This week's SF Happenings post features family-friendly Halloween activities and events!

Welcome to Reset San Francisco’s 11th installment of SF Happenings, a weekly series that highlights amazing things happening in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area.

The articles cover everything from art exhibits and cultural events to outdoor activities and a seemingly never-ending array of new restaurants and other spots opening.

Each week, we publish a roundup of the coolest events and fun things to do so you can plan your weekend — and maybe even the next few weeks — with ease.

Happening This Weekend…Halloween

It seems like only yesterday it was Labor Day. But somehow here we are, just days out from Halloween and the 2016 election!

Here’s a photo we came across recently that captures both:

Halloween Vote Pumpkins

With San Francico’s City Hall open on Saturday and Sunday for early voting, you certainly could spend part of your Halloweeen weekend casting your ballot.

(And if you need some quick info on any of the 17 statewide ballot measures or 25 local propositions, we’ve got you covered!)

Now that we’ve gotten our voting reminder out of the way, on to a few fun and family-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween in San Francisco this year!

Halloween - Boo at the Zoo

Boo at the Zoo

What:

As detailed on the San Francisco Zoo & Garden‘s website, Boo at the Zoo provides a fun way to celebrate Halloween that’s safe for the whole family:

“Dress up in costume for one of San Francisco Zoo & Garden’s most popular family Halloween events, “Boo at the Zoo”, on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 & 30! Dress up in costume and head to the Lion Fountain at 11:00 am to participate and watch the Costume Parade and Contest with celebrity judges choosing winners in several different categories.

“Trick-or-treat at multiple stations throughout the Zoo and watch animals gobble up gourds and enjoy Halloween-themed enrichment treats during the Pumpkin Stomp & Chomp. Brave the Haunted Nature Trail, decorated especially for the occasion with not-so-scary ghosts, goblins and more! Have a creepy, crawly critter adventure at the Insect Zoo, teaming with more than a thousand multi-legged bugs.”

When:

Saturday, October 29, 2016 and Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Where:

San Francisco Zoo – Sloat Blvd. at the Great Highway, San Francisco, CA 94132

Cost:

All activities are free with paid admission to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens.

Halloween - SF Mad Dash

SF Mad Dash 5K Fun Run

What:

According to the race organizers:

“On 30th October 2016, we invite everyone to run, walk and party through Golden Gate Park at our 5th annual SF Mad Dash 5K Halloween Costume Run!

“All ages are welcome to join us to run, walk and party at SF Mad Dash with all registered runners receiving a race timed numbered bib and goody bag featuring an exclusive 24oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle with SF Mad Dash on the side.

“Whether you run in the 5K race or not, join us for the after-party at the Polo Field Stables. Enjoy some delicious food from a food truck, a refreshment from our bar and soak up some of post-race entertainment including festivities such as runner’s prizes, costume contest, raffle, music and fun kid activities for the little ones including a bounce house.”

When:

Sunday, October 30, 2016 at 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Where:

Golden Gate Park Polo Field – 1232 John F Kennedy Dr., San Francisco, CA 94121

Cost:

The entry fee is $40 for a single runner registration. All proceeds from this race benefit Sunset Cooperative Nursery School.

Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens

Halloween Hoopla

What:

As described on the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival website:

“Our 16th annual Halloween Hoopla features interactive performances and games for kids under 10 and their adults, and the return of the Yerba Buena Pumpkin Patch!

“The program culminates in the eagerly awaited Halloween Costume Parade, where everyone is welcome to show off their Halloween finery.”

When:

Where:

Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens – 799 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103

Cost:

Free!

 

Feature image credit