Events and Outings

Looking for a fun and educational day trip? Why not explore California's railroading past at Sacramento's California State Railroad Museum? Located in the historic Old Sacramento neighborhood, it's an easy day trip from the Bay Area or a convenient stop on the way home from Tahoe. Either way, it's perfect for a family outing at any time of the year.

If you like trains—and really, who doesn't?—the California State Railroad Museum is the place to go. Chronicling the history of California's railroads from the first transcontinental railroad in the 1860s to the modern day, there's really something here for the whole family. Not only can you view two centuries worth of historic locomotives and rolling stock, but you can actually go on board four different railroad cars, one of which is equipped to simulate movement at night.

Also on view in the museum are a huge array of toy trains and model railroad equipment. It's also one of the most family-friendly museums you can visit, full of big machines and fun things for kids to see and do.

What are you doing on your week off from school? Here are a few of our picks for fun things to do with the family around Marin, the Bay Area, and Northern California during Spring Break:

• See the cherry trees in bloom at the Japanese Tea Garden.
• Have some nature fun at Martin Griffin Preserve near Bolinas.
• Explore Point Reyes' Limantour Beach.
• Look for wildflowers and wildlife on Ring Mountain.
• Visit Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring at the de Young Museum.
• Head up to Lake Tahoe for some spring skiing.
• Tour the Jelly Belly Factory in Fairfield for a sweet treat.
• Take a trip to the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.
• Ice skate at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa.
• Take advantage of this week's expected warm weather and have a family picnic!

San Francisco’s Japanese Tea Garden is a favorite spot for tourists in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park, but it's also a great spot for local families. I've been visiting since I was a small child, and I've made sure that I introduced it to my children, too. Before I took them there, I had forgotten how magical this place is.

We just went this week one day after school, since at this time of year the sakura, or flowering cherry trees, and azaleas are in full bloom. It's a magnificent and colorful spring sight that's really worth the effort to see. The kids love to explore the grounds and get some tea and a Japanese snack at the tea room.

The Japanese Tea Garden is lush and tranquil with all its spring flowers blossoming, and even with the many tourists roaming around it still had the feeling of being a peaceful retreat from the bustle outside. We always try to make it a point to visit every time we're in Golden Gate Park, no matter what the time of year.

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 throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, April 5

• Breakfast with Enzo
  Sports Basement, San Francisco
  Friday, 2 shows: 10 am & 11 am
  Enzo Garcia plays guitar, banjo, accordion, musical saw, Jew's harp, enzotar, appalachian dulcimer, slide flute, percussion and more. Enzo has been performing his family music show, "Breakfast with Enzo," weekly in San Francisco for the past 8 years, Recommended for children 7 and under. Drop in any time. Cost: $5 per person; siblings under 7 months free. For more info, call (415) 652-2474 or visit his website.
• Sing-Along with Sara Sonnet
  San Rafael Public Library
  Friday, 10:30–11 am
  Come for a delightful selection of books, motion songs, toys, finger plays, lullabies and rhymes for children aged birth to 4 years old. Location: 1100 E Street, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 485-3322 or visit their website.
• Childrens' Storytime with Judy Buchanan
  Point Reyes Station Library
  Friday, 10:45–11:45 am
  Come join West Marin storyteller Judy Buchanan for some great children's stories! Location: 11431 State Route One, Point Reyes. For more info, call (415) 663-8375 or visit their website.

Saturday, April 6

• 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 kid's storytelling, 9:30-10:30 am. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Horse Council’s Day of the Horse—Ride to the Rescue
  Showcase Theater, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9 am–5 pm
  Horse lovers can attend equine seminars, lectures and demonstrations, plus see a competition that transforms rescued horses into valued members of the equestrian community. See the finals of this competition, talk to the contestants, and meet the horses. Come and meet the California Mission Riders as they share their journey on horseback connecting all 21 California missions. Tickets: $25, $10 children 13–17, children 12 and under free. For more info, visit their website.
• Super Seas: Golden Gate Playdate
  NatureBridge, Fort Cronkhite
  Saturday, 9:30–11:30 am
  Children ages 3–5 will celebrate seals, sea stars, and whales as our Sea-lebrities in the spotlight. Lots of hands-on activities designed to engage preschooler's sense of wonder and imagination through story, song, movement, and inquiry. Take a walk inside a whale skeleton, meet a live sea star from the marine lab, and explore size, texture, and shape all while enjoying the great outdoors. Cost: $15 per child per session, one adult admission free with purchase of child ticket. Pre-registration required. Snack provided. For more info, (415) 331-1548 or visit their website.
• Museums on Us
  Various locations
  Saturday & Sunday
  Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card holders get free general admission on the first full weekend of every month. Present your card and a photo ID for admission (one free general admission per cardholder). Get full details here. Participating museums include the de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, the Contemporary Jewish Museum, and the Chabot Space & Science Center. For more info, visit their website.
• Public Season at 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.

Get your tickets for the Mad Hatter's Spring Tea Party at San Rafael's Falkirk Cultural Center on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, 2013. There will be two tea party sittings, at noon and 3 pm each day.

Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare, and the Dormouse for this Wonderland tea party, complete with tea sandwiches, beverages, and dessert. The company of characters in original costumes, from the Stark Ravens Historical Players, will entertain and make the little ones giggle and dream as they sip their “tea”. Falkirk’s beautiful and elegant Victorian setting is the perfect place for this spring tea party.

The cost is $27.50 for adults and $22.50 for children, which includes all the food you can eat and a goodie bag for each child. Bring your camera for great photos! Reservations are required; call (800) 838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

Easter is only a week away, so it's time to start planning for egg hunts, breakfast with bunny and other special events. My children love this time of year when the flowers bloom, and the Easter Bunny hops into town. Part of the fun is celebrating spring and the Easter season with a traditional egg hunt, and there are Easter egg hunts scheduled at communities throughout Marin County. Here's our list of fun Easter egg hunts and events taking place in Marin and other locations in the Bay Area. We'll update this list as we find out about additional events. If we've left out your favorite Marin Easter egg hunt, please let us know and we'll add it to the roster.

Easter Bunny Photos

While your kids are waiting for the big day, they can visit the Easter Bunny and have their picture taken with him at his whimsical spring house at Northgate in Terra Linda. He'll be at the Macy's wing starting on March 15-30, 2013, Monday–Saturday from 11 am–7 pm and Sunday 11 am–6 pm. The Easter Bunny takes the following breaks: Monday–Saturday 1–1:45 pm and 4:30–5:15 pm and Sunday 2:15–2:45 pm. For more info, visit their website.

Belvedere

• Easter Bunny Brunch
  Belvedere Community Center
  Saturday, March 30 from 10 am–noon
  There will be a brunch, Easter crafts, music, face painting, carnival games, and an Easter egg hunt. Easter egg hunt will take place in the playground after the brunch and the children will be grouped by ages. To purchase tickets, call the recreation office at (415) 435-4355. For more info, visit their website.

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 throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, March 22

• Sing-Along with Sara Sonnet
  San Rafael Public Library
  Friday, 10:30–11 am
  Come for a delightful selection of books, motion songs, toys, finger plays, lullabies and rhymes for children aged birth to 4 years old. Location: 1100 E Street, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 485-3322 or visit their website.
• Easter Bunny Photos at Northgate
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 11 am–7 pm & Sunday, 11 am-6 pm
  The Easter Bunny will be at arriving at Northgate Mall on Friday, March 15. Bring the little ones out to visit the Easter Bunny for photos and a free gift! The Easter Bunny is located in the Macy's wing. Photo hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 am–7 pm (Break: 1–1:45 pm and 4:30–5:15 pm) and Sunday 11 am–6 pm (Break: 2:15–2:45 pm). For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Primary & Middle School Presents: The Odyssey
  Showcase Theater, Marin Center
  Friday and Saturday, 7 pm & Sunday, 1 pm
  It’s a timeless story of action, comedy, and danger suitable for the whole family. Triumphant from the ten-year Trojan War, the hero Odysseus attempts to return home but is thwarted by the angry god Poseidon. Aided by the goddess of wisdom Athena, our hero must survive encounters with the monster Cyclops, the witch Circe, and the alluring, deadly Sirens. Tickets: $15, 8th grade and under $10. For more info, visit their website.
• Spring Cabaret: Pirates of Penzance
  Mill Valley Middle School Gymnasium
  Friday, 8 pm, Saturday, 1 pm, Sunday, 8 pm
  Don't Miss the Mill Valley Middle School Spring Cabaret: Pirates of Penzance with a twist! This year's Cabaret will follow the story of Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, accompanied by a live orchestra. Woven in between scenes will be talent, music, circus and dance acts, hosted by MVMS storytellers! Performances will be at the theater in the MVMS gymnasium at 425 Sycamore Avenue in Mill Valley. Tickets available at the door: $15 for adults, $10 for MVMS students and younger children. Baked goods and flowers will be for sale at the show.

Saturday, March 23

• Spring Eggstravaganza!
  Mill Valley Community Center
  Saturday, 8:30 am–noon
  Join Mr. E. Bunny for a breakfast from 8:30–10 am. Dine on a special springtime breakfast, and take a photo with Mr. E. Bunny (don’t forget your camera). After, get ready for the annual egg hunt. Mr. E. Bunny will start each hunt: 10 am for ages 2 and under, and 10:15 am for ages 3–4 and ages 5–8. Egg hunt is free, but tickets required for breakfast Tickets available now for the breakfast at the Community Center and Aquatics/Fitness Center, adults: $6, children: $4 (2 and under free). For more info, call (415) 383-1370 or 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.
• Giant Indoor Yard Sale
  Corte Madera Community Center
  Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
  Lots of stuff at bargain prices! All kinds of household items, toys, games, books, clothing, jewelry, accessories, linens, collectibles—you name it! This is the Corte Madera Women's Club's annual fundraiser for scholarships and community projects. Doors open at 9 am. Cash and checks only, no credit cards. Location: 498 Tamalpais Avenue, Corte Madera.For more info, visit their website.
  
• Fling on Ring in the Spring
  Ring Mountain Preserve, Tiburon
  Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
  Come to Ring Mountain for a day of environmental education and community service, helping to remove invasive French broom to restore native grassland. After lunch, volunteer naturalist Bernie Hale will present “Skins and Skulls," focusing on the diversity of Marin’s wildlife. Bernie has a wide variety of pelts and skulls and tells stories that bring these objects to life. The terrain is uneven and the work is moderately strenuous but suitable for volunteers 5 years and older. The presentation is geared toward children but entertaining for all ages. Dress in layers, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. For more info, visit their website.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day Party
  Chronicle Books at the Metreon
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  Bring the kids to the free Eric Carle Day celebration at the Chronicle Books' Metreon location. The celebration commemorates both Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the release of the My Chronicle Books line of personalized items. Children and their parents are invited to make this party a blast. Complete with cupcakes, drinks, art activities, and a sneak preview of the new goodies, this event is going to make everyone remember their fond childhood memories of Eric Carle’s unforgettable art and stories. Location: Chronicle Books at the Metreon, 165 4th Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Marinwood Children's Toy and Clothing Sale
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Marinwood's semi-annual children’s toy and clothing sale takes place this Saturday. Get there early to get the best bargains on children's clothing, toys, books, baby equipment, and more. The Marinwood Community Center is located at 775 Miller Creek Road in San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
  Sonoma–Marin Fairgrounds
  Saturday, 10–11:30 am
  The Petaluma Sunrise Rotary’s 8th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Sonoma Marin Fairgrounds in Petaluma starts at 10 sharp. Free for children 12 and under. There will be an Easter egg hunt, children's activities, beverages and snacks, and a visit by the Easter Bunny. Location: 175 Fairgrounds Drive off Washington, Petaluma. For more info, call (707) 763-0931 visit their website.

Celebrate all things agricultural this Thursday, March 21 from 9 am to noon at the 2013 Marin Farm Day at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael. This free event, celebrating its 28th year, provides hands-on educational experiences outside the classroom for kids of all ages.

Families and children can meet farm animals, including cows, horses and ponies, goats, sheep, poultry, rabbits, and more, and experience interactive exhibition on agriculture, health, animals, gardens, and environmental education from more than 30 Northern California ranchers, growers, producers, and educators. Participants also include local 4H clubs.

Many of the exhibits and presentations are focused on children in kindergarten through third grade, but all ages are welcome. Come have fun and learn about the importance of agriculture and farming in Marin County. There will also be essay and art contests, with awards sponsored by various business donors.

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 throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, March 15

• Dabbling & Diving Ducks: Golden Gate Playdate
  NatureBridge, Sausalito
  Friday, 9:30–11:30 am
  Waddle your way over to Rodeo Lagoon and take a closer look at the wet and wondrous lives of ducks! You and your preschooler will become duck detectives and use hands-on activities to answer questions like whether all ducks eat the same food, do ducks get wet, and do all ducks quack? Together, we will explore duck specimens, play games, and use hand-crafted binoculars to observe ducks in their habitats. Cost: $15 per child per session, one adult admission free with purchase of child ticket. Ages 3–5 welcome (pre-K). Pre-registration required here. Location: NatureBridge at Golden Gate, 1033 Fort Cronkhite in Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Breakfast with Enzo
  Sports Basement, San Francisco
  Friday, 2 shows: 10 am & 11 am
  Enzo Garcia plays guitar, banjo, accordion, musical saw, Jew's harp, enzotar, appalachian dulcimer, slide flute, percussion and more. Enzo has been performing his family music show, "Breakfast with Enzo," weekly in San Francisco for the past 8 years, Recommended for children 7 and under. Drop in any time. Cost: $5 per person; siblings under 7 months free. For more info, call (415) 652-2474 or visit his website.
  
• Easter Bunny Photos at Northgate
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 11 am–7 pm
  The Easter Bunny will be at arriving at Northgate Mall on Friday, March 15. Bring the little ones out to visit the Easter Bunny for photos and a free gift! The Easter Bunny is located in the Macy's wing. Photo hours: Monday–Saturday, 11 am–7 pm (Break: 1–1:45 pm and 4:30–5:15 pm) and Sunday 11 am–6 pm (Break: 2:15–2:45 pm). For more info, visit their website.
• Marinwood Camp Night
  Marinwood Community Center
  Friday, 5–7 pm
  Whether you are still looking for the perfect camp for your child or you still need to register, come to this event! Ask Marinwood staff your camp questions, register for camps, meet specialty camp instructors and sign up for swim lessons. Free bounce house and hot dogs! Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 479-0775 or visit their website.
  

Saturday, March 16

• My Step, Her Stride: 5K Walk/Run & Festival
  Great Meadow at Fort Mason San Francisco
  Saturday, 8:30 am–3:30 pm
  Take part in the first annual My Step, Her Stride, a San Francisco 5K walk/run followed by a festival including music, dance, and food as well as prominent speakers addressing women’s and global issues, benefitting Women for Women International. Check-in begins at 8:30 am and the program begins at 9:30 am. Online registration is available on this site through Thursday, March 14 at 2 pm. Event-day registration is welcome at 8:30 am on March 16 (at a cost of $5 more). The event is on rain or shine. For more info, visit their website.
• Spring City-Wide Yard Sale
  MLK Parking Lot, Sausalito
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  With over 90 different booths to browse through, the Sausalito City-Wide Yard Sale is truly a fun place to come and find some useful home items, gifts or secret treasures! Admission is free. The Sausalito Dog Park will be selling hot yummy food items to raise money for the park and there will be coffee donated by the local Starbucks in the morning so come early. Location: 610 Coloma Street, Sausalito. 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.
• 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 16 to July 14, 2013. For more info, call (415) 868-9244 or visit their website.
• Puppet Show for Preschoolers with Rebecah Freeling
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 11 am
  Master storyteller and early childhood educator Rebecah Freeling presents a magical puppet show for preschoolers featuring her original stories and tales drawn from folk and fairy tale traditions. Free. Book Passage is located at 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard in Corte Madera. For more information, visit their website.
  
• Kids Club with Andy Z
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Saturday, 11 am–noon
  Northgate has teamed up with National Geographic Kids to create activities and games that focus on discovery through play. Singer/songwriter Andy Z will entertain kids through music, movement, storytelling, and character puppets to create an experience that keeps kids engaged and adults entertained. Location: Kids Club area near center of mall. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Theatre Company: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
  Belvedere-Tiburon Library
  Saturday, 11 am
  Through the magic of theater, Peter and Lucy will take you to Narnia, where the White Witch has cast a spell that makes it always winter. See them meet Mr. Tumnus the faun and conspire with talking animals to save Narnia. Come face to face with Aslan the Great Lion and cheer as Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund courageously battle the forces of evil and discover that Love is the deepest magic of all. Location: in Founders Room at 1501 Tiburon Blvd.,Tiburon.For ages 5 and up. For more info, call (415) 789-2662 or visit their website.
• San Francisco's 162nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Festival
  Civic Center Plaza
  Saturday, 11:30 am–5 pm
  The colorful festivities surrounding the parade will showcase Irish culture through live performance and entertainment, arts and crafts exhibitors, food and beverage concessions, and children's rides and inflatables. The parade begins at 11:30 am at the corner of Second and Market Streets, where more than 5,000 participants from all over the USA will work their way City Hall. For more info, visit their website.