Ferry Building Marketplace · Embarcadero 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco
Visit participating marketplace shops for treats, crafts, music and games.
Who it’s for:
The organizer explicitly invites kids and families.
Cost:
All activities are free; ordinary marketplace purchases are separate.
Before you go:
Organizer requests an RSVP to help plan candy supplies. Treats and crafts are available while supplies last; current registration inventory is not established.
Sigmund Stern Grove · Sunset 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
A park Halloween celebration with a haunted house, maze, carnival rides, crafts and entertainment.
Who it’s for:
The city describes the event as family-friendly. Haunted attractions may not suit every child.
Cost:
Free event; food is available for purchase.
Before you go:
No admission registration is listed on the event page. Choose activities to suit your child; the separate Mobile Rec schedule does not establish the festival’s hours. Expect crowds and limited parking. A free accessible shuttle runs from western stops until 9:30 PM; steep eastern approach paths are not recommended for mobility disabilities. See the official access map.
San Francisco Zoo & Gardens · Lakeshore Sloat Boulevard at the Great Highway, San Francisco
Visit Halloween activity stations, watch animals receive pumpkin treats and join the family costume festivities.
Who it’s for:
Families are welcome; costume categories include toddlers and families.
Cost:
Included with paid daytime Zoo admission or membership. Weekend admission: adults 12–64 $34; children 2–11 $24. SF residents: $31 adult/$21 child with proof of residency. Children under 2 and members enter free.
Before you go:
Check current Zoo admission before visiting; selected-date ticket inventory is not established. The costume parade starts at 11 AM and contest at noon. Full-face masks are not allowed.
North Beach Library · North Beach 850 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco
Visit a community ofrenda, Halloween storytime, ballet-inspired games, LEGO play and shadow-puppet crafts at the library.
Who it’s for:
All ages. Storytime at 10:30–11 AM is for ages 5 and under; other activities have separate times.
Cost:
Free library programs.
Before you go:
Drop-in activities have individual hours: ballet games noon–2 PM, LEGO 1–4 PM and crafts 2–4 PM. The separate 2 PM ghost walk requires registration; a place on that tour is not included.
Waverly Place · Chinatown Waverly Place between Sacramento and Clay streets, San Francisco
Celebrate Halloween with arts and crafts, games, a pumpkin patch, cultural performances and a costume contest.
Who it’s for:
The organizer invites families. Costume categories include ages 0–11, teens and family groups; contestants under 18 need a parent or guardian.
Cost:
The current organizer text does not state an admission price; check official details before attending.
Before you go:
The costume-contest pre-registration deadline was October 28 and has passed. General festival attendance is separate; late contest entry is not confirmed. Contestants under 18 need a guardian. Check the organizer for updates.
Make recycled-material art, see puppet performances and enjoy a museum costume celebration.
Who it’s for:
All ages are welcome, including toddlers.
Cost:
Activities are included with museum admission: adult general admission $30; ages 18 and younger free. Special exhibitions can require separate tickets.
Before you go:
Reserve admission for everyone, including children. October 31 general-admission ticket categories were offered at review; availability can change. Costume-contest signup begins at 12:30 PM and is first come.
Randall Museum · Castro 199 Museum Way, San Francisco
Meet a museum curator and learn about rescued California wildlife and how the museum cares for its animal ambassadors.
Who it’s for:
Guests of all ages are welcome.
Cost:
Free admission to this presentation.
Before you go:
Drop-in presentation; no advance registration is listed. It may take place indoors or outdoors depending on weather. Animal appearances and handling are not guaranteed.
Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens · SOMA 799 Howard Street, San Francisco
Enjoy Circus Bella performers and live music, then join the costume parade.
Who it’s for:
Designed for children under 10 and their adults.
Cost:
Free festival.
Before you go:
The free RSVP is optional; you can attend without registering. Paid support tiers are optional donations. Check updates before leaving; costumes are welcome and the parade is the finale.
SOMArts Cultural Center · SOMA 934 Brannan Street, San Francisco
Visit artist-made altars and an exhibition honoring memory, family and those who care for others.
Who it’s for:
Gallery hours are explicitly all ages. The exhibition includes themes of death, remembrance and loss; choose what suits your child.
Cost:
Free during normal gallery hours.
Before you go:
Drop in during gallery hours. This is an exhibition about remembrance and loss, not a children’s workshop. The exhibition continues through November 20, with different weekday hours.
Fillmore Street corridor · Fillmore 1500 Fillmore Street, San Francisco
Join a Halloween street festival with a kids zone, live performances, costume activities, vendors and trunk-or-treating.
Who it’s for:
The organizer explicitly welcomes all ages and families. Choose spooky activities to suit your child.
Cost:
Free admission; food, shopping and other purchases are separate.
Before you go:
Organizer offers a free RSVP. Current ticket inventory is not established. The organizer booking page identifies 1500 Fillmore Street; activities extend along the corridor.
