Below are fun upcoming events for kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. This list is updated frequently, so check back often.
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Featured Events
Dinos Alive Immersive Experience ~ Oakland, through August 27
Travel back millions of years for an epic adventure through the age of dinosaurs! Encounter life-size animatronic giants, from swift Velociraptors to the mighty T-Rex, and explore immersive prehistoric environments that bring the Jurassic era roaring to life. Perfect for families, kids, and dinosaur fans of all ages, this unforgettable experience combines thrills, discovery, and hands-on fun in one larger-than-life adventure.
The Nature Play Grove at CuriOdyssey ~ San Mateo, On-going
The Nature Play Grove is now open at CuriOdyssey! Nestled in Bay View Grove with breathtaking Bay views, this brand new outdoor space is designed to do something simple but powerful: inspire awe. Explore interactive exhibits that awaken the senses and invite open-ended play for the whole family. Whether you’re 5 or 55, wonder is waiting outside. Come find yours. Plan your visit today!
Little Treasures: Play, Shop, Swap ~ San Jose, August 30
Discover Little Treasures, a joyful gathering for families of all ages, in partnership with MOTHER. Dive into playful activities and hands-on experiences throughout the day, with a lineup of programming featuring sessions of story, movement, and music designed to engage and inspire. Browse a curated mix of clothing, toys, and accessories, with both new finds and gently loved favorites chosen for their style and quality. Meet local makers and small businesses offering handmade goods.
Vivid: Immerse Your Senses ~ San Francisco, through September 6
Descend from a verdant rainforest canopy to the pitch darkness of a bat cave, journey from golden prairie grasses to an invisible underground realm teeming with life, and sink from creaking ice floes to the ocean depths sperm whales call home—all without leaving Golden Gate Park. New exhibit Vivid: Immerse Your Senses is a multisensory experience at the California Academy of Sciences that transports visitors to six of Earth’s most awe-inspiring ecosystems.
Native Boogie and Beats at Lincoln Park (Free) ~ Alameda, September 19
Grab your chairs and blankets, pack a picnic lunch and head outdoors to celebrate our diverse community with music and dance from around the globe at Rhythmix in the Parks. Feel the richness and soul of Powwow Dancing and Drumming with Bay Area-based Native Boogie and Beats and learn the deep cultural roots of these traditions in this family-friendly, interactive performance. For all ages. Saturday, September 19th | 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Please RSVP.
Touch a Truck SF ~ San Francisco, September 19
Touch a Truck SF is now in it’s third year as a big fundraiser for Miraloma Cooperative Nursery School. At the event, kids get hands-on experience to sit in the seat, honk the horn (for the final hour), pretend to drive, and get up close and personal with your favorite vehicles, including police cars, school buses, diggers and more!
Music for Families ~ San Francisco, October 24
Spark your family’s musical curiosity with the San Francisco Symphony! Music for Families brings the excitement of live classical music to kids and grown ups with an engaging concert designed for young listeners. It’s a fun, welcoming way to discover music together and make lasting family memories along the way. Recommended for ages 5–12. Even better? Kids’ tickets are half off! Make music part of your family’s day out.
Dia de los Muertos ~ San Francisco, November 7
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the San Francisco Symphony! Experience the rich sounds and traditions of Latin America through a dynamic concert conducted by José Luis Gómez, plus vibrant lobby installations by local artists.This colorful celebration brings music, art, and community together to honor the heritage of this beloved holiday. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable cultural celebration.
August 2026
Once Upon a Mattress – Half Moon Bay, July 24-August 16
Sonoma County Fair – Santa Rosa, August 7-16
Carnival Nights at Gilroy Gardens – August 15-September 7
Cereal Cinema – Oakland, August 15, 22, 29
Summer Fam Jam Extravaganza (Free) – San Francisco, August 16
Junior Zookeeper Experience – Walnut Creek, August 16
Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 16
Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, August 19-23
Cole Valley Nights: State Fair – San Francisco, August 20
Movies in the Park: Despicable Me (Free) – Orinda, August 20
Sundown Cinema: The Parent Trap (Free) – San Francisco, August 21
Movies In The Park: The Spongebob Movie (Free) – Berkeley, August 21
Summer Outdoor Movie Night: Zootopia 2 (Free) – Union City, August 21
Movies in the Park: Freakier Friday (Free) – Cupertino, August 21
Sunset Fridays at the Zoo – San Francisco, August 21, 28
Chocolate Chip Cookie Festival – Palo Alto, August 22
Brick Blast: LEGO Fan Collection – Santa Clara, August 22
International Diversity Celebration – Cupertino, August 22
Movie Nights in the Park: A Bug’s Life – Watsonville, August 22
Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, August 22, 29
Sunday Streets – San Francisco, August 23
Tea Party at the Zoo – San Francisco, August 23
Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, August 23
My Neighbor Totoro – Berkeley, August 23
Full Moon Eclipse Hike – Clayton, August 27
Yappy Hour – Santa Cruz, August 27
Starlight Movies In The Park: The Goonies (Free) – Alameda, August 28
Movies in the Park: Superman (Free) – Cupertino, August 28
San Jose Giants Fireworks Night – San Jose, August 28
Puppet Fair Weekend at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 29, 30
Sand Sculpture Contest – Pt. Reyes Station, August 29
Richmond Art Center 90th Anniversary Celebration (Free) – Richmond, August 29
Bark & Meow Around the Block – Berkeley, August 29
Stanford Football vs Hawaii: Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration + Cardinal Kids Day – Stanford, August 29
Weekend Farm Tour – Los Altos Hills, August 29, 30
Neon Scorpion Hikes – Clayton, August 29, 30
Weekend Farm Tours at Hidden Villa – Los Alto Hills, August 29, 30
Feathered Friends: Birdwatching and Nature Art – San Francisco, August 30
Origami Palooza – San Francisco, August 30
Sundays at Hagemann Ranch (Free) – Livermore, August 30
Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, August 30
Bubble Bonanza – San Carlos, August 30
Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, August 31
September 2026
Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, September 4
First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, September 4
Free First Friday at the Museum of Science and History (Free) – Santa Cruz, September 4
Sunset Fridays at the Zoo – San Francisco, September 4, 11, 18
Opening Day Celebration: Día de los Muertos – Santa Rosa, September 5
Cereal Cinema – Oakland, September 5, 12, 19, 26
Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, September 5, 12, 19, 26
Scottish Highlands Gathering and Games – Pleasanton, September 5, 6
First Sundays at OMCA (Free) – Oakland, September 6
Free First Sundays at NUMU (Free) – Los Gatos, September 6
Fall Neon Scorpion Hikes – Clayton, September 6, 12, 13
Five Dollar Day at the Lawrence – Berkeley, September 7
Cats Junior The Musical – Palo Alto, September 9-27
Outdoor Movie Night: Super Mario Galaxy (Free) – Hayward, September 11
Family Campout – Burlingame, September 11
Star Party at Hidden Villa – Los Altos Hills, September 11
Boardwalk Fall Campout – Santa Cruz, September 11-12
Free Day at the Schulz Museum (Free) – Santa Rosa, September 12
Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, September 12
Carquinez Model Railroad Society Open House – Crockett, September 12
Family Day at Museum on Main (Free) – Pleasanton, September 12
Second Saturday at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, September 12
2nd Saturdays on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, September 12
The Physics Show – Los Altos Hill, September 12-20
Free Family Day at Marin MOCA – San Rafael, September 13
Fiesta de Independencia – Santa Rosa, September 13
California Discovery Trail Experience at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, September 13
Junior Zoo Keeper Experience – Walnut Creek, September 13
Viva Calle (Free) – San Jose, September 13
Weekend Farm Tours at Hidden Villa – Los Alto Hills, September 13, 19, 20
Niles Canyon Railroad Steam Train Rides – Sunol, September 13, 20
Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, September 13, 27
Weekend Farm Tour – Los Altos Hills, September 13, 19, 20
Santa Cruz County Fair – Watsonville, September 16-20
Big Truck Day – Antioch, September 17
Family Farm Campout – Muir Beach, September 18-19
Starlight Movies In The Park: Jurassic Park (Free) – Alameda, September 18
Wheels and Wings Car Show – Santa Rosa, September 19
Pinocchio Kids Spectacular – San Francisco, September 19
Family Art Making at the de Young – San Francisco, September 19
SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, September 19
Cosmic Camp-In at Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland, September 19
Children’s Book Festival – Oakland, September 19
Kids Night Out at Color Me Mine – Alameda, September 19
Ag Day at Meek Park – Hayward, September 19
Full STEAM Ahead Overnight on the USS Hornet – Alameda, September 19-20
Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, September 19, 20
Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, September 20
Yappy Hour – Santa Cruz, September 24
Sundown Cinema: School of Rock (Free) – San Francisco, September 25
Family Fun Night – Santa Rosa, September 25
Port of Oakland Harbor Tours (Free) – Oakland, September 25
Maker Faire – Vallejo, September 25-27
Shrek Jr by Playful People – San Jose, September 25-October 4
The Great Big Boo at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, September 24-November 1
Bluey’s Big Play – San Francisco, September 26
Engineering Day at the Exploratorium – San Francisco, September 26
Family Farm Day – Muir Beach, September 26
Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, September 26
Habitot Day of Play (Free) – Berkeley, September 26
Harvest History Festival (Free) – Mountain View, September 26
Mid-Autumn Moon Festival – San Jose, September 26
Fiesta en la Playa – Santa Cruz, September 26, 27
Dragons Love Tacos by PLAY Theater Company – San Francisco, September 26-October 18
Sundays at Hagemann Ranch (Free) – Livermore, September 27
Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, September 28
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