It’s important for kids to have as many resources setting them up for success as possible during the crucial developmental years — and Marin has solutions. The 2024 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Play Marin (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Youth Services picks see below.
Our 2024 Philanthropy category sponsor is Skin Suite Marin. View the rest of the Philanthropy category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Play Marin
Marin City and Sausalito
Every child needs more in their day than just school, and Play Marin is here to provide all kinds of enrichment for kids of all ages. Be that through their impressive sports program that runs through all season, their vibrant summer camps, or their movie trips and craft events, Play Marin helps hundreds of kids explore their passions, build social skills, and simply play.
Central Marin
Esporterz Gaming and STEM Center
Larkspur
It’s sad but true that some gamer circles can easily become insular and toxic, but Esporterz is working against that, creating spaces and programs where kids can game with a healthy community of like-minded players. They also teach coding and various STEM classes, as well as provide a great space for birthday parties.
586 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.570.9991
Kids Cooking for Life
Larkspur
With home economics classes vanishing from most schools, it’s a challenge for kids to learn proper nutrition and food preparation. Fortunately, Kids Cooking for Life is here to fix that. Their well-trained staff will bustle into a classroom to walk students through how to cook healthy, delicious meals. They also offer virtual home lessons.
Side by Side
San Anselmo
Founded in 1895 in Marin County as an orphanage, Side By Side operates across the Bay Area as a support network for youth that have been impacted by trauma and adversity. All their services are tailored for what each young person needs, from mental health assistance to transitional housing.
300 Sunny Hills Dr, San Anselmo, 415.457.3200
Pacific Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Consortium
San Rafael
This international consortium is dedicated to researching and treating brain tumors in children, bringing new therapies to children of all ages and young adults. Patients and families are at the heart of what they do, resulting in clinical trials and therapies that are precisely designed for that individual patient.
1005 Northgate Dr #224, San Rafael
Best of the County Philanthropy Sponsor
Skin Suite Marin
Skin Suite Marin is the premier natural beauty and wellness destination in Southern Marin. Thena Holmen, RN has specialized in Aesthetic Nursing for over three decade and is known in the county for her emphasis on natural-looking beauty.
Skin Suite Marin offers the most advanced technology being the leading provider of the Fotona4D® non-invasive laser. Combined with the Hydrafacial, PRX Peel, fillers and Botox, Thena can help you achieve the best version of you with little discomfort and no down time.
What cause(s) have touched you?
When my eyes were opened to the reality of human trafficking, I felt an obligation to spread awareness and become involved to help every child to have hope and a future. I support an organization called Operation Rescue that fights against human exploitation and sex trafficking.
Why is philanthropy/humanitarianism important to you?
I believe beauty is more than skin deep.
Skin Suite Marin | Mill Valley | 415.881.6001 | skinsuitemarin.com
