Below are fun upcoming events for kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. This list is updated frequently, so check back often.
Follow Bay Area Kid Fun on Facebook for additional Bay Area highlights. Subscribe to receive the Bay Area Kid Fun free Weekend Highlights each Thursday.
Featured Events
IlluminOdyssey ~ San Mateo, through January 26
IlluminOdyssey is back! Fill your winter with wonder at an immersive, interactive light experience at CuriOdyssey. Running now through January 26!
Marine Science Sundays at The Marine Mammal Center ~ Sausalito, November 24
Join us the second and fourth Sunday of each month at The Marine Mammal Center to learn about a variety of marine science topics. These interactive presentations hosted by our award-winning educators feature multimedia, pictures, video and more to share the stories of amazing marine mammals. After the program, explore our hospital and visitor center to learn more about what we’re doing to save animals along the California coast and beyond, and how you can help.
Holiday Cirque ~ San Francisco, December 2
Troupe Vertigo’s spellbinding performances ignite the imagination through stunning physical feats choreographed into works of art. In their return to the San Francisco Symphony, the company brings their innovative mix of circus, dance, and theater to a festive new holiday show.
The Nutcracker Performed by San Francisco Youth Ballet ~ San Francisco, December 7 & 8
The holiday magic continues as San Francisco Youth Ballet presents its 23rd annual, full length production of “The Nutcracker.” It is geared toward families and a perfect introduction to classical ballet for children. Seats are reserved and “Sugar Plum” VIP and “Clara’s Guest” admission includes a special gift for children and a character meet and greet 30 minutes prior to curtain. Buy your tickets early since this is a sold out production year after year.
Deck The Hall ~ San Francisco, December 8
It’s never too early to plan a holiday tradition—let Deck the Hall be yours! Treat your family to a concert of holiday favorites and sing-alongs led by conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser with members of the San Francisco Symphony, guest artists, and beloved costumed characters.
Holidays at Filoli ~ Woodside, through January 12
‘Tis the season to make special memories, bask in the vibrant landscape, and spend time together. Step into the magic of the House decked in holiday cheer and explore the winter Garden, where inspiration glows.
Glowfari at Oakland Zoo ~ Oakland, November 8 through January 26
This wildly popular, family-friendly experience features hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Zoo. Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and Oakland Zoo’s commitment to conservation.
Glow at The Exploratorium ~ San Francisco, November 21 – January 26
Step into the art and science of light … and recharge your winter wonder. Discover luminous artworks that dazzle and surprise. Tinker with color and shadow and enjoy illuminating live programs for both adults and kids.
Polar Play Days at The Tech ~ San Jose, November 23 – January 5
Explore the magic and science of winter and the joy of the holiday season. This family-friendly event offers a blend of creative activities, hands-on experiments, and fun-filled adventures that capture the spirit of the season.
The Great Dicken’s Christmas Faire ~ Daly City, November 23 – December 22
Over 4 acres of the historic Cow Palace are magically transformed into the winding lanes and bustling play houses of Victorian London! Immerse yourself in a world of theatres, dance parties, and charming shops. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens.
November 2024 (also see Holiday Fun)
The Matchbox Flute – Berkeley, October 18-December 8
Zoppe Family Circus – Redwood City, November 1 – December 1
Kimberly Akimbo by Broadway SF – San Francisco, November 5-December 1
Seussical by Berkeley Rep – Berkeley, November 8-December 22
Spongebob the Musical – Aptos, November 8-24
A Christmas Carol by Children’s Musical Theater – San Jose, November 15-24
Mary Poppins by Peninsula Youth Theatre – Mountain View, November 16-24
Family Dance with Luna Dance – Berkeley, November 20
Navajo Weaving (Free) – Palo Alto, November 20
Catch the Spirit Festive Fun – Los Altos, November 20
Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza (Free) – San Jose, November 21
Honk! Jr by Playful People – San Jose, November 21-24
Welcome Winter at Cal Academy – San Francisco, November 22
MOCHA at the Library (Free) – Oakland, November 22
Telescope Viewing (Free) – Oakland, November 22, 23, 29, 30
Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, November 23
Family Farm Days at Slide Ranch – Muir Beach, November 23
Planetarium Shows – Cupertino, November 23
5K Fun Run – South San Francisco, November 23
Seaside Story Hour – Redwood City, November 23
Crawlies Aren’t Creepy – Los Gatos, November 23
Storytime Science for Kids – San Francisco, November 23, 30
Block Community Hub Math Festival – Oakland, November 24
Cartooning for the Whole Family – San Francisco, November 25, 29
Stories to Take You Far and Away (Free) – San Francisco, November 26
Jack & The Beanstalk Puppet Show (Free) – Castro Valley, November 26
Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, November 26
Helicopter Turkey Toss – San Carlos, November 27
Turkey Trot – Benicia, November 28
Boardwalk Winter Wonderland – Santa Cruz, November 28 – January 5
Family Fun Weekend at the Schulz Museum – Santa Rosa, November 29, 30
Nutcracker Sweet with The Puppet Company – San Francisco, November 30
Family Astronomy: Discovering Exoplanets – Oakland, November 30
Meet a Firefighter (Free) – Berkeley, November 30
View next month’s events
