Marin Weekend Family Fun for August 2–4
Celebrate all things outer space this Sunday at the annual Novato Space Festival at the Pacheco Plaza shopping center
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.
Friday, August 2
- Day Out With Thomas
Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton
Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10:30 am–5:30 pm
This popular family event takes place at Roaring Camp Railroads in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You can take a train ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy live music. Tickets: $21 advance, $25 for peak times—Saturdays and Sundays 10:30 am–2:30 pm, $24 at the gate. Tickets required for everyone aged 2 and up and include all entertainment and activities as well as a 25-minute train ride. Parking $10 per vehicle. Location: Graham Hill Road, Felton. Event details - Free Children's Garden Series: Māhea Uchiyama
Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Friday, 11–11:30 am & 12:15–12:45 pm
The founder and artistic director of Berkeley’s Māhea Uchiyama Center for International Dance, Māhealani Uchiyama is an award-winning dancer, musician, composer, choreographer, recording artist, and teacher. she champions Pacific Islander culture through the company Hālau Ka Ua Tuahine and as the creator and director of the annual Kāpili Polynesian dance and music workshops. Location: 799 Howard Street, San Francisco. Event details. - Sonoma County Fair
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa
Friday–Sunday, 11 am–11 pm
The Sonoma County Fair offers both a classic full-scale carnival with plenty of excitement for thrill-seekers and a separate kiddie carnival area for the little ones, with scaled down thrills and lots of excitement. Carnival rides are an additional charge. Admission is $12 for ages 13 and up, $7 for children 7–12, and free for children 6 and under. Event details - 23rd Annual Nostalgia Days
Downtown Novato
Friday, 4:30–7 pm & Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Nostalgia Days is a fun filled event. Check out the schedule for the Friday Night Cruise + Saturday Car Show so you don’t miss a thing! Event details. - Picnics on the Plaza
Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
Friday, 5–8 pm
Enjoy live entertainment and activities; it's great, music, food and family fun! This Friday enjoy, Hella Fitzgerald - Jazz, Funk, R&B. Grab dinner-to-go at a local restaurant, purchase snacks at the event, or bring your own picnic (BYOP) and dine with old and new friends at the plaza tables on Tunstead and the Town Hall lawn Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo. Event details. - Tam Valley's Creekside Fridays
Tennessee Valley Cabin, Mill Valley
Friday, 6:30–8 pm
Bring the family, pets, chairs, and blankets to the weekly free musical event. This week: Tessa & the Troubadours. Food available for purchase. Location: 60 Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley. Event details - Jazz & Blues by the Bay
Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
Friday, 6:30–8 pm
Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available (first-come first-served). This Friday: Johnny Rawls (blues). Event details
Saturday, August 3
- 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 - Museums on Us Free Day
Various Museums
Saturday & Sunday
Bank of America cardholders can visit the following Bay Area museums for free! Enjoy the Contemporary Jewish Museum, de Young Museum, the Legion of Honor, and the Chabot Space and Science Center. Photo ID and a valid Bank of America/Merrill Lynch credit or debit card must be presented. Event details -
Free Saturday Morning Yoga
Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
Saturday, 9–10 am
Enjoy a fun unique environment of mindfulness and acceptance while strengthening your core, balance and long muscles. For all levels. Bring a mat and water bottle. Location: Meet at Old Mill Park Amphitheater 10 minutes prior to start of class. Event details - Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
Marin Country Mart, Larkspur Landing
Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
Enjoy the best local and organic produce, flowers, pastured meats, seafood, organic cheeses, yogurt and milk, breads, baked goods, pasta, confections, olive oil, and brunch and lunch offerings as well as kids' crafts, a petting zoo, pony rides, and live entertainment. Event details -
Broom Busters Open Space Workday
Old St. Hilary's Open Space Preserve, Tiburon
Saturday, 9 am–noon
Old St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve has a friend in the Broom Buster team, a loyal group of volunteers who have worked together to remove French broom on the preserve for over 15 years.Come learn about the importance of invasive species removal and lend a hand! Volunteer work involves bending, pulling, and kneeling. Dress in layers - you can get dirty. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Event details - Messy Art Fest
Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
The Bay Area Discovery Museum once again transforms itself into a blank canvas for Messy Art Fest! You and your child can create, paint, dance, and push the limits of arts and crafts at this weekend-long, creative family festival. During the Messy Art Festival, there will be no rules and no clean up (the museum will take care of that)! Get messy and explore endless ways to have creative fun! Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Ft. Baker, Sausalito. Event details - Learn to Skimboard
Upton Beach, Stinson Beach
Saturday, 11 am–1 pm
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 ages 7 and up. Don’t forget to bring wet suit, sunscreen, and a towel. RSVPs appreciated but not required. Event details - Petaluma Music Festival
Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds
Saturday, 11:30 am–9:30 pm
This family-friendly festival will feature 17 fantastic bands on three stages, and a kids' area! Tickets: $55 adults, $20 students 13–17 at the door only, free for kids 12 and under with paid adult ticket. Proceeds go to support music programs in all Petaluma area public schools! Event details - Milo Foundation Adoptions
Town Center Corte Madera
Saturday, noon–3 pm
Come meet your new best friend at Town Center on the first Sunday of each month when the Milo Foundation holds a pet adoption event. Event details - Science Saturday
Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Saturday, 1–4 pm
Families are welcome to stop by and join a Discovery Center naturalist for fun, hands-on activities with a different theme each month. Activities start on the hour at 1, 2 or 3 pm. This month, harness the power of the sun with a fun DIY solar oven tutorial. Participants will learn about solar power, enjoy a snack cooked by the sun, and construct their own solar oven to try at home. Free; parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Location: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Event details - Marin Dance Theatre Summerfest 2019
Showcase Theater, San Rafael
Saturday, 1 & 5 pm
Come enjoy the 2019 Summerdance participants as they perform pieces they have worked on during Marin Dance Theatre’s Summer Intensive. New works by Lynn Cox, Brigid Hoag, Dawn Perrin and guest choreographer Andrea Basile. For more information on Marin Dance theatre please visit www.mdt.org. Tickets: Adults $35, seniors and students: $28. Location: 10 Avenue of the Stars, San Rafael. Event details - Concerts on the Green
Novato City Green
Saturday, 5–7 pm
Gather your friends, family, lawn chairs, and a picnic dinner and join Novato Parks & Recreation for this FREE outdoor concert series held on our beautiful Civic Green, just outside our historic City Hall! Kona ice will also be onsite selling shaved ice. This Saturday: Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers. Location: Novato City Green, 901 Sherman Avenue (adjacent to Novato City Hall). Event details - Bat Night
Olompali State Historic Park, Novato
Saturday, 6–9 pm
The popular evening of batty activities and live bats returns. Perfect for the entire family. There will be bat snacks, bat mask decorating, and the chance to meet live bats. Bring a flashlight and chair or blanket to sit on while observing bats. Come explore and enjoy a family evening at this park. Free; $8 per car parking. Event details - Evening Power Play
Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato
Saturday, 6–9 pm
Drop the kiddos ( K-6th 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: Much Ado About Nothing
Creek Park, San Anselmo
Saturday, 7 pm
Enjoy a free outdoor screening of Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Seating begins at 7 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. Trivia Contest at 7:45 om by Chronos Academy's MakerCamp and the Golden Gate Learning Center. Live raffle and movie begin at 8 pm. Free. Event details - Festival of Summer Nights: Pacific Mambo Orchestra
Osher Marin Jewish Community Center, San Rafael
Saturday, 7–10 pm
Bring a picnic, your blanket, low-backed lawn chairs, and dancing shoes—there's fun for the whole family! Food, beer, wine, soft drinks, and snacks will be available for purchase, and there's a playground available for supervised play and the art room will be open for coloring fun. This Saturday features the Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Pre-concert Latin dance class from Santa Rosa Salsa. Cost: $23 members and $26 general advance; $32 day-of; kids 17 and under are free. Event details - Spring Lake Campfire Program
Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Saturday, 7–8 pm
Registered campers are invited to a campfire program that explores the diverse ecosystems of Spring Lake. Through interpretive and hands-on activities, you will discover the wonders of local flora and fauna. Every Saturday beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Free. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Location: 5585 Newanga Avenue, Santa Rosa. Event details - Astronomy Viewing Party
Mount Burdell Open Space Preserve, Novato
Saturday, 11 pm
Bring the whole family out for an evening under the stars on Mount Burdell. Bring a blanket to sit on and enjoy the view. The star of the show will be the Perseids Meteor Shower, which are visible between July 17 and August 24. This year the peak of the meteor shower will fall on the full moon, so this may be your best chance to see them. This event is ideal for all ages. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring binoculars or a telescope, blankets, water, snacks, and star charts. We’ll provide hot chocolate. Friendly dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Event details
Sunday, August 4
- 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 - Learn to Ride
Stafford Lake Bike Park, Novato
Sunday, 9–11 am
Learn to ride pump tracks and rollers with a ranger. This event is ideal for ages 5 and up though riders of all ages are welcome. All skill levels—no experience necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring your bike, helmet, and pads. Park entrance is waived for participants. 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 - 2019 Novato Space Festival
The Space Station Museum, Novato
Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
Celebrate all things outer space at the annual Novato Space Festival at the Pacheco Plaza shopping center. Meet real astronauts including Al Worden, who participated in the Apollo 15 moon mission; Novato's own shuttle astronaut Yvonne Cagle and many more. Families with children 12 and under get in early at 9:30 am for a special meet and greet with astronaut Rhea Seddon! Free. Location: 464 Ignacio Blvd., Novato. Event details - Presidio Picnic
San Francisco Presidio
Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
Presidio Picnic is a great family event that takes place Sundays on the Presidio’s beautiful Main Parade Ground, a seven-acre lawn with views of the park, the city, and the San Francisco Bay. Presidio Picnic features a rotating lineup of 25 international mobile food creators, free yoga class, free Presidio Y Bike learn to ride lessons for kids on the first Sunday of the month, a cultural dance program every 4th Sunday, and more. Event details - Free Family Fun Day
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Sunday, 10:30 am–2 pm
Discover and play as a family at the Asian Art Museum. On Family Fun Days, gallery activities, creative art projects and immersive storytelling make art appreciation into a lively, family-friendly event. Admission is free as part of Target Free First Sundays. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Event details -
YBike Learn to Ride Program
Presidio Main Parade Ground, 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. Event details - Summer Music Series
Corte Madera Town Center
Sunday, 2–4 pm
Enjoy live music every Sunday all summer long. Free. Event details - Stern Grove Festival
Sigmund Stern Grove, San Francisco
Sunday, 2 pm
This Sunday: Post-punk icons the Pyschedelic Furs with British folk-rock group James opening. Programs and activities for children on the Kid Stage from noon to 1 pm before every concert. Free admission. Location: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco. Event details - Summer Sunday Concerts at Piccolo Pavilion
Old Corte Madera Square
Sundays, 5–6:30 pm
Bring the family to the free outdoor summer concerts at the Old Corte Madera Square. This Sunday: Soul Mechanix. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic. Event details
