Did you know the Chase Center in San Francisco offers free events for kids? My littles’ favorite weekly Chase Center event is the Little Bears Music Class. This summer, the Chase Center will host this free kids’ music class every Friday morning at Thrive City Plaza.
The class is designed for children ages 4 months to 5 years to foster early childhood development through music, movement, and community. There are few simple pleasures better during the trenches of early motherhood than jamming out to music with your baby or toddler.
The Little Bears Music Class is a great way to turn off your mom brain and enjoy the moment singing and dancing with your kids.
I’m also starting a new series this summer called the Friday Freebie Field Guide. Every Friday, I’ll share one handpicked free activity we love in the Bay Area (and beyond).
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This week kicks off the series with a look at the Little Bears Music Class at the Chase Center. Next Friday, I’ll share our favorite things to do with kids at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades. To learn more about what to expect from the series, scroll to the bottom of this post.
Little Bears Music Class Event Overview
- Schedule: Every Friday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Dates: The current session runs through August 29, 2025
- Location: Chase Center – Thrive City Esplanade, at the corner of Warriors Way and Terry A Francois Blvd
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Registration: RSVPs are recommended via Eventbrite to ensure a spot, though walk-ups are welcome if space permits
What to Expect at the Music Class
- Live Music: The instructor sings and plays guitar live, so every class is interactive and a little different each time.
- Musical Activities: Children sing, dance, and play with instruments like egg shakers and rhythm sticks.
- Song Selection: Each class begins with a warm-up and transitions into nursery rhymes and other popular songs. Every class I’ve attended has included at least one Spanish nursery rhyme and a pop song—think “Hey Jude” or “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” (not Sabrina Carpenter or Kendrick Lamar).
- Interactive Environment: This is not a passive class—joining in is part of the fun! Kids and parents are encouraged to sing, move, and dance along, creating meaningful parent-child bonding through music and play.
- Conversations About Sharing: The spring music class was extremely popular and often has more kids than instruments. Not everyone always gets rhythm sticks, shaker eggs, or scarves. I’ve found this to be a great opportunity to talk about sharing and being flexible. Some parents bring their own instruments—just be sure to label them.
This post contains affiliate links, these are items I have enjoyed myself or would purchase for this event. If you make a purchase I might receive a small commission
Tips for Attending
- Arrive Early: To grab a good spot and settle in before the music starts.
- What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a blanket or mat for seating. My boys struggle with physical boundaries in crowded settings, so we bring a picnic blanket to help corral their dance moves.
- Weather Considerations: Mission Bay tends to be sunny but breezy—layers are key. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are all good ideas.
- Parking: Paid parking is available at the Mercedes-Benz Garage. Metered street parking is also available nearby.
- Public Transportation: The Muni T Line and Caltrain both have stops within walking distance. Check routes in advance, especially if you’re coming with a stroller.
Additional Free Chase Center Events
Thrive City hosts a wide variety of free events throughout the year—think fitness classes, movie nights, concerts, and more.
For a full schedule of upcoming events, visit the Chase Center website.
Make Your Friday Morning Sing
Whether you’re a local parent looking for a fun Friday morning outing or visiting San Francisco with little ones in tow, the Little Bears Music Class at Thrive City is a must. It’s one of those rare family events that checks all the boxes—free, outdoors, joyful, and genuinely engaging for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers alike.
You’ll see babies bouncing to the beat, toddlers twirling with glee, and caregivers soaking in the music and sunshine. Best of all? It’s completely free.
We’ve loved making this class part of our weekly rhythm. It’s been such a sweet way to start the weekend, to watch our kids build confidence and coordination, and to just be present with them—singing, dancing, and laughing together.
If you plan on spending the morning in Mission Bay, check out our favorite things to do with kids in Mission Bay. Enjoy the art, playgrounds, and views Mission Bay has to offer with your kids.
If you end up going, I’d love to hear how it went! Did your little one have a favorite song? Drop it in the comments—I always love swapping notes on which tunes get the biggest smiles.
Free Friday: Freebie Field Guide Series
Thanks for joining me for the first edition of Friday Freebie Field Guide—my weekly spotlight on a free outing that brought our family joy. I’m not here to catalog every free event in the Bay Area. Instead, I’ll be sharing the gems that genuinely delighted my kids—one handpicked activity at a time.
Whether it’s a local library story time, a hike worth the drive, or a free kids’ concert like this one, I hope these ideas help you fill your days with wonder (without emptying your wallet).
Because some of the best memories we’ve made on a budget—and I’m excited to help you find a few of your own.
Next week, I’ll be sharing our favorite things to do with kids at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.
Until then, happy exploring!
Seven Founding Hills 
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