A New Garden Opens & Music Under the Stars
Parent Pocket Guide • June 26–28, 2026
Happy Friday!
If you’re still figuring out the weekend, this one came together rather beautifully. A brand-new children’s garden opens in Atherton, there are concerts under the stars, parrots performing at Hiller, and plenty of slow summer moments tucked between.
Whether you’re looking for a full day out or simply somewhere lovely to wander, here are a few ideas to help make the most of the weekend.
🌿 Weekend Pick
Atherton Library Children’s Garden Grand Opening
10:00 am (Ribbon Cutting) | 📍 Atherton Library Civic Court Plaza, Atherton
After months of community input and careful design, Atherton Library’s new 6,200 sq ft Children’s Garden officially opens this Saturday. Wander through a willow hut, accessible treehouse, branch tunnel, climbing boulder, and shaded play spaces nestled beneath towering redwoods. After the ribbon cutting, stay for Garden Party Storytime at 10:30 am followed by free play in the new garden.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Happening All Weekend
Pop-Up Parcade @ Red Morton Park
10:00 am–8:00 pm (Sunday until 6:00 pm) | 📍 Red Morton Park, Redwood City
Classic arcade games, skeeball, and outdoor fun come together in this relaxed pop-up arcade inside the park. It’s an easy place to spend an hour (or three) between playground time and a picnic.
All ages | Free entry (games may have a cost) | Get details
Friday, June 26
Music on the Square: Bululú (Latin & Caribbean Night)
6:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Kick off the weekend with live Latin and Caribbean music under the summer sky. Bring dinner from a nearby restaurant, spread out a blanket, and let the kids dance while the sun goes down.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Saturday, June 27
Millbrae Certified Farmers Market
8:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Broadway, Millbrae
Fresh produce, flowers, pastries, and local vendors fill downtown Millbrae every Saturday morning. A simple way to ease into the weekend before heading to your next adventure.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Happy Birds at Hiller Aviation Museum
11:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Watch talented parrots, macaws, and cockatoos perform everything from opera singing to funny animal impressions. It’s a surprisingly entertaining live show that’s included with museum admission.
All ages | Museum admission applies | Get details
Board Games in the Baylands
2:00–5:00 pm | 📍 Environmental Volunteers EcoCenter, Palo Alto
Spend the afternoon playing nature-themed board games like Wingspan, Cascadia, and Parks inside the beautiful EcoCenter, with Baylands trails just outside if anyone needs a stretch between games.
All ages | Free (suggested donation) | Get details
Tales of the Arabian Nights
6:30–7:30 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, Palo Alto
Genies, clever tricksters, magical adventures, and an outdoor stage make this one of the Peninsula’s favorite summer traditions. This is the final weekend to catch the show.
All ages | $20 per person | Get tickets
Classical on the Square: Redwood Symphony
7:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Pack lawn chairs or a picnic blanket for a free outdoor concert featuring Dvořák’s New World Symphony and other family-friendly classics beneath the evening sky.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Sunday, June 28
Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Park Road & Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame
Browse fresh produce, flowers, baked treats, and local vendors before wandering Burlingame Avenue for brunch or coffee. An easy, low-key Sunday morning.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Bubble Bonanza at Hiller Aviation Museum
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Experiment with giant bubbles while learning the science behind surface tension through hands-on stations designed especially for curious kids.
Best for ages 3–10 | Museum admission applies | Get details
All Summer Long
SMCL Summer Adventure: Dive Into a Story
June 1–August 31 | 📍 All San Mateo County Library locations
Pick up a free activity log, complete reading and creative challenges, and earn prizes all summer long. There are storytimes, maker events, and activities happening across every San Mateo County Library branch.
Ages 0–18 | Free | Get started
This feels like one of those weekends that doesn’t need much planning. Wander through a new garden, linger at a farmers market, catch a concert after dinner, or simply let the kids explore somewhere new.
However you spend it, I hope you find a little space to slow down.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Akriti