Family Weekend Events for September 21, 22 & 23

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, September 21

• Nature for Kids: Indian Tree
  Indian Tree Preserve, Novato
  Friday, 10 am–1 pm
  Come explore the little grove of redwoods and find out more about the different habitats and animals that live in each place. This walk is free of charge, no registration is necessary. We request that no animals (except service animals) attend. David Herlocker will lead. Directions: Meet at the Vineyard Rd Trailhead in Novato. From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Atherton Ave/San Marin Dr exit west on San Marin Dr (turns into Sutro Ave after the Novato Blvd junction), and turn right at Vineyard Rd. Trailhead is where the pavement ends.For more info, call (415) 893-9508 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.
• The Family Overnight Experience on the USS Hornet
  USS Hornet Museum, Alameda
  Friday, 5 pm–Saturday, 10 am
  Bring the family (ages 5 and up) on the untimate overnight adventure on the historic aircraft carrier the USS Hornet. Come explore the decks of the famous World War II ship from the captain's bridge to the engine room. Kids and adults sleep in original crew bunks, eat dinner and breakfast in the crew's mess hall and much much more. Read our overnight experience here. Cost: $100 per person. For more info and an itenerary, visit their website.
• Broadway Bound Kids! Presents Grease!
  Marin Center-Showcase Theatre
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 2 & 7:30 pm, and Sunday 1 & 5 pm
  BBK! presents the rockin’ family musical Grease!, suitable for all ages. Poodle skirts, hula hoops, yo-yo’s, leather jackets, bobby socks and saddle shoes and don’t forget the Brylcream—come be transported back to 1959 and join the senior class at Rydell High. Directed by Paulio Duran. Tickets: adults $16, $14 for children and seniors. Purchase tickets online or by calling (415) 473-6800. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael.

Saturday, September 22

• Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer
  Mt. Tam State Park
  Saturday, 8 am–1 pm
  Get out and get physical for a great cause! This six-mile non-competitive, all-ages trail loop is a great way to spend time with friends—enjoy breathtaking Mount Tamalpais views, experience the legendary Dipsea steps, and enjoy food, music and prizes with great people. Raises funds for Zero Breast Cancer’s prevention-focused research efforts. Register online or by calling (415) 507-1949 or visit their website.
  
• Esurance Tennis Classic
  Mill Valley's Harbor Point Tennis Club
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  This year's legendary tennis players include Lindsay Davenport, the Bryan Brothers, Gigi Fernandez, Murphy Jensen, and others. This fundraiser raises funds for a variety of charitable causes, including the To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation and the Youth Tennis Advantage. Tickets are $35 per day or $50 for both days for adults, and $20 per day for juniors under 18. Location: 475 East Strawberry Drive. For more info or to purchase tickets, go to their website.
  
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides, face painting, petting zoo, and a visit from the Marin County Library Bookmobile, as well as family music by Christopher Smith from 9:30–10:30 am. In addition, there's more live music, fresh produce, pastured meats, flowers, locally produced foods, and more. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Children's Toy and Clothing Sale
  Marinwood Community Center
  Saturday from 10 am–4 pm
  Marinwood Morning School's semi-annual Children's Toy and Clothing Sale is a great place to shop for a variety of toys, books, games, clothing and much, much more. For more information, call Susan Press at (415) 479-3123. The Marinwood Community Center is located at 775 Miller Creek Road.
• Northgate Kids’ Sing ‘n' Play!
  San Rafael
  Saturday, 10–11 am
  Kids of all ages are invtied to come play, sing and dance in an interactive musical playgroup that will be led by talented local Marin music teachers. This free summer series of musical playgroups will offer a different music-focused program (provided by Kidzter) every other Saturday morning at Northgate. Kids will get a free musical instrument to help keep to the rhythm all summer long. Every other Saturday from 10–11 am in the Macy’s wing. For more info, visit their website.
• 13th Annual Sonoma County Book Festival
  Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  The Sonoma County Book Festival offers fun for the entire family! The Sonoma County Book Festival is a free public event brought to you by the Literary Arts Guild. This event transforms downtown Santa Rosa into the literary capital of Northern California. Thousands of book lovers return every year for a full day of fun under welcoming white tents. Location: Fourth Street and Santa Rosa Avenue in Courthouse Square, Downtown Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Tim Cain Sing-along
  Cafe Du Cirque, San Rafael
  Saturday, 11–11:30 am
  Come see local family entertainer Tim Cain for a morning of dancing and singing. Location: 1408 4th Street, San Rafael. For more info, call (415) 454-8200 or visit their Facebook page.
• Chinatown's Autumn Moon Festival
  Chinatown, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
  Once again, the streets of historic Chinatown will be transformed into a lively, colorful pedestrian bazaar for the AT&T Autumn Moon Festival. For two days, Grant Avenue will be filled with arts and crafts booths, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, food and entertainment. The festivities open with a grand parade on Saturday at 11 am at California and Grant led by Mayor Ed Lee, civic officials, beauty queens, cultural performers and lion dancers. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Toluma Farms and Tomales Farmstead Creamery Family Tour
  Tomales
  Saturday, noon–3 pm
  Experience this exciting sustainable and diversified Tomales farm. It has 200 goats, 25 sheep, 60 chickens, and a predator control bird (a peacock) on 160 organically certified acres. You will have a chance to milk a goat and learn how to make cheese at the farm’s new Tomales Farmstead Creamery. Take a tractor ride, collect eggs and hike to the top of the property to savor the West Marin views. A fun day on the farm for adults and children alike. Bring water, hiking boots, picnic lunch, snacks and sun protection. Adult: $20 MALT members; $25 nonmembers. Child: $10 MALT members / $12 nonmembers. Registration required. For more information and reservations, visit their website.
• Film Night in the Park: Hugo (rated PG)
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 8 pm
  This Saturday's movie is Hugo rated PG. Runtime: 126 min.. Arrive by 8 pm; films begin at dusk. Popcorn, candy and sodas will be sold. Bring blankets, pillows, backrest and low chairs. Film Night suggests leaving pets at home. Donations are appreciated. For more info, visit their website.
• Broadway Bound Kids! Presents Grease! (see Friday for details).
  

Sunday, September 23

• Civic Center Farmers' Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 8 am–1 pm
  There's lots of organically grown produce, breads, eggs, and fresh cut flowers, as well as live music, bounce houses, and more. This farmers' market is a great one to take the kids to. It’s located in the main Civic Center parking lot. For more info, visit their website.
• Fun Farm Brunch at Bloomfield Farm's U-Pick Sunday
  Petaluma
  Sunday, 10 am–2 pm
  Join Bloomfield Farms and Hardcore Farm to Face's Chef John Lyle for a Fun Farm Brunch during Bloomfield Farm's U-Pick Sunday on Sunday. The delicious brunch Fun Farm Brunch buffet features a delicious menu that will be fun for the whole family! The menu features Bloomfield Farm's fresh produce and items from other friendly farmers in the area. Families can also come and pick their own kale, zucchini, green beans, Swiss chard, and more on this certified organic family farm. The cost is $25 to fill a box. Read our article about it here. Bloomfield Farms is located west of Petaluma on 12250 Valley Ford Road. An RSVP to upick@bloomfieldfarmsorganics.com or on the farm's Facebook page is appreciated, but not essential. For more info, visit their website.
• U-Pick Apples at Chileno Valley Ranch
  Chileno Valley Ranch
  Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Pick your own organic apples at this family farm located in West Marin. Grass fed beef, pork, and eggs are also for sale. $2 per pound for apples, $6 per car parking fee. Call first to RSVP. More information: (707) 765-6664 or visit their website.
• Family Adventure Sail on the Schooner Seaward
  Bay Model Pier, Sausalito
  Sunday, 10 am–12:30 pm
  Climb aboard the classic schooner Seaward and see San Francisco from the water! You can sit back and enjoy the view, or get involved with sailing the schooner with the help of the professional crew. Complimentary coffee, tea, juices, and light snacks will be served. This sail will include optional learning stations in seamanship and San Francisco Bay ecology. It is a great sail for families, though everyone is invited! Tickets: adults $45, youth ages 6–12 $25, children under 6 free. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Yerba Buena Family Day
  Yerba Buena Arts District, San Francisco
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Yerba Buena Family Day is downtown San Francisco’s biggest daylong family block party with free admission, special art activities for kids and free performances for children and families at the following venues within 1-2 blocks of each other in the Yerba Buena arts district at 3rd Street and Mission Street in downtown San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Storytime with Christopher Smith
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Sunday, 11 am
  Acoustic multi-instrumentalist Smith crafts story songs that aim for the heart. He is especially popular with toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. However, all ages (including adults) love him. Book Passage is located at 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. in Corte Madera. For more info, call (415) 927-0960 or visit their website.
  
• Drop-In Art-Making: Jewish New Year Nature Block
  Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
  Sunday, 1–3 pm
  Families can experience new adventures in art-making every Sunday for free. This hands-on fun inspires visitors to learn more about the exhibitions on display, the building’s architecture, or Jewish holidays and traditions while experimenting with materials and art techniques. This month, in honor of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, create block prints that celebrate nature and new beginnings. Free with admission; youth 18 and under always free. For more info, call (415) 665-7800 or visit their website.
• Summer Music Series
  Corte Madera Town Center
  Sunday, 2–4 pm
  This summer enjoy free live music from 2–4 pm every Sunday in front of the Clock Tower. Come and enjoy New Rising Sons: '60s rock-and-roll. For more info, visit their website.
  
• JAMband Family Festival with special guest Orange Sherbet!
  Park Chalet, San Francisco
  Sunday, 3–5:30 pm
  Bring the family to the Park Chalet this summer for their sixth annual family music festival with Charity and the JAMband! Orange Sherbet will be performing from 3–4 pm and Charity and the JamBand from 4–5:30 pm. Bring the family for some great guests, tasty food, and fun times on the lawn. The Park Chalet is located at 1000 Great Highway in San Francisco. For more info, call (415) 386-8439 or visit their website.
• Broadway Bound Kids! Presents, Grease! (see Friday for details).