50 FREE Things To Do In With Kids This August

Looking for something fun to do this August? Here are 50 more great ideas of FREE events, festivals, crafts, music, movies, and more. 

EVENT LISTINGS ARE CHECKED AT THE TIME OF POSTING BUT SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. LINKS ARE AVAILABLE BELOW TO ALL VENUES FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. PLEASE CONFIRM INFORMATION WITH THE WEBSITE.

  1. Nautical activities at Maritime Day in Sausalito.

  2. The “melting pot” of street fairs, Nihonmachi Street Fair.

  3. Every Thursday, let's Go Salsa@Jessie!

  4. WOW! Incredible music line up at Stern Grove.

  5. Learn to Lindy every Sunday at Golden Gate Park.

  6. Music and entertainment in Yerba Buena Gardens.

  7. The Fremont Festival Of The Arts, the Largest Free Street Festival West Of The Mississippi.

  8. Discover The Joy of Generosity at the Children’s Program at Green Gulch.

  9. Pop over to the North Bay Mobile Drive-In, meets every other Saturday in Novato.

  10. Celebrate Jerry Day outdoor concert and family fun.

  11. Meet legendary astronauts at the Novato Space Festival.

  12. Pistahan, celebrating Filipino and Filipino-American culture.

  13. Take a Guided Art Hike of the large collection of Andy Goldsworthy in the Presidio.

  14. Count the shooting stars of the Perseides Meteor Shower.

  15. Discover hidden gems at the San Francisco Public Library Walking Tours.

  16. Under the Bridge: Marine Mammals of SF Bay at the Marine Science Sunday, Marine Mammal Center.

  17. Watch a jellybean hatch.

  18. Get to know the Presidio during this two hour, in-depth experience on the Presidio Experience Tour.

  19. Learn how the universe has evolved to its current state at the Mt. Tam Star Party.

  20. Stand watch at the Fort Point Living History Day (TBA).

  21. Sunday Streets.

  22. Picnic on the Plaza every Friday evening in San Anselmo.

  23. Catch up to three innings of San Francisco Giants baseball for free.

  24. Snag Your Cabana at the Presidio Twilight.

  25. It’s just As You Like It with the SF Shakespeare Festival.

  26. Outdoor summer movies, whose bring the popcorn?

  27. St Steven’s Day celebration of Hungarian culture & Ukranian cultural celebration at Golden Gate Park Band, Spreckles Temple of Music in Golden Gate Park every Sunday.

  28. Join the Merry Wives of Windsor in Mill Valley.

  29. Origami-Palooza & The Great Paper Airplane Contest TBD.

  30. Arias in the Afternoon in Sausalito.

  31. Channel your inner tourist and take a spin around 49 Mile Drive.

  32. Bring a magnet and cup to collect Black Sand on Ocean Beach.

  33. Explore the Outdoor Exploratorium at Fort Mason.

  34. Learn the basics of orienteering with a ranger at Stafford Lake Park.

  35. Hidden at low tide is the Steep Ravine Hot Springs.

  36. Get a panoramic view at the top of the Hamon Observation Tower, De Young Museum.

  37. Bark at the seals and enjoy street performers daily at Pier 39.

  38. Golden Gate Park Every Sunday Roller Disco Party.

  39. What's for dinner tonight at a local farmers market.

  40. Stroll the grounds of the Marin Art & Garden Center.

  41. Free walking tours with Greenbelt Alliance and San Francisco City Guides.

  42. Creative Family Fun at the Presidio Officers Club every Saturday.

  43. Marin Park Fun.

  44. Simply great local music!

  45. Watch the fish frenzy at the Bay Model, Sausalito.

  46. Sand Sculpture Contest at Drakes Beach.

  47. Local libraries gear up with more fabulous musical performances, puppet shows, book clubs, movies, workshops, and more.

  48. Get lost in Golden Gate Park and discover a myriad of treasures.

  49. Geocache! Geocache! Geocache!