Family Programs

Headlands Institute's Family Programs are designed to help your family connect with your local national park, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Enjoy your park in all seasons while you learn more about nature and get ideas about how your family can help care for the environment.

Coastal Camp Open House Events

Saturdays, Feb. 27 & Mar. 27, 1-4pm
Spring & Summer Camp are just around the corner. Join us at the Headlands Institute campus for an opportunity to meet our camp staff, participate in a family hike, meet our tidepool creatures in our Marine Lab, and find out more about our fabulous day camp programs.

FREE, drop-in program
 

Earth Day Celebration

Sunday, April 18, 11am-4pm
Join us to learn new ways that you and your family can be environmental stewards!
  • Enjoy naturalist-led hikes across the coastal hills.
  • Take part in stewardship projects to support the park’s natural environment.
  • Create your own Earth Day-inspired arts and crafts.
  • A healthy snack will be provided. Please bring your own water bottles.
FREE, drop-in program
 

Pinnipeds at Point Bonita (Full)

Saturday, March 13, 1-4:30pm
 It’s pinniped pupping season in the Headlands! Grab the family and your binoculars and join us on a 4 mile roundtrip hike in search of Harbor Seals at Point Bonita. We’ll conclude our day with a visit to The Marine Mammal Center where pinniped patients are nursed back to health and released into the ocean.
 
* This is a moderate hike along unpaved trails. Carriers are recommended for children under 5 years. No strollers. Sorry, no dogs on this hike.
Registration Closed
 

Headlands in Bloom

Saturday, May 1, 1-4pm
Spring has sprung with thousands of native plants and flowers hugging the hills. We’ll head into the hills to identify blooms, practice field sketching techniques, and learn about popular pollinators. Then we’ll stop by the Headlands Native Plant Nursery for a stewardship and seed planting project.
 
* Baby carriers are suggested for children 5 or under.
$7 per person (children under 4, free)
 

Birthday Celebrations at Headlands Institute

Let your child’s quest for adventure and love of nature be the inspiration for their next birthday celebration!  Headlands Institute is the perfect place to host the party of your dreams.
  • Spend a full or half-day with friends and family!
  • Hike into the hills of the Marin Headlands
  • Discover tidepool creatures at Rodeo Beach.
  • Explore our hands-on Marine Lab or visit the Skins & Skulls Room.
Our Field Science Educators are excited to create and lead a unique birthday adventure tailored to your child’s interests. Parties integrate games, discovery, and outdoor fun into every celebration!
 
For more information email familyprograms@naturebridge.org or call (415) 331-1548.