Marin Weekend Family Guide: March 13–15 Kids Activities

This blog post rounds up St. Patrick’s Day weekend events across the Bay Area, with a special focus on Marin County towns. It’s a practical guide for families and visitors looking to fill their weekend with good stuff.

From San Anselmo to Mill Valley, Novato to San Rafael, there’s music, crafts, outdoor adventures, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. You’ll find more than enough to plan a memorable weekend in 2026.

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Table of Contents

Bay Area St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Highlights

The lineup stretches from San Francisco up to Santa Rosa. Marin County, as usual, stands out as a reliable hub for family fun.

You can mix in a little culture, some science, outdoor exploring, and plenty of community spirit. The North Bay and the City by the Bay both have their own flavor—why not sample both?

Marin County family-friendly picks

In San Anselmo, Friday morning brings library music with Emily Bonn. It’s a solid kickoff for families in the Ross Valley area.
Mill Valley hosts Goodie’s Kid’s Club on Saturday afternoon. Expect shamrock characters and bird feeders—perfect for little creators and anyone who loves nature.
San Rafael / China Camp offers a guided birding walk on the Turtle Back Trail, Saturday from 8–10 a.m. It’s a chill way for families to get out into the North Bay’s wild side.
Novato/Stafford Lake Park has a family walk on the Terwilliger Nature Trail, Sunday at 10 a.m. If you want to wrap up your weekend with some fresh air and views, this is the move.

If you’re staying in Sausalito or Larkspur, these Marin-centric activities line up well with a scenic drive. Maybe add in a stroll along the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge corridor after the festivities.

Other Bay Area happenings to complement Marin trips

San Francisco throws a mix of St. Patrick’s Weekender events. There’s a 5K at Crissy Field on Saturday morning and a parade downtown that kicks off at 2nd and Market, heading toward Civic Center.
French American Cultural Days bring music, fashion, art, and food to San Francisco on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It’s a fun cultural stop if you’re already exploring Marin’s outdoors.
Golden Gate Park welcomes the San Francisco Model Yacht Club. They’re opening their Spreckels Lake season from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.—a cool detour for families who like hands-on science and model boats.
Circus Bella is offering free juggling lessons in Union Square on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s a playful pit stop if you’re wandering through the city.
Oracle Park hosts a Fan Fest Open House from noon to 4 p.m. You’ll find Giants alumni, spring training vibes, and a chance to snap a photo with the World Series trophy—ideal for baseball fans heading in from Marin.
Santa Rosa puts on its annual St. Patrick’s Day 5K in Courthouse Square at 10 a.m. If you’re looping through Sonoma County, this is a North Bay athletic option.
Sonoma Barracks offers a campfire and marshmallow roast Saturday at 5:30 p.m. That’s a pretty sweet way to wrap up a Sonoma Valley weekend.
Robert Ferguson Observatory in Kenwood hosts a public star party Saturday from 8 to 11 p.m. If you’re up for a celestial outing, it pairs nicely with a Marin sunrise and maybe a Sunday farmers market.
Novato features the Lucky Run on the Hamilton Bay Trail Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. It’s a mellow, scenic course for families staying in the North Bay.
Crissy Field serves up another Sunday option with a St. Patrick’s Day 5K and kids’ run at 9 a.m. If you’re thinking about the Marin Headlands or Sausalito later, this is a solid cross-town add-on.
Stafford Lake Park and Terwilliger Nature Trail in Novato are still great family-friendly spots for a laid-back Sunday morning.

Start by mapping your Marin stops—San Anselmo and Mill Valley for Friday night, San Rafael’s China Camp on Saturday, and Novato’s Stafford Lake on Sunday. Then maybe add a San Francisco or Santa Rosa detour if you want a taste of the wider St. Patrick’s Day buzz.

Don’t forget to check local event pages for last-minute updates on parking or accessibility. Bring layers, and enjoy Marin’s green towns—San Anselmo, San Rafael, Mill Valley, Novato—plus San Francisco’s parade and whatever else catches your eye this weekend.

Here is the source article for this story: Marin Weekend Family Fun for March 13–15

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.