
What's on for families this Saturday and Sunday in the Mount Diablo area.
Updated August 24, 2026
This weekend: Aug 28–30 · Next weekend: Sep 4–6
This week's weather · It's a dry week ahead with no rain in sight — perfect for outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and a few last summer swims.
There's a lot happening around the Mount Diablo area this weekend, and the dry weather makes it a great time to get the family out and explore. Whether you're looking for something low-key or a full day out, you've got plenty of good options nearby.
This weekend is packed with something for everyone. Martinez is celebrating its 150th birthday with the Sesquicentennial Festival at the waterfront on Saturday — a rare, once-in-a-generation event worth making the trip for. If you'd rather start the morning slow, hit up the Walnut Creek Downtown Farmers Market on Sunday or the Danville Farmers' Market on Saturday for fresh finds with the kids in tow. Saturday Storytime at Danville Library is a sweet, low-key option for little ones, while the Summer Neon Scorpion Hikes at Lindsay Wildlife Experience offer something genuinely cool and different for curious kids. The Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park has public swim open both Saturday and Sunday if you want to squeeze in one last summer splash, and the Bay Area Craft Beer Festival in Martinez gives grown-ups something to look forward to while the family enjoys the waterfront scene.

Sesquicentennial Festival
OutdoorWalnut Creek Downtown Farmers Market
OutdoorDanville Farmers' Market
Saturday Storytime
Summer Neon Scorpion Hikes — Saturday, August 29

Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park - Public Swim – Late Summer (Saturday)

Bay Area Craft Beer Festival
Next weekend has some great options to look forward to. The Pleasant Hill Night Market on Friday evening is a fun way to kick off the Labor Day weekend with food, browsing, and a lively outdoor vibe. Saturday brings the Fall Neon Scorpion Hikes at Lindsay Wildlife Experience — a fantastic follow-up if you missed this week's — plus the Lego Builders Club at Pleasant Hill Library for kids who love to build. The Calligraphy Workshop at Martinez Library is a surprisingly fun hands-on activity for older kids and parents alike, and the Diablo Valley Farmers' Market at Shadelands is a reliable Saturday morning staple to round out the weekend.
Pleasant Hill Night Market
Fall Neon Scorpion Hikes — Saturday, September 5th
Lego Builders Club
Calligraphy Workshop
OutdoorDiablo Valley Farmers' Market at Shadelands
Summer Neon Scorpion Hikes — Sunday, August 30
The Library Wellness Team
Dungeons & Dragons®
Drop-In Tech Help (Concord)
Plot and Pot: A Bookish Succulent Workshop
Family Storytime

$3 Servicemen & Industry Tuesdays
The Library Wellness Team
ParksHap Magee Ranch Park
Hap Magee Ranch Park is a family favorite in Danville, featuring playgrounds for both younger and older kids, open grassy areas, picnic spots, walking trails, and a dog park. In the summer, children can cool off in the park’s popular splash pad and water play area, making it a perfect destination for warm-weather family outings.
Heather Farm Park
Heather Farm Park is a local favorite for families, with tons of space to play, explore, and unwind. There’s a great playground (including an all-abilities area), open fields, a pond, and easy trails for little legs. You’ll also find picnic spots, a dog park, and sports areas. It’s an easy go-to for a laid-back outing, whether you’re meeting friends or just getting the kids outside.
Larkey Park
A spacious 13-acre neighborhood park perfect for easy family outings. With separate playgrounds for ages 2–5 and 5–12, kids of all stages have space to play, while grown-ups can enjoy picnic areas, sports courts (tennis, basketball, volleyball), and peaceful trail connections. There’s a swim center, restrooms, and plenty of open space, plus dog-friendly paths (on leash). Whether you’re planning a picnic, playdate, or just some fresh air, it’s a solid go-to from dawn to dusk.
AttractionsLindsay Wildlife Experience
Kids can get up close to rescued native California animals through interactive exhibits and live animal encounters. The museum is especially great for younger children, with hands-on learning areas, outdoor play spaces, and easy walking paths that make it an engaging outing for the whole family.
ParksPlayground as The Orchards
Small but fun playground with multiple climbing options, suitable for toddlers or slightly older kids.
Pleasent Hill Library
Pleasant Hill Library is a great stop with kids. There’s a large, dedicated children’s area where little ones can spread out with books and activities, and a gated backyard space that’s perfect for a quick break to move around safely. Easy, low-key outing when you need something calm but engaging.
Pleasent Hill Park
An easy, reliable spot for a quick outing with kids. There’s a larger playground for older kids and a separate gated one for little ones, which is great when you don’t want to worry about them wandering off. Plenty of open grass for running around, plus good shade for warm days. It’s right next to the YMCA and the public swimming pool. Restrooms and parking are close by.
ParksPleasent Oaks Park
Pleasant Oaks Park is a family-friendly park in Pleasant Hill with a small playground that works well for both younger and older kids, plus plenty of open space to run around. The park is also popular for its multiple baseball and softball fields
Tilden Park Steam Train at the Redwood Valley Railway
All aboard for a classic East Bay adventure at the Redwood Valley Railway in Tilden Regional Park! Scenic ride through beautiful parkland that kids (and parents) love. Tickets are $4 each, or buy 5 tickets for $20. Tip: If you walk a bit further down into the valley past the main station, you’ll also find a small ride-on train that’s free to enjoy. It has shorter operating hours, so it’s worth checking early in your visit.
ParksWalden Park
Situated by the Iron Horse Trail, Walden Park is a small but popular neighborhood park in Walnut Creek with playgrounds for both younger and older kids, open grassy areas, basketball courts, picnic tables, and a unique disc golf course. Lots of shaded spots make it great for a casual afternoon outing or scooter ride.
Are there free options for kids this weekend?
Yes — Saturday Storytime at Danville Library, Paws to Read at Orinda Library, and most farmers markets are free to attend and fun for little ones.
Where can kids swim this weekend?
Pleasant Hill Aquatic Park has public swim sessions both Saturday and Sunday. Check their schedule for late summer hours before you head out.
Is the Martinez Sesquicentennial Festival family-friendly?
It's held at the Martinez Waterfront, which is a great open space for kids to roam. It's a big community celebration, so expect crowds and festive energy.
What's a good rainy-day backup if plans change?
Library events like Storytime, Paws to Read, and Chess Hour are all indoors and free — perfect if the weather surprises you.
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