Live music in Berkeley, a farmer’s market in Marin, and a model train show in Walnut Creek, plus two more delightful kid-friendly activities to check out this weekend!

Here’s this week’s 5 fun things to do with your family in the endlessly explorable Bay Area!

Experience indie pop sensation, Frances England, live at Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse,

Patchwork Series: Frances England, Indie Music for Families @ Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse, Berkeley

This non-profit, community arts venue is hosting Frances England, who will perform songs for the young and young at heart that families can enjoy together. Get ready to get up off your seat to sing and dance along!

Location: 2020 Addison Street | Berkeley 94704
Event: Live musice
Day: Saturday, March 18th at 11 AM
Price: $10 advance purchase; $12 at door
Website: http://freightandsalvage.org/170318

Pack your picnic baskets, blankets, and sunhats for some fun in the sun by the lakeshore.

Lake Merritt Picnic & Children’s Fairyland, Oakland

Lunch at Lake Merritt anyone? Enjoy some lakeside PB & Js, then, stroll over to Children’s Fairyland, a toddler’s storybook dream come to life. This whimsical 10-acre park is the perfect place for children to create, play, and learn. On Saturday and Sunday, Fairyland offers open arts & crafts time, a folktale puppet show, and an enchanting harp performance.

Location: Lake Merritt | Oakland 94610
Event: Picnic
Day: Always open
Price: Free
Website: https://www.lakemerritt.org/

Location: Children’s Fairyland | 699 Belleview Avenue | Oakland 94610
Day: Weekends, 10 AM-4 PM
Puppet show: 11 AM, 2 PM, & 4 PM
Arts & crafts: 12-2 PM
Harp performance: 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM
Price: $10 per ticket (ages 1+); free for babies (under 1); free for members. $3 for Magic Keys.
Website: www.fairyland.org
Note: All hours and events are weather permitting

The Marin Country Mart offers the best local and organic produce, meats, cheeses, bread, and flowers.

Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market, Larkspur

It’s also a fun-filled party for children! The farmer’s market offers arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, and live music. If you can’t make the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, the Marin Country Mart is holding a fun Shamrock Cookie Decorating event for you and your child at Poppy Store on Friday, Saint Patrick’s Day, from 2- 5 pm. Stay a while and relax with an evening of Friday Night Jazz. Perfect for the warmer weather.

Location: 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle | Larkspur 94939
Days: Friday night jazz: 6 PM-9 PM
Shamrock cookie decorating: Friday, March 17th, 2 PM-5 PM

Farmer’s Market Saturdays, 9 AM-2 PM
Arts & crafts: 10:30 AM-1:30 PM
Pony rides & petting zoo: 10 AM-2 PM
Face painting: 9 AM-2 PM
Live music: 12 PM-2 PM

Price: Free entry
Websites: http://www.marincountrymart.com/farmers-market
http://www.marincountrymart.com/calendar

Spend the afternoon in San Francisco splendor.

Explore the Sutro Baths & dine at the Cliff House, San Francisco

Show your child the spectacular coastal views and ruins at the Sutro Baths. Especially fun for children ages 5 – 12; explore the ruins together, safely climbing on the ruins and uncovering nearby caves. They’ll love letting their imaginations run wild with stories and games.

When you’re finished with your family play day among the ruins, head over to the world-famous Cliff House. You’ll have the option to dine at Sutro’s or at the Bistro, we recommend the Bistro for a more casual dining experience. At the Bistro, they’ll serve you up seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more at a reasonable price. Ocean views are complementary.

If you’re up for an adventure on a full belly, head just down the hill to beautiful Ocean Beach and Golden Gate Park!

Location: Sutro Baths | 1004 Point Lobos Avenue | San Francisco 94121
Event: Hiking & exploration
Day: Always open
Price: Free
Website: http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/sutro-historic-district.html

Location: Cliff House Restaurant | 1090 Point Lobos Avenue | San Francisco 94121
Event: Dining
Day: Saturdays, 9 AM-3:30 PM & Sundays, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM. Sunday Brunch seatings at 10 AM, 12 PM, & 2 PM
Website: http://cliffhouse.com/

Tiny trains will make your train-loving kids go gaga!

Model Train Show @ The Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society, Walnut Creek

Experience the wonder of these impressive model trains; the amount that goes into these creations is baffling. Scour the tracks for trains, tunnels, buildings, animals, and people as a fun I Spy game. When you’ve had your fill of the trains, go play in the sunshine at nearby Larkey Park, with suitable playgrounds for ages 2-5 as well as 5-12. Easy parking and affordable admissions!

Location: 2751 Buena Vista Avenue | Walnut Creek 94597
Event: Model train show
Days: Friday, March 18th & Saturday, March 19th, 11 AM-6 PM
Price: $3 adults & children over 12; $2 ages 6-12; free for children under 6
Website: www.wcmrs.org
Note: Cash or Checks only. Call to confirm dates and fares: (925) 937-1888

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