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Home | 25 Free Things to Do for Families in September

25 Free Things to Do for Families in September

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is free the first Wednesday in September.

September is here and school's back in session, but there are still plenty of fun family activities and events out there this month. You don't have to break the bank to have a great time with the kiddos, either! Here are 20 great ideas for great affordable activities and outings in Marin and the Bay Area in September, all of which are absolutely free. Keep in mind some of these activities require advance registration, so check before you go.

  1. Take one last swim at the McNears Beach pool in San Rafael. Friday–Sunday, September 1–4, 10 am–5 pm.
  2. Experience free Shakespeare in Old Mill Park with the Curtain Theatre. Saturday–Monday, September 2–4, 2 pm.
  3. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is free on the first Wednesday of the month, September 6, 10 am–4 pm.
  4. Explore the Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands, open various days/times. Check schedule here.
  5. See Pixar's Monsters University in Mill Valley's Old Mill Park, Friday, September 8, 8 pm.
  6. Learn the basics of freshwater fishing at McInnis Park in San Rafael, Saturday, September 9, 9 am–11 am.
  7. Watch Ratatouille outdoors in Novato's Pocket Park, Saturday, September 9, 7:30 pm.
  8. Enjoy Concerts in the Plaza in downtown Mill Valley, Saturday & Sunday, September 9 & 10, 11 am–7 pm.
  9. Gather 'round the campfire for s'mores and pirate stories at Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon, Sunday, September 10, 1–3 pm.
  10. Pack a picnic and bring the family to San Francisco's free Opera in the Park, Robin William's Meadow, Sunday, September 10, 1:30–3:30 pm.
  11. Sing & Stomp with kids' musician Emily Bonn at the Mill Valley Library's Outdoor Amphitheater, Tuesday, September 12, 10:15–11 am.
  12. Visit San Anselmo Library for a PJ storytime and stuffed animal sleepover, Wednesday, September 13, 6–6:30 pm (sign-up here).
  13. Movie Night at Creek Park in San Anselmo presents a double-feature with Moana (5:30 pm) and Back to the Future (7:45 pm), Friday, September 15
  14. Sing along and roast marshmallows at the Sonoma Barracks' campfire program. Saturday, September 16, 7 pm.
  15. Cast out with the kids to learn lake fishing at Stafford Lake Park in Novato, Sunday, September, 17, 10 am–noon.
  16. Enjoy a free afternoon of music, community and fun at Porch Fest, Gerstle Park, San Rafael. Sunday, September 17, noon–5 pm.
  17. Bring the kiddos to Novato Library's Outdoor Stories and Rhyme Wiggle Time, Tuesday, September 19, 10–10:30 am.
  18. Visit the spectacular Presidio Tunnel Tops and Outpost Playground in San Francisco. 
  19. Check out the moon, stars, and planets at a star party in San Anselmo's Memorial Park, Thursday, September 21, 7 pm.
  20. Bring the little ones for Storytime in the Park at Dolliver Park (AKA Dark Park) in Larkpur, Friday, September 22, 10:30 am.
  21. Pitch in to help on Coastal Cleanup Day at various locations in Marin, Saturday, September 23, all day.
  22. Visit the seals and sealions at the Marine Mammal Center in the Marin Headlands. Reserve your free tickets.
  23. Meet real live wild animals at WildCare Family Nature Day at Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon, Saturday, September 23, 11 am–12:30 pm.
  24. Learn about spiders on a family walk at Lake Lagunitas, Sunday, September 24, 10 am–1 pm.
  25. Join Freight & Salvage for Freight Fest, a free, family-friendly musical block party in Berkeley. Saturday, September 28, 10:30 am–6 pm.