September 23rd—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 🤝

This week we’re embarking on our first big family adventure — three weeks in Japan! I’m beyond excited, though I’ll admit I’ve been pouring a lot of energy into packing and organizing. Somehow that energy spilled over into my house too — every drawer, closet, and shelf has been fair game in my quest to feel “on top of it all.” The upside? I’m definitely enjoying the instant gratification of a decluttered space.

While I’ll take all the good vibes for Felix’s very first flight (13 hours, wish us luck 🙃), there are also plenty of things back home we’ll miss. My highlight of the week was storytime at McLaren Park. It always feels like such a hidden gem — we love strolling through the redwoods, hanging at the shaded picnic tables, and soaking up the calm. It’s become a weekly ritual for us, and it’s one of those small San Francisco joys I’ll be carrying with me on this trip.

x Aubrey

📍 Salesforce Park (Main Plaza), 425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA
Rooftop Jazz – Salesforce Park
Wednesday 9/24 Free live jazz by local Bay Area musicians, perfect for lunch-break or stroller walk-in outings. (11:30am – 1:30pm)
*Family-friendly vibe; bring a blanket, snacks, or picnic. Outdoor seating + greenery.

📍 Melrose Branch Library, Melrose Branch Garden & Patio, San Francisco, CA
Garden Playdate – Melrose Branch
Thursday 9/25 Outdoor open-play time in the garden & patio; for ages 0-5. English & Español. (10:30am – 12:00pm)
*Free, just drop in. Great morning garden‐stroll + play time.

📍 1890 Bryant St Studios, 1890 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA
Free Fall Open Studios – 1890 Bryant
Friday - Sunday 9/26 - 9/28 Dozens of artist studios open; kid-friendly browsing and demos (hours vary). (11am - 5pm)
*Free entry; stroller-friendly building. 

📍 Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch, 2101 Sloat Blvd, San Francisco, CA
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch – Sunset District
Friday 9/26 Opening Day! San Francisco’s classic family pumpkin patch returns with pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, a hay maze, and festive photo ops. (9am - 9pm)
*Free admission; pumpkins for purchase 

📍 Children’s Council of San Francisco, 445 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114
City Kids Family Fair – Children’s Council SF
Saturday 9/27 Free community fair with games, activities, free books, diapers, fresh produce, and early education resources. 10am – 1pm (doors open 9:45am)
*Free admission; tickets here

📍 Chinatown (Grant Ave & Bush St), San Francisco, CA
Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival – Chinatown
Saturday 9/27 & Sunday 9/28 Dragon dance parade, live music, food stalls, kids crafts (times vary).
*Free, family-friendly street fair

*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!