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Home | Marin Weekend Family Fun for October 25–27

Marin Weekend Family Fun for October 25–27

Here are our picks for great events and activities for children and families this Halloween weekend. Find more events for the whole week in Marin and beyond in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, October 25

  • 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
  • Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
    Santa Rosa
    Friday–Sunday, 9 am–10 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
  • Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
    Nicasio
    Friday–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, farm animals to visit, 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
  • Godmothers Pumpkin Patch
    St. Vincents, Marinwood
    Friday–Sunday, 10 am–5 pm

    This long-time favorite pumpkin patch at St. Vincent's near Marinwood offers a variety of pumpkins as well as attractions and activities like bounce houses, a hay pile, face painting, snack shack, and a picnic area. Groups welcome. Read our review of St. Vincent's Pumpkin Patch. Event details
  • Trunk or Treat at the Center
    Mill Valley Community Center
    Friday, 4–6 pm

    Bring your children to the Community Center Parking Lot for a fun, safe and community Halloween event! Face painting, food truck, treating, games & more! Free. Location: parking lot, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Kids Night Out: Monster Mash
    TumbleSpot Marin, Mill Valley
    Friday, 5–9 pm

    Date night! Drop the kids off for dinner, guided gym activities, movies & more! Open to Kids Ages 5 – 12. Cost: $40.00 per student. $10 sibling discount applied for each additional child registered. Dinner is included! Register online here. Location: 750 Redwood Hwy Suite 1212, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Tam Valley Haunted House
    Tam Valley Community Center, Mill Valley
    Friday–Sunday, 5–9 pm (see schedule below)

    TCSD's annual Tam Valley Haunted House celebrates a decade of scary fun! The Haunted House has three different tours: 3:30–4:30 pm: Not Scary, for children under 8 with all the lights on and a fun tour of the different areas; 5-6:30 pm: Scary, for children over 9; closed 6:30–7:30 pm to feed the volunteer monsters then back open 7:30–9 pm for a truly horrifying experience. Cost: $8 per person. Location: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Pumpkin Nights Santa Rosa
    Sonoma County Fairgrounds
    Friday–Sunday, 5:30–10:30 pm

    At pumpkin nights, you’ll set out on a magical quest along a half-mile walking path, where you’ll discover the Forbidden Pumpkin City, a pirate’s cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 3,000 hand-carved real and synthetic pumpkins. The celebration continues with the Spirit of Pumpkins Fire Show, delicious tastes and treats, and outdoor movie screenings. Location: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • Halloween Scream on the Green
    Downtown Novato
    Friday, 5:30–9 pm

    Enjoy a weekend of Halloween fun in Novato. The Halloween Scream on the Green takes place Friday evening and Saturday. On Friday, there will be a Haunted House & jump house. See Saturday for more Halloween Scream on the Green. Location: Sherman Avenue and the Civic Green and Novato City Hall complex. Event details.
  • It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!
    Snoopy's Home Ice, Santa Rosa
    Friday, 6–8:30 pm

    Join us for crafts, a trick-or-treat trail, food and lots of family fun! There will be two movies will be shown on the big outdoor screen. Admission is free for all ages.  Location: 1667 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • Spooky Spaghetti Bingo
    Corte Madera Rec Center
    Friday, 6–9 pm

    Enjoy a buffet-style spaghetti dinner from 6 to 7, then Bingo for prizes until 9! Fun for the whole family! $15 per person admission includes 3 Bingo cards. Event details.
  • Movie and Craft Drop Off Date Night
    Little Tree Studios, San Anselmo
    Friday, 6–9 pm

    Come drop off your Little Artist for our Movie Night Friday. We will have a small craft, watch the movie Nightmare Before Christmas, and eat pizza and fresh popped popcorn! Little Artists will make a dancing skeleton puppet. Please bring cozy clothes and pillows to curl up with during the show. We will serve pizza and popcorn. Cost: $50. Location: 14 Ross Avenue, San Anselmo. Event details
  • Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
    Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
    Friday & Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm

    Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Fun the the entire family! Tickets: $15–$35. Purchase tickets here. Location: 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • Novato Horsemen Haunted House
    Novato
    Friday & Saturday, 7–10 pm

    Bring the kids out for a night of scare and fun at the Novato Horseman Haunted House in Novato. Admission is $6 per person. Event details

Saturday, October 26

  • Learn How to Pier Fish
    McNears Beach Park, San Rafael
    Saturday, 9–11 am

    Join rangers to learn how to fish on the San Pablo Bay. A limited amount of poles will be available on a first come, first-served basis. A valid California fishing license is required when fishing from the shore, not from the pier. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Don’t forget a fishing pole. Event details
  • Boo at the Zoo
    Oakland Zoo
    Saturday & Sunday, 9:30 am–3 pm

    Stroll the Oakland zoo in costume and collect yummy treats. Ride the spooky boo train and join the dance party. Plus, get your face painted, make treats for the animals, and see how the animals at Oakland Zoo celebrate Halloween. Kids in costumes receive a free ride ticket. Event included with regular zoo admission. Event details.
  • STEM Fest 2019
    Mount Tamalpais School, Mill Valley
    Saturday, 10 am–1 pm

    Explore the world of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – at Mount Tamalpais School's STEM Fest 2019. Children from preschool to 3rd grade are invited to participate in engaging activities in each STEM discipline. Once children have stamped all the pages of their "STEM passport," they are given a STEM toolkit to take home. STEM Fest is a day full of hands-on/minds-on activities for the whole family. This free event is hosted by Mount Tamalpais School for the greater Marin and San Francisco community. Please RSVP to reserve your STEM Passport! Location: 100 Harvard Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details.
  • North Bay Science Discovery Day
    Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 10 am–4 pm

    This event is designed to inspire children and raise awareness of the importance of STEM in everyday life. This free event features local organizations like Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California State Parks, the Marin County Free Library, the Pacific Coast Air Museum, Play-Well TEKnologies, and many many more. Plan on staying all day to experience all the fun! Free admission and parking. Location: 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. Event details.
  • Halloween Scream on the Green
    Downtown Novato
    Saturday, 10 am–4 pm

    Scream on the Green Fall Faire runs in conjunction with the Downtown Novato Business Association’s Safe Trick-or-Treat event. Activities will include haunted house, costume contest, live music and entertainment, artisan booths, children’s play area and food and beverages. (Friday evening haunted house only.) Location: Sherman Avenue and the Civic Green and Novato City Hall complex. Event details.
  • Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
    Children's Fairyland, Oakland

    Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
    Come in costume and enjoy a spooktacular extravaganza with unlimited rides, a parade, goody bags for kids, arts and crafts, pirate school, clowns and magicians, and much more. Cost: $12 ($6 members). Event details
  • Halloween Festival
    Montessori de Terra Linda, San Rafael
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Join the fun for our Annual Halloween Festival! Run by the Upper Elementary students for the younger students and sibilings, there are non-scarey games, activities, food and decorations. Delicious treats, baked goods and drinks are available for puchase and tickets won in the game booths can be traded in for a fabulous selection of used childrens' books. This fabulous event is not to be missed! Please RSVP to Jennifer: 415-479-7373 x103 Location: 610 Del Ganado Road, San Rafael. Event details.
  • The Samurai Pumpkin Patch
    Aikido Kids of Tamalpais, Corte Madera
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    Swing a sword and navigate the pumpkin obstacle course at our FREE Samurai Pumpkin Patch on Saturday starting at 10 am or until pumpkins last. All ages welcome, kids get priority! We will be using wooden swords to split various size pumpkins in half. When we place a sword into your hands it instantly extends your reach making you bigger than you are. Come raise your energy, broaden your base and have a mighty good time. Location: 142 Redwood Avenue, Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Halloween Family Campout
    Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
    Saturday, 10 am to Sunday, noon

    Halloween Family Campout - Dinner, Brunch and Snacks Included!On Saturday, join Slide Ranch teachers for a day of farm activities, crafts and nature exploration. At night, gather for dinner, a cozy campfire and camping under the stars. Sunday morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet, morning farm chores, including milking the goats, and preparing homemade treats harvested from our organic garden. Cost: $0–$105. Register here.
  • Halloween Festival–Costume Contest for Kids & Dogs
    Marin Country Mart, Larkpur Landing
    Saturday, 11 am

    We will be holding our usual costume contest for kids & dogs (meet Hugo, the Mart Mascot!!) at 11 am. plus guess the weight of the giant pumpkin for a prize! Face painting, pony rides, crafts, make your own caramel apples, and pumpkin patch fun await for you & yours all day long! Event details
  • Jeepers Jack-O-Lanterns
    Paradise Beach Park, Tiburon
    Saturday, 11 am–1 pm

    Join ranger staff at Paradise Beach Park in carving your own spooky Jack-O-Lantern for Halloween! A limited amount of pumpkins will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (or you’re welcome to bring your own). This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome, and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Location: Meet at the parking lot in Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon (3450 Paradise Dr). Event details
  • Safe Trick-or-Treat Downtown Novato
    Grant Avenue, Novato
    Saturday, 11 am–2 pm

    The Downtown Novato Business Association will host its annual Safe Trick-or-Treat event along Grant Avenue in downtown Novato. Every year this Halloween event is popular with kids and their parents. Businesses along Grant Avenue will give out candy and there will be a variety of other fun activities at various locations downtown. This is a fun event for the entire family. On Main Street in Downtown Novato.  Event details.
  • Bon Air Halloween Bash & Food Drive
    Greenbrae
    Saturday, 11 am–2 pm

    Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat Food Drive begins at the Bon Air Halloween Bash. Bring non-perishable foods items to fill the SF-Marin Food Drive bins in exchange for a trick-or-treat bag. Then parade along the promenade and trick-or-treat at Bon Air’s shops and restaurants. Enjoy pumpkin decorating at Bank of Marin, face painting and balloon twisting and FREE pet caricatures. Join the pet costume contest and parade at 1pm at Woodlands Pet Food & Treats. Event details.
  • International Archaeology Day
    Presidio of San Francisco
    Saturday, 11 am–2 pm

    Join us at East Beach for a free celebration kicking off Crissy Field’s next chapter! Delicious food & drinks, live music, family-friendly activities and much more. RSVP required so we know you're coming and for a chance to win a special prize! Free. Event details.
  • Halloween Cookie Decorating
    teeny cake, Novato
    Saturday, 11 am–3 pm

    Decorate a spook-tacular cookie creation to celebrate Halloween! Come in anytime between 11 am–3 pm, get your cookie and decorate. Advance reservations required. Cost: $6 in advance plus service fee. All ticket sales are final for this event. Location: 7400 Redwood Boulevard, #101, Novato. Event details.
  • Leaps Sandcastle Classic
    Ocean Beach, San Francisco
    Saturday, 11 am–3:30 pm

    Bring the family to Northern California’s largest sandcastle building event which features a spirited competition between teams of architects, engineers, contractors, designers and local elementary school students at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. Event details.
  • Spookomotive Train Ride: Superheroes & Villains
    California State Railroad Museum, Sacramento
    Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
    This delightful, not frightful train is just the ticket for the whole family. The diesel-powered train is decorated for the season with cornstalks, scarecrows, skeletons, bats and spiders. This weekend's theme is Superheroes & Villains.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. Tickets: $15 adults, $8 youth 2–17; $6 and $3 for members. First class: $29/$19 adults, $19/$12 youth. Event details
  • Halloween at Howarth
    Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 11:30 am, 12:45 & 2 pm

    Children ages 12 and under will trick-or-treat through the park at treat stations hosted by local Santa Rosa businesses and organizations and can then enjoy Howarth Park's many other attractions. Cost: $6 basic pass includes trick-or-treating and access to the Fun Zone; $15 deluxe pass includes same as basic plus a train, carousel, and 1-lap pony rides. This event usually sells out to register in advance. Location: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. For more info and to register, visit their website.
  • Halloween at the Village
    The Village at Corte Madera
    Saturday, noon–3 pm

    Participating retailers will hand out candy to costumed trick-or-treaters on Saturday from noon–3 pm. Look for strolling costumed characters who will have treats to pass out as well. Event details.
  • Halloween Festival
    Saint Raphael School, San Rafael
    Saturday, noon–4 pm

    Bring the family for some ghoulish games, freaky fun, a haunted house, and frightening food. Bring canned food for the needy and receive 2 free tickets for games. Location: 1100 5th Avenue, San Rafael. Event details
  • Halloween Fun at Ghirardelli Square
    San Francisco
    Saturday, noon–4 pm

    Ghirardelli Square will be celebrating Halloween in the West Plaza with free children’s activities like face painting, balloon art, caricatures, a magician, and trick-or-treating from participating stores. Dress up in costume for some fun. Event details.
  • Spooky Poekie Party
    Mill Valley
    Saturday, noon–5 pm

    Spooky House, Mysterious Food, Things to Make Everywhere! Come to our interactive, hands-on Spooky House and make spooky projects. Regular drop-in rates apply during the party. Free unlimited Spooky House visits when dropping in for 2 hours or more. Cost: $25 per person; $10 to craft the Spooky House. Location: 247 Shoreline Avenue, Mill Valley. Event details
  • Trick-or-Treat on 4th Street
    Downtown San Rafael
    Saturday, 1–3 pm

    Bring your little ones in costume for treats from participating merchants all up and down Fourth Street, Downtown from Lincoln to the West End Village, look for the poster and balloons. Event details.
  • DOGtoberfest
    Strawberry Village, Mill Valley
    Saturday, 3–6 pm

    Strawberry Village will host its 2nd annual DOGtoberfest featuring interactive pet related activities and resources for pet lovers and their four-legged family friends. Festivities will include free pet photos, pet sketch artist, animal rescue organizations and adoptions, police K-9 unit and more! Plus, there will be a Howl’oween Pet Costume Contest as well as free Center-wide trick or treating for kids and their families. They can pick up a trick-or-treat bag in the Piazza, located near Woodlands Pet Food & Treats (while supplies last) and go on a hunt for fun, games, and goodies provided by participating stores. Event details.
  • SuperNatural Halloween 2019
    California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
    Saturday, 5–9 pm

    Grab your costume and have yourself a ghoulishly great time trick-or-treating your way through the Academy at night, among spooky skulls and spine-tingling specimens! Early admission for benefactors at 5 pm; general admission at 6:30 pm. Tickets: $55 adults, $40 kids, 2 and under free. Event details
  • 11th Annual Santa Venetia Halloween Party
    Santa Venetia Neighborhood, San Rafael
    Saturday, 6–8 pm

    Santa Venetia Neighborhood Association holds their Annual Halloween Party on Adrian Way between Meadow and Mabry on Saturday, October 26 from 6–8 pm. The SRFD, CHP, and Marin County Sheriff will be giving out treats from their fire trucks and police cars. Local restaurant Banh Mi Zon will join the party this year with their food truck, parked at the corner of Adrian (don’t forget to bring some money so you can get a non-candy snack at the event). Dress up, trick-or-treat and enjoy live music and great food while celebrating Halloween in a safe environment.Location: Adrian Way between Meadow and Mabry, San Rafael. Event details
  • Costume Campfire Program
    Sonoma Barracks, Downtown Sonoma
    Saturday, 6 pm

    Join us for our annual costume campfire program in the Sonoma Barracks Courtyard. Bring the kids for some fun, seasonal talk, spooky campfire songs and a ghostly marshmallow roast. All ages welcome. Free of charge. Location: 98 E Spain Street, Downtown Sonoma. Event details.
  • Movies in Creek Park: Beetlejuice
    Creek Park, San Anselmo
    Saturday, 6:45 pm (seating opens at 6 pm)

    Seating begins at 6 pm. Bring your family, friends, blankets, coolers and low-back chairs. Popcorn, candy and drinks on sale on site, or visit our local shops and restaurants for your picnic party supplies. Shop Local, Dine Locally in San Anselmo. Trivia Contest at 6:45 pm by Chronos Academy & The Golden Gate Learning Center. Live raffle and movie begin at 6:45 PM. Location: 249 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. Event details.

  • Halloween Activities & Graveyard Stroll
    Lucas Valley Field, San Rafael
    Saturday, 7–8:30 pm

    Join the Open Space rangers for a fun and spooky evening at the Lucas Valley Field Office. At 7 pm stop on by to check out the One Tam Roving Ranger with its activities and scientific specimens. All About Owls will also have some ambassadors on hand to see up close and learn fascinating facts about. At 7:30 we’ll begin our Self-Guided Graveyard Stroll which will include both scary and less scary routes; along the way you’ll find informational signs. After your tour collect a bag of candy or hang out at the S'more making station. Event details

Sunday, October 27

  • 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.
  • Not-Too-Spooky Halloween
    Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
    Sunday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm

    Come to our not-too-spooky celebration for infants, toddlers and preschoolers! The Museum will be transformed into a Halloween playground, play miniature golf in the Garden Graveyard, visit the witches' apothecary in the grocery store, scoop up spooky ducks in the waterplay area and paint miniature pumpkins in the Art Studio! Come celebrate with us by coming in costume! Location: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley. Event details.
  • Pixie Park Halloween Social
    Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross
    Sunday, 10 am–noon

    Get on your costume and come enjoy treats, activities, and the annual Halloween parade at Pixie Park! Location: 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. Event details
  • Halloween Spook-tacular
    Safari West, Santa Rosa
    Sunday, 10 am–2 pm

    Each attendee of this annual event receives a “Wild Card” and a chance to explore the Trick-or-Treat Trail. Explore the trail and fill out your Wild Card as you learn about amazing animal adaptations. Once completed, visit the Safari West Pumpkin Patch and redeem your card for a special prize. While you’re at the pumpkin patch, you can also purchase a pumpkin for yourself, or to donate to one of our animals! Money spent will be donated to the Vulture Conservation Foundation who work to protect some of the world’s most amazing and least appreciated birds. Cost: Adults $50; Children (4-12) $25. Reservations required. Event details.
  • Halloween Faire
    Strawberry Recreation District 
    Sunday, 11 am–12:30 pm

    Come in costume to celebrate All Hallows Eve with other wizards, witches, fairies, astronauts, and cartoon characters. Play carnival games, bounce in the jump house, enjoy the candy and prize hunt and costume parade! Admission: $9 per child; free for adults. Event details
  • Halloween Hoopla
    Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, San Francisco
    Sunday, noon–2 pm

    The 19th annual Halloween Hoopla features interactive performances and games for kids under 10 and their adults, and the return of the Yerba Buena Pumpkin Patch display! The program culminates in the eagerly awaited Halloween Costume Parade, where everyone is welcome to show off their Halloween finery. Location: 799 Howard Street, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Trick-or-Treat at the Town Center
    Corte Madera Town Center
    Sunday, noon–3 pm

    Bring the kids in costume to trick-or-treat at the Town Center. Free treat bags while they last. Goodies provided by participating merchants. Event details
  • Celebrate Halloween with Charity and the JAMband
    Park Chalet, San Francisco
    Sunday, 3–5 pm

    This free family concert for all ages features dancing in disguise, a costume parade, and, of course, some candy. Make sure you wear a costume you can really move in. Grown-ups are encouraged to dress up, too. Location: 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco. Event details