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Veterans Day Weekend 2024 in San Francisco: 10 Best Things To Do With Kids

Glowfari glistens throughout the Oakland Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Oakland County Zoo
Glowfari glistens throughout the Oakland Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Oakland County Zoo
11/6/24 - By Sandra Lee

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

Saturday is Veterans Day, and some honorable events are happening all over the Bay Area. Celebrate the holiday at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco with free admission or to San Jose for the Veterans Day Parade to honor all who have served. You could also take advantage of Free National Park Day with a day trip to Yosemite or Muir Woods. Or, head over to the Oakland Zoo for the opening weekend of Glowfari. 

Enjoy local fall fun with fabulous family road trips, and discover more autumn adventures in our Fall Fun Guide for San Francisco Bay Area Families. 

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

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Best Things To Do Veterans Day Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area

Glowfari

Oakland
Starts Friday, November 8, 2024
Oakland Zoo is up in lights for Glowfari, featuring hundreds of beautiful glowing animal lanterns scattered throughout. Families can walk around the animals of the forest with iconic wildlife, frosty friends of the Arctic, the Deep Ocean, and the swap of the Bayou.  READ MORE

Water Lantern Festival San Jose

San Jose
Friday, November 8, 2024
Make beautiful memories at the Water Lantern Festival in San Jose. Each ticket includes a floating lantern kit, marker, LED candle, and bag to make a wish as you set your lantern to float away with others in the community at Almaden Lake Park.  READ MORE

26th Annual San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest at the Palace of Fine Arts

San Francisco
Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10, 2024
Celebrate the art of hip hop at an all-ages showcase featuring iconic performances by premiere dance companies from around the globe at the 2-day festival at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.  Enjoy a freestyle (soul train style) dance contest and a kids' freestyle dance session onstage after the Sunday 12pm show.  READ MORE

Veteran's Weekend Celebration at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom

Vallejo
Saturday - Monday, November 9 - 11, 2024
Six Flags in Vallejo is hosting a Veteran's Weekend Celebration to honor and appreciate the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. This special event features patriotic ceremonies, military discounts, and exclusive experiences recognizing and celebrating veterans and active-duty military personnel. READ MORE

Family Day at Marin MOCA

Novato - FREE
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Spend a day making art at the Marin MOCA for this special, family-friendly program every month for the rest of the year. Kids will have a chance to work with mixed media, clay, and painting.  READ MORE

Diwali Festival of Lights at Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile

San Francisco - FREE
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Celebrate Diwali with live music, workshops, family-friendly activities and more.  Families can enjoy a Rangoli Workshop at the Sunset Mercantile Artship, Henna by BodyByMozaic, and special Diwali treats from our vendors while exploring farm-fresh produce and products from our weekly Farmer’s Market. READ MORE

San Francisco Veterans Day Parade

San Francisco - FREE
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Check out the annual Veteran's Day Parade starting at Fisherman's Wharf. Musical performances, floats, and more to honor and celebrate all of our veterans.  First held in 1919 to honor the San Francisco 363rd Infantry Regiment of the 91st Division as it returned from France after the end of World War I, this year’s parade will include marching color guards and bands, including the S.F. Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band. READ MORE

Centennial Weekend Celebration: Veterans Day at Legion of Honor

San Francisco - FREE
Monday, November 11, 2024
This Veterans Day marks the 100th anniversary of the Legion of Honor’s founding by Adolph B. and Alma de Bretteville Spreckels. The museum was a gift from the Spreckels family to the city of San Francisco in commemoration of the California soldiers killed in World War I.  This patriotic-themed day includes live organ concerts on the museum’s rare Spreckels Organ, docent tours, and a special lecture, The Thinker’s Place, in conjunction with the newly opened exhibition Celebrating 100 Years at the Legion of Honor. READ MORE

Free National Park Day

Multiple National Parks - FREE
Monday, November 11, 2024
Enjoy free admission to a variety of local parks as well as historical vessels for Veterans Day. Local parks include Cabrillo National Monument, Muir Woods National Monument, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Yosemite National Park, and others.  READ MORE

San Jose Veterans Day Parade

San Jose - FREE
Monday, November 11, 2024
Each year, since 1919, the Veterans Day Parade has been produced with support from the City of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and contributions from many individuals and organizations. This parade, the largest Veterans Day Parade in Northern California, honors all who served or are currently serving their country. READ MORE

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