfect for snack breaks or nursing babies while older kids explore
  5. 5.Check the city's event calendar before visiting to catch special holiday celebrations like tree lightings, concerts, and cultural festivals

Best Time to Visit

Saturday mornings (8am-12pm) for the farmers market buzz, or summer evenings for movie nights and fountain play when it's cooler. Weekday afternoons are quietest if you prefer a more relaxed visit. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather without summer crowds.

What to Know

The plaza is completely free and open 24/7 with adjacent public library facilities including restrooms. Metered street parking is available surrounding the square, or use the nearby parking garages (Maple Street Garage is closest). The area is stroller-friendly and fully accessible.

Seasonal Notes

Fountains typically run May through October. Summer brings the most family-oriented programming including movie nights and concerts. December features holiday tree lighting and winter festivities. The farmers market runs year-round every Saturday morning regardless of weather.

Nearby Eats

Vesta is a short walk away offering wood-fired pizzas kids love with a casual atmosphere. For quick bites, downtown Redwood City has numerous cafes and casual eateries within two blocks including Mixt for healthy salads and bowls, and Crêpe Vine for sweet and savory crepes that appeal to picky eaters.

More Activities Near Redwood City

Activity

Maple Street

Free

Maple Street in Redwood City serves as a charming pedestrian-friendly corridor connecting families to downtown's best attractions, dining, and seasonal community events. This walkable street offers a relaxed atmosphere where kids can safely explore while parents enjoy outdoor seating areas and the vibrant local scene. It's an ideal starting point for a family day out in downtown Redwood City.

Activity

Main Street

Free

Main Street in Redwood City is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly downtown that's perfect for families looking to enjoy an afternoon of strolling, dining, and community fun. With its tree-lined sidewalks, outdoor seating areas, and regular events like farmers markets and weekend festivals, it offers a relaxed atmosphere where kids can explore safely while parents enjoy quality local dining and shopping.

Activity

Stafford Park

Free

Stafford Park in Redwood City is a family favorite that truly has something for everyone. The highlight is the popular spray park where kids can splash and cool off during warm weather, complemented by well-maintained playgrounds, open green spaces perfect for picnics and running around, and sports facilities that keep active families entertained for hours.

Adventure

Bay Trail

Free

The Bay Trail in Redwood City offers families a perfect blend of outdoor exercise and nature exploration along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. With its flat, paved paths that accommodate strollers, bikes, and scooters, it's an ideal spot for families with children of all ages to enjoy fresh air, spot shorebirds, and take in stunning water views without the challenge of steep hills.