15 Family Summer Events

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy some quality time with your kids. Here is a list of 15 of our absolute favorite family-friendly events, festivals and exhibits around San Francisco.

1. Family Activities at San Francisco Public Library– Weekly activities are held at locations all over the city. Some of our favorites include Star Wars-themed origami craft time, story time, insect discovery, LEGO play time, and dancing.

2. KidsFest at Flax Art & Design– July 25- One of the city’s best art stores celebrates their annual KidsFest with a special San Francisco Gold Rush theme. Kids are encouraged to dress up in costume, and the event features musical guests, tie dye, face painting, fun games and more!

3. Annie Sing-Along at the Castro Theater– July 19- Sing and shout along to the cinematic classic, Annie, with your family and friends at the Castro Theater.

4. Play on Flower Pianos at the Botanical Garden– Through July 20- This summer, the city’s most beautiful garden is home to twelve pianos, and everyone is welcome to play! Let your kids explore their musical side or sit back and listen to one of the scheduled performances.

5. Picklewater Free Circus Festival at Union Square– July 19 and 26- Kids will love the mystical circus acts, which feature artists from around the Bay Area. Other summer performances at Union Square include the Crosscut Blues Band, Salsa in the Square and a Dance Tribute to Michael Jackson.

6. Stern Grove Music Festival Kids Days– July 21, 22 and 23- Kids ages 4 through 13 can enjoy an afternoon with the San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education. Or head to the concert venue early any Sunday through August 16 to catch the kids pre-show with hands-on art projects, dancing and musical instruments.

7. Saturdays Unplugged at the JCCSF– August 1- Play dates, live music, story time, family yoga and more! There is so much to do on Saturdays at the JCC.

8. Pistahan Parade and Festival– August 8 and 9- Bring your kids to this annual festival, which features the best of Filipino art, dance, music and food. This event is sure to provide tons of culture and fun for your whole family!

9. The Excelsior Festival– August 16- Bring your bike, roller blades, skateboard or walking shoes to this event, which is cohosted by Sunday Streets. The festival includes entertainment for the whole family: musical performances, multi-cultural food, local vendors, arts and crafts, and science activities!

10. Children’s Concerts at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival– All Summer- Catch happening children’s events all summer-long at Yerba Buena Gardens. Acts include Unique Derique, the Pi Clowns, Chelle! & Friends, and the Venezuelan Music Project.

11. The Day the Crayons Quit at the Bay Area Children’s Theater– Through August 23- Come see this fun musical based off of the New York Times bestselling children’s book. All kids are invited to come dressed as their favorite Crayon.

12. Free National Parks Day– August 25- Celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday by visiting one of the many beautiful Bay Area parks for free. Some of our favorites are Muir Woods, Point Reyes, San Francisco Maritime and Fort Point.

13. Stranded! Tropical Island Survival at the Conservatory of Flowers– What happens when your family “washes up” on an uncharted tropical island, and has to learn the ins and outs of island survival? Learn survival tips at this exciting exhibit at the Conservatory of Flowers.

14. Saturdays with the Randall Museum– Join the Randall Museum team every Saturday at Mission Art, and enjoy science-based activities, a petting zoo where kids can feed the animals, and art classes.

15. Attend the “Free Pass-” or “Pay What you Want-” days at San Francisco museums. Many of the museums host fun, educational workshops and activities for kids!

We hope you have fun with your family this summer! For the most up-to-date activities around San Francisco, visit SFKids, Red Tricycle, and Fun Cheap.

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