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Home | Marin Weekend Family Fun for October 4–6

Marin Weekend Family Fun for October 4–6

Nicasio Pumpkin Patch

Explore one of the many pumpkin patches this weekend!

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.

Halloween pumpkin patches in Marin and Sonoma counties are now open—see our list here.

Friday, October 4

  • Mill Valley Film Festival
    Various Locations
    Friday–Sunday, various times

    The 42nd annual Mill Valley Film Festival features a variety of fantastic family films from around the world. Location: various theaters within Marin. Event details
  • Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
    Santa Rosa
    Friday–Saturday, 9 am–10 pm and Sunday, 9 am–8 pm

    Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch offers eight acres of pumpkins, a huge seven-acre corn maze, kiddy corn mazes, hay and sunflower mazes, jack-o-lantern tether ball, tire swings, a 10-bale-high hay pyramid, a huge jumpy pillow, pedal trike races, a corn play box, a petting zoo, face painting, and more. Location: 5157 Stony Point Road (at Rohnert Park Expressway). Event details
  • The Great Peter Pumpkin Patch
    Spring Hill Jersey Farm, Petaluma
    Friday–Sunday, 9 am–6 pm

    Pick your own organic pumpkin, dig for potatoes, take a tractor ride, visit farm animals, taste homemade ice cream and Spring Hill cheese, milk a cow, and get lost in the hay maze. Peter Pumpkin Patch also offers fresh fruits and vegetables and picnic baskets. Activities are free and so is the parking. This is a wonderful and fun pumpkin patch on a real working farm. Location: 4235 Spring Hill Road (off Bodega Ave.). Event details
  • New Exhibit: Science + You
    Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
    Friday, 9 am–4 pm, Saturday, 10 am–5 pm & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm

    All children are scientists, and at the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s new traveling exhibit, they can act the part! Science + You transports visitors to a replica laboratory, where they can don a lab coat and explore the machinery, processes, and technology that professional scientists use in laboratories every day! Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
  • Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
    Nicasio
    Friday, 10 am–4 pm and Saturday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm

    Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch offers a wide variety of certified organic pumpkins spread out in an expansive meadow on the farm. Kids activities: jumpy houses, inflatable slide, hay rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, farm animals to visit, a climbing wall, and face painting. Some of these attractions have an admission fee, and some are available only on weekends and select days. Shaded seating area with picnic tables, so you can relax and take in the scenery, listen to some great live music, and even eat lunch. Tim Cain performs on Sunday from 11 am to noon. Location: 5300 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio. Event details.
  • Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
    550 Stony Point Road
    Friday & Saturday, 10 am–10 pm, Sunday, 10 am–6 pm

    Over 50 varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, as well as a 4-acre Amazing Corn Maze (admission $6, 5 and under free; $9 on Friday and Saturday nights 6–10 pm), farm animals, a zip line, weekend pony rides, face painting, jumpy houses and inflatables, food vendors, covered snack area, and more. Some of these attractions have an admission fee. Event details.
  • Skate on Art
    Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
    Friday, noon–10 pm, Saturday, noon–8 pm & Sunday, 10–6 pm

    Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC) presents actions vent ascending frequencies, a participatory art installation and roller rink experience from creative collective assume vivid astro focus (avaf). The artist-designed outdoor roller-skating rink  features performances, DJ sets, and special programming from September 13 through October 6. The exhibition is free and open to the public. Location:  Event details.
  • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
    Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
    Friday noon–7 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm

    This free annual music festival of bluegrass, old time, country, and more, founded by the late Warren Hellman, takes place in Golden Gate Park's Hellman Hollow and Marx and Lindley Meadows. This year's headliners include Emmylou Harris, Hot Buttered Rum, Dry Branch Fire Squad, Judy Collins, Mike Nesmith and the First National Band, Robert Plant, and Meat Puppets. Event details
  • Movie: Hocus Pocus
    Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
    Friday & Sunday, 2 pm

    Hop on a broom to Salem, Massachusetts this Halloween for a spookily hilarious time in Kenny Ortega’s cult classic Hocus Pocus. Join Max and his younger sister Dani as they attempt to defeat the Sanderson sister witches with help from Allison, Max’s high school crush; Binx, an immortal black cat; and Billy, a kind and protective zombie. Featuring the talents of Disney Legend Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker, Hocus Pocus is sure to put a spell on you. Tickets: Free for members, $5 with general admission or a member guest, $10 adults, $8 student and youth. Event details
  • Parents Night Out
    Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
    Friday, 5–10 pm

    Go out for a night on the town feeling confident that your child is safe and having a blast with their favorite camp counselors. This fun night features a variety of games like dodgeball, a toy room, arts and crafts, park time and a movie at the end of the night. Don't worry about dinner as that's take care of too! For ages 2–11. Cost: $25; $5 discount for 2 or more participants. Event details

Saturday, October 5

  • Free Access to All Parks
    Marin County Parks
    Saturday, All Day

    Marin County Parks is offering free access to all parks on the first Saturday of the month all year long! Includes Black Point Boat Launch, McInnis Park, McNears Beach Park, Miller Boat Launch, Paradise Beach Park, and Stafford Lake Park. Event details
  • 2019 Bay Day
    San Francisco Bay Area
    All Day

    Celebrate San Francisco Bay in your community! Our Bay Day community partners will host fun, adventurous and educational activities that celebrate the San Francisco Bay. From happy hours and shoreline picnics to kite flying and unicycle adventures, there are so many ways to celebrate Bay Day. Check out the activities here.
  • Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
    Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
    Saturday, 9 am–2 pm

    Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10:30 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 10:30 am–1:30 pm, and live music from noon–2 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. Event details
  • Fall City Wide Yard Sale
    MLK Parking Lot in Sausalito
    Saturday, 9 am–2 pm

    The Fall City Wide Yard Sale is free to the public, and with over 90 booths to check out this is a great event for all bargain hunters and window shoppers alike! Held at MLK Parking Lot and Basketball Courts. Location: 610 Coloma Street, Sausalito. Free. Event details
  • Bird Exploration Family Farm Day
    Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
    Saturday, 9:30 am–1:30 pm

    Explore what makes a bird a bird and the different types of birds that live at Slide Ranch. In addition to milking our goats and visiting sheep in our pasture by the Owl Trail (where Great Horned Owls reside), we will practice bird watching and awareness of bird language, care for birds on the farm, make bird-themed arts and crafts, and cook with eggs from the farm to connect with our winged friends! Fee: $35 per person; children 24 months and under are free. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2025 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach. Event details.
  • Vallejo Waterfront Weekend
    Vallejo
    Saturday 9 am–8 pm & Sunday, 9 am–4 pm

    Vallejo Waterfront Weekend features music, food, and entertainment for the entire family! Live music, whaleboat regatta, car show, kids' zone, and more. Free. Event details.
  • Our Lady of Loretto Fall Carnival
    Novato
    Saturday, 10 am–3:30 pm

    Fun for the whole family. Carnival games, food bake sale, outdoor pub area, and more... Tickets available at the door. Location: 1811 Virginia Avenue, Novato. Event details.
  • Learn to Skimboard
    Stinson Beach
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Head out to beautiful Upton Beach and learn how to skimboard with ranger staff. We’ll learn the basics of skimboarding through demonstration and practice. A limited number of skimboards will be provided, but if you already have a board, please bring it. Skim’s up! This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Don’t forget to bring a swimsuit OR wet suit, towel, and sunscreen. Friendly dogs are welcome but must be leashed. No need to RSVP. Meet at the beach near the north parking lot at Stinson Beach. Event details
  • The Big Draw: Drawn to Life
    The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
    Saturday, 10 am–4 pm

    Come celebrate the Big Draw, the world’s largest drawing festival. Experience special drawing sessions exploring nature-inspired art, create a care card for someone who needs a smile, learn how to draw Mickey Mouse, and more. Don’t miss special film screenings of Disneynature’s Chimpanzee (2012) and Disney-Pixar’s Inside Out (2015), then connect back to stories told in our main galleries and in the exhibition, Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World. In addition to offering free activities for all, the museum also offers free museum and special exhibition admission for guests 17 and under with paid adult admission. Event details
  • Haunted House Decorating
    Williams Sonoma, Corte Madera
    Saturday, 10 am

    Bring the kids to make a haunted house. In this class you’ll assemble a spooky gingerbread mansion and decorate it as you please. Then you can take your bewitching creation home and show it off for Halloween. Cost: $30 per child, includes haunted house kit. Suitable for ages 8–13. Registration required. Location: The Village at Corte Madera. Event details
  • Take a Kid Mountain Biking Festival
    China Camp State Park, San Rafael
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Brng the family to the free family biking event hosted by Trips for Kids Marin. We will be featuring youth mountain bike skills courses, bike-themed games, and beginner trail rides. We’ll have a gear raffle, snacks, refreshments, and fun for all ages. Bring your friends and family for a great time in one of our beloved local parks. Please RSVP here. Location: Miwok Meadows, China Camp State Park, San Rafael. Event details.
  • McClelland's Dairy Pumpkin Patch
    Petaluma
    Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm

    Find the perfect pumpkin in McClelland's three-acre organic pumpkin field. $10 admission includes pumpkin patch, petting farm animals (including cows, goats, and chickens), and watching cows being milked in the parlor. There's also a hay maze, kids' haunted hay house, hay rides, bounce houses, and u-pick squash, and the new Haunted Forest, as well as a farm store and a food cart serving organic grilled cheese sandwiches, organic milkshakes, organic popcorn, and espresso drinks. Event details
  • ZOOtoberFest
    San Francisco Zoo
    Saturday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

    Visit San Francisco Zoo & Gardens to welcome our favorite season… FALL! Navigate through San Francisco’s largest hay maze, a 5,000-square-foot structure made from over 1,000 bales of straw and incorporates play areas within the design. For kids AND adults, SF Zoo’s “Zoo Brew Haus” at The Depot Grill is pouring a great selection of brews, and cooking a full smorgasbord of fall-inspired dishes! During lunch, dine to the upbeat sounds of a live band playing traditional European polka music. You might even want to get up and dance! Free with admission. Event details
  • Family Films: As The World Toons
    Century Larkspur 3
    Saturday, 11 am

    The Mill Valley Film Festival presents, "As the World Toons". Nonverbal and in English From Sweden to South Korea, the language of animation is universal—but the stories and styles are as unique as the countries themselves. This enchanting collection of shorts for all ages is a showcase of international imagination with a colorful cast of characters including robots, raccoons, dragons, and ducks. Age 6+. Tickets: $8–$16.50. Event details
  • 2nd Annual Brewgrass Festival
    Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
    Saturday, 11:30 am–7:30 pm

    Roaring Camp with Legend Theatrical Presents the 2nd Annual Brewgrass Festival featuring, local breweries, music from favorite bluegrass artists, and food from popular local food trucks. Back this year: VIP Brewgrass Tasting Train roundtrip from Santa Cruz to Roaring Camp. Tickets: $15–$75; kids under 11 free. Event details
  • Spookomotive Train Ride: Superheroes & Villains
    California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento
    Saturday & Sunday, 11 am to 4 pm
    This delightful, not frightful train is just the ticket for the whole family. BOOM! POW! The train has been compromised by a sinister super-villain. Gather your superpowers and cheer on the superhero to help them defeat the super-villain and save the day. The diesel-powered train is decorated for the season with cornstalks, scarecrows, skeletons, bats and spiders. Each operating weekend the Spookomotive will have a special theme, and includes exciting on board entertainment and a tasty Halloween treat. Tickets: Coach $15 adults, $8 youth 2–17; $6 and $3 for members. First Class: General $29 adult; $19 youth; member $19 adult $12 youth. Purchase tickets online here. Location:125 I Street, Sacramento. Event details
  • The Hoopla!
    Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
    Saturday, 12–2 pm

    Join us for family-friendly festivities after the screening of AS THE WORLD TOONS or before the screening of FRESH & FEARLESS,with food, beverages, live music, games, crafts, bubbles, balloons, henna, and (of course) hula hoops! Free admission. Event details.
  • Animal Photography for Kids
    Marin Humane, Novato
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Join us for a fun photography workshop! Our theme will be "A Day in the Life at Marin Humane" as we photograph daily activities and shelter animals at our Novato campus. Prior camera experience is not required. Instruction and handouts on basic photography principles will be provided and the main focus of the workshop will be on techniques to capture great photos. For kids 10–14. Cost: $50. Event details
  • Science Saturdays
    Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Embrace your inner scientist and discover the wonders of environmental and physical science! This month, make a Mother’s Day masterpiece during our marbled paper workshop. Paper marbling is a technique that was invented almost 1,000 years ago! Each participant will get to try out this fun paper dying technique and take home a beautiful handmade card. Drop-in for these free presentations and interactive experiments beginning on the hour. All ages welcome. Free. Location: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Event details
  • Oktoberfest
    Terrapin Crossroads, San Rafael
    Saturday, 2–6 pm

    Bring the family for some German food, lawn games, bocce ball, and live music. For all ages. Location: 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. Event details
  • Young Performers Theatre: Rumplestiltskin
    Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
    Saturday, 2 & 4 pm & Sunday, 2:30 pm

    A miller desperate to bring his family out of poverty, lies and tells the king that his daughter can spin straw into gold! The king couldn't believe and decided to put miller's daughter to the test. Isabella gets locked in the throne room with a pile of straw and a spinning wheel, with no hope of being released, when suddenly a little man comes and saves her by spinning the straw into gold, but it comes with a “price, price, price”! Come see this hilarious production of an old fairytale and find out what happens! Tickets: $12. Event details
  • Family Game Night
    Strawberry Recreation District, Mill Valley
    Saturday, 4:30–7:30 pm

    Join SRD for an evening of old-fashioned family fun and games. This electronic-free event will feature Game Academy’s improv, interactive story activities. Additional activities include Bingo, Charades, Pictionary, Taboo, Trivia table, Scattergories, Apples to Apples, a prize wheel and more. Jump house, face painting and a raffle available. Raffle prizes include one week of Camp Strawberry, 4 SRD private lessons and more. Food will feature Sourdough Story Pizza, desserts, popcorn and beverages. $10 per person; $25 per family (3 or more people). Event details
  • Kids' Night at the Museum
    Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 5–9 pm

    Drop your kids off for after-hours fun including a pizza dinner, crafts, games, cartooning, and a movie! Recommended for ages 5-10. Cost: $25 for Members, $32 for Non-Members. Event details
  • Evening Power Play
    Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato

    Saturday, 6–9 pm
    Drop the kiddos ( K-8 th grade) for some indoor fun. They can run, jump and play in an open gymnastics environment. Bring the kids in on a rainy day or any day to burn some energy. Cost: $30 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details.
  • Movies in Creek Park: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
    Creek Park, San Anselmo
    Saturday, 6 pm

    Enjoy free movies outdoors in San Anselmo's Creek Park. Raffle, trivia and movie start time is at 6:45 pm. Movies begin when dark enough and generally run two hours. Event details.
  • Petaluma Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).
  • Peter Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).
  • Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).
  • McClelland's Dairy Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).

Sunday, October 6

  • 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. Event details
  • Fall Community Garage Sale

    Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
    Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
    Come shop over 25 vendors for bargains and treasures. Location: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details

  • Children's Program at Green Gulch
    Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Muir Beach
    Sunday, 9:45–11:45 am

    On the first Sunday of each month, the beginning of the lecture is especially for children. After a short talk, the children leave the zendo to participate in their own special programs. Activities include crafts, seasonal projects on the farm and garden, yoga, and ritual. Please check in before the program at the table near the southwest side entrance of the zendo. Suggested donation: $20 per family. Location: 1601 Shoreline Highway, Muir Beach. Event details.
  • Novato Fire Department Open House
    All Novato Fire Stations
    Sunday, 10 am–1 pm

    The Novato Fire District holds its yearly open house at all Novato fire stations this Sunday. Bring the kids to meet the firefighters and personnel and to learn about fire safety. All fire stations will be open to visit. Event details.
  • Target First Free Sunday
    Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
    Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

    Target First Free Sundays offer free general admission and family programs on the first Sunday of every month. Admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to capacity restrictions, admission is not guaranteed. This Sunday features art making activities, exhibition tours, and more. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Event details
  • Storytime with Christopher Smith
    Book Passage, Corte Madera
    Sunday, 10:30–11 am

    After four years of living overses, children's story reader Christopher Smith returns to Book Passage! Christopher was the Sunday story time reader at Book Passage for more than 20 years, introducing new picture books, poetry, and song to countless young children in Marin. A local school teacher, Christopher's song The Golden Gate is a Parent's Choice Award winner and a beloved favorite throughout the Bay Area. Join us as this tradition continues on. Free. Event details
  • Family Free Days
    MarinMOCA, Novato
    Sunday, 11 am–3 pm

    Are you looking for alternatives to “screen time?” How about making art with your kids during free Family Days? Family Days happen the first Sunday of every month starting October 6. Choose from several hands-on art projects taught by professional teachers. Our family-friendly art teachers can customize the art project so that you and every child in your family can take home a personalized creation. Art supplies are included. Our Family docents are here to help. They will greet you and hand out our “Art Investigator” guide for kids so that your trip through the galleries is fun and educational. Admission is free when you bring a child, 2–12 years. Event details
  • Oktoberfest
    Cornerstone Sonoma
    Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

    Enjoy fall fun for all that includes a heirloom pumpkin patch, kids activities, live polka music, food and wine and more. Fun for all ages - FREE ADMISSION. Location: 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. Event details
  • YBike Learn to Ride Program
    Presidio Main Post, San Francisco
    Sunday, 11 am–2 pm

    Get your kids riding on two wheels with free, safe, and friendly instruction from the Presidio Community Y. Bikes and equipment are provided. All ages are welcome; no reservations required. Co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust. Location: Main Post, Corner of Anza and Owen​​, San Francisco. Event details
  • Presidio Picnic
    Presidio, Main Parade Ground in San Francisco
    Sunday, 11 am–4 pm

    Presidio Picnic is free and open to the public, and takes place rain or shine on the Presidio’s beautiful Main Parade Ground, an expansive seven-acre lawn with amazing views of the park, the city and San Francisco Bay. In addition to the new monthly cultural dance performances, Presidio Picnic will feature more than 25 international mobile food creators, music, lawn games, yoga, bike safety classes, and nature-based crafts for kids. Location: Presidio, Main Parade Ground in San Francisco. Event details
  • Tricycle Music Fest
    Main Library, San Francisco
    Sunday, 3 pm

    Bring the kiddos to the free music fest. This Sunday, The Pop Ups will make you bop to the beat and pop and lock our arms and feet, so come on by for some music fun. Location: Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).
  • Petaluma Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).
  • McClelland's Dairy Pumpkin Patch (see Friday for details).