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Three Kings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and More Great Things to Do in San Francisco This Weekend with Kids

Celebrate the season with the classic
Celebrate the season with the classic "A Charlie Brown Christmas - Live ." Photo by Kristen Loken courtesy of the San Francisco Symphony
12/17/25 - By Sandra Lee

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

Happy New Year! This weekend offers plenty of free events to help out after all that holiday spending, as well as some end-of-holiday-season events you don't want to miss before they close until next year. 

Check out the free Family Day at Marin MOCA, where kids can play with mixed media, clay, and paints led by MOCA instructors. Celebrate Reyes Magos at the Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose and enjoy traditions such as mariachi performances, arts and crafts, and even make real tortillas. Finally, head to San Franciso to see Pirates of the Caribbean, with a live orchestra playing the score in real time at Davies Symphony Hall. 

More Things To Do in San Francisco and the Bay Area This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Photo by Erina Alejo
Photo by Erina Alejo

Best Things To Do This Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area with Kids

Film with Live Orchestra: Pirates of the Caribbean

San Francisco
Friday, January 9-Saturday, January 10
This fantasy swashbuckler film follows pirate Jack Sparrow and the blacksmith Will Turner as they attempt to rescue the kidnapped Elizabeth Swann. The trio encounters Captain Barbossa and the Black Pearl crew, who are afflicted by a supernatural curse. Klaus Badelt’s score is performed live to picture by the San Francisco Symphony. READ MORE

2nd Saturday on the Farm

Watsonville—FREE
Saturday, January 10
The Agricultural History Project hosts "2nd Saturday on the Farm" at the Agricultural Museum in Watsonville. Kids learn how to milk a cow, ride a tractor, and enjoy a puppet show. Different theme each month.  READ MORE

El Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos at Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

San Jose
Saturday, January 10
Head to the Purple Museum for festive fun with the three kings and more at the 27th annual celebration. Make and decorate a crown, enjoy lively and traditional Mariachi youth performers and folklórico dance, delight in gifts (chocolate coins) from the kings, and learn how to make real tortillas. Plus, share your talents during our open-mic sessions. READ MORE

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden

Palo Alto—FREE
Saturday, January 10
Spend the morning at Gamble Garden and enjoy discussions of seeds, plants, vegetables, and insects. Enjoy guided tours, nature hunts, and tons of discoveries. READ MORE

Three Kings Day Fiesta at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park

Oakland—FREE
Saturday, January 10
Celebrate the close of the holiday season at the annual Three Kings Day Fiesta, a warm and welcoming community celebration for everyone. Enjoy slices of Rosca de Reyes—the traditional holiday cake—along with Mexican hot chocolate. Kids can take part in arts and crafts, including crown-making, and will receive special gifts to take home. READ MORE

The Physics Show

Los Altos
Saturday, January 10
A fun science show for kids, The Physics Show teaches families about the laws of nature. Exciting demonstrations and information for kids 5 and up, this 75-minute show is for both little and big kids alike.  READ MORE

Garden of D’Lights

Walnut Creek —FINAL WEEKEND
Friday, January 9-Sunday, January 11
Experience the Ruth Bancroft Garden in a whole new way at its annual Garden of d'Lights. Members and nonmembers of all ages can stroll through the garden and see mature cacti, succulents, and trees that are transformed into botanical sculptures covered with beautiful lights.  READ MORE

Holidays at Filoli

Woodside— FINAL WEEKEND
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
Holidays at Filoli transforms the historic estate into a wonderland of breathtaking beauty and festive delight. During the day, take a Gilded Age journey through the elegantly decorated house and garden and explore Thistlewyck, an enchanting village in the Redwoods. At night, immerse yourself in the glowing wonder of holiday lights, where families can stroll beneath illuminated trees, step into a magical tunnel of lights, and explore gardens that glow. READ MORE

Pier for the Holidays at Pier 39

San Francisco—FREE, FINAL WEEKEND
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
The holiday season comes alive at PIER 39 with twinkling lights, decorations throughout The PIER, holiday photo opportunities and a majestic 60-foot live Christmas tree in Entrance Plaza. Watch the tree “come to life” and perform every half hour. Synchronized to holiday music, the tree becomes a kaleidoscope of swirling color, adorned with thousands of specialty lights and ornaments. READ MORE

San Mateo on Ice

San Mateo—FINAL WEEKEND
Thursday, January 8-Sunday, January 11
Central Park in downtown San Mateo turns into an ice skating rink. Featuring 11,000 square feet of real ice, skaters can have fun on the ice during the day or under the stars at night.  READ MORE

Second Sundays for Families with SFMOMA

San Francisco—FREE
Sunday, January 11
Bring the family for a day of art at SFMOMA on the second Sunday of every month. Kids can participate in hands-on art making and storytelling around a different theme each month at the Koret Education Center.  READ MORE

Family Day at Marin MOCA

Novato—FREE
Sunday, January 11
Spend a day making art at the Marin MOCA in this special, family-friendly program held every month. Kids have a chance to work with mixed media, clay, and painting taught by professional art instructors Wendy Ricks and Lauren Volk. READ MORE

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About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
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