Wear the kids out at circus acrobatics classes, then wind down at family-friendly yoga…plus three more ideas for weekend fun!

You might already feel like the ringmaster of a circus, so why not join in the real fun?

These amazing youth circus performers will inspire you and your children at this all ages event!

Circus Odious: Magnificence in Exile, Youth Circus Troupe Performance @ Kinetic Arts Center, Oakland

Join the Kinetic Arts Center in a rousing performance of Circus Odious: Magnificence in Exile. You’ll be astonished by all they can do: beautiful aerial acts, incredible acrobatics, mind-boggling juggling, and so much more. This coming Saturday, performances are at 4 pm and 8 pm. You can also catch the show Sunday at 1 pm and 5 pm. Bring another family and enjoy this captivating performance together!

While you’re at the center, you may want to explore their class offerings. There are circus acrobatic classes for every age, starting at 18 months old, up to teens and adults. You and your family will learn things you never dreamed you could do: the trapeze, handstands, the tight rope, parkour, and aerial arts for fun and fitness. Check out their website for more information, your circus adventure awaits!

Location: 785 7th Street | Oakland 94607
Event: Youth circus performance
Day: Saturday, March 4th at 4 PM & 8 PM; Sunday, March 5th at 1 PM & 5 PM
Price: $18.59-$52.74, depending on seating selection
Website: http://www.kineticartscenter.com/about/
Circus Odius | Tickets
Note: There is plenty of free parking on the lot or the street. There is no late seating. Please arrive early!

Head to Valencia Street in the Mission District for window shopping and gastronomical delights for the whole family.

Stroll on Valencia Street in the Mission District, San Francisco

There are many fun shops for families that will spark your child’s imagination. We highly recommend the 826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store. At the Pirate Supply store, you’ll find fun knick knacks and activities galore to unleash your child’s inner pirate! The shop sells everything a pirate could want while sailing the seven seas, including a feather quill pen set, message in a bottle kits, golden doubloons, sundial compasses, and spyglasses. You’ll find a sandbox where kids ages 12 and under can find buried treasures to keep if they bargain with the shopkeep. Make sure you make a purchase, as proceeds from the store go towards 826 Valencia’s writing and tutoring workshops that benefit San Francisco schools and help inner city kids with homework and writing.  

Grab a bite to eat at Loló for epicurean Mexican tacos and tapas in a colorful, yet casual atmosphere. An intimate environment in the Mission district neighborhood, this quaint restaurant is a hidden jewel of the area. This family-friendly restaurant packs a punch, providing incredibly flavorful bites you and your family will love. The restaurant itself has careful attention to detail, boldly and seamlessly tying together vibrant splashes of color, exotic wallpaper patterns, and hand made, found object sculptural designs. Lorena Zertuche, whom the restaurant is named after, fashioned the aesthetic experience, making it different from any other. At Lolo, you’ll find sand bucket lampshades, a chandelier made from bicycle handles, and receipt from the bill in a boot. Play a game of I Spy with your children to connect and enjoy family fun in a one of a kind space.

Location: 826 Valencia Pirate Supply Store | 826 Valencia Street | San Francisco 94110
Event: Shopping and novelties
Day: Saturdays & Sundays, 12 PM-6 PM
Website: http://826valencia.org/store/

Location: Loló Restaurant | 974 Valencia Street | San Francisco 94110
Event: Dining
Day: Saturdays, 11:30 AM-4 PM & 5:30 PM-1 AM; Sundays, 11 AM-4 PM (brunch only)
Website: http://www.lolosf.com
Note: Make a reservation beforehand at Loló, as weekends may be a busy time.

Head out of Marin for the day to play at San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a hot spot not reserved just for out-of-towners.

Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry to Pier 39, Tiburon & San Francisco

Start off the day with fresh air gently sweeping in from the Tiburon Ferry ride; you and your kids will love the salty ocean breeze and beautiful views of the city as you arrive into the Ferry Building. Play tourist at Pier 39 and soak up some kid fun in the sun: street performances, a spin on the carousel, kooky caricatures, an infinite mirror maze, and sea lions to see. Parents can get their kicks at the Fog Harbor Fish House for stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying sustainably sourced seafood. There are plenty of seafood options on the menu to indulge in. Take comfort in a classic clam chowder bread bowl dish to warm up at the end of a breezy day on the seaside Pier.

Location: Angel Island – Tiburon Ferry | 21 Main Street | Tiburon 94920
Event: Ferry ride to San Francisco
Website: https://angelislandferry.com/

Location: Pier 39 | The Embarcadero | San Francisco 94133
Event: Lots! Rides, sea lion watching, street performances, attractions, shopping, and dining.
Website: https://www.pier39.com/

Location: Fog Harbor Fish House | 39 Pier Suite A-202 | San Francisco 94133
Event: Dining
Website:http://fogharbor.com

The Rec Room is a family space in Berkeley with space for playing and classes alongside a cafe.

Parent + Baby Yoga & Parent Meet-up @ The Rec Room, Berkeley

Kids can play and have fun, while parents can work undisturbed in the cafe area while sipping on a cup of joe. It’s a great spot for coffee dates, where parents with young tots can get together. Parent and baby yoga time is offered every Friday from 10:30 am to 11:15 am. After the class, join in a new parent meet up group. Chat with local parents, make new friends, and expand your community, all over a free cup of tea!

Location: 3222 Adeline Street | Berkeley 94703
Day: Weekly Fridays – yoga from 10:30-11:15 AM; new parent meet-up starts at 11:30 AM
Price: $10 per parent participant; free newborns through pre-crawlers
Website: http://www.recroomcafe.com/
Note: Ask about mama group discounted rates! Free wi-fi!

Animal lovers will find sanctuary at North Gait Equestrian Center, conveniently located in nearby Walnut Creek.

Horseback Riding @ North Gait Equestrian Center, Walnut Creek

The horses here are clean, happy, and well-cared for. The center offers lessons that are well worth the cost. For first time riders, North Gait makes the experience one to remember. You’ll learn everything from how to put the saddle on a horse, to grooming a horse and cleaning their hooves. Enjoy an afternoon, riding around the property under the safe guidance of an experienced staff member. Afterward, visit the beautiful horses in the stables.

Hungry? Head to the nearby Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area to enjoy a homemade picnic. The area is lush this time of year, so bring some PB & J sandwiches and soak in the scenery!

Location: North Gait Equestrian Center | 1101 N. Gate Road | Walnut Creek 94598
Event: Horseback riding lessons, ages 5+
Day: Call to schedule your lesson; business hours not listed.
Price: $70 per lesson
Website: http://www.northgait.com/ 

Location: Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area | 1700 Castle Rock Road | Walnut Creek 94598
Event: PB & J picnic
Day: Open daily, 5 AM-10 PM
Price: Free parking and admission
Website: http://www.ebparks.org/parks/castle_rock

For more ideas, check out some of the ongoing weekend events in Volume IVolume IIVolume III, Volume IV, and Volume V of our “5 Fun Things” series!