Last summer, I was driving by a middle school in the East Bay, and the sign for announcements by the roadside caught my attention. It flashed the date of the first day of school, followed by “Resistance Is Futile.” It’s hard for all of us to let go of summer and the Bay Area’s generous lineup of family activities. But it certainly doesn’t have to mean an end to family fun.
Even after our kids are introduced to their new teachers and new goals, there will be one more chance for a late summer detour. Labor Day falls on Monday, September 4, this year. Start planning for 2017 Labor Day weekend in the Bay Area now to get the most out of that precious family time—the last major holiday until Thanksgiving!
Bay Area summer camps will be winding down to make way for the new school year. But campers were able to avoid a summer slump through local reading programs and camp activities designed to keep their minds and imaginations awake even while having fun. Labor Day presents another great opportunity to weave a session of fun and festivities right in with the start of a hard-working school year. Check out these wide-ranging events and ideas to help your family make the most of Labor Day 2017 in the Bay Area:
Labor Day Family Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains
What better way to celebrate the summer one last time than at summer camp for the whole family? You’ll enjoy campfire s’mores, family games and challenges, and those camp traditions we all remember. The session fits conveniently into the long weekend, giving everyone the chance to relax, detox from technology, and bond together before the fall routines really kick in. Family Camp is for everyone ages 3 and older, and there’s no need for any camping equipment—just your play clothes. Be sure to register now for 2017 before space runs out!
Family Wild Nights at the San Francisco Zoo
Starting Saturday evening and ending Sunday morning during Labor Day weekend, the San Francisco Zoo is offering an overnight event for the whole family. For this activity, you will need to bring your own camping equipment, but a pizza dinner and continental breakfast will be provided. You’ll enjoy unique nighttime and early morning tours of the zoo, and then on Sunday, you can stick around for a free family day at the zoo. Family members 6 and up are invited for this campout.
City Clues San Francisco Scavenger Hunt
City Clues Adventures & Tours is run by highly experienced and knowledgeable guides (including a former camp director!). Kids love scavenger hunts, but the whole family can definitely get excited about this activity that blends unique challenges with a much closer look at San Francisco than you’ve probably ever had before.
Well, it’s certainly not an even year for the Giants, but there’s still plenty of family fun to be had at the ballpark, especially with that awesome Coca-Cola bottle slide and stunning views of the bay. You might even consider heading into the city on a ferry, pulling right up alongside the stadium. The Giants will be playing the St. Louis Cardinals at AT&T Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during Labor Day weekend 2017. Then, the Oakland Athletics are playing at home, against the Los Angeles Angels, on Monday, Labor Day.
If you have kids who can’t get enough of all things superheroes, then the family-friendly Comic Con may be a great way to dazzle them. You can buy tickets for just a single day or for Friday through Sunday all at once. Kids 12 and under get in free. You can expect diverse exhibits and visits from some exciting celebrity guests. Just keep in mind that autographs and photo ops will be an additional cost.
On Saturday morning, you and your family (ages 8 and up) could enjoy a bike ride through the Presidio to take in both its history and its natural beauty. The guided trip is 4 miles long, but the tour guide will set a gentle pace. If you have your own bikes and helmets, bring them; otherwise, you can rent bikes from Sports Basement. Be sure to register in advance.
San Francisco’s Presidio will also be hosting a picnic this Labor Day weekend on Sunday at the Main Parade Ground. You’ll have your pick of delicious international eats from local vendors and family activities galore: games on the Presidio lawn, yoga classes, bike-riding lessons, arts and crafts in nature, and a photo booth. Plan for the weather, and bring supplies for relaxation and fun.
Zen Center Family Program: Equanimity for Equinox
The San Francisco Zen Center gets how important mindfulness activities are for children. In fact, every month on the first Sunday, the Zen Center hosts a special program for children. Of course, kids aren’t the only ones to benefit from these peaceful discussions, mindful movements, and activities in nature. The whole family is welcome.
All weekend long—from Friday through Monday—the Capitola Begonia Festival will be delighting visitors with flower-filled parade floats, a sand sculpture contest, row boat races, a fishing derby, a horseshoe tournament, a showing of Mary Poppins on the beach, concerts in the park, and arts and crafts opportunities for kids. You don’t want to miss it because this is the last Begonia Festival after 65 years of continuous, colorful fun. And it’s free! Check out the weekend’s schedule of events.
Beach Boardwalk Friday Night Bands on the Beach
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk adventures continue into the summer with Friday Night Bands on the Beach. During the 2017 Labor Day weekend, Papa Doo Run Run will take the stage. You can expect Beach Boy-style family-friendly Classic Rock. Bring chairs and blankets for comfortable seating and layers in case it gets chilly. Know that you’ll probably have to get in line to secure good seating during a crowded weekend. As always, the musical event is free for the whole family. You’ll probably also want to explore the Boardwalk and all of its colorful attractions while you’re there.
If you’re looking to just relax and soak up the sun during this weekend off, then scope out one of the Bay Area’s great beaches. You might even plan to check out one you’ve never been to before. Try Heart’s Desire Beach in Marin, the peaceful Moss Landing near Monterey, or Crab Cove in Alameda for your littlest family members to explore the shallow waters.
There’s no shortage of things to do on Labor Day in the Bay Area and all weekend long. From a mini version of summer camp where the whole family can join in together to rocking out to iconic surf music on the beach, you’ve got your pick of Labor Day activities all around the Bay Area. Soak up the sun and your time together before everyone goes back to school and work on Tuesday.
We specialize in family fun all summer long. At Kennolyn Camps, we offer programs for kids of all ages. Check out our Resident Camp for a great mix of tradition and innovative activities and our Family Camp during Labor Day weekend 2017. Give us a call while there are still spots available.
Capitola Begonia Festival
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