September 5–7, 2026 · The long weekend
5 worthwhile events, plus three easy outings. San Francisco + Peninsula outings in Millbrae and Woodside.
5 events in San Francisco / Bay Area
10 a.m.–5 p.m. both days
Free admission; food and purchases extra · All ages
Browse colorful art, catch a band, and pick a snack during a daytime street fair with family activities.
Representative imageTaylor HeeryUnsplash LicenseDisplayed to fit card; original file unchanged.
Monday, 1–2:30 p.m.
Free admission · All ages; easy to keep the visit short
Hear a live concert band play a holiday program outdoors, then leave time for a relaxed wander in the park.
Representative imageJoe MabelCC BY-SA 3.0Displayed to fit card; original file unchanged.
Sunday, 1–4 p.m.
Free admission; parking and food extra · All ages
Watch global dance traditions and join interactive workshops, then leave time for the Presidio’s outdoor play spaces.
Representative imageSeattle Parks & RecreationCC BY 2.0Representative photograph; displayed to fit card, original file unchanged.
Saturday–Monday, art booths 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free admission; food and purchases extra · All ages; best for families who enjoy art and nature
Meet artists and browse their work beneath a redwood canopy—a forest outing with a creative focus.
Representative imageMarty AligataCC BY-SA 4.0Resized for web and displayed to fit card; representative event photograph.
Sunday, museum 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; art activities 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Free general admission; check any exhibition exclusions · All ages; 11 a.m. storytelling for ages 3–6
Combine drop-in art with family storytelling, or let older children try a beginner mahjong lesson.
Representative imageBjjungCC BY-SA 4.0Representative photograph; displayed to fit card, original file unchanged.
A little more adventure
More things to do with kids in San Francisco & the Bay Area. Keep one in your back pocket for the long weekend.
Tunnel Tops and Outpost play
Make the natural play space your main outing, with a short bay-view walk afterward. Free entry; pack layers and check Outpost hours.
Hands-on science at the Exploratorium
Best for curious school-age children who like trying things themselves. Paid admission; open Labor Day Monday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Reserve tickets and check special-exhibit access.
Aquarium and rainforest at the Academy
A paid indoor plan for animal-loving children. Choose one headline habitat and a second stop; check any exhibit entry restrictions.
Labor Day is Monday, September 7, 2026. This guide covers Saturday, September 5 through Monday, September 7. All times are local to San Francisco / Bay Area.
Millbrae Art & Wine Festival, Golden Gate Park Band · Labor Day concert, World Arts West Dance Festival, Kings Mountain Art Fair, Asian Art Museum Free First Sunday offer free admission. Food, rides, parking and special exhibitions can cost extra; free does not always mean no reservation.
The Asian Art Museum has storytelling for ages 3–6 on Sunday at 11 a.m. World Arts West pairs daytime performances with nearby outdoor play.
Sunday’s Asian Art Museum program is the free indoor pick. The Exploratorium and California Academy of Sciences are paid backups; verify holiday hours and ticket availability.
Use each organizer link to confirm the latest admission rules and availability. A listing here is not a live ticket inventory. Reserve timed or dated admission before traveling, and check outdoor-event updates on the day.
Keep exploring
Guides, destinations and activities worth a family weekend.
Kids Activities Near MeA parent-first guide to finding ideas for today by age, distance, weather, budget, and energy level.
After-School Adventures Near YouTen genuinely doable ways to move, reconnect, and reset between school pickup and dinner.Representative imageFilip Rankovic Grobgaard / Unsplash
Meaningful Date Ideas for ParentsTwelve date formats for time alone, kids-along adventures, and meaningful connection after bedtime.Representative imageWeekend Wild image library
This Weekend with KidsFamily events, festivals, pop-ups, and seasonal happenings—plus a backup when the weather changes.Representative imageWeekend Wild image library
The Ultimate Kids’ Party GuideFind kids’ birthday themes by age, Spidey, PAW Patrol Dino Movie, Bluey, Minecraft and LEGO party plans, researched supplies and a practical planning checklist.Representative imageVlada KarpovichPexels License
16 Extraordinary Family Trips for 2027A worldwide edit with a month-and-age finder, side-by-side comparisons, realistic routes, stays and honest planning tradeoffs.MimihitamCC BY 4.0
Where to Go When with KidsA month-by-month global shortlist with one standout family destination in every world region.Representative imageUnsplash
October & November School-Break TripsTen complete family destinations compared by weather logic, travel ambition, and a pace children can actually enjoy.
