Here are our top picks for family-friendly things to do happening in San Francisco this month. Be sure to scroll down to our list of events happening all month long, and if you find yourself on the Peninsula, check out this list of things to do in the area from Mid-Peninsula Moms Blog.
Know of something else fun going on around town? Email us at info@SanFranciscoMomsBlog.com or leave a comment below!
September 1
San Francisco Comic Con, Moscone Center: This is the largest comic convention in the city and features family-friendly exhibits that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests. In town from September 1 to 3. Children under 12 years old are free.
September 2
San Francisco Comic Con, Moscone Center: This is the largest comic convention in the city and features family-friendly exhibits that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests. In town from September 1 to 3. Children under 12 years old are free.
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM (preview performance)
September 3
YMCA Learn to Ride Program, Presidio Main Lawn: Let YBike’s awesome instructors teach your kids how to ride a bike at Off the Grid Presidio Picnic. Bikes and equipment provided. All ages welcome. No pre-registration required; just drop by, the south end of Main Post Lawn. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Free
Story Time and Family Walk, SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave: 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. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Ocean Beach: Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
San Francisco Comic Con, Moscone Center: This is the largest comic convention in the city and features family-friendly exhibits that cater to a wide-spectrum of interests. In town from September 1 to 3. Children under 12 years old are free.
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM (preview performance)
September 4
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM (opening performance)
September 7
The Little Mermaid Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 7:00 PM
September 8
The Little Mermaid Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 7:00 PM
September 9
Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival, Ghiradelli Square: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company will host the 22nd Annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival attracting about 40,000 visitors from the Bay Area and around the world. This family-friendly event features prominent local chefs creating chocolate inventions during cooking demonstrations, live musical entertainment, and the popular “Earthquake” Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest. Profits from the event are donated to Project Open Hand, Openhand.org. 12:0 to 5:00 PM
The Little Mermaid Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 2:30 PM and 7:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM
September 10
Ghiradelli Chocolate Festival, Ghiradelli Square: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company will host the 22nd Annual Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival attracting about 40,000 visitors from the Bay Area and around the world. This family-friendly event features prominent local chefs creating chocolate inventions during cooking demonstrations, live musical entertainment, and the popular “Earthquake” Ice Cream Sundae Eating Contest. Profits from the event are donated to Project Open Hand, Openhand.org. 12:0 to 5:00 PM
The Little Mermaid Sing Along, Castro Theatre: Join fellow fans of this classic film at the iconic Castro Theatre and sing along to your hearts content. Costumes are always welcome. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. 7:00 PM
Inner Sunset Flea Market & Merchant Hop, Irving St. @ 9th-10th: The market is open on the second Sunday of every month through October and is full of family fun, food, and finds. 10:00 to 4:00 PM.
Richmond District Jog in the Fog 5K: It’s the 5th year for The Richmond District Jog in the Fog 5k, a fun run/walk for the whole family. The race is organized by The Richmond District Blog and proceeds benefit the Richmond District YMCA. Free for kids 12 & under.
Sunday Streets, Western Addition: Enjoy car-free fun in the historic Western Addition neighborhood. Sunday Streets Western Addition connects from Fillmore to Fulton and all the way to Baker St. There will be fun, free activities for the whole family to enjoy all along the way with activity hubs on Fillmore and Baker. 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM
September 16
Shakespeare in the Park, Presidio, Main Post Parade Ground: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM
September 17
Car Seat Check Up, CPMC, California St Parking Lot: In honor of Child Passenger Safety Week, we’re proud to sponsor this event with Beep, Beep Car Seat and CPMC. Have an expert check your car seat’s installation, show you how to install it properly and how to correctly harness your child. Reserve your Come get your car seat check during Child Passenger Safety Week! Register here. 10:00 to 2:00 PM. $59, all proceeds benefit the Homeless Prenatal Program.
Museum of Ice Cream Opens, 1 Grant Ave: Expect to see lots of Instagram pictures from this pop-up museum. It opens today and runs through October 30. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are already sold out, but you can sign up for their newsletter to keep tabs on additional ticket releases. Children under 3 years are free. $38 per person.
Roadworks Steamroller Printing Festival, Rhode Island St between 16th and 17th St: The San Francisco Center for the Book’s 14th Annual Roadworks Steamroller Printing Festival is a day-long public printmaking and book arts extravaganza that includes free hands-on printmaking and book arts activities, demonstrations, 50 arts and crafts vendors, art gallery and studio tours, and more. 11:00 – 4:00 PM
Story Time and Family Walk, SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave: 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. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Ocean Beach: Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
September 23
Oktoberfest by the Bay, Pier 48: Kids 13+ years old are welcome to the daytime Oktoberfest celebration. Don your dirndl and prepare to sing, dance, drinks some beer and eat sausages and pretzels. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Buy tickets here. 11:00 – 5:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park, McClaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM (preview performance)
September 24
Oktoberfest by the Bay, Pier 48: Kids 13+ years old are welcome to the daytime Oktoberfest celebration. Don your dirndl and prepare to sing, dance, drinks some beer and eat sausages and pretzels. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids. Buy tickets here. 11:00 – 6:00 PM
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up, Baker Beach: Meets on the last Sunday of each month, join the group at the picnic table near the beach entrance to volunteer to help clean up Baker Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. No advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park, McClaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM (opening performance)
September 29
Shakespeare in the Park, McClaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 10:00 AM
September 30
Street Fair at SF Shipyard, 11 Innes Court, Innes Court Park and Hilltop Park: The SF Shipyard will host its first annual street fair in Bayview/Hunters Point, headlined by Miami Horror. The Launch will celebrate the waterfront development of both the Shipyard and Candlestick communities, and will feature live music, market vendors, food, drinks and maker demonstrations.The first 250 guests who check in at the event will receive a free drink ticket good for a cocktail, wine or beer! Outside food and drinks are permitted, and there will be plenty of local vendors in attendance, as well. Free. 11 AM – 3:00 PM
Shakespeare in the Park, McClaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater: In 2017, San Francisco Shakespeare Festival celebrates 35 years as the Bay Area’s acclaimed provider of free and accessible Shakespeare performances and education programs. For this historic year, SF Shakes will present Hamlet for the first time. Free. 2:00 PM
Throughout the Month
Museum of Ice Cream, 1 Grant Ave: Expect to see lots of Instagram pictures from this pop-up museum. It opens September 17 and runs through October 30. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are already sold out, but you can sign up for their newsletter to keep tabs on additional ticket releases. Children under 3 years are free. $38 per person.
The Color Factory, 575 Sutter St: This two-story interactive pop-up exhibition celebrates color and material, featuring work by a collection of artists and collaborators. It’s a must-see, but plan accordingly. Tickets must be purchased in advance and strollers are not permitted inside. $32 per person. Children under 2 are free. Open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM every day except Wednesdays.
SF Giants Game, AT&T Park: Check out the Giants’ home schedule and take the family to a baseball game this month (we’ve got tips on how to do it). Every Sunday, kids and their parents are invited to run the bases immediately following the game. The line to do this may look long, but it moves quickly!
Conservatory of Flowers Light Show, Golden Gate Park: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, the building will be lit up in psychedelic colors from now until October 21st. to JFK Dr, and JFK Dr between Bernice Rodgers Way and Transverse Dr. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Free Museum Admission Days: Every month, participating museums, including the California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, de Young Museum, and Conservatory of Flowers offer free admission on designated days.
Every Sunday
Off the Grid at Presidio Picnic, Main Parade Ground: Bring your picnic blanket and hang out. With so many delicious food trucks to choose from, you’ll want to spend time sampling them all. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Union Square Live, Union Square: From April through October, there will be live performances in the plaza at 2:00 PM. Free.
Stern Grove Festival, Stern Grove Park: Bring your picnic blanket and snacks to this weekly concert series. Seating is first come, first serve. Concert begins at 2:00 PM. Free.
Golden Gate Park Band, Spreckels Temple of Music: Each week the band will perform music from a different theme, through October. 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Every Monday
Chinatown Walking Tour, Portsmouth Square: Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Free.
Every Wednesday
Union Square Live, Union Square: From April through October, there will be live performances in the plaza at 6:00 PM. Free.
Tots and Tails Story Time, 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. 2:00 PM. Free.
Every Thursday
Presidio Twilight Off the Grid, Presidio Main Parade Ground: The Bay Area’s largest community campfire runs every Thursday with a large selection of international cuisine, live music, sunset activities, and the ambiance of San Francisco’s national park for a one-of-a-kind experience. Lantern-lit cabanas and fire pits underscore the “picnic at dusk” atmosphere and are available to all guests on a first come, first-served basis at no cost. Additional event activities include traditional games such as bean bag toss, hula hoops, and giant Jenga. 5:00 – 9:00 PM. Free.
Every Friday
Off the Grid at Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd: Come for an early dinner with the kids. They’ll love the music and lively setting. You’ll love the good food and drinks. 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Pier 39 Celebrations, Pier 39: In honor of Pier 39’s 39th anniversary, the Pier will host difference events every Friday until October.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Children’s Performance, Children’s Garden, 799 Howard St: The kids will love seeing a different entertainer every Friday. Will it be a clown, puppeteer, or musician. Join the fun and find out! 11:00 – 11:30 AM. Free.
Every Saturday
Chinatown Walking Tour, Portsmouth Square: Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM. Free.
