November 5th—here's where I'm taking my kids this week

Our free weekly email keeps you in the loop of local kid-friendly events and things to do 🤝

I can’t believe we’re already in Q4 — the rest of the year always seems to fly from here. My family is coming out from Florida for Thanksgiving, and it will be the first time my brothers meet Felix. It feels crazy to be planning for the holidays already. 

San Francisco is in full cozy, autumnal mode right now, and if you’re anything like me, you’re still recovering from the one-two punch of Halloweekend and the daylight-savings shift. This weeks line up is relaxed and low impact, I think we all need to rest up for the merriment ahead. 

X Aubrey

📍 Cartoon Art Museum, 781 Beach St, SF (Fisherman’s Wharf)
Pay-What-You-Wish Day – Cartoon Art Museum
Tuesday 11/4 A perfect cozy weekday outing — explore comics, animation, and original cartoon art, plus a sweet kids’ corner for little creatives. Set your own admission price and enjoy a playful, low-key museum visit by the waterfront. Stroller-friendly and fun for all ages. (11am - 5pm)
*Pay what you wish

¹ 📍 San Francisco Zoo, Sloat Blvd @ Great Highway, SF
Free Admission Day – San Francisco Zoo
Wednesday 11/5 SF residents can enjoy free entry on this special day at the zoo — a sweet mid-week outing with animals, stroller-friendly paths, and fresh air. (9:30am - 3:30pm)
*Free (for SF residents with ID)

📍 Museum of Craft and Design, 2569 Third St (Dogpatch)
 Free First Thursday – Museum of Craft & Design
Thursday 11/6 A mellow, creative outing for littles and grown-ups alike. Enjoy free museum entry and explore colorful, tactile craft + design exhibits — great for stroller cruising and a gentle sensory day. Perfect pairing with a neighborhood pastry stop at Neighbor Bakehouse or a waterfront stroll at Crane Cove Park. (10am – 5pm)
*Free w/ RSVP

📍 117 Diamond St, San Francisco (Eureka Valley)
Laternenfest – German Autumn Lantern Festival
Friday 11/7 Join a glowing lantern-parade evening perfect for families: lantern making, music, food stalls, and a cozy stroll through neighborhood streets. Free to attend. (4pm - 7:30pm)

 📍 Acton Academy Silicon Valley, 201 Arch St, Redwood City
 Children’s Business Fair & Holiday Market
Saturday 11/8 Support young makers and mini-entrepreneurs at this adorable holiday market where kids sell their handmade crafts, art, jewelry, and baked goods. A portion of proceeds goes to charity — the sweetest way to shop small and encourage creativity.
Perfect for a weekend family adventure if you're up for a short drive south. (10am – 1pm)

📍 9th & Irving St, Inner Sunset, SF
 Inner Sunset Flea Market – Season Finale & Big Lunch
Sunday 11/9 Celebrate the last market of the season in the cozy Inner Sunset! Wander car-free blocks filled with local makers, vintage finds, food trucks, live music, and kids’ activities. Join neighbors for the annual Big Lunch and don’t miss the pie-baking contest — the sweetest way to wrap up fall. (10am – 4pm)

*These aren’t ALL the family-friendly events happening this week in and around SF, just the best (IMO). We keep it short and curated—follow on IG + TT for more!

Playdate is a free resource supported by sponsorships and advertising. If you would like to have your business featured or want to collaborate, please reach out to [email protected] 

See you next week!

1