Summer Fun List for Marin & Bay Area Families

Summer is almost here, so make this one a memorable one! Our list of fun ideas for families in Marin and the Bay Area pretty much guarantees that you won't run out of things to do this summer.

We've tailored this season's list to take COVID-19 precautions and restrictions into account, and we'll update it with even more ideas for summer family fun as the situation changes.

Get Outdoors

1. Hike and explore history at Olompali State Historic Park in Novato
2. Wade in water at Chicken Ranch Beach in Inverness.
3. Participate in an outdoor adventure summer camp.
4. Ride the pump track at Stafford Lake Bike Park, Novato.
5. Visit the animals and hike at Tolay Lake Regional Park in Petaluma.
6. Explore a new mountain bike trail with the family.
7. Explore Jack London's Beauty Ranch in the Wine Country.
8. Fly a kite at Tomales Bay Trailhead in Point Reyes.
9. Splash along the shore of Drakes Beach in Pt. Reyes.

Music & Performances

1. Sunrise Jam Virtual Family Concert with Megan Schoenbohm, Daily, 9–9:30 am and live at The Village Child, Novato, Saturdays & Sunday's, 11 am.
2. Experience music, mindfulness and yoga with Jocelyn at Wee Yogis. Monday–Thursdays, 10:30 am.
3. Broadway Under the Stars Fantastical Family Night comes to you online. Get your tickets here.

Backyard Fun

1. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows in your firepit.
2. Have a water balloon fight.
3. Set up a hammock for reading, napping, and relaxing.
4. Paint rocks with colorful designs and hide them.
5. Play an outdoor game like croquet or badminton.
6. Build your own bubbles and create your own DIY wands.
7. Camp out in the backyard and sleep under the stars.
8. Set-up and splash in an inflatable swimming pool.

Family Fun

1. Challenge each other on a family game night.
2. Go on a neighborhood scavenger hunt.
3. Make some popcorn, put on your PJ's and settle in for a family movie night.
4. See an outdoor movie with North Bay Mobile Drive In.
5. Travel to Brentwood to pick your own cherries.
6. Pick your own organic blueberries at Duckworth Family Farm in Sebastopol.
7. Complete a puzzle together.

Get Creative

1. Make a homemade patriotic windsock for the 4th of July.
2. Pick up an amazing art kit from a local studio.
3. Make your own fun and easy playdough.
4. Create your own herb garden.
5. Make a mini terrarium.
6. Build the tallest tower with your LEGOs.
7. Make the ultimate summer tie dye shirt.
8. Learn to draw with one of our favorite illustrators.
9. Start a summer journal with writing, drawings and photos.
10. Create 4th of July jewelry with baker's clay.

Keep Learning (and Still Have Fun!)

1. Participate in a library summer reading program.
2. Get hands-on creative crafts, outdoor activities, and eco-challenges with WildCare online.
3. Experience a museum from home.
4. Get ready for online hands-on DIY fun at Family Maker Camp.
5. Explore outer space from home.
6. Learn origami.
7. Get informed, engaged, and inspired with Stern Grove's free music programs for kids.
8. Learn some dance moves at an online dance class.
9. Make a creative project from a local museum.
10. Get the kids in the kitchen to bake or cook with free online lessons.
11. Learn a new instrument, like the ukulele.

Make a Summertime Treat

1. Have a summer BBQ and make a pitcher of watermelon aqua fresca.
2. Get some fresh produce at one of our local farmers markets.
3. Have a family pizza night in your kitchen.
4. Make your own ice cream.
5. Have a backyard campout and make a batch of s'mores cookies.
6. Make strawberry yogurt sorbet.