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!
July is prime summer time. What does your family do in the city to celebrate? Do you escape the city to find some sun? Besides the family fun below, other big SF events in July include the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Bastille Day Block Party, AIDS Walk SF, and the SF Marathon (San Franciscans love their live music and staying fit!). This month will be my last month guest recapping before I go on maternity leave. My experience of the city is constantly changing as my family grows up, as is the case for you, too, I’m sure. Here’s to the new adventures baby #2 will help me find in SF!
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 July
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
1st
The Commons’ 1st Sundays Block Party
11am – 3pm
Civic Center Commons
Free Admission
The July 1st Block Party will kick-off the series with a special performance by San Francisco’s own Circus Bella at 11:30 am.
“This family-friendly event will feature recreational activities for all ages, a selection of bar and street food offerings…music…an open-air bazaar with one-of-a-kind goods created by local SF Etsy artisans, and free DIY arts and crafts activities.”
Kids’ Silent Disco and Ping Pong Party in San Francisco!
12pm – 4pm
SPiN
Starting at $15 adults/$10 kids
“Bring the whole family to this all ages Silent Disco Party! Not only will there be three channels of family-friendly music, but also tons of open ping pong tables to challenge your fam! With three live DJs playing your favorite hits, this party has something for everyone.”
12pm – 4:30 PM
Japantown Peace Plaza
Free Admission
“Celebrate the Japanese cultural heritage of Japantown! Enjoy the GenRyu Arts production of Japanese artists from Tokyo, Chicago, and the Bay Area. Experience Japanese cultural arts, music and dance.”
2nd
3rd
Comment below with an activity we should add to this day!
5th
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
6th
Waller Center
9:30am – 11am
Free
“Please bring a mat if you have one available. We will have a few mats to borrow. The class will be split into two age groups to best work with the kids 9:30-10 am: Recommended for ages 2-3
10:15-11 am: Recommended for ages 4-5”
The Little Mermaid – Feature Film with The SF Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall
7:30pm
Starting at $35 Adults/$17.50 children (18 years & under)
“(D)don’t miss the beloved music of this underwater world performed live to film by the SF Symphony.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
7th
The Little Mermaid – Feature Film with The SF Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall
7:30pm
Starting at $35 Adults/$17.50 children (18 years & under)
“(D)don’t miss the beloved music of this underwater world performed live to film by the SF Symphony.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
8th
Shiver We Timbers! A Peripatetic Pick-Ye-Own Pirate Adventure
1pm (Shows last a little more than one hour and are suitable for all ages.)
Noe Valley Town Square
Free (donations gratefully accepted)
“Sail the high seas with Captain Samuel Peaches and his crew! You’ll help these eccentric performing pirates chart their course through fantastic adventures inspired by pirate myths, legends and stories. Meet creatures and characters of the sea, sail to raucous pirate towns, sing along with swashbuckling sea chanteys, search for buried treasure, and avoid cursed doubloons — but be careful! Danger lurks in every port, and at the crest of every wave.”
The Little Mermaid – Feature Film with The SF Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall
2:30pm
Starting at $35 Adults/$17.50 children (18 years & under)
“(D)don’t miss the beloved music of this underwater world performed live to film by the SF Symphony.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
9th
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
10th
Toddler Tales @ Mission Bay Kids’ Park
10:30am – 11am
Free
“Please join us for Toddler Tales in the Mission Bay Kids’ Park at Long Bridge Street & China Basin St, about 5-minute walk from the Mission Bay Library…Feel free to pack a picnic from home to enjoy after storytime.”
Civic Center Plaza
11 am
Free admission
Food trucks, soccer activities, & more family fun.
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
11th
Civic Center Plaza
11 am
Free admission
Food trucks, soccer activities, & more family fun.
Pizza Party Benefiting The Homeless Prenatal Program
Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria (Marina & Mission Bay)
3pm – 10pm
“Once again, four-time World Series-winning Manager Bruce Bochy and his wife Kim will team up with Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria to raise money to help Bay Area families in need. Amici’s will donate an incredible 100% of sales from both San Francisco restaurant locations to the Homeless Prenatal Program. Bruce and Kim will make special guest appearances at both Amici’s locations on July 11th and will be available for autographs and photos.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
12th
Park and Art with the National Park Rangers
SFMOMA
2pm – 4pm
Free
“Join us at the Public Knowledge Library in SFMOMA for a special Ranger Talk. Learn about local animals and plants through stories, songs, hands-on activities, and show and tell in a playful interactive day for children of all ages and their caregivers.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
13th
5pm – 9pm
Free
“All visitors can pay-what-you-wish on our yearly Community Days when museum entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
14th
Public Safety Fair at Cobb Elementary!
11am – 1pm
Free
“(A)n exciting public safety fair to learn some amazing public safety tips! The event will include games and activities for the whole neighborhood, free lunch and tons of fun!”
Conservatory Curiosities – Spice
Conservatory of Flowers’ Palm Terrace
12pm – 3pm
Free
“Join the Conservatory’s community partners this summer for family-friendly demonstrations and conversations…Named one of the world’s best spice shops by Food and Wine Magazine, Spice Ace offers over 400 spices, herbs, blends, chiles, peppers, salts and extracts from all over the world. It is located in San Francisco.”
Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens
1pm – 3pm Pre-show beginner ukulele lesson with Ukulenny at 12:15–12:45pm.
Free
“Whether you play or just enjoy hearing the ukulele being strummed by trained fingers, come join the SFUJ community for an afternoon uke-apalooza in the summer sun with a program showcasing the region’s foremost ukulele talent, a community strum-and-sing-along (bring your uke!), and special hula performances.”
Shiver We Timbers! A Peripatetic Pick-Ye-Own Pirate Adventure
Glen Canyon Park
3pm (Shows last a little more than one hour and are suitable for all ages.)
Free (donations gratefully accepted)
“Sail the high seas with Captain Samuel Peaches and his crew! You’ll help these eccentric performing pirates chart their course through fantastic adventures inspired by pirate myths, legends and stories. Meet creatures and characters of the sea, sail to raucous pirate towns, sing along with swashbuckling sea chanteys, search for buried treasure, and avoid cursed doubloons — but be careful! Danger lurks in every port, and at the crest of every wave.”
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
15th
Civic Center Plaza
8am
Free admission
Food trucks, soccer activities, & more family fun.
11am – 4pm
Free admission
“Sunday Streets returns to the sunny Mission district for a second round of car-free streets- from Duboce Ave to 26th St, Valencia Street transforms into to an open community space for all to enjoy.”
SoMa StrEat Food Park
11am – 5pm
$5 General Admission (Kids 10 & under free)
“Melt your Sunday away with a mid-summer ice cream… or two, or three! Have it coned, cupped, rolled, scooped, swirled, and topped, with a heavy chance of sprinkles!”
Castro Theater
Time to be announced
The classic, animated movie by the Beatles is stunningly restored.
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
16th
Joe DiMaggio Club House
10:30am – 11:30am
Free
“Ukulele, Puppet Show, Singing and Dancing. Mornings full of imagination. Fantastic for little ones. All are welcome!”
Castro Theater
Time to be announced
The classic, animated movie by the Beatles is stunningly restored.
SF Botanical Gardens
7:30am – 7pm (last entry 6pm)
Free for San Francisco City & County Residents (with proof of residency); otherwise Adults $8/12 – 17 years $6/5 – 11 years $2/4 years & under free
“Flower Piano will once again transform San Francisco Botanical Garden (SFBG) into the city’s own alfresco concert hall, and everyone is invited to play and listen. From July 5–16 only, visitors will find twelve pianos tucked among the many flower-filled gardens within SFBG’s 55 acres and are encouraged to play what they like, from chopsticks to Tchaikovsky.”
17th
Mountain Lake
10am – 11:30am
Buy 1 ticket per child ($25)/sibling $18. Adults and children under one year old are free.
“Mountain Lake is a feast for the senses. The areas around Mountain Lake are home to 250 species of birds, 30 species of butterflies, and 50 species of mammals. Walk near the lake and pick up flowers, leaves, twigs, and more to use in art activities.”
Castro Theater
Time to be announced
The classic, animated movie by the Beatles is stunningly restored.
18th
Castro Theater
Time to be announced
The classic, animated movie by the Beatles is stunningly restored.
19th
5 to 9 pm
Free admission (food available for purchase).
“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.”
20th
Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens
11AM – 11:30AM & 12:15PM – 12:45PM
Free
“A company dedicated to knock-about physical comedy, these performers don’t tell jokes. They embody them with robust and timeless antics. Blending mime, theater, acrobatics, juggling and improvisation, the Pi Clowns deliver delightful and original clown vignettes.”
21st
Summer Circus Day with Circus Bella
Mariposa Park
1pm (Performances run approximately 60 minutes.)
Free
“Feel free to bring picnic blankets and small folding chairs to all locations. Circus Bella does not provide audience seating at events…
Our circus showcases static trapeze, rope walking, a 9-person juggling act, contortion, hula hoop, original clowning, and more. The music is originally composed and directed by the highly-acclaimed Rob Reich and draws from French Waltz, New Orleans Jazz, Klezmer, and American Circus March.”
Randall Museum Afternoon Art: Clay Sea Stars
1pm – 4pm
Drop-in $10 per parent-child combo; $5 for extra child
“Dive in and design a stellar sea star out of clay. Drop by the Randall Museum’s new Art Room and get creative with your kids…All ages are welcome to participate. Afternoon Art is a great way to get a taste of Randall Museum’s arts and crafts programs. All children under 8 must be with a paying participating adult.”
22nd
Stern Grove Festival KidStage Event: Percussion Demo with Youth Art Exchange
12:00 – 1:30 p.m. before concert
Free
“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.”
Flock of Seagirls (80s Ladies Hits)
Union Square
2pm – 4pm
Free
“Flock of Seagirls is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premier all-female tribute to ladies of the ’80s. Honoring the legacy of women who rocked during this iconic decade, Flock of Seagirls plays hit after hit from the MTV era, spanning the genres of punk, new wave and power pop. You’ll instantly be transported back to the days of big hair and bigger shoulder pads with songs from The Go-Go’s, Blondie, The Bangles, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Heart, Cher, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and more.”
23rd
Comment below with an activity we should add to this day!
24th
Mr. Shap Magic and Balloon Art
Chinatown Library
10am – 11am
Free
“Dazzling balloon creations and extraordinary magic will fascinate children of all ages.”
25th
Excelsior Library
4pm – 5:30pm
Free
“Cool down at the Library with a fruity, icy Mexican treat called raspados.
This is a Food, Health & Wellness program from SFPL. Try out new foods or a new healthy activity.”
26th
Sundown Cinema: Mrs. Doubtfire
Alamo Square
6pm – 10pm. Food trucks open at 6pm. Film screening after sunset.
Free
Mrs. Doubtfire – Celebrating Robin William’s Birthday! “Expect food, drinks, music, neighborhood fun”
27th
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.
28th
Waverly Place
11am – 2:30pm
Free admission
Part of a Summer Saturdays series on Waverly.
Pier 27 parking lot
11 am – 9 pm
“We’re excited to announce the Ben & Jerry’s Carnival! Popping-up in Boston, San Francisco and Portland, we’re celebrating our LOVE of ice cream with FUN games and prizes, the infamous ‘I Scream Swing’ ride, and of course unlimited FREE samples of our newest euphoric innovations: Slices, Non-Dairy, Truffles and Moo-Phoria. Come one, come all!!”
Victoria Theatre
2pm & 8pm
Tickets start at $35.
“An angelic score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. Bring the entire family and be swept away by the magic of Bay Area Musicals’ production of this truly unforgettable musical.”
29th
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Off the Grid – Presidio Picnic Main Parade Ground 11:00 PM – 4:00 PM The picnic season is open! Bring your blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. Free admission. Bayview Opera House & NOW Hunters Point 12pm – 4pm Free admission “Attendees will enjoy a myriad of activities from mingling with stilt walkers, going down the epic Fun Slide, playing circus games, and this year attendees will be able to get their groove on with a community skate area with free roller skate rentals.” |
AT&T Park
1:05pm
Tickets start at $38. Children 24 months and younger do no require a ticket.
“(V)arious pre-game and in-game components will be themed around the global pop icon Hello Kitty, providing a family-fun atmosphere that Giants and Sanrio fans of all ages can enjoy! Your Special Event ticket package includes a ticket to the Sunday game versus the Brewers and a collector’s-edition Hello Kitty/Giants Backpack.”
30th
Comment below with an activity we should add to this day.
31st
Comment below with an activity we should add to this day.
