15 Free Things to Do for Families in October

October 1, 2025

Bring the kiddos to the free Trunk or Treat at the Mill Valley Community Center parking log on Friday, October 24.

This October, you don't have to break the bank to have a great time with the kiddos! Here are 15 free activities and outings in Marin and the Bay Area. Keep in mind some of these activities require advance registration, so check before you go.

See the movie The Little Mermaid (2023) outdoors in Old Mill Park, Mill Valley, Friday, October 3, dusk (6:45 pm).
Come to Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley for a special free Sing and Stomp performance, Saturday, October 4, 11 am–noon.
See Disney/Pixar's Brave at the Pocket Park in Novato. Saturday, October 4, 7 pm,
Visit the seals and sealions at the Marine Mammal Center , Marin Headlands. Monday, October 6. Reserve your free tickets.
Enjoy music and movement with musician Emily Bonn, Mill Valley Library Outdoor Amphitheater, Tuesday, October 7, 10:15–11 am.
Bring the family and join rangers for an evening of fun and S'mores around the campfire, Stafford Lake, Novato, Saturday, October 11, 6–8 pm.
Bring the kiddos for Family Movie Night: Pixar's Coco at the Novato Library, Wednesday, October 15, 5:45–8 pm.
It’s a magic show full of Halloween fun appropriate for all ages at the San Anselmo Library, Thursday, October 16, 4–5 pm.
See a Not-So-Scary Halloween Magic Show at Novato City Hall. Saturday, October 18, 10 and 11:30 am.
Bring the kiddos to design, create and decorate their own felt mask, Corte Madera Library, Tuesday, October 21, 3:30pm–4:30pm.
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening of costumes, treats, and creepy-cool surprises at Halloween at the Center in Mill Valley, Friday, October 24, 4–6 pm.
Dress in your most boo-tiful Halloween costume for the Goblins' Spooktacular, Downtown San Anselmo, Friday, October 24, 5–7 pm.
Gather around the campfire in costume for Halloween songs and a marshmallow roast at the Sonoma Barracks. Saturday, October 25, 6–7:30 pm.
Take a graveyard stroll with Marin Parks rangers and enjoy hot chocolate and s'mores. Sunday, October 26, 6:30–8:30 pm.
Join in with your costume for the Halloween Parade and Trick or Treat Lane, Downtown Sausalito. Thursday, October 31, 6 pm