Celebrate springtime at Slide Ranch's Spring Fling this Saturday, April 28.

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, April 27

• Sing and Dance with Miss Kitty!
  San Rafael City Hall (next to Library)
  Friday, 10:30–11 am
  We are pleased to announce the return of Miss Kitty to the San Rafael Public Library! Miss Kitty is back for a series of fun family concerts that are just right for kids birth to 8 years old. No registration, no space limitations, all are welcome! Location: San Rafael City Hall City Council Chambers, next to the downtown Library at 1400 5th Avenue. 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! Grab a drink, grab a snack, and settle in for a musical adventure hosted by the Charged Particles. Free. Location: Larkspur Landing. Event details.
• Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt
  BACT Berkeley Center, Berkeley
  Friday, 6:30 pm, Saturday, 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
  Ahoy! Join the race as Judy and Stink follow clues in their quest for doubloons and a trip on a pirate ship. Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt brings Megan McDonald’s delightful story to the stage for the first time.  Great for all ages, 5 and up. Come hone your treasure hunting skills before the big egg hunt! Free pizza every Friday night before the performance. Tickets: adults $26 and $20 children. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2055 Center Street, Berkeley. Event details.
• San Marin Music presents Legally Blonde, the Musical
  San Marin High School, Novato
  Friday & Saturday 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  OMIGOD you guys! You totally don’t want to miss San Marin Music’s Spring Musical Legally Blonde! Join Elle Woods as she leaves her beloved sorority sisters for law school to pursue her man, and find something better. High energy and hilarious! Tickets: $15 adults, $5 for children and students. VIP experience at all shows with cabaret seating, table service at intermission, and other surprises. Event details
• James and the Giant Peach
  Berkeley Playhouse
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
   Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, this all-new musical adventure is sure to be this season’s biggest hit! Sent to chop down an old fruit tree by his cruel and devious aunts, young James discovers a magic potion that turns an ordinary peach into a massive, oversized GIANT—and a doorway into a land where anything is possible. Befriending talking grasshoppers and singing ladybugs, James and friends plan an escape—only to discover that leaving one foe behind can bring about new challenges. Tickets: $20–$45. Event details
• 23 Elephants: School of Rock
  The Playhouse in San Anselmo
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  Rock got no reason, rock got no rhyme… You better get me to school on time! Based on the hit movie starring Jack Black, School of Rock the Musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who turns a class of straight-A pupils at a prestigious prep school into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. But can he get them to the Battle of the Bands without their parents and the school’s headmistress finding out? Tickets: $15 general, $30 reserved. Event details
• Good Shepherd Lutheran School presents Shrek The Musical Jr.
  Showcase Theater, San Rafael
  Friday, 7:30 pm & Saturday, 5 pm
  Come and join us as 25 amazing young actors from Good Shepherd Lutheran School perform this funny and touching family musical under the direction of Gretchen Simon. This wonderful show teaches us no matter how different we are each one of us is special and has a place in this world. Tickets: $25 Adult, $15 Student 12th Grade and Under. Purchase tickets here. Location: Showcase Theater, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. Event details.

Saturday, April 28

• Pancake Breakfast & Open House and music/Tim Cain
  San Geronimo Child Care Center
  Saturday, 8 am
  Join us for San Geronimo Child Care Center’s annual pancake breakfast and open house! Meet our teachers, tour our classrooms, and learn more about our program. Schedule: 8-11am - Pancake breakfast; 8am-12pm - Open house in toddler room (18 months-3 years) and preschool (3-6 years) and 10am- Music with kid's favorite Tim Cain. Location: 6001 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Geronimo. Event details.

• Saturday, 8–10:30 am
  Fishing in the City
  Scottsdale Pond, Novato
  Novato's annual Fishing in the City program is co-sponsored by the City of Novato, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Novato Sunrise Rotary. Bait, tackle and rods are provided for this fun-filled family outing. Anyone 16+ must have a California Fishing License. Pre-registration is advised to ensure a space, but drop-ins are welcome if there's space. Clinics last 30 minutes, and run from 8 to 10:30 am. Free. Location: Redwood and Rowland Boulevards, Novato. For more info, call  (415) 899-8279 or visit their website.
• Presidio Nature Challenge
  Presidio Officers Club, San Francisco
  Saturday, 9 am–12:30 pm
  The Presidio Nature Challenge is a BioBlitz, or a chance to see and record the many wild plants and animals that thrive in the Presidio. The Presidio's BioBlitz will pair volunteers with professional naturalists on a scientific adventure through the Presidio's wildest places. All of the observations recorded during the day will help San Francisco win the 2018 City Nature Challenge – a competition between more than 60 cities worldwide, an effort to see who can make the most observations of nature, find the most species, and engage the most people during the challenge. This is an adventure for the whole family. Event details
• Bioblitz for Butterflies (and other living things, too!)
  Ring Mountain Preserve, Tiburon
  Saturday, 9 am–3 pm
  Join Marin County Parks and One Tam at Ring Mountain Preserve as we try to identify and document every living species we see! Hone your naturalist skills, learn to use the iNaturalist smartphone app, and contribute valuable data about the Bay Area’s biodiversity. Ring Mountain has many unique serpentine species, and you will get an opportunity to learn from local expert, Liam O’Brien, about butterflies, moths, and their host plants. Location to be determined. 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! 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 kid's storytelling, 9:30-10:30 am. Event details.
• Habitot's 20th Birthday Celebration
  Habitot Children's Museum, Berkeley
  Saturday, 9:30 am–4:30 pm
  Celebrate Habitot’s birthday by... playing, of course! We’ll be playing in the museum and at the Bay Area Book Fest. The best part of birthday parties are friends, please join us! Enjoy 1998 admission prices! $6 kids and $4 adults, or receive half price admission with a Bay Area Book Fest ticket. Location: 2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley. Event details.
• Beauty & the Beast Storytime
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 10 am–11:30 am
  Bring your little ones and come dressed in your fairy tale finest for this special story time where we’ll read Beauty & the Beast, make arts and crafts, and even be visited by Belle and Gaston! Event details
• Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tour
  Oakland
  Saturday, 10–11:15 am
  Take your next zoo visit to a whole new level by touring our state-of-the-art Veterinary Hospital. This behind-the-scenes tour will take you through a facility designed to accommodate all current and future animals at Oakland Zoo, from small birds to large camels and grizzly bears. It features radiology and surgical suites, a small laboratory, a pharmacy, wide transportation docks, and LEED Gold certification. Children must be at least 8 years old. Tickets: $8–$25; parking and zoo admission separate. Event details.
• Spring Fling
  Slide Ranch, Muir Beach
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Slide Ranch's biggest farm event of the year! Join us for a day-long celebration featuring animal encounters (meet our goat kids, our lambs, adult sheep, goats, chickens and ducks!), nature exploration and farm discovery, guided hikes, fascinating workshops, live music and performances, arts and nature crafts, gardening activities, cooking activities, delicious food, special guest teachers and presenters, sheep shearing demonstrations, local, organic and farm-fresh food and local artisan goods for sale, and so much more! It's an iconic event — fun for all ages! Admission: $30 advance, $35 at the gate, kids 2 and under free. Event details.
• Blossoms, Bees & Barnyard Babies
  Various farms in Sonoma County
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Sonoma County farms are abundant with seedlings and barnyard babies. Pack up the family and head out to the farm to celebrate Spring and see what's flowering! Tour your way through Sonoma County and visit farms of your choice. Activities include farm tours, demonstrations, animal petting, games and crafts for kids, tastings, cooking demos, flower arranging, and more. Many stops will offer snacks, lunches and epic picnic sites. Farm stands will be open for fresh-from-the-source purchases. Most locations are free. Register here for a complete list of participating farms.
• TreasureFest: Mother's Day Market!
  Treasure Island, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  Join us as we celebrate Spring and an early Mother's Day at the Treasure Island Flea. Shopping, mimosas, food truck brunch, and much, much, more! Cost: $5 entry, kids 12 and under are free. Parking is free too. Pet-friendly. Location: Treasure Island, San Francisco. Event details.
• Butter & Egg Days Parade and Festival
  Downtown Petaluma
  Saturday, 10 am–5 pm
  Petaluma’s Butter & Egg Days Parade celebrates all things Petaluma, the history and the stories we love to tell. The 2018 theme, “A Parade is Hatched!” recognizes the importance of the innovative spirit that fuels the community to create and craft products and ideas. The Festival opens at 10am and the main historic parade begins at noon. There will be a kids parade at 11:30 am. Location: Downtown Petaluma. Event details.
• Bay Area Book Festival
  Downtown Berkeley
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Bay Area Book Festival-one of the world's premier celebrations of writers, readers and the written word-will take place April 28 and 29 in downtown Berkeley. Nearly 500 authors and exhibitors-from the Bay Area, nation and world and from across the spectrum of genres, traditions and inspirations-will come together with tens of thousands of book enthusiasts for the fourth annual two-day celebration featuring presentations, panels, keynotes, films, performances, participatory activities, exhibits and a lively outdoor fair. Event details
• Noe Valley Chamber Music's Classical Kids presents Friction Quartet
  Noe Valley Ministry, San Francisco
  Saturday, 10:30–11:15 pm
  On Saturday we welcome back Friction Quartet to our stage. This award winning young ensemble will introduce musical concepts to audiences of all ages, while taking listeners on a journey that spans across multiple decades and genres. From pieces by classical masters like Beethoven and Debussy, to modern pop hits by Justin Timberlake and Justin Bieber, this concert truly offers something for everyone to enjoy. This is not your typical string quartet! Tickets: $15 per person, $40 for a family pass (up to 4 people), free for 2 and under. Event details
• Creative Family Fun: Twisty Trees
  Presidio Officers Club, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Learn about the abundance of trees and shrubs located in the Presidio and in the Golden Gate Recreational Area by joining us for Twisty Trees! Create your own biodiverse forest by building these Bay Area natives from California Redwoods to Coastal Dune Scrub. Registration not required, but preferred. Location: Moraga Avenue, Presidio of San Francisco. Event details
• Children's Day at the Mission
  Sonoma State Historic Park, Sonoma
  Saturday, 11 am
  Experience the historic trades of the Mission Era at Children’s Day at the Mission. Weave baskets; card, spin, and weave wool; use the cattle brand and leather tools; try roping with a lariat. Create your own cornhusk doll and beaded jewelry. These activities, and more, take place in the courtyard of Mission San Francisco Solano. Admission: $3 adults, $2 children 6–17, children 5 and younger are free. Event takes place rain or shine. Location: 114 E Spain Street, Downtown Sonoma. Event details.
• Family Concert: Around the World with Kronos Quartet
  SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11 am
  Kronos Quartet performs a family concert as part of KRONOS FESTIVAL 2018. The hour-long program will feature a mix of eclectic and energetic music from across the globe. Great for ages 3 and up. Tickets: $15 adults, $10 youth 18 and under. Event details
• Dutch King's Day San Francisco
  Murphy Windmill, Golden Gate Park
  Saturday, noon–5 pm
  Put on your orange and join the Bay Area's Dutch community in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park as they celebrate King's Day. It's a festive celebration for the whole family, featuring food and drink, music, games, a bike ride, and more. Free (donation at the gate appreciated). Location: Martin Luther King Drive and the Great Highway. Event details.
• Mayhem at the Museum with Stinky Cecil
  Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 1–3 pm
  Kids get in free to meet Stinky Cecil author and cartoonist Paige Braddock for a special event and book signing! Hear Braddock talk about and read from her newest book, Stinky Cecil in Mudslide Mayhem, and get your favorite Stinky Cecil books signed. Also, have fun with hands-on activities to learn more about our environment. Explore some live pond creatures with the City of Santa Rosa Water Department, meet real worms, make frog and toad crafts, and enjoy free giveaways for all kids along with a chance to win prizes! Event details
• Novato Live: Erin Honeywell
  Novato City Hall
  Saturday, 5–7 pm
  Novato live is a free indoor concert series that takes place inside Novato City Hall every second and fourth Saturday of February, March and April. We hope you can join us for these wonderful live musical performances. This Saturday: Erin Honeywell...hometown artist with a rich soulful sound. Event details
• 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.
• Young Adult Event: Elizabeth Partridge
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 7–8:30 pm
  With more than one hundred photographs, award-winning author Elizabeth Partridge’s unflinching Boots on the Ground: America’s War on Vietnam captures the intensity, frustration, and lasting impacts of one of the most tumultuous periods of American history. Event website
• Full Moon Hike at Ring Mountain
  Ring Mountain Preserve, Tiburon
  Saturday, 7:30–9 pm
  Join rangers for a full moon adventure on the Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve.This event is ideal for all ages. Degree of difficulty: Easy. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. Friendly dogs are welcome, but must be leashed. Rain will cancel. Event details.
• San Marin Music presents Legally Blonde, the Musical (see Friday for details).
• Good Shepherd Lutheran School presents Shrek The Musical Jr. (see Friday for details).
• 23 Elephants: School of Rock (see Friday for details).
• James and the Giant Peach (see Friday for details).
   

Sunday, April 29

• Marin County Half Marathon
  McNears Beach, San Rafael
  Sunday, 6–11:30 am
  Enjoy the scenic views of Shoreline Trail and a family friendly venue at McNears Beach Park during the Marin County Half Marathon, 10K and 5K plus a Free Fun Run for Kids at 10 am. Location: 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Event details.
• 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.
• Presidio Trails Run
  San Francisco
  Sunday, 8:30–11 am
  The Presidio Y is hosting the 3rd annual Presidio Trail 10k/5k/1.5 mile run. With spectacular views of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean, this unique and challenging trail run winds its way through the Presidio of San Francisco, past Inspiration Point, the Presidio Golf Course, Rob Hill Campground and more. Registration: $13–$45. Event registration and details.
• Disc Golf Clinic
  Stafford Lake Park, Novato
  Sunday, 9 am–11 am
  Join local pros who will teach kids (and parents too) this fun and exciting sport at our beautiful and nationally recognized disc golf course. This event is ideal for all ages. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring discs, water, and snacks. We’ll provide all related supplies. Park entrance is waived for participants. Location: 3450 Novato Boulevard, Novato. Event details.
• Pixie Park Spring Fair
  Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross
  Sunday, 10 am–1 pm
  Bring the little ones for a Pixie Cake Walk (new this year), train rides, live performances, a petting zoo, food, kid & adult beverages, and much more! Free admission, parking $10. Location: 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. 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. Event details
• Edna Maguire Garden Faire
  Edna Maguire Elementary School, Mill Valley
  Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
  Come to the Mill Valley Children’s Garden at Edna Maguire Elementary for their annual Garden Fair fundraising event! Fun games and prizes, crafts, face painting, slime making and more. Location: 80 Lomita Drive, Mill Valley. Event details
• Day of the Child — Día del Niño
  Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
  Sunday, noon–4 pm
  Celebrate the children in your life during this special family event with fun-filled, bilingual (Spanish/English) nature activities for all ages! Join local environmental organizations for a day of crafts, hikes, special exhibits, stories, music, and other activities that will connect you to each other and nature in your neighborhoods. Free. Parking $7 or free for Regional Parks members. Location: Spring Lake Regional Park, Discovery Center, 393 Violetti Road, Santa Rosa. Event details.
• Folkish Festival with Joshua Smith
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
  Sunday, 12:30–2:30 pm
  Meet us at the Mart for some folkish tunes - and don't forget your dancing shoes! Joshua Smith will be breaking it down for us, rain or shine, so join us for a day of delights and down home music. The festival coincides with the weekly Off the Grid food truck extravaganza, so grab a bite to eat and listen to some great tunes! Event details.
• 28th Annual Discovery Day Open House
  Estuary & Ocean Science Center, Tiburon
  Sunday, 1–5 pm
  This annual event is an open house for all to see what marine science is all about. Collect plankton and view it on microscopes, hold and measure invasive green crabs, help replant eelgrass in the new nursery tank, enjoy collaborative art projects and design challenges, and be among the first to see the work of the California Coastal Commission's K-12 2018 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest!Admission and parking for bikes and cars is FREE. Donations are welcome for our student scholarship fund. You can also support students training to be the next generation of marine scientists by buying a snack, a drink, a mug, or a t-shirt! Registration is required. Location: SF State's Romberg Tiburon Campus, 3150 Paradise Drive, Estuary & Ocean Science Center, Tiburon.  Event details.
• Open Houses: Tiburon Landmark Properties
  Tiburon & Belvedere
  Sunday, 1–4 pm
  The Landmarks will be open for the 2018 season. Come and tour the Railroad & Ferry Depot Museum in Downtown Tiburon, Old St. Hilary's, and the China Cabin. Kids and parents can learn about the history of the area. Read about our visit here. Event details.
• 23 Elephants: School of Rock (see Friday for details).
• James and the Giant Peach (see Friday for details).
• San Marin Music presents Legally Blonde, the Musical (see Friday for details).