Our contributor Laura, from SFMamaKoala.com, created this month’s guide. She’s a San Francisco native who’s in the know on all things family-friendly around the city. Check out her big list of events below!
June is here, and with it comes Father’s Day, and festivals galore! I focus on family-friendly fun, and sometimes the really big events can feel a little more about adults and crowds for my personally curated list. But I will still include them in the monthly introduction because they are major events and part of the fabric of our city! So don’t forget June means the Union Street Music Festival, Haight Street Festival, and North Beach Festival. Other major events provide noteworthy family-friendly respites included below, such as the Stern Grove Festival and SF Pride. The SF Public Library has extra exciting offerings as part of their Summer Stride program, so there’s no excuse for the kids saying they are bored! Happy Summer!
When you find yourself on the Peninsula, check out things to do in the area from Mid-Peninsula Moms Blog, and Wine Country Moms Blog has you covered for trips up north.
Know of something else fun going on around town? Email us at info@SanFranciscoMomsBlog.com or leave a comment below!
Friday, June 1
7:30pm
Randall Museum
Musical Theatre Works is pleased to announce their Spring Musical. Adults: $25, Students: $15
Saturday, June 2
North Beach Family Summer Kick Off
11am – 2pm
Joe DiMaggio Playground
Come join local families to kick off summer! Enjoy free children’s music classes, a fire truck visit, bubble making, coach-led sports activities, and more. The event is also a farewell to North Beach’s Carmel Blue. Free (food available to purchase).
11am – 5pm
McLaren Park (Jerry Garcia Amphitheater)
“Our lineup this year will include bands, poets, dancers and DJs. As always, there will also be a space for information & resource tables, live art, kids’ activities, and food for the community.” Free.
12pm – 5pm
Hamilton Recreation Center
“Grab some food, make tie-dyed t-shirts or make gigantic bubbles and enjoy some down home blues…(E)njoy youth activities in our kid’s zone, i.e. face painting, cotton candy, jumpers, & bubbles.” Free (food available to purchase).
Sunday, June 3
Asian Art Museum Family Fun Day
10:30am – 2pm
200 Larkin St
“On Family Fun Days, our kid-friendly gallery tours, creative art projects and immersive storytelling make art appreciation a lively, family-friendly event. Themes and projects change regularly, so visit again and again.” Free.
International Children’s Day Festival
11am – 2pm
Bayview Opera House
Family photo booth, pop-up playground, food and snacks, interactive children’s musician, games, activities, arts & crafts, and community resources for families. Free with registration.
Sunday Streets Sunset/Golden Gate Park
11am – 4pm
Great Highway and JFK Dr
“Sunday Street’s longest route runs through the Outer Sunset and parts of Golden Gate Park, following the city’s western edge along the super-scenic Great Highway, providing car-free streets and fun, free activities for all.” Free.
Monday, June 4
I Feel Pretty Mama Baby Movie Screening
1pm – 4 pm
Presidio Theatre
Movie screening with babies welcome! $11 ticket.
Tuesday, June 5
36th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival Kickoff Celebration
5pm
Proxy — Corner Of Octavia & Hayes Streets
“The 36th San Francisco Jazz Festival will kick off with live music from Bay Area artists Howard Wiley & Extra Nappy and Beso Negro, plus films, beer from PROXY’s Biergarten, and food from many of the Bay Area’s best food trucks.” Free admission.
Thursday, June 7
10:30am – 11:30am
West Portal Library
“Join us for a special family storytime celebrating LGBTQI Pride. All families welcome (as always)!” Free.
Friday, June 8
Movie Night in the Park: Featuring Paddington 2
5:30pm – 9pm
Presidio Community YMCA
Food trucks, Bubbles, Face Painting 5:30 pm; cartoon Shorts 6:30 pm, Film at 7 pm. Bring a blanket and enjoy a free family movie night! Free (food available to purchase).
Saturday, June 9
10am
Wilsey Center for Opera
Veterans Building, 4th Floor
401 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
“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.” $10/person.
11am – 5pm
Union Square
“Mark your calendars for “Spring India Day” Cultural activities, Street Food, Entertainment, Wellness and Shopping!!” Free admission.
2018 San Francisco Free Folk Festival
12pm – 10pm
Everett Middle School
“The 42nd annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival will be a full day of music, dance, and storytelling workshops and concerts, crafts, vendors, and fun for the whole family.” Free.
Sunday, June 10
1st Annual Ghirardelli Square Festival
10am – 6pm (also on Saturday)
We are shutting down Polk and Beach Streets and offering something for everyone – arts & crafts, live entertainment, festival food favorites, craft beer & wine, and fun for all ages, along the breathtaking bayside Aquatic Park.” Free admission.
Ten Year Anniversary Community Free Day
11am – 5pm
Contemporary Jewish Museum
“Join us as we celebrate community with live music, gallery performances, art-making, and more…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.” Free.
Tuesday, June 12
11am – 11:30am
Main Library
“Learn about local animals and plants with a National Park Ranger, through stories, songs, hands-on activities, and show and tell. This is a playful interactive experience suggested for children under 8 years old and their caregivers. ” Free.
Thursday, June 14
5 to 9 pm
“San Francisco’s largest campfire features a delicious selection of international cuisine from a stellar lineup of local vendors. This event is a great way to kick off your weekend – so grab your blanket, bundle up, and enjoy fire-pits on the lawn, lantern-lit cabanas, yoga at dusk, live music under the stars, and the Presidio’s unbeatable views.” Free admission (food available for purchase).
Friday, June 15
Parangal Dance Company (Kids’ Show)
11am – 11:30pm & 12:15pm – 12:45pm
Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens
799 Howard St.
“Parangal Dance Company is a Filipino folk dance group dedicated to preserving and promoting the ethnic attire, music and dance of the Philippines through research, workshops and performances.” Free.
Saturday, June 16
11am – 6pm
Fillmore Street between Geary Blvd. and Golden Gate
Parade, Kid Zone with pony rides, petting zoo, face painting, live entertainment, food and community resources. Free admission.
12pm – 4pm
Parklab Community Garden
Petting zoo (12pm – 2pm), fitness challenge, new soccer fields, and more for free. Purchase a ticket ($40 adults/$15 youth) for entrance to the garden with food bites, live music, terrarium workshop, and photo booth. 100% of proceeds benefit Urban Sprouts job training programs.
12pm – 5pm
Presidio Main Parade Ground
“The all-day event features a free build you own kite booth, hands on learning from kite experts, a kite art exhibition, giant kites, mega team flying, Taiko drummers, and food trucks.” Free admission.
Sunday, June 17
8:30am
SF Zoo
“Celebrate Dad by bringing your bicycle to the Zoo for this 1-1/2 hour riding tour and relaxing continental breakfast. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you as you see the animals start their day. You may find a tiger yawning and stretching, a bear bathing, or monkeys bounding through the branches for their morning exercise.” $45/non members; $35 members; children piggyback (no bike) Free.
11am – 5pm
Fort Mason Center
Shop from local crafters/makers and enjoy craft activities for lovers of superheroes and gaming. Free admission.
Monday, June 18
4pm – 5pm
Bernal Heights Library
“It’s summer, but Professor “Snip” is back for another Potions class! See if you have what it takes to pass Potions at Hogwarts. Space is limited, please come early. For ages 6+.” Free.
Tuesday, June 19
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Eureka Valley Library
“Join us for a unique and unforgettable story hour, featuring face painting and cookies!” Free.
Wednesday, June 20
10:30am – 11:30am
Chinatown library
“Accompanying herself on guitar and accordion, Alison Faith Levy engages library audiences in all kinds of dancing, spinning, wiggling, pretend play, singing, and other silliness.” Free.
Thursday, June 21
5pm – 9pm
Civic Center Plaza
“The evening event features bands, curated by Another Planet Entertainment, and food trucks and adult beverages alongside Civic Center’s new state of the art playgrounds.” Free admission (food available for purchase)
Friday, June 22
Afternoon Sailing Adventure on San Francisco Bay: Alma sails
12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
“Take in dazzling views while park rangers tell stories about California history. Topics covered include: Native Americans, Spanish explorers, the Gold Rush, lighthouses, the Barbary Coast, Fisherman’s Wharf, earthquakes, fires, shipbuilding, and more.” Adult: $40, Senior (62+): $30, Child (6-15): $20, Under 6: Free with adult.
Saturday, June 23
11am – 5pm
“We welcome everyone to celebrate and learn about Polynesian islands in the Pacific Ocean through cultural dances, crafts, food, and more.” Includes Kids Zone and ukulele jam session. Free admission.
Queer Youth Space at San Francisco Pride
12pm – 6pm
Civic Center Plaza, NE
“(T)he Queer Youth Space is a safe environment for youth ages 12-24 to chill out, get some snacks, and participate in activities. We have a community art project, crafts, lawn games, prizes, and more!” Free, but requested $1 donation at festival gates. Also on Sunday.
12pm – 1pm & 2:15
Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens
“Dust off your tambourine, ukulele or kazoo and come out for comedy and circus sure to strike the right note.” Free.
Sunday, June 24
The LGBTQ Family Garden at San Francisco Pride
11am – 6pm
Civic Center Plaza, NW
Our Family Coalition is thrilled to offer the Family Garden once again. This is a safe, fun space for children, youth, and their LGBTQ parents/caregivers during the Pride celebration. Arts and crafts, games, face painting, and resources will be offered to LGBTQ families. Free, but requested $1 donation at festival gates.
KidStage at Stern Grove Festival (Reggae/Dancehall with Shemica Johnson)
From 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Concert starts at 2pm.
Before the Sunday concert “kids of all ages can experience hands-on art projects, a musical instrument exploration station, and dance workshops with local teaching artists at KidStage in the West Meadow.” Free.
Queer Youth Space at San Francisco Pride
11am – 6pm
Civic Center Plaza, NE
“(T)he Queer Youth Space is a safe environment for youth ages 12-24 to chill out, get some snacks, and participate in activities. We have a community art project, crafts, lawn games, prizes, and more!” Free, but requested $1 donation at festival gates.
Monday, June 25
4pm – 5pm
Bernal Heights Library
“Blast off this summer by mixing your own rocket “fuel” to make it go boom! Ages 6 and up.” Free.
Tuesday, June 26
Tree Frog Treks: Amphibians & Reptiles
2pm – 2:30pm
Main Library
“Naturalists will introduce a variety of amphibians and reptiles from tiny Pacific Tree Frogs to 14-foot long Burmese Pythons. Learn about their natural habitats and role in the ecosystem. For ages 5 and up.” Free.
Wednesday, June 27
3pm – 4pm
Noe Valley Library
“A picnic in the park can be a picnic at your library! Join a park ranger for an hour of fun and a yummy activity, and learn how the food you can find in your national parks can also benefit your body and health. For 9 to 12 year olds.” Free.
Thursday, June 28
3:30pm – 5:30pm
Recess – urban recreation
“New visitors to Recess can come in to play in our space and learn about membership, parties, classes, and more!” $5 per family.
Friday, June 29
Pasados del Presidio – Afternoon Fun for Kids
12pm – 3pm
Presidio Officers’ Club
Join us to see Early California history come to life. Enjoy hands-on activities, a tortilla-making demonstration, and more. Music and dance is offered by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano.
Saturday, June 30
10am – 6pm
Fillmore Street ~ Jackson to Eddy
“(V)isitors can groove to the sounds of live music from multiple stages, browse the offerings of over 12 blocks of fine art and crafts and enjoy gourmet food and beverages.” Free admission.
8th Annual Northern California Soy and Tofu Festival
11am – 5pm
Event Center at Saint Mary’s Cathedral 1111 Gough St.
Cooking demos, scavenger hunt, live performances, food trucks, and more. $5/ person
Unique Derique Fool La La Over the Rainbow
2pm – 3pm
San Francisco Studio Theater 1062 Valencia Street
The Clown Prince of Fools keeps the fun going in this jolly circus-inspired celebration for all ages. Free FAMILY FUN Intro to Juggling and Hambone after the show! (20 minutes)
Thanks for letting me guest post this month’s kid-friendly event guide! I am obsessed with discovering all the hidden gems for families in the city. Read more about SF family adventures at SFMamaKoala.com.
Saturday, June 9
Nature Artwalk – National Get Outdoors Day
10 – 11:30 am
Parent-child Nature Artwalks are short guided walks with stops to collect a variety of leaves, flowers, sticks, bark, and rocks that we find on the ground and use them for different art activities.
Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with Color Explorers! We’ll meet outside the Glen Canyon Park Rec Center in front of the Solar Totems sculpture and walk a short loop. We’ll see what wildlife we can spot and stop to make art along the way.
Adults and children under one-year-old are free. Children over 1 are $25 and siblings are $18 each. This event is appropriate for children ages 1-8.
https://www.colorexplorerssf.com/events/nature-artwalk-4/
Thanks for the tip!