Marin Weekend Family Fun for September 6–8
Pick your own organic apples at Chileno Valley Ranch. RSVP to reserve your spot and read about our visit here.
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, September 6
- Music Time with Megan
Sports Basement, Novato
Friday, 9:30–10 am
Bring the kiddos 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! Location: Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, 100 Vintage Way, Novato. Event details. - Toddler Playdate
Children's Museum of Sonoma County, Santa Rosa
Friday, 10–11 am
Join us every Friday morning for facilitated Toddler programming. Developed specifically for little ones, each week will bring an engaging program like a toddler dance party, sensory explorations, art activities and more! Museum admission applies. Location: . Event details. - Broadway Under the Stars Gala Celebration
Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen
Friday–Sunday, 5 pm
Don’t miss this fast-selling, end of season celebration packed full of powerhouse performances, community tributes, sentimental reflections and more. Bring a picnic before the performance. The show begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets: $45–$154. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Event details - Picnics on the Plaza: Zydeco
Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo
Friday, 5–8 pm
Come on downtown to San Anselmo for Picnics on the Plaza on six Friday evenings this summer: Grab dinner-to-go at a local restaurant, purchase food at the event, or pack a picnic and dine with old and new friends at the plaza. Enjoy live entertainment and activities; it's great, music, food and family fun! Location: 525 San Anselmo Avenue, Town Hall Lawn, San Anselmo. Event details - Movies in the Park: Ralph Breaks the Internet
Howarth Park, Santa Rosa
Friday, 8 pm
This fun-loving event series is back in Howarth Park for another season! Bring the family, a picnic and a blanket for a lovely evening of film-enjoyment under the stars in our park! Free. Location: 630 Summerfield Road, Santa Rosa. Event details. - Marin Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael
Friday & Saturday, 8 pm and Sunday, 4 pm
Enjoy the enchantment under the summer stars as mortals and fairies collide with mirth, merriment, mischief and mayhem. Bring the family this weekend for the preview special of $16 for adulds and $10 for youth tickets. Location: 890 Belle Avenue, San Rafael. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, September 7
- All Parks Free
Various Marin County Parks
Saturday, 7 am–7 pm
Get out and play on Measure A Days. Free entry to all Marin County parks and boat launches every first Saturday of the month. Funded by Measure A, approved by County voters in 2012. 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 WildCare at the Mart so meet the animals from 10 am–2 pm! For more info, 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. -
Broom Busters
St. Hilary’s Open Space Preserve
Saturday, 9 am–noon
Come learn about the importance of invasive species removal and lend a hand! All skill levels are welcome, and no previous experience is necessary. All ages are welcome; anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Dress in layers you can get dirty, wear sturdy shoes, and bring water. Please bring gloves if you have them. Contact with questions: Greg Reza at GReza@marincounty.org or (415) 473-3778. Event details. - National Grandparent's Day
Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
Saturday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
We're welcoming all grandparents today for FREE - bring your grandchildren and grown children to enjoy Habitot's exhibits and art programs. Make-a-Plate opportunity in the Art Studio for $20 donation. Location: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley. Event details. - Good Night, Gorilla
Children's Creativity Museum Annex, San Francisco
Saturday, 10 & 11:15 am and Sunday, 11:15 am
You’re not dreaming! Our mischievous gorilla and his zoo pals are tiptoeing out of their cages once again to follow the zookeeper home for the night. This wildly popular, interactive theatre experience for the very young returns by popular demand. Don your pajamas and come along! Recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years. Tickets: Adults $18 and child $15. Purchase tickets here. Location: 221 4th Street, San Francisco. Event details. - 2nd Annual Marin Volunteer Fair
Children's Island in Lagoon Park, Marin Civic Center
Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is excited to present the 2nd Annual Marin Volunteer Fair. The Volunteer Fair will include a wide range of organizations so everyone can find a volunteer opportunity they are passionate about while enjoying food, entertainment and more! Event details. - Touch-A-Truck
Lynwood Elementary School, Novato
Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
We had such a great turnout at our 1st Annual Touch a Truck event last year! We're excited to be doing it again! Join us for a fun day of exploring trucks from all over the community! Cost: $5 Admission - $20 max per family - Under 1 is FREE. Location: 1320 Lynwood Drive, Novato. Event details. - The Wheels on the Bus
BACT Berkeley Center, Berkeley
Saturday and Sunday, 10 & 11:15 am
Inspired by the ever-popular book and song. Toddler “bus drivers in training” will drive through town, stopping to meet a baker, a teacher, a veterinarian, a librarian and other community members, making music all along the way. Recommended for ages 6 months to 3 years. Tickets: Adults $18 and Child $15. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2055 Center Street, Berkeley. Event details. - Marin Comics Fest Presents: Eisner Nominated Cartoonist Scott Morse
Civic Center Library, San Rafael
Saturday, 11 am–noon
Meet animator and Eisner Award-nominated writer/illustrator Scott Morse, who earned his cartooning chops during stints at Chuck Jones Film Productions, Cartoon Network, and Pixar. His comics work includes the 1997 epic series Soulwind, Elektra: Glimpse & Echo for Marvel Comics, and the popular Magic Pickle series. In June, he scored another hit with the release of Dugout: The Zombie Steals Home. Admission is free. Scott will be signing books following his presentation. Event details - Battery Chamberlin Open House
Baker Beach, Sausalito
Saturday, 11 am–3 pm
How can a 50-ton gun simply disappear? Bring the family to learn this and more while helping load and aim the last operational gun of its kind. Photos of the century-old Endicott system batteries in action are on display in an underground cartridge room. Location: Presidio at Battery Chamberlin, north end of the Baker Beach parking lot. 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 3-4 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. Free and open to the public. Museum admission required for gallery activities found in the Discovery Guide. Location: 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco. Event details. - 2019 Chinatown’s Autumn Moon Festival
Chinatown, Grant Avenue, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
Bring the family to this special event that has been celebrated in Asia for more than 1,000 years. The 29th Annual Autumn Moon Festival will be held in Chinatown over two days of nonstop entertainment, food, shopping, martial arts, dragon parades, cultural events, children’s activities and more. Opening parage takes place on Saturday at 11 am and the Dragon Parade on Sunday, 5 pm. Event details. - 2019 Festa Coloniale Italiana
San Francisco Italian Athletic Club
Saturday, 11 am–6 pm
Festa Coloniale Italiana is the only authentic Italian street festival held in San Francisco. Come and enjoy continuous live music, authentic Italian cuisine, wine tasting, the Ricco Italian Dancers directed by Toni Bava, and an expert pizza toss by 13 time World Champion and restaurateur Tony Gemignani of Tony's Pizza Napoletana of North Beach.This is a free, fun, family event and is open to the public. Location: 1630 Stockton St., San Francisco. Event details. - Free Shakespeare in the Park: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Old Mill Park, Mill Valley
Saturday & Sunday, 2 pm
Two clever, canny women show bad boy John Falstaff that #Time'sUp in this hilarious Shakespeare comedy. Come join the Curtain Theatre in the beautiful redwood grove in Old Mill Park behind the Mill Valley Library. Bring the family, bring a picnic and prepare to be entertained! Event details - Free Shakespeare in the Park 2019
Civil War Parade Lawn, Presidio, San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, 2–4:30 pm
Bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy an outdoor performance of a new musical twist on this beloved classic about love, voluntary exile, and how all the world is a stage. As in other comedies written during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, As You Like It celebrates a brave woman who pursues her own destiny in defiance of cultural norms. Rosalind dresses as a man in order to outsmart the patriarchal obstacles of her world. This year, the Festival presents an original musical featuring nine songs by the Bay Area rock duo The Killebanes, and Festival Resident Artist, Phil Wong. Free admission. Event details - Evening 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. Event details - Movies in Creek Park: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Creek Park, San Anselmo
Saturday, Dusk
Enjoy free movies outdoors in San Anselmo's Creek Park. This Friday: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Seating generally begins around 7 pm, with pre-movie slide show, announcements, trivia and nightly raffle. Movies begin when dark enough and generally run two hours. Event details
Sunday, September 8
- 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 - Dual Slalom Race Series
Stafford Lake Park, Novato
Sunday, 8 am–5 pm
The Dual Slalom Series comprises 4 side-by-side, gravity-fed races on the Stafford Lake Bike Park dual slalom course. Pump and jump through qualifying and final rounds! Registration required. Event details -
U-pick Organic Apples
Chileno Valley Ranch, Petaluma
Sunday, 9 am–2 pm
Visit Chileno Valley Ranch to pick crunchy, delicious, organic apples and tour the farm. Other farm products for sale including grass-fed beef and lamb, cheese, and olive oil. RSVP here. $8 per family with advance reservations; $12 drop-in. Apples cost $2 per pound. Location: 5105 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma. Event details. - Pancake Breakfast at West Point Inn
Mt. Tamalpais
Sunday, 9 am–1 pm
Bring the family for a delicious Sunday morning breakfast and breathtaking mountaintop view of San Francisco and the bay area. Come enjoy flufffy pancakes, tasty sausage, and hot coffee for only $10 (kids are $5). Orange juice and cantaloupe are available for $1 extra. Scenic views and live music are included with your breakfast. Event details - The French Market
Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
Sunday 9 am–3 pm
Come shop at this French-style street market for antiques, books, clothes, toys, and much more. Enjoy crepes, live music, and more! Free admission and parking. Event details. - Nature for Kids: Indian Tree
Indian Tree Preserve, Novato
Sunday, 10 am–1 pm
We’ll head up the hill and visit several different forest habitats. We’ll go through one area that is completely shaded by bay trees, then we’ll walk up an oak covered hill, and finally end up in a little grove of redwoods. Along the way we’ll talk about these different habitats and the different kinds of animals that live in each place. Remember to bring lunch. No registration is required. Event details - Marine Science Sundays
Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
The size, strength and skills of the ocean's top predators are simply one of a kind. This month we celebrate National Wildlife Day with those animals that rule the ocean in Top Predators: Orcas and Sharks! Come learn more at Marine Science Sunday - fun educational programs for kids and adults! We recommend teaming our free classroom programs at 12 pm and 2 pm with a Docent-led tour at 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm for a truly immersive marine mammal experience. Event details - Grandparents Day
Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
Grandparents receive free admission when visiting with a grandchild. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. 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. Location: Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, San Francisco. Event details - Free Opera in the Park
Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Sunday, 1:30 pm
Opera in the Park is the perfect opportunity to get a sneak peek at the performers who will be headlining our fall shows, including Romeo and Juliet and Billy Budd. The concert is a mix of operatic favorites, pop classics, and songs from new and upcoming productions. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy the majesty of opera in the great outdoors. Location: Robin Williams Meadow in Golden Gate Park. Free. Event details. - Apples & Hops Garden Festival
UC Botanical Garden, Berkeley
Sunday, 2–5Come enjoy the Garden with family and friends at this unique end-of-summer festival! Enjoy local beer and cider crafters. Filoli is bringing heirloom apples from their estate orchard, and there will be free drinks, gourmet snacks, children's activities, and live music on the lawn. Festival ticket $65 Adult and $20 youth (5–17) and kids under 5 are free. Location: 200 Centennial Dr., Berkeley. Event details. -
Jazz on the Lawn with the Tina Marzell Quartet
Zoila’s, San Geronimo
Sunday, 2–5 pm
16th Annual Fundraiser for the San Geronimo Valley Emergency Fund. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres, oysters and silent auction. Cost: $30 per person – Donations will be matched. Location: 80 Meadow Way, San Geronimo. Event details.
