Moms and Dads are our unsung heroes. They kiss our boo boos and say it will be alright. They read us bedtime stories and correct our homework. They wire us money to pay our rent or they allow us to move back in after college. Their parenting never stops. Let’s celebrate them by giving them a much needed day off. If they’re up for a fun activity, we’ve got you covered around the North Bay with some unique adventures.
Mother’s Day - May 12, 2019
Everything Coming Up Roses
They truly are at the Garden Valley Ranch, a historic landmark in Petaluma with over 5 acres of beautiful fields and rose gardens and over 8,000 rose bushes which bloom from May through October. This working rose farm has roses blooming on arches, pergolas and columns and amidst bulbs, perennials, fountains and koi ponds. A magical place to take mom to smell the roses.
Pancakes with a View
The West Point Inn on Mount Tamalpais holds a pancake breakfast each Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for those willing to hike or bike to the Inn. You will be rewarded with your sense of accomplishment and a panoramic view of the Bay and some awesome pancakes. The flipping starts at 9am and ends at 1pm.
Duck Duck Goose
Come to the Marin Audubon Society at Audubon Canyon Ranch at Stinson Beach to celebrate Moms and this spectacular wildlife preserve. Picnic under graceful old trees or take a guided nature tour or simply hike the many trails in the Martin Griffin Preserve. This event has been held as a lunch fundraiser for over 50 years to benefit education and conservation programs.
Wild About Mom
Spend Mother’s Day with real wild animals not just your kids on the Serengeti of Santa Rosa. Enjoy an elegant brunch and tour of this wildlife preserve in the heart of the wine country. See herds of wildebeests, giraffes, hyenas, and zebras and nearly 900 animals and over ninety species from the double decker trekking busses and learn about conservation and education efforts at Safari West.
Father’s Day - June 16, 2019
Aye Aye Matey
Get your swagger on at the Northern California Pirate Festival. Have a raucous good time listening to pirate music, juggling daredevils, swordplay, pirate skill demonstrations, copious amounts of food and drynke and treasure! There will even be thundering cannons. Walk the plank to Vallejo!
Northern California Pirate Festival
Boys and Their Toys
The Tiburon Classic Car Show takes place the Saturday of Father’s Day weekend. Pre 1975 classic cars that are in mint condition line the waterfront in Tiburon with the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. Bring a picnic lunch to share on the surrounding lawn and ogle the Ferraris, Maserati, Lamborghinis and american muscle cars all buffed to a high shine and lining the street.
Sandcastles in the Sky
Bring your shovel, pail, and ruler and come build a sandcastle at Upton Beach, the beach at the North Parking lot at Stinson Beach. Use what you find on the beach such as sand, seaweed, shells and driftwood to make your creations while having fun with the family.
Gone Fishin’
Bring Dad and the family to Paradise Beach Park on the back side of Tiburon for a relaxed afternoon of fishing off the pier. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the view and acres of green lawn. No pets allowed.
Theatre in the Mound
How about The Mountain Play at the historic century old Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre on Mount Tamalpais for Dad’s namesake day? This year’s musical production is Grease. Hike up or take the special busses and bring your picnic lunch and be ready to tap your toes and lip synch the songs while you watch the show with the Bay as your screensaver.
Play Ball
Did ya know that San Rafael is host to a minor league baseball team, the Pacifics? Since 2012, the team has been hitting home runs at Albert Park. The 23 young men who play for the team are all hosted by local Marin families who help these young men adjust to life as professional baseball players and in return, the players do a significant amount of community service work in the area.
They’re playing a home game on Sunday, June 16th just in time to take dear dad.