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Kiddie Koncierge: August Update
What is Kiddie Koncierge?
Kiddie Koncierge is the SF Bay
Area's premier resource for fun,
interesting, unique, and
creative kids activities.
We provide recommendations,
reviews, and resources on all
sorts of fun things to do in San
Francisco, Berkeley/Oakland,
San Jose, Marin, and beyond!
Kiddie Koncierge is the SF Bay
Area's premier resource for fun,
interesting, unique, and
creative kids activities.
We provide recommendations,
reviews, and resources on all
sorts of fun things to do in San
Francisco, Berkeley/Oakland,
San Jose, Marin, and beyond!
Welcome to Another Kiddie
Koncierge August Update!
Can you believe that the summer is just a few weeks from over?
Seems like it just began. The County Fairs are still going strong
through August. Check out the County Fair Page for details. If your
kids like animals, this is a great way to get up front and personal
with the domesticated ones. Finally, visit the Summer Movies
Page to find movies in the Park near you!
Make sure to check out our Facebook page. If you like us, be our
fan! Share us! Pass us around!
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages, especially our
Summer Resources Page for a ton of great ideas. Here are some
highlights:
Activities at a Glance
Through Sept 27th
Through November 1st
Year Round
Through August 29th
Through Thanksgiving
Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
Friday, August 7th and 14th
August 8th-17th
August 12th-16th, Oracle Arena, Oakland
August 19th-23rd, HP Pavilion, San Jose
Saturday-Sunday, August 15th-16th
August 15th-23rd
Sunday, August 16th
Through August 20th
Saturday, August 22nd
Saturday and Sunday, August 22nd and 23rd
Saturday & Sunday, August 29th-30th
Free 1st Tuesday, September 1st
Free 1st Wednesday, September 2nd
Wednesday, September 2nd
Friday, September 4th
Free 1st Thursday, September 3rd
Labor Day Weekend, September3rd-8th
September 5-7 LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Sunday, September 6th
Free 1st Sunday, September 7th
Free 2nd Sunday, September 14th
Free 3rd Wednesday, September 16th
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout
the summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of
which will sell out.
The Detes
Year-Round
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (specific farms have different
hours) Pick-Your Own Produce, Brentwood, FREE
(picking is free, but you have to pay for the fruit)
Brentwood has a wonderful activity for the entire family. You grab a
basket and head out into the orchards to pick the freshest fruit
available. Once you have picked your fill, get it weighed and pay
the best price you'll find anywhere for the freshest fruit. Make sure
to check the list of growers for what they offer and make sure that
they have U-Pick available.
Canciamilla Ranch on 401 Eureka Ave (925) 634-5123
These guys offer terrific peaches, nectarines, and plums in a
number of different varieties. This ranch has been featured on the
news as a great place to go.
Visit http://harvest4you.com/ for a list of farms by type of produce,
a map of the area, and a farm locater. Of course, you should
probably check to make sure that the fruit is at its peak before you
head out.
27Saturdays and Sundays through Sept 27
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Train Rides, California State
Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento, $8 adults,
$3 kids 6-17, kids under 3 FREE
Every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells,
and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage
passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of
the Sacramento River on the California State Railroad Museum's
Sacramento Southern Railroad. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-
minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. Of course, the real reason to come
up is to check out the California State Railroad Museum which is
an amazing trip through our State’s history as told through its
railways. Full-sized equipment is cool for all ages and for non-
fanatics. Directions and visiting information at http://www.csrmf.
org/doc.asp?id=286
1Saturdays and Sundays through November 1st
Kids Ride Free on Weekends, Capitol Corridor, up to 2
Kids 2-15 FREE with a paying adult ($6-$35 each way)
Every weekend through November 1st, you can take one of the less
stressful and more comfortable ways to Sacramento with two of
your kids and their bikes for FREE. Well, the kids ride free, you, the
accompanying adult pay. That's not a bad deal. One cool trip that
we have done is to take the train from Oakland to Sacramento. Old
Town Sacramento is a 100 yard walk from the Station. With the
best railway museum in the country (the California State Railroad
Museum), a number of great restaurants along the river, some fun
bike riding, and the many attractions of Old Town, it is not a bad
way to spend the day and you can ALL sleep on the way home! For
more details and tickets, visit http://kidsridefree.org/index.php
21-23Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
2:00 p.m., Stern Grove Festival, 19th Ave. and Sloat,
San Francisco, FREE
Famous for beautiful surroundings, world class music, world class
crowds and parking issues, and chilly, sometimes foggy weather,
the Stern Grove Festival CAN be a great experience if you plan
carefully. A few recommendations:
this year starting with Roberta Flack TODAY!
28Through August 28th
11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays,
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens
between 3rd and 4th, between Mission and Howard,
FREE
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents music, theater,
dance, cultural events, educational and children’s programs,
reflecting the rich cultures and creativity of the region.
- Saturday, August 15th the Unique Derique
- Friday, August 21st, Chelle! and Friends
- Saturday, August 22nd, and Friday, August 28th Caterpillar
Puppets
- Saturday, August 29th, Balamcoatl
For details and directions, visit http://www.ybgf.org/
2Through October 2nd
Evenings 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Live Music in
Redwood City, Multiple Locations, Redwood City,
FREE
There is live music all over the place in Redwood City:
Every Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Main Street and
Broadway through August 10th
Every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. during the
summer at Stafford Park through August 12),
Every Thursday Night at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Marlin Park
(corner of Neptune and Cringle) through August 6th
Every Friday night at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Courthouse Square in
Downtown Redwood City (through October 2).
For a schedule, check out http://www.redwoodcity.
org/events/music.htm
26Through Thanksgiving
Until 8:45 p.m. Friday Nights at the deYoung, deYoung
Musuem, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, $10
adults, $6 kids 13-17, kids under 12 FREE
Every Friday in July, the museum stays open until 8:45 p.m. with
music, food, crafts activities for kids and their parents, dance and
more. For more details, visit http://www.famsf.
org/deyoung/calendar/day.asp?categoryid=32
7-14Friday, August 7th and 14th
6:30 p.m., Children's Theatre in the Park, Venues
Differ, FREE
These are fun shows by children for children under the evening
skies (although it will still be light at 6:30). The shows are fun,
light, and, of course, child-friendly. Bring a chair and enjoy the
shows! The Schedule and venues are below. Click on the links for
directions.
7-16August 7th-16th
8:00p.m., Woodminster Summer Musicals Presents
“Singing in the Rain”, Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland,
Adults $23-40, Kids under 16 FREE
The stage musical based on the 1952 MGM film of the same
name. Often called the greatest movie musical, "Singin' in the
Rain" was adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and
Adolph Green from their own original award-winning screenplay.
Hilarious comedy and great songs like "Good Morning," "Make 'Em
Laugh," and "Broadway Melody" have come straight from screen to
stage. A cast of over 40 tap-dances up a storm. Performed under
the stars in historic Woodminster Amphitheater in beautiful
Joaquin Miller Park. Our “Kids Come Free” program provides free
tickets for children attending with paying adults. Please note that
the free tickets are available on the night of the perfomance after 5:
30. Come early and enjoy a picnic in the park before the show!
For tickets, visit http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/EventListings.
action?orgId=81362. For directions, visit http://www.woodminster.
com/Webpages/GettingHere/Directions.html Note: parking on the
street is free, but be prepared for a walk. If you want to be closer,
the cost is $4. This show is also outdoors, so plan accordingly.
August 12th-16th, Oracle Arena, Oakland
August 19th-23rd, HP Pavilion, San Jose
7:30 p.m. with 11:00 a.m. matinees on wekends,
Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Admission
$15 - $65
The greatest show on earth returns to the Bay Area. The nice thing
is that the Ringling Bros. folks have a new show each year and
they price the shows for maximum accessibility. Make sure to
arrive about an hour early for two reasons: 1) you can visit the
animals and talk to the trainers out in the parking lot 90 minutes
before show time and 2) you can participate AT RINGSIDE in the
preshow. The preshow is particularly fun as the kids can go down
to the show floor, meet the performers, see them practice before
the show, try on costumes, and maybe even be chosen as a
volunteer.
A few things to keep in mind: $15 tickets, though available are
REALLY high up and it is not a very intimate experience. Some
people do not like the way circus animals are treated. So, if either
of these are issues for you, check out Circus Vargas.
For tickets and show times, visit http://www.ticketmaster.
com/promo/szo6tq. For details on the program, visit http://www.
ringling.com/TopLanding.aspx?id=15322
15-23Sat.-Sun, August 15th-23rd
12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Peninsula Festival, San Mateo
County Event Center, San Mateo, $5-$10
The theme is green but not all the entertainment, music, food, and
exhibits will pound you over the head with it. A few highlights:
fireworks on the 15th, Monday, August 17th is FREE for kids under
12, rides, and much more! For details, visit http://www.
sanmateocountyfair.com/
15-16Sat.-Sun, August 15th-16th
FEE-FREE WEEKENDS, National Parks Nationwide,
FREE
In an effort to help out cash-strapped Americans and vendors
suffering from flagging attendance at national parks nationwide,
the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for over 100
parks nationwide including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lassen. A
complete list is here: http://www.nps.
gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm.
Of course, bear in mind that these parks will likely be crowded for
these free weekends, so plan accordingly. Still, it is a great
gesture. For more details and other FEE-FREE dates, visit http:
//www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. Make sure to check
out the special offers at the bottom of the page.
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fiesta de Artes, Los Gatos Civic
Center, Los Gatos, FREE
The Fiesta de Artes is the only festival in beautiful downtown Los
Gatos. Browse and shop at the best fine arts and crafts booths,
while enjoying live music and entertainment all day, both days. The
kiddies will also have their share of fun, as there will be plenty of
activities in the children's area. Make sure to come with an appetite
because there will be tons of tasty food from over 20 local
restaurants, and plenty of wine and microbrews to wash it down
with. For details, visit http://www.lgfiesta.org/
12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m., Art and Soul Festival, Between
14th and 16th Streets, Between Broadway and San
Pablo, Downtown Oakland, $10 adults, kids 12 and
under FREE
Four stages of top notch music, food, art, and more crossing a
wide range of genres. There will be a kids area with art projects,
rides, bouncers, art work, fire engines, and much more. This is a
great community event for the whole family. Parking could be
challenging, so pay attention to the directions on the website. http:
//www.artandsouloakland.com/index.htm
10:00 a.m., - 6:00 p.m., Gravenstein Apple Fair, Ragle
Ranch Park, Sebastopol, Adults $10, Kids 6-12 $5,
Kids under 6 FREE
This local fair showcases the best in arts, crafts, food, wines and
brews, games, entertainment and farm life activities. Brimming
with tradition, visitors come every year to experience the unique
flavor of an old-time country get-together and to celebrate the
Gravenstein apple. There will be a train through the hills, kids
crafts, and live farm animals. Yeah, fall is here and this is the kick
off. For details, visit http://www.gravensteinapplefair.
com/gaf_about.html
16Sunday, August 16th
12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., Open Cockpit Days, Oakland
Aerospace Museum, 8252 Earhart Road, Bldg. 621,
Oakland, FREE for kids ($5 for the adults)
The Oakland Aerospace Museum (formerly the Western Aerospace
Museum) is a little-known gem hidden away in a hanger North of
Oakland Airport, almost to Alameda. Besides tons of displays of
military and civilian aircraft and their role in the history of the Bay
Area, there are some rather cool historical aircraft outside to check
out. And on a few days a year, you or your child can hop inside a
few of them and take all sorts of pictures! You can even check out
the Flying Boat featured in Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indy heads
off Nepal to find Miriam. For directions, visit http://www.
oaklandaviationmuseum.org/Directions.htm
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Target Family Days: Hawaiian
Theme, Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway,
Redwood City, FREE
Once again, the generous folks at Target are sponsoring a series
of themed family events in Redwood City. The three cultural
themes this year include East Indian-Bollywood, Hawaiian and
Latin Each event includes music, children’s performers, hands-on
activities for kids and more. There will be something for everyone,
as Courthouse Square becomes the center of a magical
assortment of family entertainment. Plus, the street will be closed
to through traffic, making a family outing in Downtown a safe and
gratifying experience.
This week, we are off to the islands for a Hawaiian Theme
featuring:
* Hawaiian Halau & Hula Dance Instruction
* Kapakakiko Hawaiian Band
* Lei Making
* Hawaiian Shave Ice
* Soccer Collies
* Bay Area Dance & Gymnastic demonstrations and gift certificate
giveaways
There will also be the usual raft of great Cultural Food, Street
Artists, Food Demonstrations, Face Painting, Hands-on Art
Projects, Art Stations with FREE projects, flowers & baked goods
for sale, bounce houses & more! For more details on the
entertainment, visit http://www.redwoodcity.
org/events/targetfamilydays.htm
The next event will be Sunday, September 13th.
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Day, SFMOMA: The Family
Studio: Robert Frank: Road Trip, SF MOMA, 151 Third
Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This week, in his famous series The Americans, Robert Frank
photographed the United States while traveling around by car. If
you were going on a road trip, what places would you visit? Join us
to create your very own travel journal — one that will help you keep
track of where you're going and where you've been. Don't miss a
reading of Road Trip, written by Roger Eschbacher and illustrated
by Thor Wickstrom.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
20Through August 20th
Mon-Thurs, noon and 3:00 p.m., Sundays at noon and
6:00 p.m., Cirque Magnifique, Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, FREE
Come down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of
sunshine, rides, games, and circus and it is a whole lot cheaper
than Cirque du Soleil. If you are really brave, you could try to tie in a
train ride from the Roaring Camp Railway www.roaringcamp.com
This FREE high-intensity acrobatic spectacular features a group of
World-class French-Canadian performers who will grace the
Boardwalk's beach bandstand with spinning German Wheels,
cycle stunts, high-energy trampoline, gravity-defying balance,
amazing acrobatic feats, colorful clowns, and more.
For details and directions, visit http://beachboardwalk.
com/01_events.html
22Saturday, August 22nd
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events Presents Puppet Shows with Michele
Menard, 766 Valencia Street, San Francisco, (415)
252-9990, FREE
There is a place in Paris which started out as a taxidermy shop
and has become so much more. It is a natural curiosities shop
which, in addition to taxidermy, also carries lots of nifty natural
history art work and gardening tools. If you are there, check out
Deyrolle. If Paris is not in your plans, Paxton Gate should be on
your list. In addition to truly inspired toys and kits for kids that
revolve around a natural history theme, they have vintage toys and
all sorts of cool surprises. For several weeks, Paxton Gate will be
hosting some cool FREE events at their mission kid's boutique.
This week local artist and teacher Michele Menard shares a puppet
show and then gives a demonstration on how to throw your own.
http://www.paxtongate.com/kids.aspx
Upcoming events include
Keep an eye on this space for more events coming in September
and the Fall.
22-23Sat. & Sun., August 22nd-23rd
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.
m. - 6:00 p.m. Tiburon Art Festival, Downtown
Tiburon, Adults $5, Kids 12 and under FREE
Live music, art, children's activities, galleries, boutiques, shops,
spectacular views and great restaurants. The Art Festival takes
place in Historic Ark Row, in Downtown Tiburon. http://www.
tiburon-artfestival.com/
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Palo Alto Festival of the Arts,
University Avenue, Palo Alto, FREE
From sidewalk chalk artists to a kid's art studio and lots of arts,
crafts, music, and food in between. University Avenue is a great
walk even when there is nothing else going on. This event as it
enters its third decade is a wonderful family event. For details, visit
http://www.mlaproductions.com/PaloAlto/index.html
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Newark Summer Fest, Newpark
Mall, Newark, FREE
SummerFest's main theme is Microbrews and Music. This FREE
festival will also include a motorcycle show, a car show, arts and
craft vendors, food vendors and local commercial vendors along
with a kids park. There will be something for everyone!
There will be free live music both days. The outdoor main stage
will feature Ron Thompson and the Resistors, California Dreamin’
and many other great talents. For details, visit http://www.
newarksummerfest.com/pages/features.html
29-30Sat & Sun, August 29th-30th
10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. 14th Annual Bodega
Bay Seafood Art & Wine Festival, Watts Ranch, 16855
Bodega Highway, Bodega Bay, $12 Adults, $10 Seniors
over 60, $8 Youth 12-16, Children under 12 FREE
This fun festival showcases the best of California’s wineries,
breweries, artists, and craftspeople. The event also features
outstanding regional musicians, a delicious selection of seafood,
a kid's FunZone, environmental exhibits and more! Admission: No
dogs allowed. Free parking. http://www.winecountryfestivals.
com/
2Wednesday, September 2nd
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (members only 5:00 - 6:00) Tree
Frog Treks Frog Fest: Back to School Frog Sock Hop,
Frog Hall: 2114 Hayes St., San Francisco (next door to
Tree Frog Treks), FREE
Please Tree Frog Treks in celebrating the new school year at their
"Back to School Frog Sock Hop." Wear silly socks and meet and
greet your favorite rescued reptiles and amphibians. Mr. Science
will be blasting off "Hopper Popper Frog Rockets."
Wine, cheese, popcorn, and ice cream "snake" sundaes will be
served to F.R.O.G. Family Members from 5:00-6:00pm. Then the
will open the doors to the public from 6:00-8:00pm. For details on
Tree Frog Treks, visit http://www.treefrogtreks.
com/programs/events.htm
5-7 September 5-7
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood
Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 796-0199
The annual Rail Fair returns to the farm over Labor Day weekend.
The centerpiece of this year's event will be the 1891 Baldwin steam
locomotive, “Deanna." Enjoy train rides, handcar rides, displays of
garden railroads, rail yard equipment displays, food, the children's
hobo game, music and of course, all the other great activities that
Ardenwood has to offer like a farm yard, farm equipment,
blacksmithing, and much more. For info call (866) 417-7277. For
information on Ardenwood, directions, etc. visit http://www.
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#activities
Paul Bunyan Days, Fort Bragg, Mendocino County,
FREE
All Labor Day weekend, the Mendocino Town of Fort Bragg will
celebrate its rich logging history with logging demonstrations,
crafts, parades, fire department water fights (this should be fun -
we can only imagine), tricycle race, and a lot more. You can check
out their minimally helpful website for more information: http:
//www.paulbunyandays.com/
3-8Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd-8th
8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3rd through
5:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8th, Oakland Bay
Bridge Closed all Labor Day Weekend
Yeah, I know, we have already ended the summer with Labor Day
activities and the summer hasn't even started. BUT, we figure that
getting the word out early never hurts. So, like the past few years
before us, they will be shutting down the Bay Bridge to hack out a
chunk of the Bridge and slide that new piece that they have been
building for the past few months in its place. The attached .pdf file
should give you (and your kids an idea of what they are doing. It is
pretty cool. http://baybridgeinfo.
org/sites/default/files/pdfs/general_info_factsheet.pdf
4Friday, September 4th
6:30p.m. “American Idiot": a Green Day Musical,
Berkeley Repertory Theater Target Teen Night Out,
2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, $10
Note: this is NOT a Green Day concert. This is a play based on
their "American Idiot" album and their music will be featured. For
Kids grades 9-12, the Target Teen Night at the Berkeley Rep is a
wonderful treasure for High School Kids with any sort of interest in
theater –either as an audience member or as a participant. This
month’s event is the world premiere of the play based on the
Green Day album, "American Idiot".
Green Day won two Grammys for its multi-platinum album
American Idiot, which sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.
Now those searing songs seize the stage with the director behind
Spring Awakening, the groundbreaking musical that earned eight
Tony Awards and enthralled audiences from coast to coast.
American Idiot follows working class characters from the suburbs
to the city to the Middle East, as they seek redemption in a world
filled with frustration. This high-octane show features every track
from the album, plus several new tunes from Green Day’s newest
release, 21st Century Breakdown. With an on-stage band and a
cast of 19, American Idiot will take you on an exhilarating journey
borne along by Green Day’s electrifying songs.
RSVPs Required teencouncil@berkeleyrep.org More info on this
event and other Teen Council events can be found here: http:
//www.berkeleyrep.org/school/teencouncil_teennight.aspor call
510.647.2974
6Sunday, September 6th
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Day, SFMOMA: The Family
Studio: Diego Rivera: Al Mercado, SF MOMA, 151
Third Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This week, what kinds of things would you see if you were going to
a Mexican market? Perhaps you'd find beautiful blossoms, like the
ones pictured in Diego Rivera's painting The Flower Carrier. At this
Family Studio, youll take a trip to our Family Mercado and create a
variety of your own Mexican marketplace items. Enjoy a 2:00 p.m.
reading of My Papa Diego and Me/Mi papá Diego y yo, by Rivera's
daughter, Guadalupe Rivera Marín. Marín will be on hand for the
reading at the September 20 Family Studio.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
Repeats September 20th
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Ocean Beach
on the Great Highway between Golden Gate Park and
the Zoo, San Francisco, FREE
As part of Mayor Newsom's efforts to get people out of their homes
and out of their cars and into the fresh air, streets along the freshly
plowed Ocean Beach will be closed for a day of fun, entertainment,
and family activities including biking, roller skating, lots of dance,
face painting, slides, games, classes, music and more. For a
map and complete details, visit http://sundaystreetssf.com/?
page_id=476
Things to think ahead
about:
The following events sell out almost instantaneously because they
are wildly popular, so if you are interested, you might wish to book
now before the opportunity passes you by.
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout the
summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of which
will sell out.
Starlight Evenings
August 22 & 29
Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a
two-hour round-trip railway excursion from the boardwalk in Santa
Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring
Camp at 1-831-335-4484.
Great Train Robberies
September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from
the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate
why the West was wild.
You must have reservations and tickets sell out FAST. So, how do
you get them? Call Ticketweb at (866) 468-3399 or go online at
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?
region=sfbay&query=schedule&venue=roaringcamprr1
Directions to Roaring Camp are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/maps.html If you miss this one and your family might be
anywhere near one of these places, you can look up any one of a
bunch of “Days Out with Thomas” all over North America. http:
//www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html
All Summer Long
REI’s Kids Passport to Adventure Program, FREE
Want to motivate your kid to get outdoors and connect to nature?
REI has a great program for kids 5-12 where they do a series of
activities outdoors and, upon completing the activity, they send in a
postcard from their Adventure Journal (FREE at your local REI).
When they finish at least one task, they will get a certificate and a
special prize as well as be entered into a sweepstakes for a cool
grand prize. Drop by any REI and pick up your FREE Adventure
Journal.
That's it for now!
Koncierge August Update!
Can you believe that the summer is just a few weeks from over?
Seems like it just began. The County Fairs are still going strong
through August. Check out the County Fair Page for details. If your
kids like animals, this is a great way to get up front and personal
with the domesticated ones. Finally, visit the Summer Movies
Page to find movies in the Park near you!
Make sure to check out our Facebook page. If you like us, be our
fan! Share us! Pass us around!
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages, especially our
Summer Resources Page for a ton of great ideas. Here are some
highlights:
- Current Activities - Everything coming up for you and your
family! - Free Music and Theater Guide NEW - It is summer and
cities all over the Bay Area have free concerts and theater.
These are great ways to enjoy the warm summer nights. - Performing Arts Schedule Our favorite venues have
updated their 2009-2010 schedules. Make sure to check
out the shows coming up. As usual, stay tuned as we will
be offering free tickets again to our subscribers! Don't miss
out! - Museums and Other Attractions The Bay Area is rich with
treasures and cool fun things to do! Our lists are broken
down by region! - Check out the NEW Travel Koncierge Travel Ideas page for
tips on how to better enjoy your vacations with your family! - We just added the Kiddie Koncierge Santa Barbara guide
for your Spring Break planning enjoyment! - We have also added a Family Hiking Page for ideas on
getting those young 'uns out in the fresh air.
Activities at a Glance
Through Sept 27th
- 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening Weekend for Train
Operations, California State Railroad Museum, Old Town
Sacramento, Admission
Through November 1st
- Kids Ride Free on the Capitol Corridor Train, San Jose to
Auburn and Stops in Between, FREE
Year Round
- Pick Your Own Produce, Brentwood
Through August 29th
- 11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, Yerba
Buena Gardens Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens between
3rd and 4th, between Mission and Howard, San
Francisco, FREE
Through Thanksgiving
- Until 8:45, Friday Nights at the deYoung, deYoung
Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
- 2:00 p.m., Stern Grove Festival, 19th Ave. and Sloat, San
Francisco, FREE
Friday, August 7th and 14th
- 6:30 p.m., Children's Theatre in the Park, Venues Differ,
FREE
- Charlottes Web, Aug 14th, Mountainview Center
for the Performing Arts - Stories Under the Big Top, Aug 14, Wildwood Park,
Saratoga
August 8th-17th
- 8:00p.m., Woodminster Summer Musicals Presents
“Singing in the Rain”, Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland,
Adults $23-40, Kids under 16 FREE
August 12th-16th, Oracle Arena, Oakland
August 19th-23rd, HP Pavilion, San Jose
- 7:30 p.m. (11:00 a.m. matinees on weekends) Ringling
Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Admission $15 - $65
Saturday-Sunday, August 15th-16th
- Fee Free Weekends in Your National Parks, Over 100
National Parks Nationwide, FREE - 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fiesta de Artes, Los Gatos Civic
Center, Los Gatos, FREE - 12 noon - 6:00 p.m., Art and Soul Festival, Between 14th
and 16th Streets, Between Broadway and San Pablo,
Downtown Oakland, Admission - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Gravenstein Apple Fair, Ragle
Ranch Park, Sebastopol, Admission
August 15th-23rd
- 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Peninsula Festival, San Mateo
County Event Center, San Mateo, $5-$10 (FREE for kids
under 12 on Monday, August 17th)
Sunday, August 16th
- 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., Open Cockpit Days, Oakland
Aerospace Museum, 8252 Earhart Road, Bldg. 621,
Oakland, FREE for kids ($5 for the adults) - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. SF MOMA Family Studio: Road Trip,
SF MOMA, 151 Third St, San Francisco, FREE
Through August 20th
- Mon-Thurs, noon and 3:00 p.m., Sundays at noon and 6:00
p.m., Cirque Magnifique, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,
Santa Cruz, FREE
Saturday, August 22nd
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities Saturday
Kids Events: Puppet Show with Michele Menard, 766
Valencia Between 18th and 19th, San Francisco, FREE
Saturday and Sunday, August 22nd and 23rd
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Palo Alto Festival of the Arts,
University Avenue, Palo Alto, FREE - Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. -
6:00 p.m. Tiburon Art Festival, Downtown Tiburon, Adults
$5, Kids 12 and under FREE - 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Newark Summer Fest, Newpark
Mall, Newark, FREE
Saturday & Sunday, August 29th-30th
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday. 14th Annual Bodega Bay Seafood Art & Wine
Festival, Watts Ranch, 16855 Bodega Highway, Bodega
Bay
Free 1st Tuesday, September 1st
- Cartoon Art Museum www.cartoonart.org
- De Young www.famsf.org
- Legion of Honor www.famsf.org
- SF MOMA www.sfmoma.org
- Yerba Buena Center for the Arts www.ybca.org
- Conservatory of Flowers, www.conservatoryofflowers.org
Free 1st Wednesday, September 2nd
- Exploratorium www.exploratorium.edu
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
- Bay Area Discovery Museum www.baykidsmuseum.org
Wednesday, September 2nd
- 6:00 p,m. - 8:00 p.m., Tree Frog Treks, Frog Fest: Back to
School Sock Hop, 2112 Hayes Street, San Francisco, FREE
Friday, September 4th
- Target Teen Council Teen Night: American Idiot (Green
Day's Musical), Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, 2025
Addison St., Berkeley, $10 Reservations Required
Free 1st Thursday, September 3rd
- Berkeley Art Museum www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
- Burlingame Pez Museum www.spectrumnet.com/pez/
Labor Day Weekend, September3rd-8th
- Bay Bridge Closed from 8:00 p.m. Thursday, September
3rd to 5:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8th. Click Here for
Details
September 5-7 LABOR DAY WEEKEND
- 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood
Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont - Paul Bunyan Days, Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, FREE
Sunday, September 6th
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Great Highway
Between Golden Gate Park and the Zoo, San Francisco,
FREE - 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. SF MOMA Family Studio: Al
Mercado, SF MOMA, 151 Third St, San Francisco, FREE
Free 1st Sunday, September 7th
- Asian Art Museum www.asianart.org
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
Free 2nd Sunday, September 14th
- Oakland Museum www.museumca.org
- Tech Museum of San Jose, www.thetech.org NEW
Free 3rd Wednesday, September 16th
- California Academy of Sciences www.calacademy.org
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout
the summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of
which will sell out.
- August 22 & 29 Starlight Evenings, Roaring Camp, Felton
- August 7 & 14, Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike, Roaring
Camp, Felton - September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend) Great Train
Robberies, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains)
The Detes
Year-Round
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (specific farms have different
hours) Pick-Your Own Produce, Brentwood, FREE
(picking is free, but you have to pay for the fruit)
Brentwood has a wonderful activity for the entire family. You grab a
basket and head out into the orchards to pick the freshest fruit
available. Once you have picked your fill, get it weighed and pay
the best price you'll find anywhere for the freshest fruit. Make sure
to check the list of growers for what they offer and make sure that
they have U-Pick available.
Canciamilla Ranch on 401 Eureka Ave (925) 634-5123
These guys offer terrific peaches, nectarines, and plums in a
number of different varieties. This ranch has been featured on the
news as a great place to go.
Visit http://harvest4you.com/ for a list of farms by type of produce,
a map of the area, and a farm locater. Of course, you should
probably check to make sure that the fruit is at its peak before you
head out.
27Saturdays and Sundays through Sept 27
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Train Rides, California State
Railroad Museum, Old Town Sacramento, $8 adults,
$3 kids 6-17, kids under 3 FREE
Every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells,
and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage
passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of
the Sacramento River on the California State Railroad Museum's
Sacramento Southern Railroad. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-
minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. Of course, the real reason to come
up is to check out the California State Railroad Museum which is
an amazing trip through our State’s history as told through its
railways. Full-sized equipment is cool for all ages and for non-
fanatics. Directions and visiting information at http://www.csrmf.
org/doc.asp?id=286
1Saturdays and Sundays through November 1st
Kids Ride Free on Weekends, Capitol Corridor, up to 2
Kids 2-15 FREE with a paying adult ($6-$35 each way)
Every weekend through November 1st, you can take one of the less
stressful and more comfortable ways to Sacramento with two of
your kids and their bikes for FREE. Well, the kids ride free, you, the
accompanying adult pay. That's not a bad deal. One cool trip that
we have done is to take the train from Oakland to Sacramento. Old
Town Sacramento is a 100 yard walk from the Station. With the
best railway museum in the country (the California State Railroad
Museum), a number of great restaurants along the river, some fun
bike riding, and the many attractions of Old Town, it is not a bad
way to spend the day and you can ALL sleep on the way home! For
more details and tickets, visit http://kidsridefree.org/index.php
21-23Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
2:00 p.m., Stern Grove Festival, 19th Ave. and Sloat,
San Francisco, FREE
Famous for beautiful surroundings, world class music, world class
crowds and parking issues, and chilly, sometimes foggy weather,
the Stern Grove Festival CAN be a great experience if you plan
carefully. A few recommendations:
- Get there early. Parking and seating are first come first
served. If capacity is reached people will be turned away. - Bring something to sit on - blanket, lawn chair, etc. Just
bear in mind that you will have to carry everything in and out,
so plan accordingly. - Dress in layers, it can get cool and foggy.
- Public transportation is recommended since parking in the
area is extremely limited. This page gives you
transportation options http://www.sterngrove.org/getting.
html. - Picnic tables are available by lottery. You have to enter by
the Monday before the concert you wish to have picnic table
seats for. Visit this page for a link to enter for your chance
to win picnic table reservations. www.sterngrove.
org/picnictableseats - Food is available for sale although many bring their own
and the lines can be long.
this year starting with Roberta Flack TODAY!
- August 9, 2009 - TOTÓ LA MOMPOSINA / Nation Beat
- August 16, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO BALLET / Helgi
Tomasson, Artistic Director - August 23, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
28Through August 28th
11:00 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays,
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, Yerba Buena Gardens
between 3rd and 4th, between Mission and Howard,
FREE
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents music, theater,
dance, cultural events, educational and children’s programs,
reflecting the rich cultures and creativity of the region.
- Saturday, August 15th the Unique Derique
- Friday, August 21st, Chelle! and Friends
- Saturday, August 22nd, and Friday, August 28th Caterpillar
Puppets
- Saturday, August 29th, Balamcoatl
For details and directions, visit http://www.ybgf.org/
2Through October 2nd
Evenings 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Live Music in
Redwood City, Multiple Locations, Redwood City,
FREE
There is live music all over the place in Redwood City:
Every Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Main Street and
Broadway through August 10th
Every Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. during the
summer at Stafford Park through August 12),
Every Thursday Night at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Marlin Park
(corner of Neptune and Cringle) through August 6th
Every Friday night at 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Courthouse Square in
Downtown Redwood City (through October 2).
For a schedule, check out http://www.redwoodcity.
org/events/music.htm
26Through Thanksgiving
Until 8:45 p.m. Friday Nights at the deYoung, deYoung
Musuem, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, $10
adults, $6 kids 13-17, kids under 12 FREE
Every Friday in July, the museum stays open until 8:45 p.m. with
music, food, crafts activities for kids and their parents, dance and
more. For more details, visit http://www.famsf.
org/deyoung/calendar/day.asp?categoryid=32
7-14Friday, August 7th and 14th
6:30 p.m., Children's Theatre in the Park, Venues
Differ, FREE
These are fun shows by children for children under the evening
skies (although it will still be light at 6:30). The shows are fun,
light, and, of course, child-friendly. Bring a chair and enjoy the
shows! The Schedule and venues are below. Click on the links for
directions.
- Henny Penny, Aug 7th Mountain View Center for the
Performing Arts - Rumplestiltskin, Aug 7th, Cubberly Ampitheatre, Palo Alto
- The Tiger Turned Pink, Aug 7th , Rengstorff Park, Mountain
View - Charlottes Web, Aug 14th, Mountainview Center for the
Performing Arts - Stories Under the Big Top, Aug 14, Wildwood Park,
Saratoga
7-16August 7th-16th
8:00p.m., Woodminster Summer Musicals Presents
“Singing in the Rain”, Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland,
Adults $23-40, Kids under 16 FREE
The stage musical based on the 1952 MGM film of the same
name. Often called the greatest movie musical, "Singin' in the
Rain" was adapted by Broadway legends Betty Comden and
Adolph Green from their own original award-winning screenplay.
Hilarious comedy and great songs like "Good Morning," "Make 'Em
Laugh," and "Broadway Melody" have come straight from screen to
stage. A cast of over 40 tap-dances up a storm. Performed under
the stars in historic Woodminster Amphitheater in beautiful
Joaquin Miller Park. Our “Kids Come Free” program provides free
tickets for children attending with paying adults. Please note that
the free tickets are available on the night of the perfomance after 5:
30. Come early and enjoy a picnic in the park before the show!
For tickets, visit http://www.ticketweb.com/snl/EventListings.
action?orgId=81362. For directions, visit http://www.woodminster.
com/Webpages/GettingHere/Directions.html Note: parking on the
street is free, but be prepared for a walk. If you want to be closer,
the cost is $4. This show is also outdoors, so plan accordingly.
August 12th-16th, Oracle Arena, Oakland
August 19th-23rd, HP Pavilion, San Jose
7:30 p.m. with 11:00 a.m. matinees on wekends,
Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus, Admission
$15 - $65
The greatest show on earth returns to the Bay Area. The nice thing
is that the Ringling Bros. folks have a new show each year and
they price the shows for maximum accessibility. Make sure to
arrive about an hour early for two reasons: 1) you can visit the
animals and talk to the trainers out in the parking lot 90 minutes
before show time and 2) you can participate AT RINGSIDE in the
preshow. The preshow is particularly fun as the kids can go down
to the show floor, meet the performers, see them practice before
the show, try on costumes, and maybe even be chosen as a
volunteer.
A few things to keep in mind: $15 tickets, though available are
REALLY high up and it is not a very intimate experience. Some
people do not like the way circus animals are treated. So, if either
of these are issues for you, check out Circus Vargas.
For tickets and show times, visit http://www.ticketmaster.
com/promo/szo6tq. For details on the program, visit http://www.
ringling.com/TopLanding.aspx?id=15322
15-23Sat.-Sun, August 15th-23rd
12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Peninsula Festival, San Mateo
County Event Center, San Mateo, $5-$10
The theme is green but not all the entertainment, music, food, and
exhibits will pound you over the head with it. A few highlights:
fireworks on the 15th, Monday, August 17th is FREE for kids under
12, rides, and much more! For details, visit http://www.
sanmateocountyfair.com/
15-16Sat.-Sun, August 15th-16th
FEE-FREE WEEKENDS, National Parks Nationwide,
FREE
In an effort to help out cash-strapped Americans and vendors
suffering from flagging attendance at national parks nationwide,
the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees for over 100
parks nationwide including Yosemite, Sequoia, and Lassen. A
complete list is here: http://www.nps.
gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm.
Of course, bear in mind that these parks will likely be crowded for
these free weekends, so plan accordingly. Still, it is a great
gesture. For more details and other FEE-FREE dates, visit http:
//www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. Make sure to check
out the special offers at the bottom of the page.
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., Fiesta de Artes, Los Gatos Civic
Center, Los Gatos, FREE
The Fiesta de Artes is the only festival in beautiful downtown Los
Gatos. Browse and shop at the best fine arts and crafts booths,
while enjoying live music and entertainment all day, both days. The
kiddies will also have their share of fun, as there will be plenty of
activities in the children's area. Make sure to come with an appetite
because there will be tons of tasty food from over 20 local
restaurants, and plenty of wine and microbrews to wash it down
with. For details, visit http://www.lgfiesta.org/
12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m., Art and Soul Festival, Between
14th and 16th Streets, Between Broadway and San
Pablo, Downtown Oakland, $10 adults, kids 12 and
under FREE
Four stages of top notch music, food, art, and more crossing a
wide range of genres. There will be a kids area with art projects,
rides, bouncers, art work, fire engines, and much more. This is a
great community event for the whole family. Parking could be
challenging, so pay attention to the directions on the website. http:
//www.artandsouloakland.com/index.htm
10:00 a.m., - 6:00 p.m., Gravenstein Apple Fair, Ragle
Ranch Park, Sebastopol, Adults $10, Kids 6-12 $5,
Kids under 6 FREE
This local fair showcases the best in arts, crafts, food, wines and
brews, games, entertainment and farm life activities. Brimming
with tradition, visitors come every year to experience the unique
flavor of an old-time country get-together and to celebrate the
Gravenstein apple. There will be a train through the hills, kids
crafts, and live farm animals. Yeah, fall is here and this is the kick
off. For details, visit http://www.gravensteinapplefair.
com/gaf_about.html
16Sunday, August 16th
12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m., Open Cockpit Days, Oakland
Aerospace Museum, 8252 Earhart Road, Bldg. 621,
Oakland, FREE for kids ($5 for the adults)
The Oakland Aerospace Museum (formerly the Western Aerospace
Museum) is a little-known gem hidden away in a hanger North of
Oakland Airport, almost to Alameda. Besides tons of displays of
military and civilian aircraft and their role in the history of the Bay
Area, there are some rather cool historical aircraft outside to check
out. And on a few days a year, you or your child can hop inside a
few of them and take all sorts of pictures! You can even check out
the Flying Boat featured in Raiders of the Lost Ark when Indy heads
off Nepal to find Miriam. For directions, visit http://www.
oaklandaviationmuseum.org/Directions.htm
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Target Family Days: Hawaiian
Theme, Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway,
Redwood City, FREE
Once again, the generous folks at Target are sponsoring a series
of themed family events in Redwood City. The three cultural
themes this year include East Indian-Bollywood, Hawaiian and
Latin Each event includes music, children’s performers, hands-on
activities for kids and more. There will be something for everyone,
as Courthouse Square becomes the center of a magical
assortment of family entertainment. Plus, the street will be closed
to through traffic, making a family outing in Downtown a safe and
gratifying experience.
This week, we are off to the islands for a Hawaiian Theme
featuring:
* Hawaiian Halau & Hula Dance Instruction
* Kapakakiko Hawaiian Band
* Lei Making
* Hawaiian Shave Ice
* Soccer Collies
* Bay Area Dance & Gymnastic demonstrations and gift certificate
giveaways
There will also be the usual raft of great Cultural Food, Street
Artists, Food Demonstrations, Face Painting, Hands-on Art
Projects, Art Stations with FREE projects, flowers & baked goods
for sale, bounce houses & more! For more details on the
entertainment, visit http://www.redwoodcity.
org/events/targetfamilydays.htm
The next event will be Sunday, September 13th.
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Day, SFMOMA: The Family
Studio: Robert Frank: Road Trip, SF MOMA, 151 Third
Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This week, in his famous series The Americans, Robert Frank
photographed the United States while traveling around by car. If
you were going on a road trip, what places would you visit? Join us
to create your very own travel journal — one that will help you keep
track of where you're going and where you've been. Don't miss a
reading of Road Trip, written by Roger Eschbacher and illustrated
by Thor Wickstrom.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
20Through August 20th
Mon-Thurs, noon and 3:00 p.m., Sundays at noon and
6:00 p.m., Cirque Magnifique, Santa Cruz Beach
Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, FREE
Come down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for a day of
sunshine, rides, games, and circus and it is a whole lot cheaper
than Cirque du Soleil. If you are really brave, you could try to tie in a
train ride from the Roaring Camp Railway www.roaringcamp.com
This FREE high-intensity acrobatic spectacular features a group of
World-class French-Canadian performers who will grace the
Boardwalk's beach bandstand with spinning German Wheels,
cycle stunts, high-energy trampoline, gravity-defying balance,
amazing acrobatic feats, colorful clowns, and more.
For details and directions, visit http://beachboardwalk.
com/01_events.html
22Saturday, August 22nd
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events Presents Puppet Shows with Michele
Menard, 766 Valencia Street, San Francisco, (415)
252-9990, FREE
There is a place in Paris which started out as a taxidermy shop
and has become so much more. It is a natural curiosities shop
which, in addition to taxidermy, also carries lots of nifty natural
history art work and gardening tools. If you are there, check out
Deyrolle. If Paris is not in your plans, Paxton Gate should be on
your list. In addition to truly inspired toys and kits for kids that
revolve around a natural history theme, they have vintage toys and
all sorts of cool surprises. For several weeks, Paxton Gate will be
hosting some cool FREE events at their mission kid's boutique.
This week local artist and teacher Michele Menard shares a puppet
show and then gives a demonstration on how to throw your own.
http://www.paxtongate.com/kids.aspx
Upcoming events include
Keep an eye on this space for more events coming in September
and the Fall.
22-23Sat. & Sun., August 22nd-23rd
Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.
m. - 6:00 p.m. Tiburon Art Festival, Downtown
Tiburon, Adults $5, Kids 12 and under FREE
Live music, art, children's activities, galleries, boutiques, shops,
spectacular views and great restaurants. The Art Festival takes
place in Historic Ark Row, in Downtown Tiburon. http://www.
tiburon-artfestival.com/
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Palo Alto Festival of the Arts,
University Avenue, Palo Alto, FREE
From sidewalk chalk artists to a kid's art studio and lots of arts,
crafts, music, and food in between. University Avenue is a great
walk even when there is nothing else going on. This event as it
enters its third decade is a wonderful family event. For details, visit
http://www.mlaproductions.com/PaloAlto/index.html
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Newark Summer Fest, Newpark
Mall, Newark, FREE
SummerFest's main theme is Microbrews and Music. This FREE
festival will also include a motorcycle show, a car show, arts and
craft vendors, food vendors and local commercial vendors along
with a kids park. There will be something for everyone!
There will be free live music both days. The outdoor main stage
will feature Ron Thompson and the Resistors, California Dreamin’
and many other great talents. For details, visit http://www.
newarksummerfest.com/pages/features.html
29-30Sat & Sun, August 29th-30th
10am-6pm Sat, 10am-5pm Sun. 14th Annual Bodega
Bay Seafood Art & Wine Festival, Watts Ranch, 16855
Bodega Highway, Bodega Bay, $12 Adults, $10 Seniors
over 60, $8 Youth 12-16, Children under 12 FREE
This fun festival showcases the best of California’s wineries,
breweries, artists, and craftspeople. The event also features
outstanding regional musicians, a delicious selection of seafood,
a kid's FunZone, environmental exhibits and more! Admission: No
dogs allowed. Free parking. http://www.winecountryfestivals.
com/
2Wednesday, September 2nd
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (members only 5:00 - 6:00) Tree
Frog Treks Frog Fest: Back to School Frog Sock Hop,
Frog Hall: 2114 Hayes St., San Francisco (next door to
Tree Frog Treks), FREE
Please Tree Frog Treks in celebrating the new school year at their
"Back to School Frog Sock Hop." Wear silly socks and meet and
greet your favorite rescued reptiles and amphibians. Mr. Science
will be blasting off "Hopper Popper Frog Rockets."
Wine, cheese, popcorn, and ice cream "snake" sundaes will be
served to F.R.O.G. Family Members from 5:00-6:00pm. Then the
will open the doors to the public from 6:00-8:00pm. For details on
Tree Frog Treks, visit http://www.treefrogtreks.
com/programs/events.htm
5-7 September 5-7
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood
Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont
(510) 796-0199
The annual Rail Fair returns to the farm over Labor Day weekend.
The centerpiece of this year's event will be the 1891 Baldwin steam
locomotive, “Deanna." Enjoy train rides, handcar rides, displays of
garden railroads, rail yard equipment displays, food, the children's
hobo game, music and of course, all the other great activities that
Ardenwood has to offer like a farm yard, farm equipment,
blacksmithing, and much more. For info call (866) 417-7277. For
information on Ardenwood, directions, etc. visit http://www.
ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood#activities
Paul Bunyan Days, Fort Bragg, Mendocino County,
FREE
All Labor Day weekend, the Mendocino Town of Fort Bragg will
celebrate its rich logging history with logging demonstrations,
crafts, parades, fire department water fights (this should be fun -
we can only imagine), tricycle race, and a lot more. You can check
out their minimally helpful website for more information: http:
//www.paulbunyandays.com/
3-8Labor Day Weekend, September 3rd-8th
8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 3rd through
5:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 8th, Oakland Bay
Bridge Closed all Labor Day Weekend
Yeah, I know, we have already ended the summer with Labor Day
activities and the summer hasn't even started. BUT, we figure that
getting the word out early never hurts. So, like the past few years
before us, they will be shutting down the Bay Bridge to hack out a
chunk of the Bridge and slide that new piece that they have been
building for the past few months in its place. The attached .pdf file
should give you (and your kids an idea of what they are doing. It is
pretty cool. http://baybridgeinfo.
org/sites/default/files/pdfs/general_info_factsheet.pdf
4Friday, September 4th
6:30p.m. “American Idiot": a Green Day Musical,
Berkeley Repertory Theater Target Teen Night Out,
2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, $10
Note: this is NOT a Green Day concert. This is a play based on
their "American Idiot" album and their music will be featured. For
Kids grades 9-12, the Target Teen Night at the Berkeley Rep is a
wonderful treasure for High School Kids with any sort of interest in
theater –either as an audience member or as a participant. This
month’s event is the world premiere of the play based on the
Green Day album, "American Idiot".
Green Day won two Grammys for its multi-platinum album
American Idiot, which sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.
Now those searing songs seize the stage with the director behind
Spring Awakening, the groundbreaking musical that earned eight
Tony Awards and enthralled audiences from coast to coast.
American Idiot follows working class characters from the suburbs
to the city to the Middle East, as they seek redemption in a world
filled with frustration. This high-octane show features every track
from the album, plus several new tunes from Green Day’s newest
release, 21st Century Breakdown. With an on-stage band and a
cast of 19, American Idiot will take you on an exhilarating journey
borne along by Green Day’s electrifying songs.
RSVPs Required teencouncil@berkeleyrep.org More info on this
event and other Teen Council events can be found here: http:
//www.berkeleyrep.org/school/teencouncil_teennight.aspor call
510.647.2974
6Sunday, September 6th
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Day, SFMOMA: The Family
Studio: Diego Rivera: Al Mercado, SF MOMA, 151
Third Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This week, what kinds of things would you see if you were going to
a Mexican market? Perhaps you'd find beautiful blossoms, like the
ones pictured in Diego Rivera's painting The Flower Carrier. At this
Family Studio, youll take a trip to our Family Mercado and create a
variety of your own Mexican marketplace items. Enjoy a 2:00 p.m.
reading of My Papa Diego and Me/Mi papá Diego y yo, by Rivera's
daughter, Guadalupe Rivera Marín. Marín will be on hand for the
reading at the September 20 Family Studio.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
Repeats September 20th
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Ocean Beach
on the Great Highway between Golden Gate Park and
the Zoo, San Francisco, FREE
As part of Mayor Newsom's efforts to get people out of their homes
and out of their cars and into the fresh air, streets along the freshly
plowed Ocean Beach will be closed for a day of fun, entertainment,
and family activities including biking, roller skating, lots of dance,
face painting, slides, games, classes, music and more. For a
map and complete details, visit http://sundaystreetssf.com/?
page_id=476
Things to think ahead
about:
The following events sell out almost instantaneously because they
are wildly popular, so if you are interested, you might wish to book
now before the opportunity passes you by.
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout the
summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of which
will sell out.
Starlight Evenings
August 22 & 29
Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a
two-hour round-trip railway excursion from the boardwalk in Santa
Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring
Camp at 1-831-335-4484.
Great Train Robberies
September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from
the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate
why the West was wild.
You must have reservations and tickets sell out FAST. So, how do
you get them? Call Ticketweb at (866) 468-3399 or go online at
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?
region=sfbay&query=schedule&venue=roaringcamprr1
Directions to Roaring Camp are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/maps.html If you miss this one and your family might be
anywhere near one of these places, you can look up any one of a
bunch of “Days Out with Thomas” all over North America. http:
//www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html
All Summer Long
REI’s Kids Passport to Adventure Program, FREE
Want to motivate your kid to get outdoors and connect to nature?
REI has a great program for kids 5-12 where they do a series of
activities outdoors and, upon completing the activity, they send in a
postcard from their Adventure Journal (FREE at your local REI).
When they finish at least one task, they will get a certificate and a
special prize as well as be entered into a sweepstakes for a cool
grand prize. Drop by any REI and pick up your FREE Adventure
Journal.
That's it for now!
Kiddie Koncierge
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2009 Kiddie Koncierge™, all rights reserved.
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2009 Kiddie Koncierge™, all rights reserved.
| Other Events From Past Kiddie Koncierges Bank of America FREE Museum Weekend, FREE Admission to Museums for Bank of America Cardholders (ATM, Check, Credit Card) The first weekend of every month through early 2010 is FREE admission to selected Bay Area Museums for Bank of American card holders. Bay Area Museums include:
and FREE dates, visit http://promotions. bankofamerica.com/museums/ From Now until December 1st East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge (Click here for details) |
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| On Going It’s the weekend and your kids are climbing the walls. At a loss for something to do? The following are events that are happening every week. Visit our Weekend Page for full details. Saturdays
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