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!
Spring is in full swing! Check out the seasonal re-opening of the Mission Community Market and the grand opening of the improved Moscone Playground! (My 3-year-old has seen the construction progress and keeps asking when we can go!) I’ve peppered in some fun programs from the San Francisco Public Library, my go-to for free family fun (especially during the week!), including an example of their annual Spring Big Playdate – offered throughout the city through June. Get out and play!
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!
Sunday, April 1
Asian Art Museum Family Fun Day
10:30am – 2pm
200 Larkin St.
“Discover and play as a family at the Asian Art Museum. 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. Make puppets and other art projects inspired by our new special exhibition Divine Bodies.” Free.
Vermont Street at 20th Street
3pm – 6pm. Kids Run 3pm – 4pm.
Bring a Big Wheel and join in for this zany SF tradition. Metal spokes/pegs must be taped up for safety. Free to observe. $10 – $20 recommended donation to ride
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along
Castro Theater
3:30pm
With all the lyrics on-screen, experience the joy of singing along to the songs you already love in the company of many other delighted, enthusiastic fans. And don’t forget the goodie bags and costume contest! $16 general admission, $11 kids (12 and under)
Easter Events – check out what’s happening around the city here.
Monday, April 2
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Visitacion Valley Library
“Join us to explore Suminagashi (“floating ink”), the ancient Japanese art of marbling paper with water and ink that transforms plain paper into a marvelous display of swirling color.” Free.
Tuesday, April 3
Golden Gate Park Koret Playground
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Movement and play are an important part of growing into a reader, so the San Francisco Public Library partnered with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to bring reading and stories to parks around San Francisco. Every first Tuesday of the month, find the Green Mobile at Golden Gate Park Koret Playground, 295 Bowling Green Drive.
Wednesday, April 4
Cartoon Art Museum Pay What You Wish Day!
781 Beach St
11:00am to 5:00pm
“Ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal with a visit to the Cartoon Art Museum.
Thursday, April 5
Mission Community Market Opening Day Celebration
22nd Street between Mission and Valencia
4pm – 8pm
“Join your favorite farmers market sellers and the Mission community in celebrating the first market of the spring season with a fun evening of good food, free family activities, live music, and more.” Free admission.
Friday, April 6
Asian Art Museum Stroller Tour
9:30 – 10:30 AM
200 Larkin St.
Docent-led tour specifically for parents and caregivers of children 0 – 2 years old before the museum opens! Crying babies are welcome! $25 admission for adults ($10 for members)
2 Marina Blvd
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. This year, OTG gets an upgrade with a “VIP Tasting Ticket,” the innovative Cubert Cold Prep, new branding, and an elevated, streamlined event layout that includes communal-style seating such as beer garden tables and benches, and more
Outdoor Movie Night Featuring School of Rock
8pm
Pier 39
“Grab your blankets and head to PIER 39 on Friday, April 6th for Outdoor Movie Night, featuring the film, “School of Rock” in celebration of the United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon San Francisco kicking off from PIER 39 on April 8th.” Free.
Saturday, April 7
DogFest 2018: Pet Festival, Carnival & Parade
Duboce Park
11am – 4pm
“Community dog show, fundraiser, and family event to benefit McKinley Elementary School.” Free admission.
Richmond District YMCA
12pm – 3pm
“The day is full of exciting group games, includes Lunch, and a docent-led tour to the Point Bonita Lighthouse.” $15 per person including transportation.
Storytime Family Fun Day With Friends Of SF Public Library
Macy’s Union Square
1pm – 3pm
“We’ll have story time for the children with popular books read by volunteers of the Friends of San Francisco Public Library! Other activities for families will include bookmark making and face painting, along with treats.” Free.
Sunday, April 8
Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic
Main Parade Ground
11:00 PM – 4 :00 PM
Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all.
Monday, April 9
3:45pm – 5:45pm
Ocean View Library
Come and join us for a Monday Matinee at the library! Popcorn will be provided. Free
Tuesday, April 10
Hours vary by location.
“Since 1979, it’s been our way to celebrate and say thanks to our awesome fans for another year of support, and we’ve kept it up every year since, spreading the peace, love & FREE ice cream around the world! ”
Wednesday, April 11
Pick Me Up Art + Coffee Break w/ Urban Upstarts
Outside Asian Art Museum at the corner of Larkin + Fulton
1pm – 3pm
“This free family-friendly event is led by local artist Barakah Aly, this ongoing activity invites the public to learn + practice yarn wrapping techniques around one of the Asian Art Museum’s Village Artist Corner trees. Pour-over Ethiopian coffee for purchase from SF Coffee Cruiser, a locally youth-owned family business.” Free.
Friday, April 13
900 North Point St f100
5pm – 9pm
“During Date Night, your little ones will get crafty with an art project, then feast on pizza and a sweet treat for dinner. Before winding down with a movie, the kids have a private playdate in our San Francisco themed playspace.” Age: 2.9 years – 5 years (potty training not required). Member Cost = $50/child. Non-Member Cost = $60/child. Additional Siblings = $25/child.
Saturday, April 14
10am – 12pm
Moscone Playground
“Join us to celebrate the recent improvements at Moscone Playground from 10 a.m. to 12 noon! The new features include a new playground and dog play area!” Free.
428 11th St
11am – 5pm
“SoMa StrEat Food Park is heating up the griddle to celebrate this cheesy staple and all its toasty glory by bringing together a special lineup of the Bay Area’s grilled cheese masters! They’ll be stacking, stuffing, and layering buttery bread, cheese, and extras like juicy smoked bacon, Dungeness crab, pulled pork, and mac n cheese all day long!” $5 General Admission. $35 All You Can Drink Craft Beer (includes General Admission). Free for children 10 & under!
51st Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
11am – 5pm
Within the borders of Laguna and Fillmore Streets and Geary Boulevard
“There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more.” Free admission.
Sunday, April 15
SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave
10:30-11:30.
Every first and third Sunday of the month meet in the cozy children’s book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Suitable for children aged 4-8. Free for SF residents.
Sunday Streets Bayview/Dogpatch
11am – 4pm
The Bayview’s main corridor of Third Street,
“Sunday Streets works with community groups and local partners to create fun, friendly spaces for locals and to activate street corners and storefronts to engage visitors, showcasing spots like soul food restaurant Auntie April’s, arts center Bayview Opera House, and neighborhood favorite Sam Jordan’s Bar and Grill.” Free admission.
51st Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
11am – 5pm
Within the borders of Laguna and Fillmore Streets and Geary Boulevard
“There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more.” Free admission.
Monday, April 16
Music and Movement with Charity Kahn
10:30am – 11:15am
Ingleside Library
“Join Charity Kahn of the award-winning family music group Charity and the JAMband for a morning of song and dance that will rock your socks off! Expect themes of peace, celebration of all life, mindfulness, and care-for-the-Earth. Books, rhymes, music, movement, and more for toddlers, 16 months through age 2 and their caregivers.” Free
Tuesday, April 17
Cayuga Playground
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Movement and play are an important part of growing into a reader, so the San Francisco Public Library partnered with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department to bring reading and stories to parks around San Francisco. Every third Tuesday of the month, find the Green Mobile at Cayuga Playground, Cayuga & Naglee Avenues
Thursday, April 19
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Sunset Library
“It’s time for an old-school play date: sand pendulum, baby/toddler tunnel, Octy-play and more…
For ages 0-5 and their caregivers; older siblings welcome.” Free.
Friday, April 20
30 29th St
6:30pm – 8pm
“Take advantage of the many great restaurants within walking and driving distance…and go out on an adults-only night on the town while your kids enjoy an evening with us playing in our Play Space and watching a movie.” Age 4-10 years old. $25.
Saturday, April 21
199 Museum Way
10am – 2pm
“Check out the incredible extravaganza of insects at the Randall Museum’s annual Bug Day and celebrate everything insect with hands-on science and art activities, games, entertainment, and more!” Free admission.
11am – 3pm
Presidio Civil War Lawn
“Hosted by the Junior League of San Francisco, Touch-A-Truck® is a family-friendly event for children to EXPLORE, CLIMB & TOUCH trucks of all shapes and sizes. From exploring cars and trucks, to getting creative at the arts and crafts table and playing with giant bubbles, the wide variety of children’s activities will keep everybody busy and active. PLUS, the Children’s Creativity Museum will be hosting a fun hands-on workshop!” $12.
51st Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
11am – 5pm
Within the borders of Laguna and Fillmore Streets and Geary Boulevard
“There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more.” Free admission.
Sunday, April 22
51st Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
11am – 5pm
Within the borders of Laguna and Fillmore Streets and Geary Boulevard
“There will be food booths, cultural performances, martial arts, live bands, the annual Queen Program, and more.” Free admission.
Slice Slice Baby – SF Pizza Fest
428 11th St
11am – 5pm
“Chicago, New York, and Neopolitan. Thin crust, hand-tossed, gluten-free, veggie, and extra toppings. Pizza is the perfect shareable feast and any way you slice it, there’s pizza for everyone! Sample the selection of classic and unconventional pies from 10+ of the Bay Area’s best pizza vendors, each serving their own signature slices of heaven.” $5 General Admission. $35 All You Can Drink Craft Beer 11am-3pm (includes admission). FREE Admission for kids 10 & under, when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
3696 California Street
1pm – 3pm
“We are very excited to announce that we will be hosting BLOOM, an event for new and expecting moms, again this year at California Pacific Medical Center’s Newborn Connection.” Join to meet experts, a mini-massage, swag, giveaways, refreshments, and an arts and craft area for siblings. $10.
Tuesday, April 24
Children’s Day School (333 Dolores St, SF)
“Enjoy a meal with your kids and other LGBTQ families, then join one of two parent groups – for solo parents or for coparents / caregivers – for facilitated discussions about family and child-rearing issues. Dinner and childcare provided with advance registration.” Held the 4th Tuesday of every month, 6-8pm.
Wednesday, April 25
7am – 8pm
Bernal Heights Library
“Come in your jammies, bring your stuffies, cozy up with hot cocoa and let your imagination wander into storyland. Best for ages 3-8 and their caregivers.” Free.
Thursday, April 26
Recess – Urban Recreation Neighborhood Open House
470 Carolina St
3:30pm – 5:30pm
“New visitors to Recess can come in to play in our space and learn about membership, parties, classes, and more! There will be a special discount on new memberships. $5 per family (new visitors only).
Saturday, April 28
10am – 4pm
Pier 1, Treasure Island
“One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment. TreasureFest (formerly Treasure Island Flea), is a unique monthly festival that showcases the best of the bay area.” $5 General Entry, Kids Under 12 are Free. Free Parking. Pet-Friendly.
Independent Bookstore Day Celebrations at Books Inc. Laurel Village
11am – 5:30pm
3515 California St
“Books Inc. in Laurel Village is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day all day long with fun storytimes for kids and mixers for adults. Throughout the day sample delicious home-baked treats, snag exciting giveaway items. There will also be an ongoing Horton Hatches an Egg Hunt throughout the day for your little ones. (Ages 2-9)” Free.
2pm
Fort Mason Center
Peter Pan by Young Performers Theatre is suitable for all ages! “Over Young Performers Theatre’s thirty-year history, the theatre has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to involving children in theatre at the earliest ages, and sustaining their interest in the arts for a lifetime.” $12.
Sunday, April 29
Presidio Trail Run 10K, 5K, 1.5 Mile
8am – 11am
YMCA Presidio
“Join the Presidio Y for the 6th annual Presidio Trail Run on April 29! The race is a family-friendly run through the beautiful and unique Presidio trails with 3 distances – 10K, 5K and 1.5 miles. Expect an awesome race shirt, prizes, a fun post-race celebration, and a great morning in the Presidio. All proceeds from the event support the Y’s community programs in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Run, sponsor, or volunteer today!” Adults: 10K Adult – $55, 5K Adult – $40, 1.5 Mile Adult – $25/Youth (11 and under) – any distance: $10
10am – 4pm
Pier 1, Treasure Island
“One part shopping, one part feasting, and one part music and entertainment. TreasureFest (formerly Treasure Island Flea), is a unique monthly festival that showcases the best of the bay area.” $5 General Entry, Kids Under 12 are Free. Free Parking. Pet Friendly.
20th Annual Glen Park Festival
10am – 4:30pm
Glen Park Village
“All proceeds go to benefit kids’ programs for schools and community organizations in and around Glen Park. The family-friendly festival features live music, a children’s arts and activity area, booths for local artists and craftsmen, ice cold drinks including beer and wine, food truck/booths.” Free admission.
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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.
