Events and Outings

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.

It's especially worth a visit at this time of year when 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.

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 11

• Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale
  Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
  Friday, 9 am–8 pm, Saturday, 9 am–3 pm and Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
  Just Between Friends bills itself as the North Bay's largest kids and maternity consignment sale, and offers toys, clothing, outdoor gear, mommy supplies, furniture, and more. Cash, checks, and credit and debit cards accepted. There's a $3 admission charge on Thursday and $2 charge on Friday, but you can get in for free by registering for a pass in advance. The offer two sales each year: one in the spring and then another in the fall. Address: Grace Pavilion, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Breakfast with Enzo
  Sports Basement, San Francisco Presidio
  Friday, 10 & 11 am
  Enzo Garcia plays guitar, banjo, accordion, musical saw, Jew's harp, enzotar, appalachian dulcimer, slide flute, percussion and more. Recommended for children 7 and under. Drop in any time. Cost: $15 for one child & $10 per each additional child siblings under 7 months free For more info, call (415) 652-2474 or visit his website.
• Chinese Board Games & Dragon Parade
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Friday, 10:30–11:30 am
  Part of the Children’s China exhibition, children play traditional Chinese board games and participate in a Dragon Parade around the Museum. Cost: Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. For more info, call (415) 339-3900 or visit their website.
• Throckmorton Youth Performers: The King and I
  Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm
  The Classic Broadway hit The King and I tells the story of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King of Siam’s drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by cultural conflict, as well as a love that neither can admit. Tickets $15–$35. Location: 142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka: The Musical
  San Rafael Community Center
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 1 pm & Sunday, 3 pm
  Come with us to see a world of pure imagination! Chocolatier Willy Wonka starts a candy bar frenzy when he puts five golden tickets wrapped inside five of his famous chocolate bars! The golden tickets will allow the lucky finders to tour his factory, a mysterious, locked delicious smelling place where no one goes in or out... Four of the five winning children are brats. The fifth is a likeable young lad named Charlie Bucket. The children must follow the rules of the factory or suffer the consequences!  Tickets: $20 per person. Purchase tickets here. Location: 618 B Street, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, March 12

• Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale
  Saturday, 9 am–3 pm and Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
  (see Friday for details)
  
• 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 music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• Nature HIke at Bouverie Preserve
  Glen Ellen
  Saturday, 9:30 am–1:30 pm
  Experience the beauty and rich natural history of this 535-acre preserve. Guided nature walks range from two to five miles. Visitors of all ages are welcome. Suggested donation $15 per person. Contributions support the preservation, education and conservation science programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made a month in advance of each respective hike. Location: 13935 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen. For more info, call (707) 938-4554 or visit their website.
• San Rafael Library: Special Book Sale
  First Presbyterian Church, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9:30 am–3:30 pm
  The San Rafael Friends of the Library will have a rare and special book sale across the street from the downtown library. Included in this sale will be rare and special books, vintage sets, leather bound books, charming oldies and many books on the arts:  fine art, architecture, design. Ample parking can be found on the street or lot at E and Mission Street. For more info, visit their website.
• Spider-Man Weekend
  San Francisco Zoo
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Rain or shine, Spider-Man will be at the San Francisco Zoo this weekend! Have your camera ready to take a selfie with Spidey in the Pachyderm Building, home of the Rockin’ Ropes Adventure, from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop by the Insect Zoo for special keeper talks at 11 am and 2 pm because although Spider-Man is a crowd pleaser, spiders themselves are not always beloved by humans.Free after zoo admission. Location: Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Creative Family Fun: Winged Windsocks
  Presidio Officers' Club, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Learn about aviation history! Pilots at Crissy Army Airfield would have needed to know how windy it was as wind can affect a plane’s take-off and landing. See just how windy it is by making your very own Presidio-themed windsock to take home! Best for kids aged 5 to 12 years. Drop-in anytime between 11 am and 4 pm. Free. Read about our visit to the Officers' Club here. Location: 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Susie Jaramillo reads from Little Chickies/Los Pollitos
  Diesel, a Bookstore, Larkspur
  Saturday, 11 am
  Author Susie Jaramillo reads and signs her picturebook, Little Chickies/Los Pollitos, at Diesel in Marin Country Mart. Based on Little Chickies Squeal/Los Pollitos Dicen, one of the most popular nursery rhymes in the Spanish speaking world, Little Chickies/Los Pollitos is an homage to the demanding nature of babies and the unconditional love, care and warmth given to them by their mommies. This English adaptation of the song is as catchy and lyrical as the Spanish version and sure to engage new audiences not familiar with the original. Location: 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. For more info, visit their website.
• Storytime: Too Many Carrots
  Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 11–11:45 am
  When Rabbit collects too many carrots, which leave him unable to sleep in his cozy burrow, other animals offer to share their homes. Will Rabbit make his way back? Join us to find out at a special Storytime featuring Too Many Carrots. Activities and coloring to follow. Location: 313 Corte Madera Town Center. For more info, visit their website.
• The World's Smallest Parade
  Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley
  Saturday, 11 am–3 pm
  Design, build, and test your own miniature robotic float and take part in the World's Smallest Parade. Get hands-on experience with linkages, mechanics, and robotics as you create and decorate your float. Then, watch your designs come to life as the tiny parade takes a trip through Design Quest. Each miniature electronic float frame is built by teen interns in the Hall’s TechHive studio. Meet these young inventors and learn more about their creative process during the event. Location: 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. For more info, visit their website.
• St. Patrick's Day Parade
  Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11:30 am
  The 165th Annual San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival is the West Coast’s largest event celebrating Irish history and culture. The Parade will start at the corner of Market and Second Streets where over a hundred colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands will wind their way to Civic Center Plaza. Following the parade, the Festival will be held at Civic Center Plaza, in front of City Hall. This year’s Festival features cultural and exhibitor booths, a healthy selection of Irish food and beverages, Irish dancing, live music, both contemporary and traditional, and activities for children including inflatable and mechanical rides and more. For more info, visit their website.
continue reading »

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 4

• Sing and Dance with Miss Kitty
  San Rafael Public Library
  Friday, 10:30–11:15 am
  Join Marin County favorite Miss Kitty for a series of fun family concerts just right for children aged birth to 8 years old. Free, no registration required! Location: 1100 E Street, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 485-3322 or visit their website.
• Kids Night Out: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
  Rolling HIlls Club, Novato
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  We are all music makers, and we are the dreamer of the dreams! Join us as we create our own chocolate bar and mix up some mad science, candy style! We will watch the orignial "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". Pizza will be served. Ages 5–12. Cost: $22 member and $32 guest. Register here. Location: 351 San Andreas Drive, Novato. For more info, call 415-897-2185 or visit their website.
• Kids' Pajama Party with Steve Goetz
  Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart
  Friday, 6–6:30 pm
  Pull on your PJs and bring your teddy bear to the bookstore! Steve Goetz, author of Old MacDonald Had a Truck, will be here to read you a bedtime story. Get cozy in front of the fireplace, listen to a story or two, have some milk and cookies, get your books signed, and then head home for bed. Location: 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle. For more info, call (415) 785-8177 or visit their website.
• Throckmorton Youth Performers: The King and I
  Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 2 pm
  The Classic Broadway hit The King and I tells the story of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the King of Siam’s drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is marked by cultural conflict, as well as a love that neither can admit. Tickets $15–$35. Location: 142 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, March 5

• Novato Mothers Club Rummage Sale
  Downtown Novato Recreation Center
  Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
  One-stop shopping for your growing family! All items sold are in good condition. Maternity clothes, boys and girls clothes, toys, and books for infants, toddlers, & preschoolers. Plus everything you need for your baby—strollers, high chairs, & nursing items and more. Doors close from 1:30–2 pm. After 2 pm, 50% all items. Location: 950 Seventh Street, Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Free Yoga at Old Mill Park
  Old Mill Amphitheater, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 9–10 am
  The Mill Valley Recreation Department is offering a free Hatha flow yoga class the first Saturday of the month at Old Mill Amphitheater. Prepare to sweat, breathe, align and stretch in this fun, unique environment. Designed for students of all levels, this class will be held in all weather conditions except severe rain. Bring a mat, water bottle and comfortable clothing. For more info, visit their website.
• Santa Venetia Marsh Stroll
  Santa Venetia Open Space Preserve, San Rafael
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  Join a ranger for a stroll around beautiful Santa Venetia Marsh. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Degree of difficulty: Easy. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring binoculars if you have them. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Rain or heavy winds will cancel. Meet at the Vendola Drive trailhead. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Free Day: 50th Anniversary for Families
  Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  For our golden anniversary, we're inviting you to celebrate with us all weekend—for free. With captivating art, music, dance, artist demonstrations and more, this is an extravaganza you won’t want to miss. Enjoy thrilling live performances by Red Panda Acrobats, Southeast Asian Arts and Culture Coalition, Gamelan Anak Swarasanti, Non-Stop Bhangra and the “Twelve Pianos” project. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website. 
• Masque Unit Junior Theatre: Jack and the Beanstalk
  Marin Center Showcase Theater, San Rafael
  Saturday, 10 am, 1 and 3 pm
  The classic story of Jack and the Beanstalk comes to life in Masque Unit Junior Theatre’s annual live theater production for young children at Marin Center this Saturday, March 5, 2016. Masque Unit’s production, titled Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Giant, and the Goose, and the Really Truly-Uly Rotten Day, is a contemporary take on a timeless fairy tale featuring Broadway-style songs, dancing, comedy, magic, and surprises. Tickets: $10 children 12 under, $12 for adults. For more info and tickets, visit their website.
• Free Family Bike Safety Ride
  Tam Valley Community Center
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  Bring the family to learn to safely navigate the streets including a neighborhood ride. Location: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• Free Junior Chef Class: Easter Cookies
  Williams-Sonoma, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 10 am
  Hey, kids - Easter is just around the corner, so let's bake some festive cookies. We'll cut the dough into fun shapes and you can decorate them as you please. The Easter Bunny will love your amazing creations! Call the store to reserve your spot: (415) 924-6799. Location: The Village Corte Madera. For more info, visit their website
• KinderCycle
  Sports Basement, Berkeley
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  KinderCycle organizes swaps of clothes for kids ages 0–6, maternity clothes, toys, books, and gear. Cost: $5 if you bring stuff to swap, $10 if you don't. Location: 2727 Milvia Street, Berkeley. For more info visit their website.
• Kids' Cowpoke Carnival
  McKinley School Auditorium, Petaluma
  Saturday, 11 am–2 pm
  Bring the entire family for games, cake walk, arts and crafts, music, food and more... Kids can mine for gold nuggets and exchange them in at the general store. All proceeds benefit the Petaluma Parent Nursery School. Admission: $5 for cowpokes ages 2 to 8; free for handlers. Location: 810 Madison Street, Petaluma. For more info, visit their website.
• Creative Family Fun: Super Stained Glass Butterflies
  Presidio Officers' Club, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Drop in for imaginative craft-making based on the Presidio’s natural and cultural heritage. Featuring different crafts every weekend! This weekend: Did you know that there are over 30 species of butterflies living in the Presidio? Come make your own beautiful butterfly that will brighten up your home. Best for kids aged 5 to 12 years. Drop-in anytime between 11 am and 4 pm. Free. Read about our visit to the Officers' Club here. Location: 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint
  The Old Mint, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–5 pm & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  This weekend, the Old Mint becomes a pop-up museum of San Francisco history featuring more than 75 exhibitors at the San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint. Join community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, reenactors, and other history enthusiasts for a free community open house at this historic site. Free. Location: 88 Fifth Street (at Mission Street), San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Bay Area Children's Theatre: Bad Kitty on Stage
  Children's Creativity Museum Theater, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am and 2 pm
  Straight from the pages of the wildly popular Bad Kitty comic book series, here she sprawls, in solitary splendor, until one day … (loud hissing) PUPPY! Uh oh.  And then … (hair on back standing on end) MOUSE! And then … well, let’s just say life gets complicated. A world premiere. Recommended for age 4 and up. The performance is 60 minutes with no intermission. Location: 221 4th Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Parent-Teen Safe Driving Workshop
  San Anselmo Library
  Saturday, 11–12:30 pm
  An Impact Teen Drivers program. Distracted driving crashes are 100% preventable.  Join Impact Teen Drivers, a nationally-recognized non-profit organization, for a 90 minute workshop that will empower drivers and passengers with decision-making strategies and engaging tools and resources. No registration required. Location: 525 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Aaron Reynold Reads President Squid
  Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart
  Saturday, 11 am
  Join Aaron Reynolds as he explores the ideal qualities of leaders, diplomats … and giant squid. Squid knows all about being president. It means living in a big house, doing all the talking… oh, and having a tie is crucial. He's all set! In the next election, make a more informed choice. Vote for President Squid! Aaron Reynolds is a Caldecott honoree and the New York Times bestselling author of many books for children, including Here Comes Destructosaurus! and Carnivores. For ages 4+. Fore more info, visit their website.
• YouthSpark Hour of Code
  Microsoft Store, The Village at Corte Madera
  Saturday, 1–2 pm
  In this workshop, students will learn how to code and play in their own gaming world, where creativity and problem-solving come together to make something all their own. Recommended for young developers ages 8+. Space is limited. Register online here. Location: 1640 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera. For more info, visit their website.
continue reading »

Don’t miss the 2016 Novato Mothers Club Rummage Sale! This huge rummage sale takes place on Saturday, March 5, from 9 am to 3 pm. You can literally get everything you need for your family: cribs, strollers, children’s clothing, maternity wear, toys, books, shoes, nursing items, and more. It's a favorite shopping event for Marin families. There will also be a bake sale for goodies to munch while you shop.

The sale will close from 1:30 to 2 pm. After 2 pm everything will be 50% off!

The Novato Mothers Club Rummage Sale will take place at Novato's Downtown Recreation Center, located at 950 Seventh Street, off Grant Avenue, in downtown Novato (adjacent to the Novato Gymnastics Center). Admission to the rummage sale and parking are free. Cash only.

Petaluma's Tara Firma Farms is a family-run farm that produces humanely raised chickens, pigs, turkeys, and cattle on 300 acres just across the Sonoma County line from Marin. In addition to raising and selling their products, they're committed to educating the public about life on the farm, healthy food, and environmentally sustainable agriculture.

One of the best things about Tara Firma Farms is that you can visit and take a fun free farm tour. Every Saturday and Sunday, Tara Firma farms offers family-friendly tours at noon (they'll add additional tour times in late spring and early summer). The tours are a fantastic farm experience for parents, kids, and anyone who wants to get an up-close-and-personal look at where their food comes from. Come experience the sights, sounds, and, yes, smells of the farm first-hand! Spring is a great time to visit, with green grass, wildflowers, and baby animals galore.

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, February 26

• Silhouette Artist Karl Johnson
  Sprout, San Francisco
  Friday, 10 am–5:30 pm
  Join renowned silhouette artist Karl Johnson at Sprout where he will be creating hand cut silhouette portraits for one day. Each silhouette takes just minutes and all ages are welcome! Please make one 5-minute appointment per person. Original silhouettes are $30. Payment is made at the event. Location: 1828 Union Street, San Francisco. For more info, call (415) 648-3954 or visit their website.
• Disney On Ice Presents Frozen
  Oracle Arena, Oakland
  Friday, Saturday & Sunday, various times
  It’s one colossal party on ice, with all your favorite Disney friends at Disney On Ice presents Frozen Shows run from February 26–February 29. Tickets start at $20. Children 2 and up need tickets. Purchase tickets here. Location: 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. To purchase tickets, visit their website.
• PAAM Presents: Shrek the Musical
  Showcase Theate, San Rafael
  Friday and Saturday, 7 pm and Sunday, 1 pm
  Join PAAM for the magical and musical fairy tale adventure of Shrek, an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a talking donkey and a feisty princess with a secret. This musical production features performers ages 9 and up. PAAM’s Youth MainSTAGE Musical is the premier theater event for our student performers, offering a fantastic opportunity for students to create meaningful characters, build confidence onstage, and grow as young artists. Tickets: $24. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. For more info and tickets, visit their website. 
• Cabaret 2016: The Sound of Music
  Mill Valley Middle School
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7:30 pm
  The annual Mill Valley Middle School Cabaret is an all-ages show featuring a cast and crew of approximately 100 students who auditioned to be singers, dancers, and actors; or applied to be stage managers, set designers, costume designers, makeup artists, lighting assistants, and sound assistants.  Doors open 30 minutes before show time. Tickets are available at the door only, and cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Location: MVMS Gym, 425 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, February 27

• 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 music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• Spring Family Farm Days 2016
  Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  Learn about the many birds who live at Slide Ranch, from the Great Horned Owls and beautiful hummingbirds to our own chickens and ducks. This program will also include milking our goats, activities in organic garden, and more. Cost: $25; children 2 and under are free. Location: Highway 1 (Shoreline Highway). For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Theatre Company's The Little Mermaid
  Mill Valley
  Saturday, 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm, Sunday, 10:30 am & 12:30 pm
  Dive right into the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale! Recommended for ages 5–8. Run time 35 minutes. Tickets: $18–$22. Purchase tickets here. Location: 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, call (415) 388.5200 or visit their website.
• Open House & French Market
  Lycee Francais de San Francisco, Sausalito
  Saturday, 11 am–3 pm
  Come for a brief presentation and tour of Lycée Français' new campus here in Marin, and stay for their first-ever French Market, with tasty treats, French vendors, music, and activities for kids! Location: 610 Colma Street, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
• Kids' Concert: Alphabet Rockers
  Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
  Saturday, 11 am (doors open at 10:30 am)
  It’s time to lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to celebrate: Alphabet Rockers are bringing their brand new theatrical hip-hop concert, “The Playground Zone” to the Freight! The band amplifies important messages with songs addressing diversity and the impact each of us has in shaping our world. Tickets: $10 advance, $12 at the door. Purchase tickets online here. Location: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. For more info, visit their website.
• Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Storytime
  Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 11 am
  Join us in celebrating the beloved Dr. Seuss's upcoming birthday (March 2). At this fun celebration you can pin the tail on Horton, decorate your own hat from Cat in the Hat and more. Featured titles include What Pet Should I Get? and The Cat in the Hat. Don’t miss out on this fun-filled storytime! Location: Corte Madera Town Center. For more info, visit their website.
• Nike Missile Site Open House
  Marin Headlands, Sausalito
  Saturday, 12:30–3:30 pm
  Unique in the National Park Service, this restored Cold War anti-aircraft missile site has intriguing stories to tell. Take a ranger-guided tour of this restored facility, and learn about its history from volunteers, many of whom served at sites like. Free. Read about our visit here. For more info, visit their website.
• Microsoft Hour of Code
  Microsoft Store, The Village at Corte Madera
  Saturday, 1–2 pm
  In this workshop, students will learn how to code and play in their own gaming world, where creativity and problem-solving come together to make something all their own. Recommended for young developers ages 8+. Space is limited. Register online here. Location: 1640 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera. For more info, visit their website.
continue reading »

Looking for something fun for the kids to do over the upcoming spring break? Check out some of the great day camp programs here in Marin. Many of these camps offer drop-in sessions for last-minute fun over the break, as well as before- and after-care.

We've also included a list of community centers in Marin, all of which offer spring break camps and classes for kids.

Marin Community Centers

• Belvedere/Tiburon Recreation Department
• Corte Madera Parks and Recreation Department
• Larkspur Parks and Recreation Department
• Marinwood Parks and Recreation
• Mill Valley Community Center
• Novato Parks and Recreation
• Ross Recreation Department
• San Anselmo Recreation Department
• Sausalito Parks and Recreation
• Strawberry Recreation District
   
continue reading »

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, February 19

• Kid-O-Rama
  Squaw Valley & Alpine Meadows, Lake Tahoe
  Friday & Saturday, all day
  Kid-O-Rama offers non-stop fun for kids of all ages, including the Big Truck Event—featuring fire trucks, snowplows, and grooming machines—as well as street parties and kids’ concerts, an all-kid game and craft room, crazy helmet day, and more. For more info, visit their website.
• Hunger Games: The Exhibition
  Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
  Friday & Saturday, 10 am–9 pm, Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  Follow Katniss Everdeen's journey from her beginnings in District 12 to her emergence as the Mockingjay and explore the real-world themes underpinning the stories and the technological wizardry and amazing artistry that carried them to the screen. This exhibition features immersive themed environments and interactive digital and hands-on experiences related to the Hunger Games movie franchise. Tickets: $27.50 adults, $25 seniors 65+, $22 children 3–11. Location: 3601 Lyon Street, San Francisco. For more info and to reserve tickets, visit their website.
• Make a FlipBox Night Light
  The MakerSpace, South Novato Library
  Friday, 11 am–1 pm
  Teens in 6th–12th grade can assemble a cube and wire it to light up when you flip it over. Space is limited, registration required; to sign up, call (415) 506-3165. Location: 931 C Street, Novato (Hamilton area). For more info, visit their website.
• Discover the Dinosaurs
  San Jose Convention Center
  Friday, 1–8 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–7 pm
  Experience moving animatronic dinosaurs showcased in the period of time in which they lived. Other activities inlcude a scavenger hunt, dinosaur rides, movies, a dino dig, inflatables, and more. Tickets: $28 children 2–12, $24 adults, $21 seniors 65+, free for children under 2. Location: 150 West San Carlos Street, San Jose. For more info, visit their website.
• Lego Play Day!
  Mill Valley Library
  Friday, 2:30–4 pm
  Did you know that the skills used to build with Legos support problem solving, reading, and creativity? Join us for Lego Play Day. Grades K and up, no advance sign-up required. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• Chinese Zodiac Storytelling
  Inverness Library
  Friday, 4–5 pm
  Kids and adults will enjoy an interactive storytelling experience celebrating the Year of the Monkey and the Chinese zodiac. Free. Locaiton: 15 Park Avenue, Inverness. For more info, call (415) 669-1288 or visit their website.

Saturday, February 20

• 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 music (9:30–10:30 am). For more info, visit their website.
• NVCM Classical Kids: Just So Stories
  Noe Valley Ministry, San Francisco
  Saturday, 9:30 & 11 am
  NVCM’s Classical Kids presents the Trinity Alps Chamber Players at Noe Valley Ministry performing Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories, set to music by composer Danny Clay. Two 45 minute shows repeat at 9:30 and 11 am. Doors open at 9 am. Suitable for all ages. Tickets: $10 per person; $25 for family pass for up to 4 people. Location: 1021 Sanchez Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Climb Aboard at the Pacific Coast Air Museum
  Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport, Santa Rosa
  Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Sit in the cockpits of our vintage aircraft, and learn about the history of where and how they were used from the crews who have lovingly restored them. The museum features one or two historic aircraft each Climb Aboard Weekend. Ordinary museum admission fee applies. Location: 1 Air Museum Way, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Aquarium of the Bay at the Bay Model
  Bay Model Visitor Center, Sausalito
  Saturday, 11:30 am–2:30 pm
  Aquarium of the Bay has teamed up with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Bay Model Visitor Center to create the Bay Model Alliance, a not-for-profit organization that benefits the Bay Model and its educational programs by bringing the Bay, its animals, and their habitats to you! Join us at the Bay Model for these special conservation programs that are fun for the whole family! Free. Location: 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
• Nike Missile Site Open House
  Marin Headlands, Sausalito
  Saturday, 12:30–3:30 pm
  Unique in the National Park Service, this restored Cold War anti-aircraft missile site has intriguing stories to tell. Take a ranger-guided tour of this restored facility, and learn about its history from volunteers, many of whom served at sites like. Free. Read about our visit here. For more info, visit their website.
• Family Nature Walks
  Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 1–4 pm
  Get the kids outside and let them explore Spring Lake Regional Park with a naturalist from the park’s Environmental Discovery Center. One-hour hikes start at 1 and 3 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Families can return to the Center after each hike for nature-themed crafts and to explore the touchable tide pool and other exhibits. The Discovery Center is at the park’s Violetti Road entrance. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and bring a bottle of water. Heavy rain cancels. For more info, visit their website.
• Weaving Workshop for Grades K–5
  Fairfax Library
  Saturday, 3–4:15 pm
  Come learn about the art and history of weaving from San Anselmo's Gabriella Drake of Art Abloom. Create your own mini tapestry! Space limited, pre-registration required; call (415) 457-5629 to sign up. For kids ages 6–11. Location: 2097 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax. For more info, visit their website.
• Year of the Monkey Chinese New Year Celebration
  Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building
  Saturday, 5–9 pm
  Bring the family to the Year of the Monkey Chinese New Year Celebration. Activities include: music, dance, martial arts, dragons and lions and buffet dinner at 6 pm. Cost: $25 adults, $10 children ages 3–13. Location: 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade
  Downtown San Francisco
  Saturday, 5:15–8 pm
  Started in the 1860s, San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade has grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside of Asia. Highlights include elaborate floats, lion dancers, folk dancers, costumed elementary school groups, marching bands, stilt walkers, Chinese acrobats, and a 268 foot long Golden Dragon (“Gum Lung”). Free; bleacher seats $30. Route: Market and Second Street to Kearny and Jackson. You can also watch is on KTVU 2 or KTSF 26. For more info, visit their website.
continue reading »

Gung hay fat choy! Sausalito's Bay Area Discovery Museum opens on a Monday (something that happens rarely) today for its annual Chinese New Year Festival. The festivities take place today (February 15, Presidents' Day) from 9 am to 5 pm. At the this celebration of the Year of the Monkey, the whole family can find something to do. Try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy, construct a paper lantern, see a vibrant performance by the Chinese Performing Arts of America Youth Group, hear performances of Chinese music, watch martial arts demonstrations, play traditional Chinese games, and dine on delicious Chinese food.

You can also learn about the Chinese zodiac and enjoy an exciting performance by the lion dancers of the Marin Chinese Cultural Group at 10 am and 2 pm. Lion dance performances take place in the museum's Festival Plaza.

All programs are free with museum admission. While you're there, you can also enjoy the museum's current special exhibition, Children's China: Celebrating Culture, Character and Confucius.