Marin Weekend Family Events for October 19, 20 & 21

Here are our picks for fun local 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. The Halloween pumpkin patches in Marin and Sonoma counties are now open—see our list here.

Friday, October 19

• Tolay Fall Festival
  Tolay Lake Regional Park, Petaluma
  Friday, 9 am–3 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  The Tolay Fall Festival is a family event that takes place at Tolay Lake Regional Park, a 1,737-acre ranch near Petaluma. The festival will have a hands-on children's area and kiddie corral, live animals, nature walks, giant straw maze and pumpkin patch, ranger-led hayrides, colorful gourds, mini-pumpkins, unusual squash, multi-colored corn and more. Tolay Regional Park, 5869 Lakeville Highway. Admission: adults $4, children 12 and under $1; $7 parking fee. For more info, call (707) 769-0429 or visit their website.
  
• Earth Sciences and Watersheds at Indian Valley
  Indian Valley Open Space Preserve, Novato
  Friday, 4:30–6:30 pm
  This new Junior Ranger program was created to teach youth about outdoor skills, natural history, and environmental stewardship. The program is intended for 7–12 year olds, though explorers of all ages are welcome to attend. Meet a ranger at Indian Valley for an introduction to earth science. Discover what makes Marin County so geologically unique using hands-on activities. You'll also learn about watersheds and then go for a hike along the creek for a learning adventure. This will be an easy walk, approximately 1.5 miles round trip. Wear a hat, sturdy walking shoes and dress in layers. Bring water and snacks for the hike. Dogs must be leashed for the trail portion of the hike. Questions: Call (415) 473-2816. For more info, visit their website.
• Parents Night Out
  Marinwood Community Center, San Rafael
  Friday, 5–9 pm
  Drop off the kids and enjoy a night out! While you relax, the kids will be having fun with the Marinwood Camp staff this Saturday evening. This event often sells out—register early! For ages 3–10. Cost: $18; $5 sibling discount. For more info and registration call (415) 479-0775 or visit their website.
• Film Night: The Goonies
  Strawberry Recreation District, Mill Valley
  Friday, 7:30–9:30 pm
  Join Strawberry Recreation District for a fun night amongst the stars! Bring blankets, family and friends and join us for a wonderful time on the field. Popcorn and refreshments will be available for purchase.
  Please do not bring chairs that may block the view for others. Cost: $3 per person or $10 per family. Location: 118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, October 20

• 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 am–2 pm, face painting and arts and crafts from 9 am–2 pm, and Scott the Storyteller from 9:30–10:30 am. Live music in the courtyard from 11 am–12:30 pm. For more info, visit their website.
• Friends Book Sale
  Mill Valley Library
  Saturday, 9 am-4:30 pm
  The Friends of the Mill Valley Library present their book sale with a special section of children's books for Halloween and a variety of books for adults. Location: 375 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• Local History and Wildlife Sail
  Schooner Freda B Sausalito Yacht Harbor
  Saturday, 9:45 am–noon
  Sail on the classic schooner Freda B for a local history and SF Bay wildlife tour. See the Golden Gate Bridge up close and personal, Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, Coit Tower, Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz and Angel Island from the water. This unique sail offers the stories of the people, the water and the land that make San Francisco Bay what it is today. Keep an eye out for Bay wildlife: harbor porpoises, sea birds, sea lions, seals, and the local boater. Boarding 9:45 am; departing 10 am; disembark at noon. Cost: $65 (all ages); call the office and mention Marin Mommies and get $20 per ticket discount! For ticket or more info call (415) 331-0444 or visit their website.
• Pumpkin Decorating Day
  Farm Girl Nursery, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  Come pick out a giant pumpkin and then decorate it with the kids at Farm Girl Nursery in Novato. Pick some farm fresh veggies and meet some friendly farm animals while you're there. More information at (415) 730-6917 or on their Facebook Page.
• Twin Cities Co-op Annual Halloween Carnival
  Corte Madera
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  This non-scary Halloween carnival features an array of fun children's activities, including face painting, carnival games, a cake walk, raffle, jumpy house, bake sale, pumpkin sale and much, much more. Admission is free. Game tickets for sale. Location: Twin Cities Co-op Preschool, 56 Mohawk Drive in Corte Madera. Location: Twin Cities Co-op Preschool, 56 Mohawk Drive in Corte Madera. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit their website.
• Leap's 29th Annual Sandcastle Contest
  Ocean Beach, near the Cliff House
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Leap’s 29th Annual Sandcastle Contest will spring to life at Ocean Beach, near the Cliff House. This year’s theme, "Leap Year 2012" celebrates all things that jump. The general public is welcome to drop in to Leap's community sandcastle building area between 10 am and 2 pm. Location: Great Highway and Balboa Avenue in San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Hip Kids' Music Series: Caribbean Dance Party with Asheba
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Discovery Museum
  Saturday, 11 am–noon
  Putumayo recording artist Asheba kicks off the fall line-up with a rhythmic, joyful and interactive version of your favorite kid’s songs. His show is spiced with Caribbean and world beats, inspired by his own childhood on the island of Trinidad. Wear your dancing shoes. For ages 6 months and up. Cost: members $5; general $14 (includes museum admission). For more info, visit their website.
• Make a Scarecrow!
  Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 11 am–1 pm
  Join the San Anselmo Library for this very special autumn program. Bring old clothes and hats to dress up your creation. Heads, bodies, hay, and assorted decorations will be provided. Nor registration required. For more info, call (415) 258-4600 or visit their website.
  
• Lyford House Open to Visitors
  Tiburon
  Saturday, 1–4 pm
  Lyford House, the yellow Victorian on the shores of Richardson Bay at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center and Sanctuary, will be open for visitors one Saturday per month for five months beginning June. It was deeded to the Audubon Society in 1961 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Location: 376 Greenwood Beach Road, Tiburon. For more info, call (415) 388-2524 or visit their website.
• Crissy Marsh Family Walk
  San Francisco
  Saturday, 2–3 pm
  Join a ranger on a fun nature walk at the Crissy Field Marsh! Use your senses as you explore the marsh and find out what lives in or visits the marsh during the fall. All ages welcome. To make required reservation or for more information, call (415) 561-4323. Meet in front of the Beach Hut café, next to the East Beach parking area. For more info, visit their website.
• Marinwood Oktoberfest
  Marinwood Community Center
  Saturday, noon–4 pm
  Sample beers from several California breweries. Tickets include 8 tastes and a tasting glass. Tickets:, $25 after Oct. 12 or at the door. Get a printable $5 off coupon here. Rain will cancel this event. Location: 775 Miller Creek Road, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
  
• The Tolay Fall Festival (see Friday for details)

Sunday, October 21

• 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.
  
• U-Pick Sunday at Bloomfield Farms
  Petaluma
  Sunday, 10 am–3 pm
  On Sundays through the end of October, families can come to Bloomfield Farms and pick their own kale, broccoli, 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. This Sunday, Chef John Lyle and Hardcore Farm to Face will be on hand for a pay-what-you-can Farm Fun Brunch! 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.
  
• Discovery Day Open House
  Romberg Tiburon Center
  Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Discovery Day is the center's free annual open house, the one day of the year when the public can visit and spend the day behind the scenes, meet our scientists and learn about their research in San Francisco Bay and beyond. Participate in science activities for adults and kids, touch live marine organisms, listen to underwater sounds off the seawall, art activities for alll ages, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic lunches to enjoy outside. Location: 3150 Paradise Drive, Tiburon. For more info, call (415) 338-1111 or visit their website.
• MALT Day at the Pumpkin Patch: Make it, Bake it, Eat it
  Nicasio Valley Farms
  Sunday, 11 am
  Bring the kids to this Marin Agricultural Land Trust-protected farm in Nicasio for pumpkin picking, pony rides, hay rides and mazes, music, delicious food, activities, farm animals, farm stand, and bouncy house and slide. Tim Cain will perform at 11 am. Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch is located at 5300 Nicasio Valley Rd (1/4 mile north of Nicasio square) and are open daily from 10 am–6 pm through October.
• Master Magician Jay Alexander
  The Randall Museum Theatre, San Francisco
  Sunday, 11 am
  Jay performs all over the world and is one of the most highly regarded entertainers living in the Bay Area. His magic show is incredible and not to be missed. Cost: $8 per person (kids under 2 old free). For tickets, call (510) 236-7469. 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. The 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: Photographic Creations
  Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Franscisco
  Sunday, 1–3 pm
  Every Sunday and select school holidays from 1–3pm, families can experience a new adventure in art-making free with admission to the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Have fun with photos while exploring black and white creations. Inspired by the exhibition The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League, 1936–1951, explore the choices photographers make by selecting your favorite detail from an urban photo and transforming it into your own artwork using a variety of fine art materials. For more info, call (415) 655-7800 or visit their website.
• The Tolay Fall Festival (see Friday for details).