🌟Local Kiddo SF

Saturday Highlights

🎵SF Jazz Family Matinee

Saturday morning brings jazz that respects both young ears and adult musical taste - a refreshing alternative to Baby Shark on repeat.

Worth Knowing: 

• 11:00am-12:00pm

• $18-$25

• Perfect 60-minute length

• Professional musicians

• Interactive elements

• Actual comfortable seating

🚌 Getting There: Bart/Muni to Van Ness, 5-Fulton, 6-Haight/Parnassus, 7-Haight/Noriega, 21-Hayes

🌷Tulip Day in Union Square

Union Square transforms into a Dutch-inspired garden celebration, offering a rare chance to experience thousands of fresh tulips in the heart of the city.

Worth Knowing: 

• 1:00pm-4:30pm

• Free admission

• Expect significant crowds

• Pick-your-own tulip experience (6 tulips per person max)

🚌 Getting There: Bart/Muni to Powell Street, 5-Fulton, 6-Haight/Parnassus, 7-Haight/Noriega, 38- Geary

Sunday Highlights

🌸Bloom Shaboom Block Party

This free celebration of art, nature, and community transforms city streets into a festival that somehow manages to be both Instagram-worthy and genuinely engaging. Unlike many block parties, this one offers substance beyond the selfie opportunities.

Worth knowing:

• 1:00am-4:00pm

• Free admission

• Performances

• Art installations throughout

• Food vendors with actual good options

• Family activities zone

🚌 Getting There: 8-Bayshore, 9-San Bruno, 29-Sunset, 44-O’Shaughnessy

🎭Young Performers Theatre presents Nova Goes Below 

YPT returns with their first production since the pandemic, and it was worth the wait. This world premiere written by YPT alum Emily Cronan offers that rare combination of genuine creativity and professional production values.

Worth knowing:

• 3:00pm-4:30pm

• $12.16-$17.35

• Fresh, quirky storytelling

• Well-developed characters

• Appropriate for school-age children

• Actual theatrical substance

🚌 Getting There: 19-Polk, 28-19th Avenue, 30-Stockton, 49-Van Ness/Mission

🔭 On Our Radar

Golden Gate Bandshell Kids Show (March 29) The 4th annual outdoor concert brings family-friendly music to the park's renovated bandshell. Unlike many children's music events, the acoustics here let you actually hear the performers, and the seating area provides enough space for wiggly listeners without causing parental anxiety.

Zine Making Workshop (March 29) The Cartoon Art Museum hosts this drop-in session where kids create their own mini-magazines. A refreshing analog activity in our digital world, and the results actually look good enough to display (unlike many craft activities that head straight to the recycling bin).

Walt Disney Family Museum Storytime & Workshop (March 30) Next weekend brings illustrator Eliza Reisfeld for a double header: an 11am storytime featuring her book "My Zoo: A Book of Feelings" followed by a 1:30pm workshop where kids learn to draw and stylize animals with emotions. The rare children's art workshop that teaches actual techniques rather than just scribbling. Book both for the complete experience.

Make Art Family Day: RugLife (April 5) The Museum of Craft and Design's family day goes beyond the usual construction paper projects. This fiber arts workshop introduces real textile techniques in an accessible format. The resulting creations are sophisticated enough to actually display at home rather than quietly recycling when the kids aren't looking.

Word for WordPLAY Pajama Fam Jam (April 6) Z Space's free (with reservation) performance combines professional-quality storytelling with the comfort of wearing pajamas in public. This literary event respects both the text and the audience, creating an experience that engages children without patronizing them. Reserve tickets early – these thoughtful performances consistently sell out.

Randall Museum Bug Day (April 12) Mark your calendars for creepy-crawly fun that's genuinely educational. Unlike many children's insect events that skimp on science, this one delivers actual entomology alongside the entertainment. Live bug encounters, microscope stations, craft activities, and even optional bug-tasting for the adventurous. The Luke Schwartz Trio provides a sophisticated soundtrack that parents won't mind. Bug costumes encouraged – a rare chance to get multiple uses from that Halloween investment.

Cherry Blossom Festival (April 20) San Francisco's annual celebration of Japanese culture offers more than just Instagram moments under pink petals. The multi-day event features genuinely engaging cultural performances, food that goes beyond California rolls, and demonstrations that respect visitor intelligence. The Grand Parade (April 20) remains the highlight, with spectacular taiko drummers and traditional dance groups.