We’ve rounded up our top kid-friendly things to do around the city this month. 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!
Local Events in August
Click on the date below to be taken directly to the events happening on that day or keep scrolling to view them all!
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th | 20th | 21st | 22nd | 23rd | 24th | 25th | 26th | 27th | 28th | 29th | 30th | 31st
Happening All Month
Tangled @ Walt Disney Family Museum
Sun & Mon – Friday: 1 pm
Sat: 4 pm
Walt Disney Family Museum, Presidio
Bring the kids to watch this Disney classic in a cozy theater on the lower level of the museum. Plays every day except Tuesdays.
Check the schedule to see where the food trucks will be parked around the city.
Family-friendly highlights include:
Sundays: 11 am – 4 pm, Presidio Picnic
Thursdays: 5 – 9 pm, Presidio Twilight
Fridays: 5 – 10 pm, Fort Mason
1st
2 pm
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger.
6-8 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
2nd
7 pm
Castro Theater
Join fellow movie fans and sing-a-long with this Disney classic.
7:30 pm
Davies Symphony Hall
“Experience the magic of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before! Watch these intergalactic epics come to life on the big screen with the San Francisco Symphony performing John Williams’ unforgettable score LIVE.”
Bay Area Musicals’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame
7:30 PM
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St.
“Bay Area Musicals will close its’ season with the luscious musical—brought you by the winning team behind Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz.”
3rd
10 am – 6 pm
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Festival Pavilion
“The American Craft Show returns to the Festival Pavilion at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture for a not-to-be-missed weekend showcasing more than 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, including talented emerging makers. Craft collectors and design enthusiasts will also have the chance to engage in three experiential showcases: Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft, Style Slam, and Let’s Make. As the largest juried fine craft show on the West Coast, this show is a truly unique chance to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, eat and drink artisanal foods and beverages, and meet the country’s best artists.”
Our Family Coalition Toddle with Me
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave.
“This music and movement class for LGBTQ+ parents/ caregivers with toddlers promotes children’s overall development. Using creative physical expression, these classes promote gross and fine motor skill development, coordination and balance, as well as early literacy, pre-math, and social-emotional skills.” Meets every Friday in August.
Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Performances
11 am & 12:15 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
Interactive performing arts for kids under 10 and their adults held every Friday. Children’s Garden programs are approximately 25 minutes each and held near the Children’s Creativity Museum and LeRoy King Carousel at Howard/Fourth Streets. Check the schedule for performance information.
Our Family Coalition Infant Massage
11:30 – 1:00
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave
“Infant massage is an amazing way to connect with your baby! In this 5-week interactive class for LGBTQ parents with infants you’ll learn the basics of respectful, connective touch; a whole body massage routine; specific techniques to help with tummy issues; and gentle baby stretches that connect left/right brain neural pathways. We’ll add on week by week so please commit to attending the entire series.”
7 pm
Castro Theater
Join fellow movie fans and sing-a-long with this Disney classic.
7:30 pm
Davies Symphony Hall
“Experience the magic of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi like never before! Watch these intergalactic epics come to life on the big screen with the San Francisco Symphony performing John Williams’ unforgettable score LIVE.”
Bay Area Musicals’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame
7:30 PM
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St.
“Bay Area Musicals will close its’ season with the luscious musical—brought you by the winning team behind Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz.”
4th
10 am – 6 pm
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Festival Pavilion
“The American Craft Show returns to the Festival Pavilion at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture for a not-to-be-missed weekend showcasing more than 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, including talented emerging makers. Craft collectors and design enthusiasts will also have the chance to engage in three experiential showcases: Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft, Style Slam, and Let’s Make. As the largest juried fine craft show on the West Coast, this show is a truly unique chance to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, eat and drink artisanal foods and beverages, and meet the country’s best artists.”
11 am – 6 pm
Post St, between Laguna & Fillmore, Japantown
“The Nihonmachi Street Fair considers itself the original “melting pot” of street fairs, with many aspects of Asian-Pacific American life—and San Francisco’s cultural life—expressed through performance, tradition, art, music, food, and community outreach and service.”
Bay Area Musicals’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame
2 pm & 8 pm
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St.
“Bay Area Musicals will close its’ season with the luscious musical—brought you by the winning team behind Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz.”
3 pm & 7 pm
Castro Theater
Join fellow movie fans and sing-a-long with this Disney classic.
5th
11 am – 5 pm
Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture, Festival Pavilion
“The American Craft Show returns to the Festival Pavilion at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture for a not-to-be-missed weekend showcasing more than 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, including talented emerging makers. Craft collectors and design enthusiasts will also have the chance to engage in three experiential showcases: Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft, Style Slam, and Let’s Make. As the largest juried fine craft show on the West Coast, this show is a truly unique chance to shop one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces, eat and drink artisanal foods and beverages, and meet the country’s best artists.”
The Nihonmachi Street Fair considers itself the original “melting pot” of street fairs, with many aspects of Asian-Pacific American life—and San Francisco’s cultural life— expressed through performance, tradition, art, music, food, and community outreach and service.
Bay Area Musicals’ The Hunchback of Notre Dame
2 pm
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St.
“Bay Area Musicals will close its’ season with the luscious musical—brought you by the winning team behind Aladdin, Little Mermaid, and Beauty & the Beast—The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney animated feature, The Hunchback of Notre Dame showcases the film’s Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Menken and Schwartz.”
2 pm
Stern Grove
This summer concert series is free and quintessentially San Francisco. Check out the line up here.
Our Family Coalition Mission Cliffs Climbing Party
2 – 4 pm
Mission Cliffs, 2295 Harrison St
“Rock climbing is a fun activity for kids of all ages and abilities. While parents/caregivers take photos, Mission Cliff’s party staff will do all the work of belaying the kids and encouraging them to climb as high as they want. Snacks and more fun activities for parents and kids will be provided in the break room. Space is limited, so register now! This activity is for youth ages 6-12 years old and their LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers.”
2-4 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
3 pm & 7 pm
Castro Theater
Join fellow movie fans and sing-a-long with this Disney classic.
6th
Lunch is on Us @ The Public Library
12 – 1 pm
Main Library
“San Francisco Public Library, in partnership with the Department of Children and Youth and Their Families, is serving FREE lunch to youth at the Main Children’s Center this summer. Come for lunch, then hang out to read and learn! All youth ages 18 years and under are welcome. This is a Food, Health & Wellness program from SFPL. Try out new foods or a new healthy activity.”
7th
10:30 – 11:00 am
Koret Playground, Golden Gate Park
“Wiggle, giggle, and go!! Join the bookmobile librarian for a little song and dance at the park! Stories, too, of course!! Visit the Green bookmobile before or after the storytime to satisfy your little reader’s needs, and yours! Books and movies for grown-ups and teens onboard as well. Stories, songs, fingerplays, and more for ages 3 to 5.”
8th
2 pm
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger.
6-8 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
9th
11:30 – 12:30
Portola Library
“Gather and Garden every other Thursday with activities, adventures, and more! Come plant and enjoy Portola’s own garden…
All ages of youth and their caregivers welcome!”
10th
Our Family Coalition Toddle with Me
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave.
“This music and movement class for LGBTQ+ parents/ caregivers with toddlers promotes children’s overall development. Using creative physical expression, these classes promote gross and fine motor skill development, coordination and balance, as well as early literacy, pre-math, and social-emotional skills.” Meets every Friday in August.
11th
Bernal Heights Hillwide Garage Sale
9 am – 2 pm
Bernal Heights
If you live in Bernal, take the opportunity to clean out your garage and set up shop. Or, stroll the neighborhood to see what your neighbors are selling. Benefitting the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center.
Parade begins 11 am
Civic Center, down 4th St
Yerba Buena Gardens, 11 am – 5 pm
Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the the two-day event organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition is expected to draw over 80,000 people over the weekend. Admission is free and fun for the entire family!
12th
11 am – 5 pm
Yerba Buena Gardens
Experience the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food at the Pistahan Parade and Festival. Billed as the largest celebration of Filipino Americans in the U.S., the the two-day event organized by the Filipino American Arts Exposition is expected to draw over 80,000 people over the weekend. Admission is free and fun for the entire family!
2 pm
Stern Grove
This summer concert series is free and quintessentially San Francisco. Check out the line up here.
2-4 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
13th
Comment below with an activity we should add for this day!
14th
10:30 am – 5:30 pm
Small Frys, 3985 24th St.
Register in advance and come to have Master Scissor Artist Karl Johnson hand cut a silhouette of you or your child in minutes while you sit and watch in awe.
15th
2 pm
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger.
6-8 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
16th
10 – 11:30
Glen Park Library
“Toddlers will learn about arts and crafts. They will gain fine motor skills as they are exposed to the use of safety scissors, stamps, paint brushes and other tools. Fun and age appropriate crafts will be an introduction to the world of preschool crafts. Please dress in your oldest pre-stained clothing.
Ages 18 months- 4 years”
17th
Our Family Coalition Toddle with Me
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave.
“This music and movement class for LGBTQ+ parents/ caregivers with toddlers promotes children’s overall development. Using creative physical expression, these classes promote gross and fine motor skill development, coordination and balance, as well as early literacy, pre-math, and social-emotional skills.” Meets every Friday in August.
Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Performances
11 am & 12:15 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
Interactive performing arts for kids under 10 and their adults held every Friday. Children’s Garden programs are approximately 25 minutes each and held near the Children’s Creativity Museum and LeRoy King Carousel at Howard/Fourth Streets. Check the schedule for performance information.
18th
12 – 3 pm
Stanford Shopping Center
Join San Francisco Moms Blog and Mid-Peninsula Moms Blog for FREE family fun in the American Girl Courtyard as you prepare for Back to School! There will be face painters, GIVEAWAYS, in-store offers and promotions from Gymboree, Gap Kids, Pottery Barn Kids, & American Girl. PLUS: In-store arts and crafts, special sales, and a giveaway at Hanna Andersson, samples and kids pizza party giveaway from California Pizza Kitchen, in-store balloon animals for the kids and champagne & strawberries for moms at Baubox, and samples and discounts from Jamba Juice!
This event is FREE, but please register, so we know you’re coming!
10 am – 6 pm
Polk St between California & Post Streets
“The FREE Festival will feature two main stages, a merchant marketplace, arts and crafts, food booths, cafe seating areas, and much more.”
10 am – 5pm
Hyde St Pier
“Enjoying live, traditional music; exploring boats large and small; watching historic riggers splice and worm; and making fun, maritime crafts with your younger crew members – might be the perfect park prescription for 21st century overload.” Check website for full schedule of events.
11 am – 5 pm
Marina Green
“Come join us for great entertainment and fun activities for the entire family at the FREE Admission 6th Annual summertime event on August 18, 2018, in San Francisco, California. We welcome everyone to celebrate and learn about Polynesian (Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Cook Islands, New Zealand), Melanesian (Fiji), and Micronesian (Guam) islands in the Pacific Ocean through cultural dances, songs, crafts, merchandise vendors, and more.”
19th
10 am – 6 pm
Polk St between California & Post Streets
“The FREE Festival will feature two main stages, a merchant marketplace, arts and crafts, food booths, cafe seating areas, and much more.”
11 am – 4pm
- Essex and 2nd Streets, hosted by East Cut CBD
- 4th Street, hosted by Yerba Buena CBD
- 6th Street, hosted by SOMA Pilipinas Cultural District
- 9th and 10th Streets, hosted by LGBTQ & Leather Cultural District
Explore this mixed-use neighborhood that blends residential, commercial, cultural, institutional and entertainment uses and is known for its live-work spaces, design and art production.
2 pm
Stern Grove
This summer concert series is free and quintessentially San Francisco. Check out the line up here.
2-4 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
Our Family Coalition Trans Family Pool Party
3-6 pm
Sava Pool, 19th Ave.
“Enjoy some splashy summer fun with OFC! Trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming parents and kids can dive in and have SF Rec & Parks favorite Sava Pool all to ourselves, surrounded by friendly, supportive community. Snacks and additional dry-land activities will be provided. Allies welcome!”
20th
Comment below with an activity we should add for this day!
21st
Comment below with an activity we should add for this day!
22nd
2 pm
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger.
6-8 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
Drive East Indian Dance Festival
7 – 10 pm
Joe Good Performance Space, 401 Alabama St
“Join Navatman in New York City and now, San Francisco, as we bring together artists from all over the globe for one of the most ambitious—and lauded—congregations of Indian classical music and dance. Whether you are a seasoned patron or interested in learning more, there is an experience for everyone in this extraordinary festival.”
23rd
Drive East Indian Dance Festival
7 – 10 pm
Joe Good Performance Space, 401 Alabama St
“Join Navatman in New York City and now, San Francisco, as we bring together artists from all over the globe for one of the most ambitious—and lauded—congregations of Indian classical music and dance. Whether you are a seasoned patron or interested in learning more, there is an experience for everyone in this extraordinary festival.”
24th
Our Family Coalition Toddle with Me
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave.
“This music and movement class for LGBTQ+ parents/ caregivers with toddlers promotes children’s overall development. Using creative physical expression, these classes promote gross and fine motor skill development, coordination and balance, as well as early literacy, pre-math, and social-emotional skills.” Meets every Friday in August.
Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Performances
11 am & 12:15 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
Interactive performing arts for kids under 10 and their adults held every Friday. Children’s Garden programs are approximately 25 minutes each and held near the Children’s Creativity Museum and LeRoy King Carousel at Howard/Fourth Streets. Check the schedule for performance information.
Drive East Indian Dance Festival
7:15 – 10 pm
Joe Good Performance Space, 401 Alabama St
“Join Navatman in New York City and now, San Francisco, as we bring together artists from all over the globe for one of the most ambitious—and lauded—congregations of Indian classical music and dance. Whether you are a seasoned patron or interested in learning more, there is an experience for everyone in this extraordinary festival.”
25th
Pete the Cat | Bay Area Children’s Theater
10:30 am & 1:30 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
“When the cat-catcher finds Pete rockin’ out on his guitar after bedtime, he sends Pete to the Biddles’ to learn some manners. But Pete won’t go silently into house cat arrest–not when he can jam with the family and help Jimmy Biddle paint the crucial picture he needs to pass second grade. Rock out with Pete the Cat and friends in this groovy musical! Purr-fect for ages 3-8. 1-hour show, no intermission”
Treasurefest Dog Days of Summer
10 am – 4pm
Treasure Island
“TreasureFest celebrates the ‘Dog Days of Summer’ for a special doggy themed Fest!”
Drive East Indian Dance Festival
3 pm & 6 – 10 pm
Joe Good Performance Space, 401 Alabama St
“Join Navatman in New York City and now, San Francisco, as we bring together artists from all over the globe for one of the most ambitious—and lauded—congregations of Indian classical music and dance. Whether you are a seasoned patron or interested in learning more, there is an experience for everyone in this extraordinary festival.”
26th
8 am start
Ferry Building
“Named “America’s most beautiful run” by Sports Illustrated, Bridge to Bridge allows runners to experience a sightseeing tour of San Francisco with historic sights and vistas at every turn. Both the 5k and 12k races start at the Bay Bridge, pass through the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf and Ghirardelli Square before ending at Marina Green. Runners of the 12k continue on to Crissy Field with a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and then loop back to Marina Green where they’ll enjoy beer, music, food and so much more!” Strollers allowed on course.
Pete the Cat | Bay Area Children’s Theater
10:30 am & 1:30 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
“When the cat-catcher finds Pete rockin’ out on his guitar after bedtime, he sends Pete to the Biddles’ to learn some manners. But Pete won’t go silently into house cat arrest–not when he can jam with the family and help Jimmy Biddle paint the crucial picture he needs to pass second grade. Rock out with Pete the Cat and friends in this groovy musical! Purr-fect for ages 3-8. 1-hour show, no intermission”
11 am – 6 pm
East Japan Center Malls, Japantown
“Learn from origami experts to create amazing things with paper. More than a dozen teachers and activities for folders of all levels.”
2-4 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
Drive East Indian Dance Festival
2 pm & 6 pm
Joe Good Performance Space, 401 Alabama St
“Join Navatman in New York City and now, San Francisco, as we bring together artists from all over the globe for one of the most ambitious—and lauded—congregations of Indian classical music and dance. Whether you are a seasoned patron or interested in learning more, there is an experience for everyone in this extraordinary festival.”
27th
Comment below with an activity we should add for this day!
28th
Comment below with an activity we should add for this day!
29th
2 pm
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger.
After School Animation Class Begins
4 pm
Walt Disney Family Museum
“Successful animators have a comprehensive understanding of basic animation techniques and principles. This eight-week course focuses on one of these concepts each class by working traditionally with pencil and paper.”
6-8 pm
Union Square
Check out free concerts and performances happening throughout the month. Click here for details.
30th
Our Family Coalition LGBTQ Inclusive Preschool & Kindergarten Fair
6-8pm
San Francisco Day School
“Finding the right school for your family can be a daunting task. Come join us for our annual fair and talk directly with school administrators, teachers, and even families that attend these schools in the Bay Area. Ask your questions about how they are being inclusive and what efforts they are making to ensure that your family is well cared for.”
31st
Our Family Coalition Toddle with Me
9:30 – 11:00 AM
Community Well, 78 Ocean Ave.
“This music and movement class for LGBTQ+ parents/ caregivers with toddlers promotes children’s overall development. Using creative physical expression, these classes promote gross and fine motor skill development, coordination and balance, as well as early literacy, pre-math, and social-emotional skills.” Meets every Friday in August.
Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Performances
11 am & 12:15 pm
Children’s Creativity Museum
Interactive performing arts for kids under 10 and their adults held every Friday. Children’s Garden programs are approximately 25 minutes each and held near the Children’s Creativity Museum and LeRoy King Carousel at Howard/Fourth Streets. Check the schedule for performance information.
Monster Jam Monster Truck Performance
7 pm
SAP Center, San Jose
Enter to win our giveaway by midnight on August 3rd and check out the link above for a promo code to save 25% off of tickets through TicketMaster.
