Family events in San Mateo, CA

Presented by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, this shoreline race offers distances for every pace. Choose from a one mile family fun run, a 5K at 3.1 miles, or a 10K at 6.2 miles. All courses start and finish at the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center, where runners can take in wide bay views and refreshing coastal breezes. Every entrant receives a commemorative T-shirt and a finisher medal, and participation helps support the Center’s education and conservation work. Strollers are welcome in the family fun run.

Metropolitan Horsemen's Association presents a 2026 Hunter and Jumper schooling show in its series at Joaquin Miller Park’s Sequoia Arena in Oakland. The event highlights a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive environment at an affordable rate.

This family-friendly splash at BlackBerry Farm Swimming Pool brings the spirit of autumn to the water with pumpkins floating across the pool, lively music, games, and seasonal activities for all ages. Choose a pumpkin from the pool, then decorate it at the craft tables before enjoying more poolside fun. Costumes are encouraged to keep the fall vibes going. All pool rules at BlackBerry Farm Swimming Pool apply, and registration in advance is required. Each attendee must be registered. Participants younger than 12 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian. A swimsuit is required to enter the pool.

Take a break from cooking with a community food truck day that brings several trucks together in one spot to serve ready-to-enjoy meals. It offers a simple alternative to firing up the grill.

Enjoy a two-for-$22 admission special that lets two visitors of any age enter the museum together for $22. Once inside, play more than 100 pinball machines spanning the 1940s to the 2020s, explore the exhibits, and pick songs on three jukeboxes set to free play. Re-entry is permitted for breaks and local food and drinks, so it is easy to step out and come back to continue the fun.

Enjoy a recurring playdate at the Ted Adcock Community Center where toddlers through age 6 can explore play equipment, take part in simple games and activities, and socialize with other kids. This is a free program with no registration needed, just drop in. Parents must stay with their children during the session, and food is not permitted in the gym. For questions, contact Eddie Behle at 650-750-2026.

A weekly playgroup for three-year-olds meets on Wednesdays at Cuesta Park in Mountain View, giving little ones a chance to play together in a park setting.

A weekly play group for two-year-olds takes place on Thursdays at Portal Park in Cupertino. Toddlers can spend time playing alongside peers in the park.

Experience free live music as JD and the Shout perform at Los Altos First Fridays, a monthly community gathering that fills Downtown Los Altos with sets from 10 to 15 bands. Expect lively rock and roll with touches of pop and country, covering favorites from the 1950s through the 2000s. The band leans into guitar-forward arrangements and tight vocal harmonies, making it easy to sing along and keep the dance floor moving. The exact performance spot is still to be announced. All tips collected by the band are donated entirely to charity.

Homecoming 2026 brings a nighttime football matchup as the Grizzlies face the Dublin Gaels under the lights. Look for big-game energy, bright lights, and plenty of hometown pride filling the stands.

Head to Petco to meet adorable rescue dogs ready for a permanent home. You can stop by without an appointment, or arrange one in advance to reserve a specific pup so they will be available to meet. Every dog comes with records and has received thorough veterinary care, including vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick prevention, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgery. Adoption fees vary by dog and begin at $250, and they function as a partially tax-deductible donation that helps support care for more than 500 dogs. For questions or to get help setting up a meeting, call or text 888.508.8943.

Little Flippers is a monthly class on the first Saturday that introduces kids ages 5 to 12 to pinball. At the nonprofit PPM, participants explore the game’s history and learn practical skills and strategy to sharpen their play. No prior experience is needed, and a guardian must remain on site for the full class. The class is free with a child's regular $12 admission, and play continues for the rest of the day after the lesson.

Now in its 30th year, this Middle Eastern food festival at St. Nicholas Church unfolds over two days with savory specialties, handmade desserts, and refreshing drinks. Live music and cultural performances set the tone while local vendors share their goods. Families can enjoy a kids activity area, and adults will find a hookah lounge. The gathering highlights the region's hospitality and rich traditions in a welcoming, all-ages setting.

Returning to the St. Raymond Fall Festival, GrrlzTalk delivers a lively mix of rock and dance favorites that appeals to all ages. Alongside the music, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, a broad selection of tasty foods, carnival games, a cornhole tournament, a silent disco, family-friendly activities, a beer garden, a wine pull, bingo, and more.

Women of Rodeo shines a light on the skill, speed, and grit of women in classic rodeo competition. Barrel racing, roping, and additional events take center stage, offering a close view of precision horsemanship and split second choices in the arena. Along with the action, it shares the journeys of competitors who continue to move the sport forward.

San Jose Civic hosts a concert celebrating 35 years of Sonic the Hedgehog, featuring music and moments from the beloved video games. A live ensemble, rock musicians, electronics, and vocalists perform defining songs from throughout the series, including instrumental versions of fan favorites from the Genesis era to today, synchronized with highlights from the games. The arrangements hide playful musical Easter eggs, and the high-energy production brings Sonic's world to life on stage. The program also spotlights the contributions of composers Jun Senoue and Tomoya Ohtani, whose work has helped shape the franchise's sound over the years.