Stern Grove - Guide for Taking Families

I have many happy memories bring a picnic blanket and basket to Stern Grove on summer Sundays, for a free concert with friends. Somehow the weather always seemed perfect as we walked down the entrance ramp into the grassy grove. I wondered how that would change when I had kids.

Fast forward to now. I have kids. And the Stern Grove Festival has a ton of activities for families to enjoy. Here’s how to take advantage:

Kids Days

The Festival has a free series of fun and interactive arts education programs for kids from 4-13. You need to preregister for this popular program, and you can attend once per week. The workshops run from 11 to 2. 

What:  Kids Day with Dholrhythms Dance Company
When:  June 24, 25 and 26 from 11-2

What:   Kids Day with San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education
When:  July 8, 9 and 10 from 11-2

What:  Kids Day with Dance Mission
When:  July 22, 23 and 24 from 11-2

Kids Camps
These three-day arts education workshops are aimed at kids 7 to 13. Campers can learn directly from local teaching artists. Unlike the Kids Day, those at Kids Camps go for three days in a row, from noon to 2:30. Pre-registration is also required.

What:   San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education
When:   July 1 - 3, 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

What:   ODC/Dance
When:  July 15 – 17 from noon to 2:30

What:   Chelle! And Friends
When:   July 29 – 31 from noon to 2:30

KidStage

Before every Sunday concert from noon to 1 pm, the Festival offers hands-on arts projects and programs at KidStage in the West Meadow. They might include crafts, singing or dance lessons and games. Each day features a different activity, based on the concert type. Here’s the KidStage schedule:

June 29     Dholrhythms Dance Company
July 6        San Francisco Symphony Classical Instrument Petting Zoo
July 13      San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education
July 20      ODC/Dance
July 27      Dance Mission
Aug 3        Chelle! And Friends
Aug 10      Dance workshop with Allan Frias
Aug 17      Trash Mash-Up and Vogue and Tone
Aug 24      Kristin Damrow Dance (Venture Dance)

Details for taking the kids to the Sunday Stern Grove Festival concerts:

Timing: All concerts start at 2, but you need to get there early to reserve a spot on the grass. That’s what’s great about KidStage. Get there for the noon start time of KidState, Set out your blanket, leave an adult there, and head over to the kid fun. You’re not allowed to leave items unattended for security reasons.

What to bring: Bring a picnic blanket and food. You can bring a stroller, but it needs to fold up once you have your spot (it can’t block the aisle). You can bring chairs, but they need to be low, so those behind you can see.

Food: bring a picnic or buy food there.  You can bring beer and wine to drink in the meadows, but they don’t sell it.

Where to sit: The best spots are in the concert meadow directly in front of the stage. If you have a wiggler or kid who needs to run, take a spot in the hillside or west meadow area, so you have access to an exit.

Transportation: parking can be difficult (there’s no lot). We’ve always parked along 19^th Avenue when we’ve gotten there early enough. They have a bike valet, if you want to ride over. Or take public transportation. Their website has details on the various options.

The Stern Grove Festival guide has plenty of helpful information. Enjoy it! 

This post originally appeared on Mommy Nearest. It's a free app you should get. And a great blog for parents with young kids too!