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Home | Marin Weekend Family Fun for January 3–5

Marin Weekend Family Fun for January 3–5

Tiburon Bike Path

Take a walk, run, or bike ride along the Tiburon Bike Path. Stop and play along the way!

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, January 3

  • Iceless Skating Rink
    Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
    Friday, 9 am–1 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm

    Strap on skates and take a spin around the “ice” this December at the Bay Area Discovery Museum! We’re transforming our Discovery Studio space into an Iceless Skating Rink. On our synthetic ice rink, children of all ages can slide and glide into the holiday season. Tickets: $13.95–$15.95. Location: 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito. Event details.
  • Music Time with Megan
    Sports Basement, Novato
    Friday, 9:30–10 am

    Bring the little ones for live music, singing, dancing and playing instruments with popular children's musician Megan Schoenbohm. Cost is $10 per child, and siblings under 7 months are free. This is an ongoing weekly class, so drop in as often as you can! Event details.
  • 'Tis the Season for Science
    California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
    Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am–5 pm, Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
    Visit the Cal Academy this holiday season for indoor snow flurries, live reindeer, a hands-on polar-themed exhibit, and live festive music. Museum admission applies. Location: 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco. Location:  Event details.
  • Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
    San Francisco
    Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm

    Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: starting at $13. Location: 333 Post Street, San Francisco. Event details
  • Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
    San Francisco
    Friday–Saturday, 10 am–11:30 pm, Sunday, 10 am–9:30 pm

    Get ready to skate under the sun and stars along the beautiful waterfront at the largest outdoor rink in San Francisco. Admission: $12 adults, $7 children (7 and under), skate rental $5. Location: 4 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco. Event details.
  • NorCal Ice
    Northgate Mall, San Rafael
    Friday–Sunday, 11:30 am–10 pm

    The NorCal Ice (formerly known as Marin on Ice) outdoor skating rink in San Rafael's Northgate Mall returns to offers al fresco skating. The rink will once again be located near the center's Oaktree Plaza and features 6,400 square feet of real ice. Skating costs $15 per person, which includes skate rental and all-day in-and-out privileges. "Skate Buddies" (the blue plastic chair-like supports) are available to rent for beginners ($5 per hour). Location: Northgate Mall (next to Kohls), San Rafael. Event details.
  • Film: Enchanted (2007)
    The Walt Disney Family Museum, San Francisco
    Friday & Sunday, 2 pm

    Inspired by Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty, Enchanted follows Giselle (Amy Adams), as she is transported by the evil Queen Narissa from the animated kingdom of Andalasia to the bustling real world of New York City. Longing to return to Andalasia to experience “true love’s kiss,” Giselle learns to adapt to New York with the help of Robert Philip, a handsome but cynical divorce lawyer, and his young daughter. Fall in love with this 21st century fairytale and enjoy enchanting musical numbers with lyrics written by Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz and melodies composed by Disney Legend Alan Menken. Cost: $5 members or with general admission, $10 adults, $8 student and youth. Location:104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio, San Francisco. Event details.
  • Winter Crafts for Kids & Teens
    Belvedere Tiburon Library
    Friday, 2–4 pm

    Kids and teens are invited to pop into the Library for crafts and snacks. Parents should accompany young children. All materials provided. Free. Location: 1501 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon. Event details.
  • Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna
    AT&T Park, San Francisco
    Friday & Saturday, 4:30 & 8 pm, Sunday, 1:30 & 5 pm

    Cirque du Soleil returns to the San Francisco Bay Area with Amaluna. Inspired by Shakespeare's The Tempest and elements of Romeo and Juliet, Cirque du Soleil's Amaluna invites you to a mysterious island ruled by goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon where the natural elements—particularly water—play a huge role in creating this unforgettable show. The show will be performed under the Big Top in Lot A at Oracle Park through Sunday, January 12, 2020. Tickets: $79 and up. Event details
  • Night Bloom
    Conservatory of Flowers, San Francisco
    Friday–Sunday, 5–11 pm

    Night Bloom returns shining brighter this holiday season at the Conservatory of Flowers. Light and sound infuse the Conservatory of Flowers’ one-of-a-kind plant collection and its iconic facade in a limited engagement. Tickets: $29–$80; children 8 and under free. Event details
  • Friday Night Jazz Concerts
    Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
    Friday, 5:30–8:30 pm
    Meet us at the Mart this Friday night to enjoy some jazzy tunes styled by Rob Hart Trio ! Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure. Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure. Free. Location: Larkspur Landing. Event details.
  • Free Game Night
    Mathnasium of Mill Valley
    Friday, 6–7 pm
    The first Friday of every month will be game night for K–8th grade. We will have Wii U, board games, card games, cornhole, darts, etc. Free pizza will be served. Location: 247 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley. Event details.

Saturday, January 4

  • 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! Kids can take a pony ride and visit the petting zoo (10 am–2 pm), try out some arts and crafts (9 am–2 pm) and listen to music (9:30–10:30 am). Event details
  • Free Yoga at Old Mill Park
    Mill Valley
    Saturday, 9–10 am

    The Mill Valley Recreation Department is offering a free Hatha flow yoga class the first Saturday of the month at Old Mill Amphitheater. Prepare to sweat, breathe, align and stretch in this fun, unique environment. Designed for students of all levels, this class will be held in all weather conditions except severe rain. Bring a mat, water bottle and comfortable clothing. Meet at the Old Mill Amphitheater 10 minutes prior to class. Location: Throckmorton Ave and Old Mill Street. For more info, call 415-383-1370 or visit their website.
  • Creek Walk to See Spawning Coho Salmon
    San Geronimo
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    With the first hard rains in the watershed comes the beginning of spawning season for Coho salmon. SPAWN-trained naturalists lead creek walks to explore the majesty of the Lagunitas Creek Watershed. Tour will explore the site of the former San Geronimo Gold Course and embark on a journey to multiple creek sites in search of some of these critically endangered salmon. Meet at the parking area of San Geronimo Restaurant & Bar. Tours are open to all ages and abilities. Cost: $15 donation per person; children 12 and under are free and do not need to register. Location: San Geronimo Restaurant & Bar, 5800 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Geronimo. Event details
  • Learn to Saltwater Fish
    McNears Beach Park, San Rafael
    Saturday, 10 am–noon

    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. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring your fishing pole. Rain will cancel. Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Event details
  • Family Art Making
    de Young Museum, San Francisco
    Saturday, 11 am–4 pm

    Family Art Making offers a free, drop-in art project led by professional teaching artists. Projects change every 3 to 4 weeks and connect to our permanent collections or highlight our special exhibiton. Make sure to pick up a Discovery Guide to explore the galleries. Artists of all ages are welcome to join. Event details
  • 2020 Oshogatsu Matsuri (Japanese New Year’s Festival) – Year of the Rat
    Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California, San Francisco
    Saturday, 11 am–3 pm

    The 49th Annual Oshogatsu Matsuri Celebration in Japantown SF. Welcoming the Year of the Rat, featuring mochitsuki, entertainment, food, screen printing, and cultural arts and crafts. Free. Location: 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco. Event details
  • Nature Hike
    Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma
    Saturday, 11:30 am

    Join our winter hike along the lower Montini Preserve Trail with Park Interpretive Specialist “Ranger Dave.” This slow-paced hike is one mile in length with minor elevation changes and meets at the Vallejo Home parking lot at the end of 3rd Street West. All ages, free, steady rain cancels. Event details
  • Science Saturday
    Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
    Saturday, 1–4 pm

    Embrace your inner scientist and discover the wonders of environmental and physical science! Drop-in for free presentations and interactive experiments the first Saturday of every month beginning on the hour at 1, 2, and 3 pm. This month: make your own lava lamp in a groovy science experiment! All ages welcome. Free. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Location: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Event details
  • Journey of the Whales
    Point Reyes Lighthouse Visitor Center
    Saturday & Sunday, 1:30 pm

    Join a Ranger to learn about gray whales as they migrate past Point Reyes. Learn about their habits and adaptations, and hope for a whale sighting from the Observation Deck. Program lasts 30 minutes. This program is given out-of-doors. Come prepared for windy, cold and damp weather. Free. Weekend shuttle bus program is in place starting December 28; $7 per person, free for 17 and under. Event details.
  • Zoo Lights
    Oakland Zoo
    Saturday–Sunday, 5:30–9 pm,

    Celebrate the holidays at Oakland Zoo amidst a million glowing lights! Soar over the Oakland hills in our festively-lit gondolas and see the Bay Area skyline like never before. New this year, enjoy swirling snowfalls over a dazzling Winter Wonderland attraction featuring Santa in his decked-out workshop for the ultimate holiday experience. ZooLights is a separate event and is not included in regular Zoo Admission. $12 adults, $11 children 2–14 and seniors 65+, free for children under 2 and adults over 80. Location: 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland. Event details.
  • Rombeiro Christmas House
    Devonshire Drive, Novato

    Friday–Sunday, 6–10 pm
    Their home is something that truly has to be seen to be believed, and photos don't really do it justice. There are something like 140,000 lights as well as countless figurines, dioramas, and decorations adorning the front and side yards, walls, and roof of the Rombeiro house. If you think the outside is impressive, then you need to go on inside and get a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. You'll find model trains, more figurines, Christmas trees, and the biggest lighted holiday village you've ever seen. Last weekend! Closes January 6. Location: 34 Devonshire Drive, off of Center Road, Novato. For more info, read about our visit here
  • Indoor Power Play
    Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato

    Saturday, 6–9 pm
    Drop the kiddos ( K-8 th 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.
  • Chantey Sing at Hyde Street Pier
    San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
    Saturday, 8–11 pm

    A public sing-along of sea chanteys and sailor songs aboard a historic ship at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Wear warm clothing and bring a mug for hot cider. Free; reservations required. Location: Hyde Street Pier, San Francisco. Event details

Sunday, January 5

  • 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
  • Ring Mountain Coffee Stop
    Ring Mountain Preserve, Tiburon
    Sunday, 10 am–noon

    Ever wonder what it’s like to be a Park Ranger? Want to get expert hiking or biking tips? Curious about coyotes and other wildlife in our preserves? Get answers to these questions and more when you stop by and meet your local park rangers. Join Rangers at Ring Mountain to enjoy a cup of coffee. Friendly dogs are welcome but must be leashed. Heavy rain will cancel the event. Meet at the intersection of Taylor Fire Road and Ring Mountain Fire Road. Event details
  • Target Free First Sunday
    Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
    Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
    Target First Free Sundays—free general admission on the first Sunday of every month and the family programs offered on that day—are made possible by Target. Admission is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Kick off the New Year with festive art-making inspired by the Year of the Rat. Due to capacity restrictions, admission is not guaranteed. Event details
  • Storytime with Christopher Smith
    Book Passage, Corte Madera
    Sunday, 10:30 am

    After four years of living overseas, children's story reader Christopher Smith returns to Book Passage! Christopher was the Sunday story time reader at Book Passage for more than 20 years, introducing new picture books, poetry, and song to countless young children in Marin. A local school teacher, Christopher's song "The Golden Gate" is a Parent's Choice Award winner and a beloved favorite throughout the Bay Area. Join us as this tradition continues on. Free. Location: 51 Tamal Vista Boulevard, Corte Madera. Event details.
  • Story Time & Family Walk
    San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park
    Sunday, 10:30 am

    Looking for a fun, free and easy-to-coordinate activity? Join us in our cozy children's book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Story Time is suitable for children aged 4–8. The Library has an excellent collection of children's books on plants, animals, natural history, and nature-related myths and stories. Event details
  • YBike Learn to Ride Program
    Presidio Main Post, 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. Co-sponsored by the Presidio Trust. Event website
  • Final PIER 39 Tree Lighting Event
    PIER 39, San Francisco
    Sunday, 5–10 pm

    Enjoy the holidays all season long with The PIER’s nightly tree lighting musical moments on its 60’ Christmas tree which will come to life every half hour from 5–10 pm. Synchronized to holiday music, the tree transforms into a kaleidoscope of swirling colors, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments.  These dazzling tree lighting musical moments take center stage all season long. Event details