Sonja Haller

The Republic | azcentral.com

September is the best of both worlds for families and kids.

Summer fun lingers with free outdoor movie showings on the big screen, but fall happenings begin to emerge, like the pirates art walk in downtown Mesa.

Here are our top 10 picks for free events this month.

Check out the full listing of September events for families and kids at azcentral.com/things-to-do/kids.

9/3: Free Mesa museum admissions

The Arizona Museum of Natural History and the i.d.e.a. Museum in Mesa are offering free admission. Explore dinosaurs or pan for gold at the natural history museum; explore your imagination through design, art and technology at the i.d.e.a. museum.

Details: Noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3. Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. MacDonald, Mesa; and i.d.e.a Museum, 150 W. Pepper Place, Mesa. Free. www.ideamuseum.org, arizonamuseumofnaturalhistory.org

9/8: Pirates Block Party

Mesa invites sea dogs and landlubbers to the second annual block party. Come dressed as your favorite buccaneer for this art walk in downtown Mesa. Highlights include live music; a best pirate costume and pirate-speak contest; and a walk-the-plank activity for kids with prizes pulled from the treasure chest. Booths, gallery openings and live entertainment acts will line the street.

Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8. Center and First streets, Mesa. Free. 2ndfridaynightout.com.

9/9: Teddy Bear storytime and craft

Kids ages 3-11 and their families are invited to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day at the library by participating in a Teddy Bear-themed storytime and craft project.

Details: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Glendale Public Library — Velma Teague Branch, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale. Free. 623-930-3437, glendaleaz.com/library.

9/9: Children’s Learning and Play Festival

This family-friendly event features children’s authors, music and live performances, bounce houses and rides, local vendors, and STEM activities.

Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. Free. westworldaz.com.

9/9: 'Moana'

Cox Communications and Johnny Rockets present a free showing of "Moana" under the stars in Scottsdale's OdySea courtyard. At 5 p.m., 90 minutes before the movie, kids are invited to meet and take pictures with Moana and see a Hawaiian dance performance. In addition, families can learn to make a lei.

Details: 5-8 p.m. (movie begins at 6:30 p.m.) Saturday, Sept. 9. OdySea in the Desert Entertainment Courtyard, 9500 E. Via de Ventura, Scottsdale. Free. 480-291-8000. odyseaaquarium.com.

9/9: 'Breaking Legs'

A screening of "Breaking Legs" will be shown on an inflatable screen at Promenade Scottsdale. Admission to the teen dance comedy starring Liv Southard is one canned food item per person; a raffle ticket is given with each donation, which benefits the Harvest Compassion Center.

Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9. Scottsdale Promenade, 16245 N. Scottsdale Road. Free. ScottsdalePromenade.com.

9/16: Kids Day Maricopa

The 10th annual event will feature guest appearances by Maricopa Mayor Christian Price, Smokey Bear, McGruff the Crime Dog and many others. The Maricopa Police and Fire Department will be on hand to provide crime prevention and fire safety tips.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Maricopa Wells Middle School, 45725 W. Honeycutt Ave. Free. 520-568-7100, maricopausd.org/MWMS.

9/16: Litchfield Park Oktoberfest

Wigwam chefs will serve German entrees, a band will perform polka music, and German and domestic beers will be available for purchase in celebration of Oktoberfest. There will be a play area for children and family activities. Kids and adults are encouraged to wear German clothing to win prizes. Proceeds benefit the Litchfield Park Recreation Department.

Details: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. The Wigwam, 300 Wigwam Lane, Litchfield Park. $10 ages 13 and older. Free. 623-935-9040, litchfield-park.org.

9/17: 'Find Your Nose' Book Party

Valley author Rodo Sofranac and illustrators Mark Wilson and Kent Looft introduce "Find Your Nose." Storytime, snacks and arts and crafts round out this event that benefits Arizona Humanities.

Details: 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Arizona Humanities, 1242 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. Free. RSVP at findyournose.eventbrite.com. 602-257-0335, azhumanities.org.

9/23: Museum Day Live!

Several Phoenix-area museums are taking part of in a day of free admissions, including the Arizona Museum of Natural History, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Desert Botanical Garden and Arizona Capitol Museum. The annual promotion is sponsored by Smithsonian magazine and requires online registration.

Details: Saturday, Sept. 23. Free. Register at smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

Ongoing: Momma's Organic Market

Do you need healthy, local and fresh food? Momma's Organic Market is open every Saturday and features fun activities for kids. Located on the north side of Park West near Harkins Theaters.

Details: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Park West, 9744 W. Northern Ave., Peoria. Free. 623-877-9771, shopparkwest.com.

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Contributing: Alison Stanton.