Marin Weekend Family Fun for March 3, 4 & 5

Visit McNears Beach Park in San Rafael for free this Saturday

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 throughout the Bay Area in our Family Events Calendar.

Friday, March 3

• Crazy Awesome Science!
  Children's Museum of Sonoma County
  Friday, 2 pm
  Bring the kiddos for a scientific demonstration followed by hands-on science. Past topics include: SPF, Elephant Toothpaste, Dry Ice Bubbles, Fizzy Rockets, Sheep Eye Dissection and many more! Museum admisson applies. Location: 1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
  
• Meet Children's Author and Illustrator Alexandra Boiger
  San Anselmo Library-Council Chambers
  Friday, 3:30 pm
  Learn about the art of children’s book illustration with renowned local children’s author and illustrator Alexandra Boiger. She is the illustrator of the children’s series Tallulah and the forthcoming When Jackie Saved Grand Central, to be published this month by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Come get a sneak peek at her latest book! Location: 525 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. For more info, visit their website.
• Kids Night Out: Totally '80s
  Rolling HIlls Club, Novato
  Friday, 6–9:30 pm
  It’s totally rad! Join us for a totally tubular '80s party! We will much on some '80s candy, visit our '80s beauty bar for a '80s makeover, and dance to some sick '80s tunes. We will watch Smurfs: World of Wonders. A pizza dinner will be served. Must be potty trained. Ages: 2.5–12. Cost: $24 member and $34 guest. Register here. Location: 351 San Andreas Drive, Novato. For more info, call (415) 897-2185 or visit their website.
• Kids' Pajama Party with Constance Hale
  Diesel Bookstore, Marin Country Mart
  Friday, 6–6:30 pm
  Pull on your PJs and bring your teddy bear to the bookstore! Author Constance Hale will be here to read you a bedtime story from 'Iwalani's Tree. Get cozy, listen to a story or two, have some milk and cookies and get your books signed, then head home for bed. As a special treat, Constance will give a little hula demonstration and show some of her treasures from the sea!  Location: 2419 Larkspur Landing Circle. For more info, call (415) 785-8177 or visit their website.
• Free Movie Night: Lilo & Stitch 2
  Mathnasium of Mill Valley
  Friday, 6–7 pm
  Stop by Mathnasium on the first Friday of the month for movie night. Free pizza and soda will be served. Students, parents, and friends welecome. Location: 247 Shoreline Highway, Suite A3. For more info, visit their website.
• MVMS Cabaret 2017 presents Annie
  Mill Valley Middle School Gym
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 1 pm
  The annual Mill Valley Middle School Cabaret is an all-ages show featuring a cast and crew of approximately 100 students who auditioned to be singers, dancers, and actors; or applied to be stage managers, set designers, costume designers, makeup artists, lighting assistants, and sound assistants. Tickets: $10–$35. Purchase tickets here. Location: 425 Sycamore Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
• You're a Good Man Charlie Brown: The Musical
  College of Marin Performing Arts Building
  Friday & Saturday, 7:30 pm and Sunday, 2 pm
  Here's the whole Peanuts gang on stage! Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, and of course, Charlie Brown's best pal, Snoopy the Beagle. The play deals with a day in the life of Charlie Brown - from bright, uncertain morning to hopeful, starlit evening! Bring the whole family! Directed by James Dunn. Musical Direction by Paul Smith. This runs from March 3–19. March 3 production-pay what you will preview. Tickets for other nights: $25, seniors $20 and COM Associates $15. Purchase tickets online here. Location: 835 College Avenue, the James Dunn Theatre, Kentfield. For more info, visit their website.

Saturday, March 4

• Free Access to all Parks
  Marin County Parks
  Saturday, All Day
  Starting this January, 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. For more info, visit their website.
• 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. For more information, visit their website.
• STEM Superhero Series: Robots and the Future
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday, 9 a m–5 pm
  Children use their STEM skills to design, imagine, and test innovations around robotics. Activities include testing robot circuitry, programming robots to follow commands, and using everyday objects to engineer instruments. Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynold Road, Sausalito. For more info, visit their website.
  
• 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). For more info, visit their website.
• Open House Play Date: Marin Multiples
  Peacock Gap Park, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9 am–noon
  Learn about the club and meet other parents of multiples! Location: 298 Peacock Drive, San Rafael. For more info, visit their Facebook page.
• Free Saturday Morning Yoga
  Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
  Saturday, 9–10 am
  Practice a modification of alignment-based anusara-inspired Hatha yoga with a combination of breathing, standing, and seated postures in front of the beautiful redwood trees. Prepare to sweat, breathe, align, and stretch. 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. For more info, visit their website.
• Zumba at McInnis Park
  McInnis Park, San Rafael
  Saturday, 9:30–10:30 am
  Kick off an energetic weekend with Zumba at McInnis Park led by a professional instructor. This event is ideal for all ages so bring the family. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Wear comfortable athletic clothing and sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring water. Rain will cancel the event. Questions: Contact Kevin Wright at KWright@marincounty.org, or (415) 473-2129. For more info, visit their website.
• Crissy Field-Ranger Lead Family Bike Ride
  San Francisco
  Saturday, 9:45–11:30 am
  Family-friendly bike trip around Crissy Field and the Presidio Main Post!  Led by a Presidio park ranger, this 5.3-mile mostly-flat ride will take you on a whirlwind tour of some Presidio highlights, including: Fort Point, the brand new Presidio Visitor Center, Crissy Field marsh and the the Historic Pet Cemetery. Bike rentals available. For more info, visit their website.
• Mountain Bike Ride with a Ranger
  Rush Creek, Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–noon
  Want to go on a scenic mountain bike ride with a ranger? Come join Supervising Ranger Ian McLorg for a morning ride along the marsh at Rush Creek Preserve. This event is ideal for all ages. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. Rain will cancel. Location: Meet at the Pinheiro Fire Rd gate on Binford Road in Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• Marin Theatre Company's Hare & Tortoise
  Mill Valley
  Saturday, 10 am, 12:30 pm & 3 pm, Sunday, 10 am & 12:30 pm
  Young, excitable Hare wants nothing more in this world than to race his friend--the older, slower Tortoise. While Hare speeds through daily life and does everything he can to make the time pass faster, Tortoise slows down and takes her time, whether doing chores or having fun. Hare and Tortoise is a fun, fast (and slow) show for 4 to 8 year olds about friendship, the passing of time and the excitement of growing up. Tickets: $18–$22. Purchase tickets here. Location: 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. For more info, call (415) 388-5200 or visit their website.
• Free Junior Chef Class: Disney's Beauty and the Beast "Be Our Guest"
  Williams-Sonoma, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 10 am
  Come and celebrate the launch of Beauty and the Beast with a fun cooking class for kids ages 8–13. We'll be making Beastly Bread Pudding and Chips and favorte oat chocolate chip cookies. Call the store to reserve your spot: (415) 924-6799. Location: The Village Corte Madera. For more info, visit their website
• Bay Area Children's Theatre: Pippi Longstocking
  Children's Creativity Museum Theater, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
  Annika and Tommy's new neighbor Pippi Longstocking has crazy red pigtails, a pet monkey named Mr. Nilsson, and a tendency to get caught up in one outrageous adventure after another! Whether she's fending off burglars, wrestling a circus strongman, or sailing away on a pirate ship, Pippi wins over even the sternest of hearts in this rollicking musical adaptation of Astrid Lindgren's beloved book. Location: 221 Fourth Street, San Francisco 94103. For more info, visit their website.
• STEAM Saturday
  San Rafael Public Library
  Saturday, 11 am
  Come to the San Rafael Library for STEAM powered stories, rhymes, songs, crafts, experiments, and sensory experiences for preschool children ages 3–6 and their caregivers. Registration required: register at the children’s reference desk or call at (415) 485-3322. Location: 1100 E Street, San Rafael. For more info, visit their website.
• Creative Family Fun: Dazzling Damselfly
  Presidio Officers' Club, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Drop in for imaginative craft-making based on the Presidio’s natural and cultural heritage. Featuring different crafts every weekend! The forktail damselfly was reintroduced to Mountain Lake in October. This month, the larvae will finally emerge from the water as adults! Welcome these rare damselflies back to the Presidio by making a damselfly craft. Free. Read about our visit to the Officers' Club here. Location: 50 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint
  The Old Mint, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am–5 pm & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  This weekend, the Old Mint becomes a pop-up museum of San Francisco history featuring more than 75 exhibitors at the San Francisco History Days at the Old Mint. Join community historians, archivists, genealogists, archaeologists, researchers, educators, reenactors, and other history enthusiasts for a free community open house at this historic site. Free. Location: 88 Fifth Street (at Mission Street), San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Science Saturday at Environmental Discovery Center
  Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 1–3:30 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. Science Saturdays feature tangible experiments and projects that let children explore the world around us. Free; parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Loctation: 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Young Performers Theatre: Hansel and Gretel
  Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
  Saturday, 1 and 3:30 pm & Sunday, 2:30 pm
  With a bare cupboard and no food, the stepmother contrives to leave Hansel and Gretel deep in the woods, to shift for themselves. Their playmates set off in search of them, but are captured by Witch Wicked and turned into a gingerbread fence. Hansel and Gretel are also caught, but outwit the witch and break her spell. The stepmother arrives remorseful, and all go home laden with baskets of jewels. This play is a fun adventure for kids of all ages! Tickets: $12. Location: Young Performers Theatre, Fort Mason Center. To purchase tickets, visit their website.
• Healthy Parks Family Walk
  Presidio of San Francisco
  Saturday, 2–4 pm
  Bring the entire family for hiking, beginner exercises and family games, you'll get to know your various National Park sites while getting those hearts and waistlines happy. For more info, visit their website.
• Parents Night Out
  Isabel Cook Community Center, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 5:30–9:30 pm
  Come spend your Saturday night in the tumbling room with our teachers while your parents have the night off. Tumbling, a movie and snacks will be provided. Bring special diet snacks. For ages 4–12 years. Cost: $20 per night/per child. Please register in advance to ensure there is space for your child! Online registration guarantees a space! Register at www.sananselmorecreation.org.
• 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: $24/ per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. For more info, visit their website.

Sunday, March 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. For more info, visit their website.
• Children's Program at Green Gulch Farm
  San Francisco Zen Center
  Sunday, 10–11:30 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: $10 per family. For more info, call (415) 863-3136 or visit their website.
• Free Day at the Asian Art Museum
  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, our gallery activities, creative art projects and immersive storytelling make art appreciation into a lively, family-friendly event. Themes and projects change regularly, so visit again and again. In February, learn about Lunar New Year symbols for longevity, fortune, and happiness with art projects developed and led by Art Speak teen interns. Street parking is free on Sundays. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. For more info, visit their website.
• Frances the Frog Puppet Show with Risa Lenore
  Mill Valley Library, Main Reading Room
  Sunday, 11 am–noon
  Risa Lenore story dancing will teach a frog's life cycle through dance, drama, and imagination.  It's a fun and exciting exercise for body and mind! Audience participation guaranteed! Free-for all ages. Location: 375 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. For more info, visit their website.
  
• San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra
  Davies Symphony Hall
  Sunday, 2 pm
  "Dynamic young German conductor Christian Reif" (San Francisco Chronicle) leads the exceptional San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra in Dvorák’s seminal Eighth Symphony. Also on the program, Mozart’s final symphony, a paragon of musical refinement and elegance. Don’t miss this concert performed by more than one hundred of the Bay Area’s most talented young instrumentalists. Purchase tickets here. For more info, visit their website.