The Check out one of our 8 Awesome Summer Hikes for Families in Marin!

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.

Check out our Marin Summer Survival Guide for family events and activites throughout the summmer.

Friday, June 8

• Celebrate World Oceans Day
  Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
  Friday–Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  Aquarium of the Bay joins the United Nations and conservation organizations around the globe on World Oceans Day to celebrate the wealth and beauty of the oceans, and to encourage solutions to the dangerous problems caused by plastic pollution. Enjoy special educational programming, free admission for children 12 and under (June 8 only) and to help clean up the beach at Aquatic Park (June 9 only). Educational programming during this special weekend will focus on raising awareness of the importance of the oceans and will encourage visitors to find solutions to preventing marine litter.Location: Pier 39, San Francisco. Event details
• Children's Garden Series: Māhealani Uchiyama
  Children's Garden at Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
  Friday, 11–11:30 am & 12:15–12:45 pm
  This free family event is part of the Children's Garden Series at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco. For this program, Hālau KaUaTuahine shares songs and dances of Hawaiʻi and Tahiti, offering a cross section of classical and contemporary Hawaiian hula as well as joyful rhythms of the traditional Tahitian ʻōteʻa and ʻaparima. Event details.
• Visit with a Beekeeper
  Children's Museum of Sonoma County
  Friday, 1–2:30 pm
  We all know how crucial bees are to our food supply, gardens, and beyond. Shouldn’t we learn more about the importance of these fantastic creatures? Come chat with a real Sonoma County beekeeper and learn more about these amazing insects. Museum admission applies. Location: 1835 West Steele Lane, Santa Rosa. Event details.
• Film: The Little Mermaid (1989)
  Walt Disney Museum, San Francisco
  Friday & Sunday, 1 pm & Saturday, 4 pm
  Brought to life by the music of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, this new classic takes audiences under the sea, where they encounter enthralling, magical creatures of the deep. Follow the tale of mermaid princess Ariel who longs to be a part of our world. Cost: $5 members or with general admission, $10 adults, $8 student and youth. Location:104 Montgomery Street in the Presidio, San Francisco. Event details.
• Family Film Night: Paddington 2
  
  Pesidio YMCA, San Francisco
  Friday, 5:30–9 pm
  The Presidio YMCA and The Presidio Trust will be hosting a fun, free movie night with free popcorn, face painting, bubbles, glow sticks and more! Location:1151 Gorgas Avenue, San Francisco. Event details
• Friday Night Jazz Concerts
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
  Friday, 6–9 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 with Sanford Barnett. Free. Event details
• Jazz & Blues by the Bay
  Gabrielson Park, Sausalito
  Fridays, 6:30–8 pm
  Jazz & Blues by the Bay at Gabrielson Park in Sausalito is a free event. Lawn seating available (first-come first-served). This Friday: Mz. Honey and the Honey Bees (blues). Food available to purchase. Event details
• Family Twilight Hike
  Vallejo Home parking lot, Sonoma
  Friday, 7 pm
  Come out and explore the trail at dusk. See how nature transforms in the early evening with interpretation focusing on nocturnal animals. This is a one-mile, slow-paced hike with minor elevation change. Sturdy shoes and water recommended. Meet at the Vallejo Home parking lot. All ages, free of charge. Location: 363 3rd St W Sonoma. Event details.
• Movie in the Park: Moana
  Contratti Park Baseball Field, Fairfax
  Friday, 8 pm
  Kick off the Fairfax Festival with a free outdoor screening of Disney's Moana, as well as special short features, in Fairfax's Contratti Field. Show time is 8 pm (or as soon as it's dark enough to show), but arrive an hour early to stake out a good spot. Bring your picnic, blankets, and low-backed lawn chairs. Free. Event details.

Saturday, June 9

• Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic
  Keiser Park, Windsor
  Saturday & Sunday, 4–10:30 am
  Join us for our 28th anniversary event at Kaiser park in the wine country. You are invited to the inflation and launching of a field full of standard and character shaped balloons. Tethered rides are also available if you would like a taste of what a view from a balloon is like. Proceeds support local non-profits. Tickets: $5–$18. Event details.
• Free Family Fitness Class
  Mill Valley Community Center
  Saturday, 9–9:55 am
  Join Coach Tilda for a fun workout for the whole family!  Geared towards kids of all ages and their families, class if filled with games, activities and exercises that are safe, fun and challenging for both kids and parents. No preregistration required. Just show up! Location 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley. Event details
• Terwilliger Trail Hike
  Stafford Lake Park, Novato
  Saturday, 9–11 am
  Join a ranger for a hike on the beautiful Terwilliger Trail at Stafford Lake Park. We’ll enjoy stunning views of the Stafford Lake watershed from the upper sections of the trail.  Along the way we’ll discuss the rich natural and cultural history of the surrounding area. This event is ideal for all ages. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks. Event details
• Marin Country Mart Farmers Market
  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! Kinds can enjoy face painting, crafts, storytelling, pony rides and a petting zoo, and live music. Event details
• STEM Superhero Series: Amazing Athletes
  Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
  Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–5 pm
  There’s nothing better than running the fastest race, making the perfect shot, or dancing to your favorite song. At STEM Superheroes: Amazing Athletes, kids explore how science, technology, engineering, and math play a part in making their favorite activities so fun! Museum admission applies. Location: 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito. Event details.
• Summer Kick Off Party! Featuring Cascada de Flores
  South Novato Library
  Saturday, 10 am–1 pm
  Join us to celebrate the start of summer at South Novato Library! Enjoy a special musical performance by Cascada de Flores, followed by fun, games, activities and prizes — indoors and outdoors. Bilingual event — English/Spanish. Fun for all ages! Event details
• WWII in the Shadow of Mt. Tam
  Bay Model, Sausalito
  Saturday, 10 am–12:30 pm
  2017 is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of a bustling wartime shipyard called Marinship in Sausalito. Innovations, ingenuity, and inspiration all played a part in the day to day routine. Join Ranger Joanne on a 2-mile walking tour of the area surrounding the Bay Model to experience what life in the shipyards was like from 1942–1945. Dress in layers, wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and a snack. Free. Event details
• Presidio Family-Friendly Bike Ride
  Presidio Visitor Center, San Francisco
  Saturday, 10–11:30 am
  Join a Presidio Park Ranger and Presidio Trust guide on this gentle 4-mile bike ride. Roll through the history and nature of the Presidio at a family-friendly pace that's fun for all! Rent a bike from Sports Basement or bring your own. For ages 8+. Location: 210 Lincoln Boulevard on the Presidio's Main Post. Event details
• Novato Festival of Art, Wine and Music
  Downtown Novato
  Saturday, 10 am–7 pm & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  The Novato Festival of Art, Wine, and Music is a perfect blend of unique handcrafted art, regional vintage wines, award-winning micro brews, and gourmet foods, and first-rate live music. Festival goers of all ages love the youth activities, including guided art projects, train rides, climbing wall, petting zoo, bounce houses, jumbo slides, and a dunk tank. Select artists specialize in children's books, toys, gifts, clothing and accessories. Event details
• 1st Annual Ghirardelli Square Festival
  San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm
  Bring the family to the Ghirardelli Square annual street fair. Enjoy arts & crafts, live entertainment, festival food favorites, craft beer and wine, and fun for all ages, along the breathtaking bayside Aquatic Park. Location: Polk Street and Beach Street, San Francisco. Event details.
• The 41st Annual Fairfax Festival
  Fairfax Pavilion
  Saturday, 10 am–6 pm & Sunday, 11 am–6 pm
  Parade takes place on Saturday at 10 am in Downtown Fairfax. Come hear great local music at three stages, shop for crafts and flea market treasures, enjoy fresh, wholesome food, beer, organic wine tasting, entertain the kids in the expanded children’s area, and ponder social and environmental issues at the Ecofest. Free. Event details
• Open for Exploration
  Martin Griffin Preserve, Stinson Beach
  Saturday, 10 am–4 pm
  Bring your family and friends! The Martin Griffin Preserve is open to the public. Learn about the wonders of nature and hike through redwoods, mixed evergreen forests, coastal scrub, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Bolinas Lagoon and Pacific Coast. Hike 8+ miles of trails, learn from nature guides, view abundant plants and wildlife, visit newt ponds, discover natural wonders in the Curiosity Room, and more. Admission: Suggested donation of $20 per person. Event details
• San Mateo County Fair
  San Mateo Event Center,San Mateo
  Saturday, 10 am–10 pm & Sunday, 11 am–10 pm
  San Mateo County's annual fair includes concerts by War, Tower of Power, and Smash Mouth, as well as free fair entertainment like STEM activities from the Super Science Company, Captain Jack Spareribs, SF Street Circus, the Great American Petting Zoo, Balloonacy, and more. Of course there will be carnival rides, farm animals, and exhibits of all types, too. Location: San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. 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 our 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. For more info, visit their website.
• 56th Annual Bear Flag Celebration
  Sonoma Plaza
  Saturday, 11 am–4 pm
  Help celebrate the Raising of the California Bear Flag! Come to the Sonoma Plaza and enjoy a delicious BBQ, a micobrew, and live music from Blue Rock Country Club. Ceremony at the Bear Flag Monument 11 am, Bear Flag re-enactment 1 pm. Chicken BBQ meal $16, hot dog meal $7. Event details
• Creative Family Fun: Groovy Gardens
  Presidio Officer's Club, San Francisco
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–4 pm
  Drop in for imaginative craft-making based on the Presidio’s natural and cultural heritage. Featuring different crafts every weekend! Come celebrate National Gardening Week by decorating your very own pot and sowing your own vegetable seed to grow and tend at home!
  Registration not required, but preferred. Event details
• San Mateo County Fair
  San Mateo Event Center, 1346 Saratoga Drive, San Mateo 94403
  Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–10 pm
  San Mateo County's annual fair includes concerts by Sugar Ray, Sheila E, and TLC, as well as free fair entertainment like the Ag Adventures pettting zoo, Gossamer Magic, the Chinese Acrobats of Hebei, and more. Of course there will be carnival rides, farm animals, and exhibits of all types, too. Event details
• First Act: Teething Ring
  Wilsey Center for Opera, San Francisco
  Saturday, 11:30 am
  Join us for San Francisco Opera’s First Act program for families with young children as part of the Ring Community Day. We’ll journey through Wagner’s epic adventure, The Ring, and meet fierce characters, learn legendary music and play lively games along the way. In this workshop, we’ll explore music, rhythm, visual arts, and movement, designed to foster social-emotional development, increased language, and fine-gross motor skills. Designed for youth ages 2–5 accompanied by at least one parent or guardian. Tickets: $10 per person. Event details
• The Mountain Play: Mamma Mia!
  Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mt. Tamalpais
  Saturday & Sunday, 2–4:30 pm
  The Mountain Play Association presents the hit Broadway musical—featuring the music of ABBA—Mamma Mia! as its 105th production. Saturday is the first-ever Mountain Play sing-along! All shows begin at 2 pm. Please arrive at least one hour prior to the show. Tickets range from $25–$45 general admission. Information for group discounts, reserved seating, and tickets are available at the Mountain Play website.
• 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: $24 per child. Location: 70 Digital Drive, Suite #3 in Novato. Event details
• Movies in Creek Park: Raiders of the Lost Ark
  Creek Park, San Anselmo
  Saturday, 7 pm
  Movies in Creek Park run on Saturday Nights until October 27 (with the exception extreme weather conditions and on July 21st Beatles Tribute Concert). 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. Movies are generally acceptable for all audiences, but parental guidance and child supervision is always recommended. Event details
• Road Map to the Night Sky
  Presidio Visitor Center, San Francisco
  Saturday, 8:30 pm
  Bring the family The Presidio provides a spectacular night sky environment to learn about and identify stars, constellations, planets and deep space objects. Join Ranger Nate for an hour and a half program that begins with a presentation in the Presidio Visitor Center and continues with an outdoor observation session on the Main Parade Ground. We’ll also use some astronomical tools to help “magnify” our experience! Event details

Sunday, June 10

• 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 Park, Novato
  Sunday, 9–11 am
  Learn to ride pump tracks and rollers with a ranger at the Stafford Lake Bike Park. This event is ideal for ages 5 and up though riders of all ages are welcome. All skill levels are welcome and no experience is necessary. Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Don’t forget to bring your bike, helmet, and pads. Park entrance fee waived for participants. Event details
• Marin Outdoor French Antique Market
  Marin Civic Center, San Rafael
  Sunday, 9 am–3 pm
  Stroll through aisles of vintage, retro and antique furniture, art, accessories, garden decor, vintage clothing, vintage and estate jewelry, books, architechtural salvage, lighting, house wares, rugs and more. The market is a trip down memory lane. French music by Michel Michelis, Duo Gadjo and more! Authentic crepes made to order add to the ambiance of this unique event! Don't miss it! Free Admission and Parking. Location: Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. Event details.
• Sundays at the J
  Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael
  Sunday, 9:30 am–12:30 pm
  Activities include a bounce house, tumbling mats and fun for the entire family. Adult supervision required for children ages 0-9. Guests of the Osher Marin JCC may purchase day passes for the following prices: $25 adults; $10 children, ages 10-12; $5 children under 9 years old. Location: 200 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. Event details
• Ten Year Anniversary Community Free Day
  Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
  Sunday, 11 am–5 pm
  The CJM turns 10 on Jessie Square! Join us as we celebrate community with live music, gallery performances, art-making, and more. Activities all day! CJM Members, join us and enjoy priority entrance into the CJM, along with a Member Lounge filled with treats and activities including mah jongg drop-in play. Hands-on interactive fun throughout the museum with lots of keepsakes that help build connections to family, friends, and heritage, plus pop-up programs celebrating the CJM’s architecture and exhibitions with music, film, dance, mini-tours, poets, and more. 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
• Marine Science Sundays: What Are Marine Mammals Saying?
  Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
  Sunday, 10 am–5 pm
  Marine mammals make the craziest sounds! Ranging from the loudest noises of any animals (blue whales) to the songs of humpback whales to elephant seals which sound kindof like evil chickens, each marine mammal has their own voice.  Come learn more at What Are Marine Mammals Saying  and test your knowledge with our newest game of Name that Tune. We recommend teaming our free classroom programs at noon and 2 pm with a Docent-led tour at 11 am, 1 pm or 3 pm for a truly immersive marine mammal experience. Free. Location: 2000 Bunker Road, Marin Headlands, Sausalito. Event details
• Outdoor Explorer: Family Nature Program
  Novato Library
  Sunday, 10:30–11:30 am
  Become an "Outdoor Explorer" in your own backyard or neighborhood park! Bring your curiosity to this fun and interactive family program at the Novato Library. We'll learn about local birds, bugs and trees through hands-on outdoor exploration and activities. Free. Location: 1720 Novato Blvd., Novato. For more info, visit their website.
• 41st Annual Haight Ashbury Street Fair
  Haight Street, San Francisco
  Sunday, 11 am–5:30 pm
  This annual street fair features arts and crafts, food booths, three musical stages, Children's Alley, and more. Free. Location: Haight Street between Stanyan and Ashbury, San Francisco. Event details
• The Kentfield Music Festival
  Bacich Elementary School, Kentfield
  Sunday, noon–3 pm
  The Kentfield Schools PTA is sponsoring the Kentfield Music Festival, a free community event this Sunday at the Bacich Elementary School campus. This event will feature 3 hours of continuous “homegrown” music from their talented local youth and adult musicians on two stages. Food and activities for kids of all ages. Location: 699 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Event details
• Folkish Festival
  Marin Country Mart, Larkspur
  Sundays, 12:30–2:30 pm
  Get your groove on and enjoy the early summer sun (or fog, this is the Bay Area after all!) with Sunny War T. 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
• Summer Music Series
  Town Center Corte Madera
  Sunday, 2–4 pm
  Corte Madera Town Center offers free outdoor music all summer long. For more info, visit their website.
• Summer Sunday Concerts at Piccolo Pavilion
  Old Corte Madera Square
  Sundays, 5–6 pm
  Bring the family to the free outdoor summer concerts at the Old Corte Madera Square. Bring lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic and enjoy the amazing line-up of fine local bands. This Sunday: Todos Santos. For more info, visit their website.
• Fairfax Festival; see Saturday's listing for details
• Novato Festival of Art, Wine, and Music; see Saturday's listing for details.
• San Mateo County Fair; see Saturday's listing for details.