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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 the Kiddie Koncierge
August Update!
Can you believe that the summer is just a few weeks from over?
Seems like it just began. In the event that you *still* are at loose
ends for a few days in August, some camps do still have
openings. Our Camp Page has a few recommendations and
resources. Also, 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
Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
Friday, July 31st
Thursday - Sunday, July 30th - August 2nd
Thursday, July 30th - Monday, August 3rd
Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd
Friday - Sunday, August 7-9th
Friday, August 7th and 14th
August 8th-17th
Saturday, August 8th
Sunday, August 9th
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
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!
10-31Friday, July 10th - 31st
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
21Tuesday, July 21st
7:00 p.m., A Tribute to Hayao Miyazaki: Princess
Mononoke, Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive,
BAM/PFA, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, $9.50 adults,
$6.50 children under 17
Hayao Miyazaki's films have won Academy Awards and are
delightful in their artistic majesty, sweet stories, imaginative
characters, and just plain weirdness. Of course, that just means
that we love them and their vision and their poignant stories of
growing up, loss, friendship, and other intense topics. For a week
and a half, BAM./PFA will feature some of Miyazaki's pivotal films
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
30-2Thurs - Sunday, July 30th - August 2nd
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Santa Clara Fair, Santa Clara
County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, FREE
admission, FREE parking
Sponsored by the local 4H and Future Farmers, there is a lot here
for the whole family from parades and rides to a petting zoo,
animals, demonstrations, entertainment, and more. For a few
more details (not much), visit http://www.thefair.org/. For
directions, visit http://www.thefair.org/directions.html
30-3July 30th – August 3rd
Circus Vargas, Newpark Mall, I-880 and Mowry,
Newark, Tickets $15 - $50
Circus Vargas is a single ring circus of the European tradition.
There is less of an emphasis on animals and more acrobats,
aerialists, clowns, and other performers in a very intimate setting.
We liked it a lot more than Ringling as it really felt like you were part
of the show and the acts were geared for a wide audience. Pacing
is also very quick so they hold the attention. The tent is small so
you really don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great view.
Make sure that you visit before the show for the interactive pre-
show where kids can learn to juggle, meet the performers, and
learn some circus arts. For details on the show, visit http://www.
circusvargas.org/2009show.html. For tickets, show times, and
directions, visit http://www.goestores.com/catalog.aspx?
Merchant=circusvargas&DeptID=255961
1-2Sat-Sun, August 1st-2nd
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Lake Fest, Lake Shore Avenue
(from Lake Park Ave. to Mandana Blvd., Oakland,
FREE
Lots of live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a kids activity area,
beautiful Lake Merritt, Fairyland. The Kid's Fun Zone will have
bouncy houses, games, activities, and of course lots of
entertainment for the family. For more details, visit http://www.
oaklandlakefest.com/highlights.html
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., The 15th Annual San
Francisco Aloha Festival, San Francisco Presidio Main
Parade Grounds, (next to the Visitor Center and
Officers' Club), FREE
This is the granddaddy of all Hawaiian-themed events in the Bay
Area. Technically, this event is not limited to the Hawaiian Islands
and actually encompasses representatives from a wide range of
Pacific island cultures. Still, if the weather is warm, you can
almost, almost feel like you are in the islands for a few moments.
OK, the Golden Gate Bridge in the background kinda changes the
mood, but turn your back and immerse yourself in the music, the
dance and the food. The festival will also feature arts & crafts
vendors, educational exhibits and workshops, and an `Ohana
Korner with simple games for the kids!
For directions, visit http://www.pica-org.
org/AlohaFest/af_directions.html
For an entertainment schedule visit http://www.pica-org.
org/AlohaFest/index.html
7-9Fri-Sun, August 7th-9th
9:00 a.m., California International Air Show, Salinas
Municipal Airport, 37 Mortenson Ave., Salinas, $17
adults, $12 kids, Free kids under 5. Friday night, kids
12 and under are FREE, Parking $10
For three days, Salinas will be awash with rotor wash, Jet Fuel,
and lots of airborne thrills. Attractions include the Blue Angels at 3:
00 p.m. daily, the Golden Knights Parachute team, fireworks on
Friday night, lots of acrobatic flying starting at noon daily, and much
more. For more details, visit http://www.salinasairshow.
com/index1.htm
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.
8Saturday, August 8th
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events Presents Drumming/Rhythm Session
with Jason Brown, 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 Jason Brown from Performing Arts Workshops of San
Francisco will run participants through a drumming rhythm
session. If our kid is any guide, this should be a big hit (no pun
intended). http://www.paxtongate.com/kids.aspx
Upcoming events include
Saturday, August 22nd - Puppet Show with local artist and
teacher, Michele Menard
8-9Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Burlingame Art & Jazz Festival,
Burlingame Avenue from El Camino Real to California
Drive, FREE
Fine Artists and Craftspeople, Light Jazz, Dixieland, and Swing
music. Gourmet foods and beverages, a home and garden area
and Children's Playland all along historic Burlingame Avenue!
Parking available in various public lots. 650-344-1735, http:
//burlingamechamber.org/events/icalrepeat.
detail/2009/08/08/946/-
/ODVkZTg1M2RjNGMyZWNhZDY0OWNjY2UxY2EyMzEzYzg=
9Sunday, August 9th
12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Ravenswood Old Fashioned Ice
Cream Social, 2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore, FREE
The Ravenswood Home is a beautiful place settled in among the
vineyards and encroaching tract homes in the Livermore Valley.
Once you have visited here, your impressions of Livermore will
forever change. Not only do you have some great wineries in the
area, but there is a mini-waterpark that has an area suitable for
small children and a two story water slide and there are some top
notch restaurants including the Wente Restaurant, conveniently
located at the Wente vineyards. If you live in the area, Wente has a
great summer concert and movie series worth checking out. But
today, it is all about ice cream. Well, ice cream, music, animals to
pet and ride, and more. While everything is free, there is a nominal
charge for the hot dogs and ice cream. This is not a bad event to
consider if things are getting a little warm and in need of some
frozen comfort. http://www.larpd.dst.ca.
us/event_flyers/Ice_Cream_Social_09.pdf
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
2:00 p.m., Music in the Vineyards, Family Concert,
“Dr. Seuss’ Gertrude McFuzz”, Meadowood, 900
Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, Admission: Adults $20,
Kids $10
In its 14th year, the wonderful Music in the Vineyards series
features a family concert that departs a bit from chamber music
with Adventures in Music with Dawn Harm and Ming Luke! This
energetic show will be a delight for all ages. Hear the Hot Canary
and the Orange Blossom Special as well as Bach and Mozart all
presented by Dawn Harms with her flamboyant costumes. The
concert is followed by refreshments on the lawn at Meadowood.
Even if you can’t make this particular performance, take a look at
this series which sets classical music in some of the most
spectacular vineyards in Napa. Refreshments are served (wine
and Calistoga water for the grown ups and age-appropriate
beverages for the kids) For tickets, visit http://www.
napavalleymusic.org/music/tickets.htm
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.
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.
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
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/
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
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.
Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike
August 7 & 14
Gather family and friends this summer for an outdoor, twilight
evening experience at Roaring Camp. Dine by the campfire on a
hardy Prospector meal prepared in an old-fashion Dutch oven.
After supper, embark on a 45-minute walking tour by flashlight led
by a knowledgeable Eco-Ranger into the Redwood forest of the
Santa Cruz Mountains. Your senses will feel the forest come alive
at night! Meet back at the campfire for stargazing and a cowboy
sing-along with warm peach cobbler, hot coffee and cider for
dessert. It's old-fashioned family fun! Reservations required.
Tickets are $25 per person
August 1st and 2nd. Day Out with Thomas, Roaring Camp, Felton
(Santa Cruz Mountains) $18,
If your kid, OK let’s be honest: if your SON loves Thomas and you
know who you are, how about having them enjoy a day with a full-
sized Thomas steam engine that they can take a ride on (well, not
Thomas, exactly, but rail cars attached to) Thomas. The kids can
hang with Sir Topham Hat and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed
activities. Details on the event are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/thomas/dowt_main.html.
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!
August Update!
Can you believe that the summer is just a few weeks from over?
Seems like it just began. In the event that you *still* are at loose
ends for a few days in August, some camps do still have
openings. Our Camp Page has a few recommendations and
resources. Also, 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! - Camps If you don't have plans, there are still a few camps
that are not full yet! - 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
Sundays, June 21st-Aug 23rd
- 2:00 p.m., Stern Grove Festival, 19th Ave. and Sloat, San
Francisco, FREE
Friday, July 31st
- 5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m., Cultural Encounters, Friday Nights at
the deYoung, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Thursday - Sunday, July 30th - August 2nd
- 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Santa Clara Fair, Santa Clara
County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, FREE
admission, FREE parking
Thursday, July 30th - Monday, August 3rd
- Circus Vargas, Newark Mall, i-880 and Mowry, Newark,
Tickets $15-$50
Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd
- 10:00 - 6:00 p.m., Oakland Lake Fest, Lake Shore Ave.,
Oakland, FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., The 15th Annual San Francisco
Aloha Festival, San Francisco Presidio Main Parade
Grounds, (next to the Visitor Center and Officers' Club),
FREE
Friday - Sunday, August 7-9th
- 9:00 California International Air Show, Salinas
Friday, August 7th and 14th
- 6:30 p.m., Children's Theatre in the Park, Venues Differ,
FREE
- 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
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
Saturday, August 8th
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities Saturday
Kids Events: Telephone and Soup Present Drumming and
Rhythm with Jason Brown from Performing Arts
Workshops of San Francisco, 766 Valencia Between 18th
and 19th, San Francisco, FREE
Sunday, August 9th
- 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Great Highway
Between Golden Gate Park and the Zoo, San Francisco,
FREE - 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Ravenswood Ice Cream Social,
2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore, FREE - 2:00 p.m. Family Concert at Meadowood, 900 Meadowood
Lane, St. Helena, Admission
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
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)
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
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
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
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 - August 1st and 2nd. Day Out with Thomas, 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 2, 2009 - KAILASH KHER’S KAILASA / Delhi 2 Dublin
- August 9, 2009 - TOTÓ LA MOMPOSINA / Nation Beat
- August 16, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO BALLET / Helgi
Tomasson, Artistic Director - August 23, 2009 - SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
10-31Friday, July 10th - 31st
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
21Tuesday, July 21st
7:00 p.m., A Tribute to Hayao Miyazaki: Princess
Mononoke, Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive,
BAM/PFA, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, $9.50 adults,
$6.50 children under 17
Hayao Miyazaki's films have won Academy Awards and are
delightful in their artistic majesty, sweet stories, imaginative
characters, and just plain weirdness. Of course, that just means
that we love them and their vision and their poignant stories of
growing up, loss, friendship, and other intense topics. For a week
and a half, BAM./PFA will feature some of Miyazaki's pivotal films
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
30-2Thurs - Sunday, July 30th - August 2nd
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Santa Clara Fair, Santa Clara
County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose, FREE
admission, FREE parking
Sponsored by the local 4H and Future Farmers, there is a lot here
for the whole family from parades and rides to a petting zoo,
animals, demonstrations, entertainment, and more. For a few
more details (not much), visit http://www.thefair.org/. For
directions, visit http://www.thefair.org/directions.html
30-3July 30th – August 3rd
Circus Vargas, Newpark Mall, I-880 and Mowry,
Newark, Tickets $15 - $50
Circus Vargas is a single ring circus of the European tradition.
There is less of an emphasis on animals and more acrobats,
aerialists, clowns, and other performers in a very intimate setting.
We liked it a lot more than Ringling as it really felt like you were part
of the show and the acts were geared for a wide audience. Pacing
is also very quick so they hold the attention. The tent is small so
you really don't have to spend a lot of money to have a great view.
Make sure that you visit before the show for the interactive pre-
show where kids can learn to juggle, meet the performers, and
learn some circus arts. For details on the show, visit http://www.
circusvargas.org/2009show.html. For tickets, show times, and
directions, visit http://www.goestores.com/catalog.aspx?
Merchant=circusvargas&DeptID=255961
1-2Sat-Sun, August 1st-2nd
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Lake Fest, Lake Shore Avenue
(from Lake Park Ave. to Mandana Blvd., Oakland,
FREE
Lots of live entertainment, arts and crafts, food, a kids activity area,
beautiful Lake Merritt, Fairyland. The Kid's Fun Zone will have
bouncy houses, games, activities, and of course lots of
entertainment for the family. For more details, visit http://www.
oaklandlakefest.com/highlights.html
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., The 15th Annual San
Francisco Aloha Festival, San Francisco Presidio Main
Parade Grounds, (next to the Visitor Center and
Officers' Club), FREE
This is the granddaddy of all Hawaiian-themed events in the Bay
Area. Technically, this event is not limited to the Hawaiian Islands
and actually encompasses representatives from a wide range of
Pacific island cultures. Still, if the weather is warm, you can
almost, almost feel like you are in the islands for a few moments.
OK, the Golden Gate Bridge in the background kinda changes the
mood, but turn your back and immerse yourself in the music, the
dance and the food. The festival will also feature arts & crafts
vendors, educational exhibits and workshops, and an `Ohana
Korner with simple games for the kids!
For directions, visit http://www.pica-org.
org/AlohaFest/af_directions.html
For an entertainment schedule visit http://www.pica-org.
org/AlohaFest/index.html
7-9Fri-Sun, August 7th-9th
9:00 a.m., California International Air Show, Salinas
Municipal Airport, 37 Mortenson Ave., Salinas, $17
adults, $12 kids, Free kids under 5. Friday night, kids
12 and under are FREE, Parking $10
For three days, Salinas will be awash with rotor wash, Jet Fuel,
and lots of airborne thrills. Attractions include the Blue Angels at 3:
00 p.m. daily, the Golden Knights Parachute team, fireworks on
Friday night, lots of acrobatic flying starting at noon daily, and much
more. For more details, visit http://www.salinasairshow.
com/index1.htm
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.
8Saturday, August 8th
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events Presents Drumming/Rhythm Session
with Jason Brown, 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 Jason Brown from Performing Arts Workshops of San
Francisco will run participants through a drumming rhythm
session. If our kid is any guide, this should be a big hit (no pun
intended). http://www.paxtongate.com/kids.aspx
Upcoming events include
Saturday, August 22nd - Puppet Show with local artist and
teacher, Michele Menard
8-9Saturday and Sunday, August 8th and 9th
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Burlingame Art & Jazz Festival,
Burlingame Avenue from El Camino Real to California
Drive, FREE
Fine Artists and Craftspeople, Light Jazz, Dixieland, and Swing
music. Gourmet foods and beverages, a home and garden area
and Children's Playland all along historic Burlingame Avenue!
Parking available in various public lots. 650-344-1735, http:
//burlingamechamber.org/events/icalrepeat.
detail/2009/08/08/946/-
/ODVkZTg1M2RjNGMyZWNhZDY0OWNjY2UxY2EyMzEzYzg=
9Sunday, August 9th
12:00 – 4:00 p.m., Ravenswood Old Fashioned Ice
Cream Social, 2647 Arroyo Road, Livermore, FREE
The Ravenswood Home is a beautiful place settled in among the
vineyards and encroaching tract homes in the Livermore Valley.
Once you have visited here, your impressions of Livermore will
forever change. Not only do you have some great wineries in the
area, but there is a mini-waterpark that has an area suitable for
small children and a two story water slide and there are some top
notch restaurants including the Wente Restaurant, conveniently
located at the Wente vineyards. If you live in the area, Wente has a
great summer concert and movie series worth checking out. But
today, it is all about ice cream. Well, ice cream, music, animals to
pet and ride, and more. While everything is free, there is a nominal
charge for the hot dogs and ice cream. This is not a bad event to
consider if things are getting a little warm and in need of some
frozen comfort. http://www.larpd.dst.ca.
us/event_flyers/Ice_Cream_Social_09.pdf
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
2:00 p.m., Music in the Vineyards, Family Concert,
“Dr. Seuss’ Gertrude McFuzz”, Meadowood, 900
Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, Admission: Adults $20,
Kids $10
In its 14th year, the wonderful Music in the Vineyards series
features a family concert that departs a bit from chamber music
with Adventures in Music with Dawn Harm and Ming Luke! This
energetic show will be a delight for all ages. Hear the Hot Canary
and the Orange Blossom Special as well as Bach and Mozart all
presented by Dawn Harms with her flamboyant costumes. The
concert is followed by refreshments on the lawn at Meadowood.
Even if you can’t make this particular performance, take a look at
this series which sets classical music in some of the most
spectacular vineyards in Napa. Refreshments are served (wine
and Calistoga water for the grown ups and age-appropriate
beverages for the kids) For tickets, visit http://www.
napavalleymusic.org/music/tickets.htm
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.
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.
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
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/
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
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.
Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike
August 7 & 14
Gather family and friends this summer for an outdoor, twilight
evening experience at Roaring Camp. Dine by the campfire on a
hardy Prospector meal prepared in an old-fashion Dutch oven.
After supper, embark on a 45-minute walking tour by flashlight led
by a knowledgeable Eco-Ranger into the Redwood forest of the
Santa Cruz Mountains. Your senses will feel the forest come alive
at night! Meet back at the campfire for stargazing and a cowboy
sing-along with warm peach cobbler, hot coffee and cider for
dessert. It's old-fashioned family fun! Reservations required.
Tickets are $25 per person
August 1st and 2nd. Day Out with Thomas, Roaring Camp, Felton
(Santa Cruz Mountains) $18,
If your kid, OK let’s be honest: if your SON loves Thomas and you
know who you are, how about having them enjoy a day with a full-
sized Thomas steam engine that they can take a ride on (well, not
Thomas, exactly, but rail cars attached to) Thomas. The kids can
hang with Sir Topham Hat and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed
activities. Details on the event are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/thomas/dowt_main.html.
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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