Things to do this weekend with kids in San Francisco
What's actually on in the next few days, with times and ages.
Museums, playgrounds and free park days sit within a few blocks of each other in San Francisco, so a weekend plan usually comes down to weather and nap timing.
What's on for kids in San Francisco
Summit Prep Expedition Shadow Days
Thu, Oct 8 · 9:00 AM · Le Mar Mobile · Summit Preparatory Charter High School · Ages 10–16
Join us for an exploratory shadow day at Summit Prep!
Weekend Sessions w/ Follow the Music (Yerba Buena Gardens Festival 2026)
Sat, Oct 10 · 2:00 PM · Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens · Ages 0–7
Join us for an afternoon filled with music aimed at inspiring the young minds of the community as we explore different cultures through engaging and fun performances.
Bluey's Big Play
Sat, Oct 10 · San Francisco Opera House · Ages 3–10
An interactive theater experience for kids featuring Bluey.
Bluey's Big Play
Sun, Oct 11 · San Francisco Event Center · Ages 3–10
Join Bluey and Bingo for an adventure in this interactive stage show!
San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Presented by United – Sunday
Sun, Oct 11 · 12:00 PM · Marina Green · Ages 4–11
Attend the thrilling air show featuring spectacular aerial performances!
SF’s “Inner Sunset Flea Market” 2026
Sun, Oct 11 · 10:00 AM · Inner Sunset · Ages 0–7
Monthly flea market featuring local artists, food, and handmade goods.
Activity ideas that work any day in San Francisco

Family Post Office & Letter Writing
Let's open our own post office! We can write letters and draw pictures for each other, design stamps, and then deliver the mail all around the house.
5,6,7 · Indoor · 50 min · About $5–$20
Open
Grow a Kitchen Herb Garden
Transform your kitchen into a green haven by growing your own fragrant herbs. Choose basil, mint, or chives and plant them in individual pots. Watching your seeds sprout and leaves unfurl connects you directly to nature, offering a quiet sense of accomplishment each day. It’s rewarding to nurture something from a tiny seed, especially knowing you’ll soon be adding its fresh flavor to your favorite meals. Start by filling small pots with soil, then carefully plant your chosen herb seeds according to package directions. Water gently and place them in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. Keep a simple journal to track their growth, noting when sprouts appear and how tall they get. Once your herbs are ready, snip some leaves to elevate dishes like pasta, salads, or even a glass of water. Try growing different herbs and experiment with new recipes to expand your culinary skills.
9-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 45 min
Open
Giant Rainbow Bubble Bonanza
Forget tiny bubbles. Today, we're making monster-sized, shimmering bubbles that will float all across the yard!
4,5,6,7,8 · Outdoor · 40 min · About $5–$10
Open
Ice Cream in a Bag Science
Let's make our own ice cream... with science! We'll mix ingredients in a small bag, shake it inside a bigger bag of ice, and magically make a delicious, frozen treat.
5,6,7,8 · Outdoor · 25 min · About $10–$15
Open
Questions parents ask about San Francisco
- What can you do with a toddler in San Francisco on a rainy day?
- The branch libraries run toddler storytimes most weekday mornings, and the big museums have stroller-friendly indoor space if you want a longer stretch out of the rain. The indoor list for San Francisco shows what's scheduled.
- Are these activities free?
- Library and park programs are free; San Francisco museums often have free or discounted resident days, so it's worth checking the organizer link before you pay full price. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.
- How often is this page updated?
- Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.

Emmy picks the ones your kids will like
Picks that fit your weekTell her their ages and interests, and she fits San Francisco events around your week.
