Hit the ice this weekend at the Embarcadero Center holiday ice rink in San Francisco.

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, November 9

• Christmas House at West End Nursery
  San Rafael
  Friday & Saturday, 8 am–5 pm, Sunday 9 am–4 pm
  Get in the holiday spirit and visit the amazing Christmas House at San Rafael's West End Nursery. This magical setting includes lights, decorated trees, and more. It's a holiday must-visit in Marin. Free admission; ornaments and decor are for sale. Location: 1938 5th Avenue. Event details.
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square
  San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–11:30 pm
  Union Square, San Francisco's main shopping district, gets into the ice skating spirit during the holiday season with an outdoor ice rink sponsored by Safeway. 90-minute sessions start on every even hour. Admission: $11 for adults, 7 children 8 and under. Skate rental $6. Event details
• Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
  San Francisco
  Friday–Saturday, 10 am–11:30 pm, Sunday, 10 am–9:30 pm
  Get ready to skate under the sun and stars along the beautiful waterfront at the largest outdoor rink in San Francisco. Admission: $12, $7 children 7 and under, skate rental $5. Event details.
• NorCal Ice
  Northgate Mall, San Rafael
  Friday, 2–9 pm, Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–10 pm
  The NorCal Ice (formerly known as Marin on Ice) outdoor skating rink in San Rafael's Northgate Mall returns to offers al fresco skating. The rink will once again be located near the center's Oaktree Plaza and features 6,400 square feet of real ice. Skating costs $15 per person, which includes skate rental and all-day in-and-out privileges. "Skate Buddies" (the blue plastic chair-like supports) are available to rent for beginnners ($5 per hour). Event details.
• Makerspace: Youth Open Lab
  South Novato Library, 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 & curiosity. This program is held at the Makerspace next door to the South Novato Library. Pre-register by emailing [email protected]. Location: 931 C Street, Hamilton, Novato. Event details.
• Friday Nights at the de Young
  de Young Museum, San Francisco
  Friday, 5–8:30 pm
  Join us for the return of Friday Nights at the de Young! All Friday nights will feature reduced admission to the special exhibition Contemporary Muslim Fashions, and free admission to the main-level galleries. Advance tickets to the exhibition are recommended and can be purchased below. Admission: Free to the main-level galleries and performances in Piazzoni Murals Room and Wilsey Court; tickets to Contemporary Muslim Fashions are reduced to $14 adult and $6 youth on Friday Nights. 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 on the patio at Fisher's! Grab some wine & cheese and settle in for a musical adventure furnished by Dave Getz' Noisy Children! Free. Location: Larkspur Landing. Event details.
• Date Night Out: Shrek & Ginger Bread Cookies
  Little Tree Studios, San Anselmo
  Friday, 6–9 pm
  Come drop off your Little Artist, ages 5–13 years for our Date Night Fridays. We will have a small craft and a movie planned and we even order Pizza! Join us tonight for the funny movie, Shrek.  We will also roll out, and bake fresh ginger boy cookies and decorate them for a special artful treat. Please bring cozy clothes and pillows to curl up with during the show. We will serve pizza and popcorn. Cost: $50 per child. Location: 4 Ross Avenue, San Anselmo. Event dates
• Penguins+Pajamas Sleepover
  California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
  Friday, 6 pm–Saturday, 8 am
  Experience your own night at the museum! Explore the exhibits after-hours and discover the deepest depths of the oceans, travel to the tops of rainforests, blast off into outer space at your own private planetarium show, and then settle in for story time after snacking on milk and cookies. When the lights go out, roll out your sleeping bag next to the California Coast tank or the Swamp window face-to-face with Claude the albino alligator. In the morning head over to the Academy Café for breakfast. Cost: $109 per person. Event details
• Berkeley Playhouse: The Wizard of Oz
  The Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, Berkeley
  Friday, 7 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7 pm, Sunday, 2 pm
  Brimming with classic songs and Technicolor spirit, The Wizard of Oz blows its way into the Julia Morgan Theater for an all-new production of this American classic.  One of the most treasured stories of the 20th century, filled with the songs that made it an instant classic, this musical journey of finding home—and yourself—is this holiday season’s must-see family event! Tickets: $20–$45. Purchase tickets here. Location: 2640 College Avenue, Berkeley. Event details
• 23 Elephants Theatre Company: Les Misérables, School Edition
  The Playhouse, San Anselmo
  Friday, 7:30 pm, Saturday, 1 & 7:30 pm, Sunday, 1 pm
  Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical—a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo's novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. Epic, grand and uplifting, with a powerful affirmation of the human spirit, Les Misérables is a popular masterpiece that has thrilled audiences all over the world. Tickets: $15 general, $28 reserved. Location: 27 Kensington Road, San Anselmo. Event details

Saturday, November 10

• Free Union Square Ice Skating Lessons
  Union Square Ice Rink, San Francisco
  Saturday, 8:30–9:30 am
  Don’t know how to skate? Kaiser Permanente is inviting beginner skaters to the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Alaska Airlines to come learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance, thanks to Kaiser Permanente. Signups are limited to 50 participants per session. Available for ages 3 to 300, lessons will take place every Saturday and Sunday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 am throughout the season. RSVP here.
• Pizza Party on Horse Hill
  Mill Valley
  Saturday, 9 am–1 pm
  Join us on Saturday, November 11th as we work to maintain the health of the meadows and grasslands at the Horse Hill Open Space Preserve (ages 5 and up are welcome). This rain or shine work day will culminate with a pizza party and raffle prizes. Families and all-ages are welcome! Please bring sturdy shoes, layers, and a water bottle. Location: Meet at the entrance gate across from address 49 Lomita Drive, near the intersection of Lomita Dr and Greenfield Ct. Event details
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  Larkspur Landing
  Saturday, 9 am–2 pm
  Enjoy pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids from 10 am–2 pm, crafts by from 9 am–2 pm, children's music or storytelling from 9:30–10:30 am, and more live music from 11 am–12:30 pm, as well as fresh produce, prepared foods, and great local restaurants. Event details
• Junior Chef Class - Thanksgiving Helper: Side Dishes
  Williams-Sonoma, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 10 am
  Tie on your apron and whip up some delicious side dishes for the holiday meal. Your family and friends will be begging for seconds (and thirds)! Suitable for ages 8-13. Call the store to reserve your spot (415) 924-6799. Free. Location: The Village at Corte Madera. Event details
• Habitat Restoration & Holiday Wreath Making Workshop
  RSVP for location
  Saturday, 10 am–2 pm
  Join us for a morning of habitat restoration followed by an afternoon of crafting with the beautiful and pleasant smelling evergreen branches. Go home with holiday wreaths and decorations for your home. This event is FREE but registration is required. For more information and directions to the meeting location please RSVP. All tools and supplies are provided. The whole family is welcome! Family friendly. As with all events please bring a water bottle, closed toe shoes and clothes for variable weather. We will provide tools, snacks and water! Event details.
• Holiday Gift Faire
  St. Stephen’s Church, Belvedere
  Saturday, 10 am–3 pm & Sunday, 11 am–1 pm
  St. Stephen’s Holiday Gift Faire offers art and crafts by local artists and artisans, including oil paintings, watercolors, jewelry, lavender skincare products, toys, cards, clothing, baked goods, preserves and more. Crafts for the kids. Location: 3 Bayview Avenue, Belvedere. Event details
• San Francisco Birth and Baby Fair
  Golden Gate Club, San Francisco
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Don’t miss the premier event for new and expecting parents in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area. The Birth and Baby Fair showcases local businesses and resources as well as independent designers with the aim to educate and expose new and expecting parents and young families to unique and beneficial products and services. General admission $12; VIP family pass $30. Event details
• Jack London Historic State Park Museum Opening
  Glen Ellen
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  The House of Happy Walls Museum re-opens at Jack London State Historic Park this fall with a ribbon cutting to unveil the revitalized museum and continue our celebration throughout the weekend with a full schedule of events. Location: 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Event details.
• Kule Loklo Open House & Workday
  Point Reyes Station
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Visit a replica Coast Miwok village that offers a glimpse of life in pre-European California.Park staff or volunteers will be present from 10 am to about 11:30 am to talk about Coast Miwok history and culture, walk around the village with the public, and may be able to share or demonstrate activities representative of Coast Miwok life. All ages are welcome. Free. Location: 1 Bear Valley Rd, Point Reyes Station, Visitor Center. Event details.
• NorCal Reptile Expo
  San Mateo Event Center
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  Formerly known as the Bay Area Reptile Expo, this expo brings an awesome and unique variety of vendors including specialized breeders, whole sale supplies, cages and so much more as well as cool and amazing animal displays and activities for the little ones all under one roof. Cost: adults: $14 (Military & Senior Discounts: $10), Children: $7 (between the ages of 6-12), free for Ages 5 and Under. Parking $12 per vehicle with no in & out privileges to the grounds. Event details.
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Christmas Show
  Children's Creativity Museum, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 am, 1:30 and 4 pm
  An irresistible holiday treat for the whole family featuring colorful giant puppets in a lavish new production inspired by Eric Carle's beloved stories, including Dream Snow, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and, of course, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Recommended for ages 3 to 8. Tickets: $24–$28. Purchase tickets here. Location: 221 4th Street, San Francisco. Event details
• Pixie Park Open House
  Marin Art & Garden Center, Ross
  Saturday, 10:30 am–noon
  Open Houses are a great way to learn about the history of Pixie Park and what it means to belong to this co-op playground. The new member open house is conducted in a casual environment where you can speak to a board member about the benefits and responsibilities of being a Pixie family, as well as ask questions and meet other prospective families. After learning about the park, interested families can sign-up and receive their key. Location: 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Ross. Event details
• Special Kids Event: Bethanie Murguia - Do You Believe in Unicorns?
  Book Passage, Sausalito
  Saturday, 11 am
  Children's author-illustrator Bethanie Murguia will read her book, Do you Believe in Unicorns? Do You Believe in Unicorns? -- a cheerful, cheeky story about seeing magic in the everyday. Location: 100 Bay Street, Sausalito. Event details.
• Family Matinee: Sammy Miller & The Congregation
  SF Jazz, Miner Auditorium
  Saturday, 11 am
  Drummer Sammy Miller makes no bones about it. He wants to bring jazz to the people and he’s found true believes in the young members of his six-piece Congregation. Evangelists of swing, they’ve earned an avid New York City following by drawing on a century of American songs, inviting listeners in with familiar melodies and rollicking rhythms. Perfect for all ages. Tickets: $5–$23. Location: 201 Franklin Street, San Francisco. Event details.
• Storytime and Activities Featuring Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes
  Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera
  Saturday, 11 am
  Juno embarks on an epic journey through time and space, stepping into the shoes of female icons like Frida Kahlo and Serena Williams. Join us for a Storytime that's both a fashion fairy tale and guide to girl power and get a coupon from our Café for a grilled cheese sandwich with milk or juice for $4! Location: Town Center Corte Madera. Event details.
• 2018 Renegade Craft Fair Market: 300+ Makers
  Fort Mason, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  Renegade Craft Fair returns to San Francisco for a festive weekend of contemporary handmade featuring the country’s foremost voices in craft and design. Free. Location: Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Event details.
• Celebrate Diwali with Fireworks & Indian Tea Party
  Pier 39, San Francisco
  Saturday, noon–8 pm
  There’s no better way to celebrate the festival of lights than with family and friends at a magical firework show that’ll illuminate the sky over the bay. Enjoy delicious tea samplings from the Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea Cart and experience tea cup and rickshaw rides. Get a henna tattoo, paint-your-own diyas, color pages of Diwali designs and participate in a photo mosaic wall. Free.  Event details.
• Nike Missile Site Open House
  Marin Headlands, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 12:30–3:30 pm
  Unique in the National Park Service, this restored Cold War anti-aircraft missile site has intriguing stories to tell. Take a ranger-guided tour of this restored facility, and learn about its history from volunteers, many of whom served at sites like. Free. Read about our visit here. Event details.
• Mutts Creator Patrick McDonnell + Pet Adoption Day
  Charles M. Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Saturday, 1 pm
  In celebration of the Year of the Dog, the Museum welcomes award-winning cartoonist Patrick McDonnell, creator of the comic strip Mutts, to talk about his favorite mutts, from real-life dogs to Snoopy. From 2–4 pm, experience Lucy’s favorite thing—dog kisses! Don’t miss the chance for an unforgettable smooch with Katy Rose or Scamp at the Humane Society of Sonoma County’s famous Kissing Booth. Also, Compassion without Borders and Rohnert Park Animal Services will be on site with pets available for adoption, and our newest exhibitions, Then Came the Dog and Working Dogs, will be on view for visitors to explore and continue the Year of the Dog fun. Event details
• German Lantern Festival & Parade
  Presidio, San Francisco
  Satuday, 2–7 pm
  Light the lanterns. Join us for a magic sunset stroll in the Presidio. This traditional German Lantern Festival is a fun and festive event with music, real German food and glühwein. Join us in crafting your own paper lantern and light it on a charming and songful stroll after sunset (5 PM). Free. Location: GISSV San Francisco, 4 Funston Avenue, Presidio, San Francisco. Event details.
• Laternenfest
  Pioneer Park, Novato
  Saturday, 5:30 pm
  Join us for a centuries-old German tradition of songs and brightly-colored lanterns to celebrate Martins Tag! We will have a lantern parade and refreshments will be available. The parade is free! Only $5 per person if you would like a cup of hot chocolate and Weckmänner (jumbo gingerbread men) afterward. Everyone is welcome. RSVP by emailing [email protected] or calling (415) 897-9771. Location: 1007 Simmons Lane, Novato. 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
• Christmas House at West End Nursery (see Friday for details).
• NorCal Ice (see Friday for details).
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).

Sunday, November 11 (Veteran's Day)

• NPS Free Entrance Days
  Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
  Sunday, 8 am–sunset
  Visit Muir Woods and its majestic redwoods for free during Veterans Day weekend! 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
• Alternative Christmas Fair
  Tiburon
  Sunday, 9:15 am–noon

  Jump start your Christmas shopping with thoughtful gifts for teachers, coaches, friends and relatives. Enjoy an opportunity to support local and international non- profits serving those in need. The fair is open to the entire community, so please invite your friends. Refreshments will be served. Gift cards and small items will communicate your generosity on behalf of a loved one. Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon. Event details

• Marin Veteran's Day Program
  Marin Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 9:30 am
  Honor those who have served our country. Marin’s Veterans’ Day program will begin in the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium with music, military exercises, and a brief address. It will continue in front of the World War I, World War II and Korean, Vietnam and Merchant Marine Memorials on the Avenue of the Flags. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony in the Redwood Foyer. Free. Event details
• SF Birth and Baby Fair
  Golden Gate Club, San Francisco
  Sunday, 10 am–4 pm
  The event for new and expecting parents in the San Francisco Bay Area. Showcasing local resources, services, and new, innovative products for young families. Tickets: $12 General admission, $30 VIP Family admission pass. Purchase tickets here. Location: Golden Gate Club, San Francisco Presidio, 135 Fisher Loop. Event details.
• Marine Science Sunday: An Ocean Feast
  Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
  Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  This month we celebrate Thanksgiving by highlighting the amazing feeding and hunting strategies of marine mammals! Find out about how orcas have learned together to wash seals off the ice in Antarctica, humpback whales use bubbles to trap fish and otters use tools to crack open their favorite foods! Event details
• Making New Memories Free Day
  Charles Schulz Museum, Santa Rosa
  Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  Join us for the grand reopening of the Schulz Museum and make new memories with family, friends, and Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts characters. Visitors will enjoy free admission all day, as well as appearances by Snoopy and Charlie Brown (11 am–4 pm), photo booth, and free picture frames to commemorate the day (while supplies last). At 1 pm, meet Andrew Farago, author of The Complete Peanuts Family Album. Location: 2301 Hardies Lane, Santa Rosa. For more info, visit their website.
• Songs & Stories with Megan
  Book Passage, Corte Madera
  Sunday, 10:30 am
  Bring the kiddos for songs and stories with children's music teacher, performer, and recording artist, Megan. Free. Location: 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. Event details.
• San Francisco Veterans Day Parade
  Fisherman's Wharf/Embarcadero, San Francisco
  Sunday, 11 am–1 pm
  The Veterans Day Parade will again be held at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sunday, November 11, 2018, starting at 11 a.m. The parade will start on the Embarcadero at North Point Street, traveling north-west on The Embarcadero to Jefferson Street, then west on Jefferson Street past the review stand on Jefferson Street near Leavenworth Street. Parade units will disband at the last block of Jefferson Street at approximately 1 pm. Event details
• 29th Annual Victorian Christmas Crafts Workshop
  General Vallejo Home, Sonoma
  Sunday, 11 am–3 pm
  Bring the family to make crafts, enjoy refreshments and explore the grounds of the beautiful General Vallejo home. There will also be a special guest! Cost: $3 park enterance for adults, children 12 and under are free. Location: West Spain Street at Third Street West, Sonoma. Event details.
• Patchwork Series Children's Show: Mister G
  Freight & Salvage, Berkeley
  Saturday, 11 am (doors open at 10:30 am)
  Latin GRAMMY Award winner, Mister G is a superstar in the children’s music world. Patchwork is pleased to welcome back him to The Freight stage for a bilingual English/Spanish show. Admission: $10 advance, $12 at the door. Location: 2020 Addison Street, Berkeley. For more info, call (510) 644-2020 or visit their website.
• Veterans Day Parade
  Downtown Petaluma
  Sunday, noon–3:30 pm
  For more than 30 years, Petaluma has proudly presented the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California. Get in the spirit of the day by enjoying patriotic music in Walnut Park, located at Petaluma Blvd. and D Street. The parade begins at 1pm in historic downtown Petaluma and concludes at Walnut Park. Huey helicopters, tanks, and more than 100 entries will fill the parade with plenty of pomp and circumstance. Event details
• Holiday Chocolate
  Cakeart, San Rafael
  Sunday, 1–3 pm
  Work with a variety of different chocolates and techniques. Using molds, you will create chocolate Bonbons, Pine Cones and Roses filled with raspberry and caramal, Snowman Bark and Marshmallow Wands dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with holiday candy and more. Take home an assortment. All supplies provided. Minimum age 10. $70. Register here. Location: 1512 5th Avenue, San Rafael. Event details
• Christmas House at West End Nursery (see Friday for details).
• NorCal Ice (see Friday for details).
• Holiday Ice Skating in Union Square (see Friday for details).