Events and Outings

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, May 17

• Celebrate International Museum Day
  de Young Museum, San Francisco
  Friday, 9:30 am–8:45 pm
  Come celebrate International Museum Day at the de Young Museum with free general admission all day. See Girl with a Pearl Earring: Dutch Paintings from the Mauritsuis for only the $15 special exhibition fee! (It's $5 for youth 6–17 and free for kids 5 and under.) Stick around for the fun with Friday Nights at the de Young, with live music, hands-on art making, and more. For more information, visit their website.
• Hamilton Community Pool Opening Day
  Novato
  Friday, 11 am–6:30 pm
  The recently renovated Hamilton Pool offers a kiddie pool with slide and play equipment, as well as a BBQ and picnic area. Daily drop in admission is $4 for Novato resident children (ages 12 months to 15 years) and $5 for Novato resident adults (16 and older) with photo ID; non-residents pay is $7 (ages 12 months to 15 years) for children and $9 for adults. Location: 203 El Bonito Road. For more info, call (415) 883-7126 or visit their website.
• Pajama Night at Doodlebug Marin
  Doodlebug Marin, San Anselmo
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Kids put on their pajamas and enjoy pizza, crafts, stories, face painting and more. Cost: $30 per child and $25 each additional family member. Reserve your spot by calling (415) 456-5989 or online here.
• Kids Musical Theatre presents Seussical, the Musical
  Dance Palace Community Center, Point Reyes Station
  Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm, Sunday, 3 pm
  In this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza, favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life. The colorful characters transport viewers from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. This musical romp through the joys and sorrows of being a child is hilarious. Tickets: $9 general, $7 seniors, $5 youth at the door. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, May 18

• Pixie Park Spring Fair
  Marin Art and Garden Center, Ross
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Bring the whole family to the 55th Annual Pixie Park Spring Fair Fundraiser. Children will enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, obstacle courses and prize games. Plus family entertainment, delicious food, tasty drinks, and much, much more! The MAGC is located at 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in Ross. More info: www.pixiepark.org
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm adjacent to the farmer's market. The farmer's market takes place on the south site of the shopping center closest to Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. For more info, visit their website.
• The 119th Luther Burbank Rose Parade and Festival
  Downtown Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 10 am
  This is one of Sonoma County's most honored traditions and one of the oldest and largest events of its kind in Northern California. There will be marching bands, award winning floats, roses, horse drawn carriages, clowns, roses, roses and more roses. Festival of family fun from 11 am–3 pm: Festival at Juilliard Park. The parade will start at Sonoma Avenue and E Street and proceed north on E Street, turning left onto 4th Street and proceed west on 4th Street then south onto Mendocino Avenue. For more info, visit their website.
• Maker Faire
  San Mateo County Events Center, San Mateo
  Saturday, 10 am–8 pm & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  With over 900 maker exhibits, Maker Faire is a family-friendly festical of creativity and innovation in technology, craft, science, fashion, art, food, and more! Featuring how-to workshops, inspiring presentations from Mythbusters' Adam Savage and others, and outrageous attractions. Tickets: $15–$55. Location: 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. For more information, visit their website.
• Field & Family Wildflower Walk
  Marin Headlands Visitor Center
  Saturday, 10:30 am–1:30 pm
  Spring is in bloom! Come join an experienced YMCA naturalist to explore all the beauty that spring has to offer here in the Marin Headlands. Moderate to strenuous hike 3–5 miles. Bring your own bagged lunch. Pre-registration required. Contact Point Bonita YMCA for details or to pre-register at (415) 331 9622 or doyobio@ymcasf.org. Cost: $10 adults, $5 children. Meet at the visitor center's restrooms at 10:30 am. For more info, visit their website.
• Guarding the Gate
  Angel Island State Park
  Saturday and Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Experience living history on Angel Island with re-enactors portraying soldiers and families from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, Phillipine–American War, World War I, and World War II. Enjoy demonstrations in the historic Bake House, cannon firings at Camp Reynolds, and living history and Battery Drew and Fort McDowell. Free. For more information call (415) 435-5537 or visit their website.

It's not every day that the circus comes to town, but it'll be here in Marin this Memorial Day weekend! American Crown Circus sets up its big top on the grounds of St. Vincent's School for Boys in Marinwood, just south of Novato, on May 24, 25, 26 and 27. American Crown Circus is a family run, bilingual circus that features acrobats, high wire acts, and clowns (but no exotic animals). Read about our visit to the circus last year here.

The circus is the major fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Novato Sunrise, which has brought a professional traveling tent circus to Marin every year since 1997. Profits from the circus support local community projects.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this Mother's Day weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Also, make sure you check our our guides to family-friendly Mother's Day brunches. Happy Mother's Day!

Friday, May 10

• Butterflies & Blooms
  Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco
  Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  The popular exhibit returns to San Francisco’s beloved greenhouse, transforming its special exhibits gallery into a a beautiful and intimate cottage garden aflutter with hundreds of butterflies on the wing. Cost: $7 general. $5 youth 12–17 ands seniors and students with ID, $2 children 5–11, children 4 and under free. For more info, visit their website.
• The 12th Annual Fashion Show, Luncheon & Boutique
  Blackie's Pasture, Tiburon
  Friday, 10 am–3 pm
  Come celebrate Mother's Day weekend! Bring some friends and your mom for a fun day of shopping with a chic group of retailers handpicked for your shopping pleasure. This year's event has 50% new vendors, ensuring you will find some great stuff for yourself or that perfect Mother's Day gift! Then relax, enjoy a delicious lunch while Reed District Moms "Rock The Runway!" Boutique open so the public at 10 am, luncheon at noon, and fashion show at 12:30 pm. Tickets $125 per person. For more info, visit their website.
• Honk! Presented by Stapleton Theatre Company
  The Playhouse in San Anselmo
  Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm & Sunday, 2 pm
  Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving, HONK! is a modern musical based on the Hans Cristian Andersen's tale The Ugly Duckling. It's a treat for all ages, featuring a cast of all ages and directed by Marin theater veteran Bruce Vieira. Musical direction by Judy Wiesen and choreography by Jenny Rand. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets: $20 general, $14 students and seniors. General seating; please arrive early for best seats. Location: 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
  

Saturday, May 11

• Marin Human Race 5K Race
  Marin Center Fairgrounds and Lagoon
  Saturday, 7 am–noon
  The Marin Human Race is the largest collaborative fundraiser in our county! Join over 3,000 Marin residents to run, walk, or roll the five-kilometer racecourse at Marin Center Fairgrounds and Lagoon. Enjoy a community fair highlighting local nonprofits and businesses, kids’ races, live music, pancake breakfast, complimentary refreshments, prizes, kids' fair with games and activities, giveaways and more. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• International Migratory Bird Day for the Family
  Muir Woods National Monument
  Saturday, 8 am–2 pm
  Bring the entire family to Muir Woods for their 14th annual International Migratory Bird Day. This free event is filled with activities and fun for all ages. If ever you were a little curious about our fine feathered friends, this is a great chance to dive in and learn what you can do to help migrating birds. Reservations not required. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Beyond the Garden Gate: 17th Annual Ross Garden Tour
  Ross School
  Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
  Highlights of this year's tour include a terraced garden lush with rhododendrons and azaleas within antique redwood groves; an expansive yard boasting multiple varieties of cedars and a fountain framed by arches of Coastal Tea Tree; the elegant grounds of one of the oldest properties in Ross, recently re-imagined to suit a young family; and an expertly planted small garden space that is sure to inspire many. Tickets are $40 when purchased in advance online, and $50 when purchased on the day of the event. The ticket price includes parking in the College of Marin lot, shuttle transportation, and admission to all five gardens. Order boxed lunch for $10 here. For more info, visit their website.

Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 12. Brunch is always a popular outing in honor of mom, and here our a few of our favorite family friendly spots for a Mother's Day brunch in Marin.

All information is correct at time of publishing, but please check with the restaurant to confirm. You should also make your reservations soon, as Mother's Day brunches fill up pretty quickly.

Click on highlighted links for more info.

• Brick & Bottle in Corte Madera features a Mother's Day buffet brunch from 11 am to 2 pm. Brunch items include eggs benedict, brioche French toast, smoked salmon, mac and cheese, rotisserie leg of lamb and chicken, and their signature rum cake. $40 for adults and $17 for kids 12 and under. Reservations recommended: (415) 924-3366 or online. Brick & Bottle is located at 55 Tamal Vista Boulevard, in the Marketplace shopping center.
• Cavallo Point in Sausalito offers its Mothers Day brunch buffet from 10 am–6 pm. Stations include a raw bar, omelets, prime rib, and more. $75 adults, $30 kids. Make reservations online or by calling (415) 339-4700.
• The Club at McInnis Park hosts a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 10 am to 2 pm. Enjoy brunch right on the golf course and then play a game or some mini golf. The menu includes roasted New York strip st, leg of lamb, grilled salmon, baked honey ham, eggs benedict, eggs florentine with smoked salmon, waffles, French toast, omelette station, carving station, salads, and desserts. The cost is $29.95; children 10 and under are $14.95. They are located at 350 Smith Ranch Road; (415) 491-5959.
  

If you haven't been to the beautiful and picturesque Slide Ranch in Muir Beach, now is your chance. Come to this non-profit teaching farm overlooking the ocean to celebrate food, family, and fun at this year's Spring Fling this Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

This year's Spring Fling includes live kid-friendly music, local organic cuisine, and hands-on farm and craft activities for all ages. Learn where your food comes from by milking goats, feeding chickens, and touring the garden, or making bread, butter, and cheese. See how a sweater is made through sheep shearing, carding and spinning wool, and other wool crafts. Attend an informative bee keeping workshop with Marin Bee Company Family. Come reconnect with the land on a guided coastal hike, or simply relax on a picnic blanket while eating delicious offerings from local farms.

Live performers at Spring Fling include Sofi Rox, Fire and Oak (Marin Academy acoustic band), Tim Cain, and Helen King and the Star King Stompers.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend, including Earth Day celebrations and activities around the Bay Area. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, April 19

• Childrens' Storytime with Judy Buchanan
  Pt. Reyes Library
  Friday, 10:45 am
  Come join West Marin storyteller, Judy Buchanan, for some great children's stories! Location: 11431 State Route One, Pt. Reyes. For more info, call (415) 663-8375 or visit their website.
• Earth Day with the Insect Discovery Lab
  Creekside Room, Mill Valley Public Library
  Friday, 3:30–4:30 pm
  Celebrate Earth Day with amazing rainforest insects, millipedes, walking sticks, and more! Meet and touch live insects and find out why they are so important to our environment. For age 5 and up; no sign-up needed. Location: 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. For more info, call (415) 389-4292 x4741 or visit their website.
• Marin Broadway Bound Kids presents Hair Spray the Musical
  Showcase Theater
  Friday, 7:30 pm & Saturday, 1 & 5 pm
  Marin Broadway Bound Kids presents Hair Spray the Musical at the Marin Civic Center’s Showcase Theater in San Rafael. In 1962 Baltimore plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. Broadway Bound Kids musical theater introduces kids to the magic of theater. Tickets: $16 adults, $14 children and seniors, purchase through the Marin Center box office here. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Marilyn Izdebski Productions presents: "Singin’ in The Rain"
  The Playhouse, San Anselmo
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 1 pm and 7:30 pm & Sunday, 1 pm
  "Singin' in The Rain" performed by young people from throughout Marin County, is directed by Marilyn Izdebski with musical direction by Judy Wiesen. Set in 1920’s Hollywood during the early days of sound film. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue, and a hit-parade of Hollywood standards make "Singin' in The Rain" the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. Tickets: $13. Location: 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. For reservations and ticket information, call 1-800-838-3006 or visit their website.

Saturday, April 20

• Learn to Salt Water Fish at McNears
  McNears Beach Park, San Rafael
  Saturday, 8–11 am
  Join rangers and learn how to fish on the San Pablo Bay. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided first-come, first-serve to beginner anglers thanks to the California Department of Fish and Game. Fishing license is required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier. Questions: Contact Ranger Dan Sauter at DSauter@marincounty.org. $10 parking fee. Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Meet at the fishing pier. For more info, visit their website.
• Earth Day at Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary
  Tiburon
  Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
  Celebrate Earth Day by bringing your family and friends for a morning of naturalist led explorations, bird watching, restoration and clean-up. Learn about the Bay and bird conservation and its importance in the Pacific Flyway. Even the wildflowers should be out in full force to brighten the day! Activities are appropriate for all ages, including young children. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Location: 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon. For more info, call (415) 388-2524 or visit their website.
• Marinwood Community Farmers Market
  Marinwood Plaza, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Marinwood Community Farmers Market is every Saturday. Come have some coffee, listen to some music, and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables to take home. For more info, visit their website.

It’s spring, and that means it's time to go to your local farmers' market and buy fresh and organic produce and other goodies. There are some year-round farmers' markets in Marin, but the majority of them start up again in spring after going on hiatus in the fall. Here is a list of of year-round and opening dates for a variety of local farmer's markets throughtout Marin and the North Bay.

Year-round farmers' markets:

• Civic Center Farmers' Market in San Rafael takes place every Thursday and Sunday morning from 8 am–1 pm. They have lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers. The Thursday farmer's market is located next the Civic Center duck pond and the Sunday one is located in the Civic Center parking lot.
• Corte Madera Farmers' Market takes place every Wednesday from noon–5 pm. This farmers' market is located at the Corte Madera Town Center off Highway 101.
• Marin County Mart Farmers Market happens every Saturday from 9 am–2 pm, rain or shine. Pony rides for kids from 10 am–2 pm, live family entertainment, and more. At Sir Francis Drake Blvd and Larkspur Landing Circle.
• Marinwood Community Farmer's Market, at the Marinwood Plaza in San Rafael on Saturday mornings from 9 am–2 pm. Located at Marinwood Plaza 101 Marinwood Avenue San Rafael.,

Speak to Me, Marin's premiere series of intelligent, inspiring speaking events for women, presents "Adapting to An Increasingly Complex World" a discussion with Rebecca Costa, sociobiologist, futurist, nationally syndicated radio host, and author of The Watchman’s Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction,  on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 pm.

We are painfully aware of the increased level of complexity we face in today’s world. There seem to be no easy answers anymore—from which sunscreen or tomato to buy, to how to constrain exploding healthcare costs or fix the debt crises. In her book, The Watchman’s Rattle: Thinking Our Way Out of Extinction, Costa explains how the principles governing evolution both cause and provide a solution for global gridlock. When asked why this has special significance today, Costa claims, “Every person I know, rich or poor, educated or not, wants to know why our government gets more in debt, our air and water more polluted, our jails more crowded, our security more tenuous and our children more violent. We seem to have lost our ability to solve our problems. The Watchman’s Rattle offers a genetic explanation for our paralysis, and prescribes a way out.”

We're giving away two free tickets to this event to a lucky Marin Mommies reader! Simply send an email to contests@marinmommies.com with "Speak to Me April" in the subject line by 11:59 pm PST on Monday, April 22, 2013. We'll choose a random winner on Tuesday. Many thanks to Speak to Me for sponsoring this giveaway. Read our giveaway rules and conditions here.

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, April 12

• Just Between Friends Children's & Maternity Consignment Event
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Grace Pavilion
  Friday, 10 am–7 pm, Saturday, 10 am–3 pm, Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
  North Bay's largest children's and maternity consignment sales event, Just Between Friends is held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds' Grace Pavilion—40,500 square feet of shopping awesomeness. Shop huge deals on new and gently-used clothes (0–12 years and maternity), games, toys, furniture, strollers, mommy supplies, etc! Location: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Movie Screening: My Neighbor Totoro
  Council Chambers, San Anselmo
  Friday, 2–4:30 pm
  In this acclaimed family film from Hayao Miyazaki, two young sisters spend a summer in the Japanese countryside with their father, and their strange new home turns out to be a wonderland filled with creatures and a trio of furry woodland sprites who can only be seen by children. Free. Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo. For more info, call (415) 258-4656 or visit their website.
• Spring Break Film Festival: Pixar Short Films, Vol. 2
  Creekside Room, Mill Valley Public Library
  Friday, 2:30–4 pm
  Disney and Pixar present an incredible new collection of 12 short films, featuring multiple Academy Award nominees (best short film, animated: Presto, 2008; Day & Night, 2010; La Luna, 2011) and a host of family favorites. Freshly popped popcorn and pillows provided! All ages; no sign up required. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, call 415-389-4292 x4741 or visit their website.

Saturday, April 13

• U-Pick at Bloomfield Farms
  Bloomfield (near Petaluma)
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–2 pm
  U-pick is back! Take a scenic drive out to Bloomfield Farms in western Sonoma County where you and your family can pick your own certified organic produce, including dinosaur kale (our favorite!), lettuce, cabbage, collards, herbs, and more! $30 for large box of produce; cash only. Bring your own wagon (they have some available on a first-come, first-served basis) and a knife to cut produce with. This weekend's special guest will be chef John Lyle who will offer a "pay what you can" Farm Fun Brunch. RSVP to upick@bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com. Location: 12550 Valley Ford Road, Petaluma. For more information, visit their website.
• Marinwood Community Farmers Market
  Marinwood Plaza, Marinwood Avenue at Miller Creek Road, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Marinwood Community Farmers Market is every Saturday. Come have some coffee, listen to some music, and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables to take home. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings! Kids can take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo (10 am–2 pm), try out some arts and crafts (9 am–2 pm) and listen to family music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• Cherry Blossom Festival
  Japantown, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  Join hundreds of performers from both Japan and California to get a taste of the Japanese and Japanese American culture. Bring the family and for a day of celebration. Enjoy delicious Japanese and Japanese American food, dance and music performances, and a parade. The parade begins at the Civic Center at 1 pm, proceeding up Polk to Post Street, and ending in Japantown at Post and Fillmore streets. Location: Post and Buchanan Streets. For more info, visit their website.
• Public Season at Audubon Canyon Ranch’s Martin Griffin Preserve
  Stinson Beach
  Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Martin Griffin Preserve (formerly called Bolinas Lagoon Preserve) hosts one of the most studied Great Egret nesting sites on the West Coast. Each year visitors can enjoy viewing approximately 100 active nests in a grove of redwoods on the property. Martin Griffin Preserve includes bird and wildlife viewing platforms outfitted with spotting scopes and binoculars, eight miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, and an environmental education-focused bookstore and natural history exhibit. Open Saturday, Sundays and Holidays from March to July, 2013. For more info, call (415) 868-9244 or visit their website.