Marin Weekend Family Fun for November 1–3
Discovery Day, a free science festival for kids of all ages, takes place at Oracle Park this Saturday from 11 am–4 pm.
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. Please keep in mind that, while we strive to make information accurate, situations may have changed due to the impact of the Kinkade Fire and local Red Flag warnings. Please check with the event organizer before you go.
Friday, November 1
- 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. - Storytime Française
Tiburon Belvedere Library, Children's Room
Friday, 10–10:30 am
Join us for our French Storytime for ages 2-5. Emilia, a native speaker, will read stories and sing songs in French. Introduce your child to another language or broaden French-speaking children's comprehension and language skills. Free. Location: 1501 Tiburon Blvd., Tiburon. Event details. - Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch
Santa Rosa
Friday–Sunday, noon–8 pm
Didn't get enough Halloween fun this week? Due to the fire and power outages this week, the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch will stay open through Sunday, November 3. All attractions will be open from noon to 8 pm. Event details - Youth Open Lab
Marin Makerspace, Novato
Friday, 3–6 pm
On Fridays, the Makerspace is open for youth in grades 5-12 to work in projects of their own design. Adult mentors are available to help students — spark their interest and curiosity. This program is held at the Makerspace next door to the South Novato Library. Pre-register by emailing info@cecmake.com. Location: 931 C Street, Novato. Event details - Dia de los Muertos Altar Making Event
Mill Valley Library, Outdoor Amphitheater & Creekside Room
Friday, 3:30–5 pmLearn about Día de los Muertos traditions and create a shoebox altar to honor a loved one. Meet at the Amphitheater behind the Library at 3:30pm to explore Day of the Dead customs in Spanish and English. We'll move to the Creekside Room to create our altars. Bring a photo of a loved one with you. For ages 5 and up with their families. Registration required. Click here to register. Location: 375 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. 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 the Jeff Derby Trio! Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure. Free. Location: Larkspur Landing. Event details. - Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
Friday & Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Fun the the entire family! Tickets: $15–$35. Purchase tickets here. Location: 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. Event details. - Katia & Company presents: Matilda The Musical
The Playhouse San Anselmo
Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1, 4 & 7 pm & Sunday, 1 pm
Katia & Company presents Matilda The Musical at The Playhouse in San Anselmo. Perfect for ages 3+. Tickets: $16. Purchase tickets here. Location: 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. Event details.
Saturday, November 2
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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 pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10:30 am–2 pm, face kids' crafts from 10:30 am–1:30 pm, and live music from noon–2 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. Event details -
Junior Chef Class—Thanksgiving Helper: Pumpkin Pie
Williams-Sonoma, Corte Madera
Saturday, 10 am
Dessert will be the hit of your family’s Thanksgiving feast when you’re the baker! Join us and learn how to make an awesome pumpkin pie that everyone will love. Cost: $30 per child includes Pie Crust Cutters! Suitable for ages 8-13. $30 per participant; register in advance online. Location: The Village at Corte Madera. Event details - Buffalo Festival
Oakland Zoo
Saturday, 10 am–3 pm
Join the zoo in celebrating the largest land mammal in North America! There will be exciting opportunities to learn more about these majestic animals through keeper talks and interactive tables at Flamingo Plaza and California Trail. Explore the relationship between bison, the land and their connection to the Blackfeet Nation through art, storytelling and music. Share your support for bison at through face painting and a Bison Selfie station. Free with paid Zoo admission, no registration required. Location: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. Event details. - Holiday Craft Fair
San Rafael Community Center
Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
Lots of family fun at this year's San Rafael Goldenaires 2019 Holiday Craft Fair. Start your holiday shopping early: cards, ceramics, candles, jewelry, glasswork, knitwear, decorations and much more. Santa visits from 12–2 pm, raffle, and food available. Free admission. Location: 618 B Street, San Rafael. Event details. - Dia de Los Muertos Family Campout
Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
Saturday, 10 am–Sunday, noon
Celebration of community and, in honor of Dia de los Muertos, a time to show thanks to our ancestors and the people who have historical connections to this land. Will be creating a flower-bedecked ofrenda or altar, share food stories, explore Bone Grove, paint our faces, make pan de muerto and garden noodle soup. Pitch your tent at our campsite overlooking the ocean, have a campfire and wake up on the farm at Slide Ranch. On Saturday, join Slide Ranch teachers for a day of farm activities, crafts and nature exploration. At night, gather for dinner, a cozy campfire and camping under the stars. Sunday morning, enjoy a breakfast buffet, morning farm chores, including milking the goats, and preparing homemade treats harvested from our organic garden. Campout begins at 10:00am on Saturday and ends at 12:00pm on Sunday. Cost: $105 per person; children 24 months and under are free. Register online here. - 38Makers Holiday Gift Fair
Pinterest, San Francisco
Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
38Makers kicks off the season with an early gift fair specially curated by Pinterest for shoppers looking for artisan, locally-made gifts in a unique and festive setting. Cost: $5 suggested cash donation at the door goes to SFMade and our efforts to support local manufacturers. Location: 681 Brannan Street, San Francisco. Event details - Science Discovery Day at Oracle Park
San Francisco
Saturday, 11 am–4:30 pm
This free event is unlike any other – with dynamic demonstrations, engaging experiments, geeky games and astounding activities for all ages! This super-charged, super-fun celebration will include hundreds of hands-on activities, untold opportunities to meet local scientists and engineers, and even the chance to run around the bases! The entire ballpark is packed to the rafters with science content: on the field, at every entry/exit, and every level of the ballpark. All ages! FREE! No tickets needed! Event details - Día de los Muertos Community Concert
Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Saturday, 11 am & 2 pm
Join us for the San Francisco Symphony’s vibrant Day of the Dead celebration, featuring traditional Latin American music and culture, dazzling guest artists, colorful festivities, and fun-filled events for the entire family. Colombian stars Monsieur Periné, a Latin Grammy Best New Artist winner, is an internationally renowned Latin American band. The group explores the cultural roots of diverse Latin American sounds by fusing them with jazz, pop, and swing. Arrive an hour early to enjoy live music, captivating altars, and folk art. Location: 201 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco. Event details - Science Discovery Day at the Academy
The Academy School, Berkeley
Saturday, 1–4 pm
This free, fun, interactive community event will feature games, exhibits, and learning activities with hands-on science projects for children aged 4–10. Featuring community booths from UC Berkeley’s Society of Women Engineers, Cal’s Chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and more. RSVP required on Eventbrite here. All children required to attend with an adult. Location: 2722 Benvenue Avenue, Berkeley. Event details - Science Saturday
Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Saturday, 1–4 pm
Bring the family for fun, hands-on activities at the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake Regional Park. This month explore stored energy by experimenting with catalpults. 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. This is a free event. Parking is $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Event details - Day of the Dead
Pickleweed Park, San Rafael
Saturday, 3–9 pm
San Rafael's 31st annual Day of the Dead Celebration features music, craft projects, face painting, authentic food for sale, altar viewing, a procession down Canal Street, and cultural performances. Free shuttle and free parking at Bahia Vista School and Health and Wellness Campus. Location: Pickleweed Park, 50 Canal Street, San Rafael. Event details - Indoor Power Play
Cal Star Gymnastics, Novato
Saturday, 6–9 pm
Drop the kiddos ( K–8th 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 - Marin Homeless Aid Concert
Marin Veterans' Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael
Saturday, 7 pm
Marin Homeless Aid invites you to spend a fun-filled, nostalgic, musically packed evening with live performances from Petty Thefts and Super Diamond at the 3rd Annual Concert Solving Homelessness in Marin County. These tribute bands will take you on a musical journey back in time playing the greatest hits from Tom Petty and Neil Diamond. Tickets: $50, $40, $30 & $20 (Plus Fees). Event details. - Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical
Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley
Saturday 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm
Roald Dahl’s Matilda The Musical tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Fun the the entire family! Tickets: $15–$35. Purchase tickets here. Location: 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. Event details.
Sunday, November 3
- 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. No pets (except service animals) are allowed at this park. Park entrance is waived for participants. Event details - Kindermusik in the Park
Miwok Park, Novato
Sunday, 10:30–11 am
Songs & Movement for Babies, Kids & Families! I will be strumming and drumming (and singing!) under the redwoods at Miwok Park for a "family musical meetup". Come a few minutes early to make an egg shaker that you can take home! Location: Miwok Park 2200 Novato Boulevard, Novato. Small donation requested (to replace craft supplies.) Event details. - Family Free Days
MarinMOCA, Novato
Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
Are you looking for alternatives to “screen time?” How about making art with your kids during free Family Days? Family Days happen the first Sunday of every month starting October 6. Choose from several hands-on art projects taught by professional teachers. Our family-friendly art teachers can customize the art project so that you and every child in your family can take home a personalized creation. Art supplies are included. Our Family docents are here to help. They will greet you and hand out our “Art Investigator” guide for kids so that your trip through the galleries is fun and educational. Admission is free when you bring a child, 2–12 years. Event details - West End Village Celebration
West End Village, San Rafael
Sunday, 11 am–7 pm
Starting at H Street and stretching east three blocks, San Rafael’s West End Village will again be the destination for local families and friends to enjoy the West End Village Celebration (WEVC). For the 11th year, community spirit, kid's arts and crafts activities (in partnership with several local non-profit organizations), live music, an art gallery, local craft beer and food will be part of the old-fashion fun that is the foundation of the West End Village Celebration (WEVC). Free. Event details - Sunday Special: Magician Timothy James
Mill Valley Library, Main Reading Room
Sunday, 11–11:45 am
Back by popular demand! He’ll dazzle the Sunday morning crowd with mind-boggling feats on stage, and make things disappear before your eyes. His magical bag of tricks includes sleight-of-hand, ventriloquism, and comedy! For all ages. Location: 375 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. 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. This month's topic: "The Attitude of Gratitude". 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 - Family Fun Day
Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Discover and play as a family at the Asian Art Museum. On Family Fun Days, our tours and creative art projects and storytelling make art appreciation a lively, family-friendly event. Themes and projects change regularly, so visit again and again. Celebrate Diwali with hands-on art-making, kid-friendly gallery tours and immersive storytelling. Part of Target First Free Sundays. Location: 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco. Event details -
Cole Porter Salutes Motown!
Showcase Theatre, San Rafael
Sunday, 2 pm
Cole Porter Salutes Motown! We have rounded up the usual suspects of our Cole Porter ensemble, added a coterie of talented kids, put them all together: we’ve got a concert that unites the generations in mutual appreciation. This is our annual fundraiser for The Cole Porter Society. We fund and support our youth outreach program to expose young students to the history and high culture of musical theater and to inspire them to dream. It’s The Way We Do the Things We Do! Tickets: Tickets: $125, $95, $75, children 12 and under: $25. Location: 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Event details
