September 16th—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 how wonderful it was to meet so many of you over the weekend — it really feels like the start of something special as we dream up big ideas for Playdate. Our household is keeping it low-key this week after that big push, and I’m switching gears to get us ready for our Japan trip (Felix’s first 13-hour flight — wish us luck!). The one outing I’ve got circled is the Lowrider Parade on Saturday — it’s right in the neighborhood and the perfect easy afternoon outing.

x Aubrey

In honor of our first Community Playdate at McKinley Square, our friends at Bümo are sending out $50 virtual gift cards this week! Be on the lookout. Just a little thank you for being part of it. So much more to come!

📍 Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley, CA
Tilden Tots – Nature Exploration
 Wednesday 9/17 • Bring your littlest ones to the park for nature activities, animal encounters, and storytime. Meet outside the Visitor Center. (10:30am - 11:30am)
*Free, all ages — drop-in program, no registration required

📍28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
 Kindness Festival & Concert in the Park – Orinda Community Center Park
 Thursday 9/18 Celebrate the International Day of Peace with Mindful Littles’ 7th Annual Peace & Kindness Carnival. Enjoy live music by Spill the Wine, themed carnival games, mindful crafts, and community service projects. (6pm – 8pm)
*Free, all ages — bring blankets, chairs, and enjoy the food trucks

📍 San Francisco Botanical Garden – Celebration Garden, 1199 9th Ave, SF
 Flower Piano Lounge – Special Evening Concert
Friday 9/19 The Celebration Garden transforms into a lounge with premium seating, food & drink vendors, and headline performances. Featuring Los Tangueros del Oeste live — blending tango, flamenco, hip-hop, and electronica. (5pm - 7pm)
*$40 per ticket (children 5+ need tickets). Members receive 20% off

📍 Mission Street (between Cesar Chavez & 17th Street), San Francisco, CA
King of the Streets – Lowrider Parade & Car Show
Saturday 9/20 Celebrate lowrider culture with a massive parade, “King of the Streets” hopping competition, and a car show at 24th & Mission. Over 300 lowriders will be on display into the evening. (2pm - 8pm)
*Free, all ages — expect crowds, music, and vibrant community energy

📍 Plaza de César Chávez, S. Market St. between W. San Carlos & W. San Fernando St., San Jose, CA 95113
Kids Day in the Park
Saturday 9/29 A festival of creativity & fun with live music, face painting, bouncy houses, exhibits, and food trucks! (11am - 4pm)
*Tickets required

📍 O’Farrell Street between Steiner & Fillmore, San Francisco, CA
 Sunday Streets – Western Addition
Sunday 9/21 Experience the neighborhood car-free with live music, family activities, and community connection. (12pm - 4pm)
*Free, all ages — stroll, bike, and play in the open streets

*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!

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See you next week!