Family events in San Francisco, CA

This free outdoor children’s program from the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival features Eddie Madril, a dancer, singer, teacher, playwright, and filmmaker who focuses on the dance and culture of Plains Indian communities across southern Canada as well as North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. A co-founder of the Four Winds Native American Dance Company from 1983 to 2009 and a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, he has spent decades sharing Native traditions with audiences of all backgrounds. His engaging presentation introduces young attendees to the richness of American Indian dance, music, religion, history, art, and sign language in a way that is both captivating and informative. The program is offered in two sessions, with the second repeating the first, and is part of the festival’s Children’s Garden series.

At the San Francisco Zoo, a purposeful one-mile walk welcomes all ages and brings together heart families, supporters, and survivors to drive change for congenital heart defects. Participants honor Heart Warriors who have passed and celebrate those still fighting, demonstrating that this community stands together and no one faces CHDs alone. The event includes check in, an opening ceremony, and a shared walk. Free street parking is available around the zoo, and parking in the zoo lot may cost $13.

Excelsior Community Food Pantry offers free groceries to families in need every Saturday, regardless of weather. Volunteers are always appreciated, and people of all ages are welcome, including supervised children. Individuals or small groups can stop by without advance sign ups, while groups of about seven or more should coordinate a date with the organizers. The pantry sets up outdoors in the parking lot of the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living, so dressing for the conditions is recommended, and drivers should park on the street since on site lots cannot accommodate volunteer parking. Arriving a little early leaves time for brief introductions and orientation. Anyone tracking service hours can bring a paper form to be signed by a Captain after clean up, or use a pilot volunteer platform to record hours digitally.

A safari themed back to school community day at Balboa Park in San Francisco brings families together to help local students start the year confident and prepared. The aim is to equip at least 100 children in the area with backpacks, school supplies, resources, and encouragement. Families can look forward to themed activities, games and crafts, music and entertainment, giveaways and raffles, and access to community resources. School supplies will be available for students while quantities last. Support from donors, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers is welcome. Suggested contribution levels range from $10 for basic supplies, $25 for a complete supply kit for one child, and $50 for a backpack with supplies, to $100 that helps two to four students and $250 or more with community sponsor recognition. Any amount makes a difference. Contributions can be made through the Cash App listed on the flyer or by requesting an invoice for a custom amount. In-kind support is also encouraged, including backpacks, school supplies, snacks, water, and raffle prizes, as well as volunteer time and talents. Local businesses, organizations, churches, schools, and community members are encouraged to participate in this effort to support Bay Area youth. For details or to get involved, contact BayBearPartyCo@gmail.com or 707-596-3481.

Experience the epic finale of the wizarding saga as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 returns to the big screen in a concert setting. A live symphony orchestra performs Alexandre Desplat’s score in sync with the movie, bringing added intensity to every battle, act of bravery, and the fight to protect Hogwarts from Voldemort. The film is projected on a giant screen, creating an immersive event that blends cinematic storytelling with powerful live music.

Local 1401 Game Day brings the Detroit Tigers to face the San Francisco Giants at San Francisco Giants Oracle Park, with proceeds supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association through the efforts of local firefighters. A pregame tailgate is planned in the bus parking area. There are three participation options. A combined package for the game and bus transportation is $100. Game-only tickets are now $47 after a price drop, and transportation-only seats are $55 for those who already have tickets. The bus price includes tailgate provisions and there are no ticket fees, and the reduced pricing will be applied to earlier purchases. Game ticket sales have a deadline that has been extended, and availability is limited to 75 game tickets and 50 bus seats. Buses will depart from Publican Windsor with a second pickup in Downtown Santa Rosa, and a possible third pickup farther south may be added.

An in-person playgroup at the SOMA FRC designed for children ages 1 to 2 and their caregivers. Each session features playful activities, shared reading, and songs to enjoy together. This five week program is offered in English and Spanish.

Oracle Park hosts a late summer night matchup as the Houston Astros face the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco. The game brings together two teams with strong fan bases and distinct styles. Tickets are available for those who plan to attend in person.

Pier 15 hosts a live stream of a total solar eclipse, featuring imagery captured in Spain. The Exploratorium’s scientists and educators will share insights into how eclipses work, continuing a collaboration with NASA that has brought eclipse coverage to audiences around the world since 1998. Programming will be suitable for all ages and will highlight safe viewing practices. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at The Tinkering Table Restaurant and The Catalyst Cafe. Admission is included with museum entry and is free for Members and Donors. The Tactile Dome is open, and information about current safety protocols and guidelines is available.

Part of the returning Summer Concert Series, this outdoor concert features Carnaval on the lawn at the Colma Community Center. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic to relax on the grass and enjoy live music with neighbors. Free admission and welcoming to all ages.