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Kiddie Koncierge: February 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 February Update!
Happy New Year! The kids are back to school and the New Year is
off to a big start.
During the Break, we took the kids to the slopes to take advantage
of the great snow and weather. One place we found that was worth
a visit was Donner Ski Ranch . Lift tickets were inexpensive, it is
an easy day trip from the Bay Area, and it is not that crowded.
Check out our full review on our Snow Play Page.
Don't forget, our Resources Pages have a ton of great ideas on
things to do if your child is already bored with their presents. Here
are some highlights:
Snow Play
With all the snow that we have been getting there is a lot of fresh
and man-made snow. The resorts and snow parks are open! Just
a thought – if you are teaching kids, you do not necessarily need a
lift ticket if you do not mind walking up the hill. Check out the Snow
Play Guide for more details
Make sure to check out our Facebook page. If you like us, be our
fan! Share us! Pass us around!
SPECIAL OFFER!
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages. Here are some
highlights:
Activities at a Glance
Year Round
On-Going (Fridays)
Through February
Through March
Sundays Through March 21st and Weds-Sat March 31-April 3
Sundays
Through February 15th EXTENDED!
Thursday, November 19th - April 18th
Saturdays, January 9th - February 13th
Saturdays January 17-February 7th
Saturdays through February 27th
Saturdays and Sundays January 23rd - February 14th
January 29th, February 1-4th
Sundays through March 28th
Saturday, January 30th
Saturday and Sunday, January 30th and 31st
Sunday, January 31st
Free 1st Tuesday, February 2nd
Free 1st Wednesday, February 3rd
Free 1st Thursday, February 4th
Saturday and Sunday, February 6th and 7th
Saturday, February 6th, 20th, and 27th, and Sunday, February
28th
Saturdays, February 6th, 13th, and March 13th
Saturday, February 6th
Sunday, February 7th
Free 1st Sunday, February 7th
February 2nd - 28th
Free 1st and 3rd Sundays (for Kids), February 7th and 21st
February 12th-28th
Friday - Monday, February 12th - 15th
Free 2nd Sunday, February 14th
Free 3rd Wednesday, February 17th
Saturday and Sunday, February 20th-21st
Friday-Sunday, February 26th-28th
Saturday, February 27th
Sunday, February 28th
Through March
Sunday, March 7th
Saturdays and Sundays, March 13 - April 4
Sunday, March 14th
Saturday and Sunday, March 20th - 21st
Sunday, March 21st
April 2nd - 10th
Saturday, April 3rd
Sunday, April 4th - Happy Easter!
Sunday, April 10th
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.
Seasonal
January – March, Ano Nuevo State Reserve Annual
Elephant Seal Mating and Birthing, $5 per vehicle,
Guided Tour Tickets are $7 per person reservations
recommended
Ano Nuevo is a special place. It is a hike both literally and
figuratively since it is tucked away on the coast between Half Moon
Bay and Santa Cruz. That being said, it is worth the drive. From
the moment you arrive, you can hear the barking of the seals in the
sea breeze. A quick hike later (you can do a self-guided hike for
free between April and November. You must be accompanied by a
guide during breeding season), you are a set of bluffs overlooking
a beach filled with barking and belching life. The adults are gone
by March leaving weaned pups who hang on the beach through
April. Information on visiting the preserve can be found at http:
//parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=523 with a link on the page to
online reservations (which are a must). It is recommended that
you read this http://parks.ca.gov/pages/523/files/ano%20nuevo%
20press%20release--2010sw.pdfbefore calling the reservation
line at (800) 444-4445.
Through February
Monarch Butterfly Migration, Various Locations
These delicate creatures know how to live their short lives: They
winter in Mexico with stops in Northern California and a few other
choice spots on their way home. Here are a few local spots worth
checking out between October and February. A lot of places are
home to rest stops for the Monarchs, but only a few have significant
concentrations of butterflies. With this chilly weather, you are likely
to see these little orange and black guys huddled together for
warmth. Not sure how that works given that they are cold blooded,
but I digress. For a good guide on butterflies, their life cycle, and
migratory habits, download this 12 page document: http://www.
monarchwatch.org/download/pdf/where.pdf
Through March
Marine Mammal Migration, Mating, Birthing, and
more: Whales and Elephant Seals at the Point Reyes
National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the few places on the
Pacific Coast where northern elephant seals and gray whales may
be observed and studied. What is more amazing is that Point
Reyes is about 30 minutes from Marin and an hour from SF or the
East Bay.
The elephant seals' semi-annual sojourns to the shores of Point
Reyes provide a unique opportunity to glimpse the lives and
behaviors of these elusive ocean giants. The Elephant Seal
Overlook near Chimney Rocky is a great place for viewing elephant
seals from December through March. You can see the males
doing their dominance dance and pup birthing. On weekends and
holidays, docents are available to provide guidance.
During the winter, you can also watch the migration of gray whales
as they make their way to Alaska from Baja. Peak Southern
Migration is mid-January and the peak Northern Migration is mid-
March. Late April and Early May offer you the chance to see
mothers and calves close to shore. Best place to watch is from
areas near Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse
NOTE: due to traffic concerns, the roads are closed and shuttle
buses from Drakes Beach provide transportation. For details on
the shuttles, visit http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/shuttle.
htm
For details on watching seals, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_elephantseals.htm
For information on watching whales, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_whales.htm
The National Park Service also offers a number of ranger-lead
programs that provide the most informative ways to explore our
friends on the coast. Click here for more details http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm
3Sundays Through April 3rd
Through January 24, 2010
Sundays, Feb 14 – March 21, 2010
Wed, March 31, 2010
Thur, April 1, 2010
Fri, April 2, 2010
Sat, April 3, 2010
no show March 7
11:00 a.m., The Bubble Man's The Greatest Bubble
Show on Earth, The Marsh San Francisco Main Stage
Theater, 1062 Valencia St (near 22nd Street), San
Francisco, $10 adults, $7 kids
This is the most amazing 45 minutes most of you have probably
ever experienced involving bubbles. MOST of you. I'm sure there
are stories, that are just not that suitable for your family activities
website. Then again, your kids aren't reading this...and I digress.
You will witness all kinds of extraordinary things such as spinning
flying saucer bubbles, square bubbles filled with fog, universe
bubbles with orbiting planets and bubble chains that look like
centipedes. There is lots of audience participation and some lucky
kids will find themselves inside bubbles, while others will get to
eat them. Warning: expect lots of excitement and laughter. For
details, tickets, and directions, visit http://www.themarsh.
org/bubble_guy_2009.html
Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Buddy Club, $7.00
(kids < 2 years FREE)
The Buddy Club has an ongoing series of kids’ entertainment at
three locations throughout the Bay Area: the Berkeley JCC, the
Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael, and the Randall Museum Theatre
in San Francisco. The Buddy Club shows are appropriate for all
ages and can entertain older kids and adults as well (this isn’t
necessarily baby stuff). Visit their website at www.thebuddyclub.
com (Please do NOT forget the “the” as one of our parents did.
The resulting website is NOT suitable for family viewing). The
shows are entertaining and engaging. The shows are also
suitable for birthday parties. The following are the upcoming
shows.
Marin Buddy Club Shows, Hoytt Theater at the Osher
Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael,
February 7: The Bubble Lady
March 14: Dan Chan, the Magic Man
San Francisco Buddy Club Shows, Randall Museum
Theater, 199 Museum Way@ Roosevelt Way, San
Francisco
Note: SF Buddy Club Shows are at 11:00 a.m. Randall Museum
members also enjoy a $2 discount per ticket.
February 7: Comedy illusionist, Brian Scott
February 21: From Wisconsin: magic, juggling and comedy with
Bob Kann
March 7: Robert Strong, Comedy magician
March 21: Hilarious cowgirl tricks with Karen Quist
April 11: Prop comic and juggler, Fred Anderson
April 25: Award winning Zappo the Magician
Berkeley Buddy Club, Berkeley JCC Theater, 1414
Walnut Street (Between Walnut and Rose),
February 7: Comedy magician, Robert Strong
March 7: World-renowned physical comedian, The Unique Derique.
10-14Saturdays Jan 10th - Feb 14th
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Children's
Theatre Association of San Francisco Presents Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Florence Gould
Theater at the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, 34th
Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco, $12
The Children's Theatre
From Now until December 1st
East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge
This one kinda defies classification, but it is a great family activity.
Thousands of people have participated in the Regional Parks
Trails Challenge over the past 15 years--over 6,000 last year alone!
Hike five of the 20 trails listed in the booklet by Dec. 1 and receive a
commemorative pin with the Trails Challenge logo (pins will be
mailed in the fall) plus pick up a free organic cotton T-shirt at a
Regional Parks visitor center. T-shirts will be available for pick up
in April and May only, one per person, two per household while
supplies last. If you can't pick up your shirt, pay mailing costs and
we’ll mail it to you.
The East Bay Regional Parks are encouraging participants to "go
green" this year by downloading the Trails Challenge guidebook
and printing only what you need (booklets are available; costs will
be charged to the participant). Upon registration, participants will
receive instructions on how to download the guidebook and how to
get your free organic cotton T-shirts.
Kaiser Permanente is a major sponsor of this program, enabling
EBRPD to offer materials for free to all Alameda and Contra Costa
county residents and Kaiser employees. Registration is required at
www.ebparks.org. No phone registrations. Registration begins
January 13, 2010
15Through February 15th
EXTENDED! Through 15 February 2010, Downtown
Walnut Creek on Ice, 1365 Civic Drive in Civic Park
(at Broadway and Civic – slightly different location),
Walnut Creek, Mon – Thu 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Fri 3:
00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Sat 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sun
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. $11 - $15 including skate rental
Walnut Creek’s outdoor skating rink is truly lovely. Nestled amidst
the trees (but somehow sunny when the weather calls for it), and
steps from a great playground and the downtown shopping area (if
you can handle the crowds), it is one of the nicer ones. With the
lights in the trees, it will be especially pretty at night. Nothing but
pluses here: parking in Walnut Creek is pretty easy, lessons are
available, and a shuttle serves BART. For details visit http://www.
iceskatewalnutcreek.com/
27Through February 27th
9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Lawrence Livermore
National Labs Science on Saturdays (SOS) Lectures,
Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore, FREE
Are your kids into science? Middle and high school students
(precocious elementary school students, I imagine, are welcome
as well) are invited to hear cutting-edge science lectures
presented by leading researchers at Lawrence Livermore National
Labs. Science on Saturday (SOS) is a series of science lectures
for middle and high school students. Each topic highlights cutting-
edge science occurring at the Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory (LLNL). The talks are presented by leading LLNL
science researchers supported by master high school science
teachers. Seating is on a first come basis. Seats may not be
reserved in advance. Call (925)-373-6800 or visit http://education.
llnl.gov/SOS/?page=upcoming for more information
Students receive a "Student Notes" worksheet to record key
information from the talk. Students should check with their teacher
in advance to determine if they will receive credit for attending
SOS. Teachers who attend the SOS presentations can receive a
FREE CD or DVD with the presentation slides by mail after the
completion of the lecture series for the year.
This month’s lectures include
Feb 6 “Distant Worlds: Making Images of Other Solar Systems”
Feb 13 “Put it Back When You Are Done: Storing Carbon Dioxide in
the Earth, Not the Atmosphere”
Feb 20 “Understanding Climate Change: Seeing the Carbon
Through the Trees” and
Feb 27 “Harnessing Fusion Energy: The Power of Light”
19-18Thursday, Nov 19th - April 18th
Golden Gate Express Garden Railway, Conservatory
of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate
Park, San Francisco, Adults $5-$7, Kids 12-17, $3.00 -
$5.00, Kids 5-11 $1.50-$2.00, Kids 4 and under FREE
Can’t argue too much with the price. If you are in the area after a
visit to the California Academy of Sciences or the Koret Playground,
the Golden Gate Park's Conservatory of Flowers has a cool display
that celebrates the City of San Francisco through an impressive
layout of G-gauge model trains winding their way through a lush
landscape of dwarf plants and steam past several replicas of
some of San Francisco's most famous places including the
Conservatory of Flowers itself, the Japanese Tea Garden, the
Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Dolores, Chinatown's dragon gate,
the Transamerica Pyramid building, the Ferry Building, Coit Tower,
Ghirardelli Square and the Bently Reserve (formerly the Federal
Reserve Building). Surrounding these landmarks is a magical
landscape of miniature gardens and parks created with living
plants including dwarf conifers, tiny orchids and more. Visitors will
also enjoy appearances by costumed volunteer conductors. Fog
even rolls in twice a day and a sound track adds to the ambiance.
This year some of the landmarks will be made from recycled
activities. There will be a children's interactive train set that kids
can operate, a San Francisco history treasure hunt and much more.
For more details, visit www.conservatoryofflowers.org
9-13Saturdays Jan 9th - Feb 13th
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Children's
Theatre Association of San Francisco Presents The
Tale of the Beauty and the Beast, The Florence Gould
Theater at the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, 34th
Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco, $12
The Children's Theatre Association puts on great plays at the
Legion of Honor. This year's show is a musical based on the
classic tale of the arrogant Prince who is turned into a terrible
Beast by an old woman to whom he denies shelter. A poor lost
widow plucks a forbidden rose from the cursed Beast’s castle
grounds, is caught red-handed and sentenced to death!
Meet the widow’s two distasteful daughters and greedy sons-in-
law who ignore their mother's story about meeting the Beast and
being sentenced to death declaring her insane instead! But her
third daughter, Beauty offers to go to the castle and live with the
Beast if her mother is allowed to go free. You're sure to be moved
by the Beast’s eventual transformation and return to the handsome
and loving prince he once was before the nasty spell was cast.
Experience thrills and laughs when the sons-in-law sneak into the
eerie castle and encounter all sorts of weird goings-on, including a
battle with some very strange, enchanted furniture. Spend an hour
with us and you too will be enchanted--by the wonderful words and
music of the incomparable writer, Vera Morris and
composer/lyricist Bill Francoeur.. The CTASF is very family
friendly: kids on lap are free, Fine Arts members (and you know
who you are) get a $2 discount. The show is about an hour so,
while the material is geared to the elementary school child, you
should use your judgement as to whether your child is capable of
sitting quietly for that long. For details including tickets and
directions, visit their website at http://www.ctasf.org
15Friday, January 15th
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m., Cultural Encounters: Friday
Nights at the de Young $10 adults, $6 kids 13-17,
FREE for kids 12 and under
Friday nights, the museum is open late and the de Young folks
spice things up with music, film, dance, and special events. You
can get dinner and cocktails at the cafe to make an evening of it.
To make this a family event, there are hands-on art making
activities for kids and adults. For details, visit the Friday Nights
Web Page
Don't forget the Saturdays at the de Young program which
combines docent tours with artist-supervised art projects on
Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. A
schedule of programs can be found at http://www.famsf.
org/deyoung/calendar/day.asp?categoryid=30 For a reward, you
can march the little artists across JFK Drive to the Koret
Playground to get some ya-yas out.
23-14Sat. & Sun. Jan 23rd - Feb 14th
Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30
p.m., Rumpelstiltskin, Young Performers Theater, Fort
Mason Center, Building C, San Francisco $10 adults,
$7 for children under 13
A father's boast that his daughter can spin straw into gold causes
a lot of difficulty. Of course the king of the land hears of the boast
and orders the father to bring the girl to his kingdom and prove the
statement. "What to do. What to do." the girl cries, begs and
suddenly one of fairy tales' favorite characters appears --
Rumpelstiltskin, who is only too glad to help out, but he demands
a heavy price. Not to worry, it all works out in the end, happily ever
after! A combined live actor and puppet show. This group does
very nice children's theater and is worth checking out. Tickets and
reservations at http://www.ypt.org/tickets.htm and directions can
be found at http://www.ypt.org/map.htm
29,1-4January 29th, February 1-4th
Tree Frog Treks Hike for Haiti, Locations and Dates
vary, $25 suggested donation - all proceeds donated
to Oxfam.
Chris Giorni, Director of Tree Frog Treks, will be leading a series of
San Francisco Hill Hikes as a benefit for the Haiti Relief Effort.
Come meet friends, a live animal ambassador, science
specimens and sip hot cocoa with marshmallows on a two hour
hill hike in the city. 100% of the proceeds collected from the hikes
will be donated to Oxfam for the Haiti Relief Effort. No one turned
away due to lack of funds. Babies/toddlers welcomed if carried in
backpacks. School age children able to do the hike are welcome.
Five Days of Hiking to Help Haiti: (come one day or all five!)
1. Hike for Haiti to the top of Bernal Heights San Francisco's own
native grassland. Meet at Park Bench Café on 3214 Folsom and
Precita Friday January 29th at 9:00 AM. Return by 11:00 AM.
2. Hike for Haiti from base of Glen Canyon to the top and back.
Meet at the Bakery (598 Chenery) Monday February 1st at 3:00
PM. Return by 5:00 PM.
3. Hike for Haiti from the Stowe Lake Boat House to the top of
Strawberry Island Hill. Meet at Boat House, Tuesday February 2nd
at 3:00 PM . Return by 5:00 PM.
4. Hike for Haiti from Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall (meet the animals)
at 2114 Hayes to the top of Corona Heights and back. Meet at Tree
Frog Treks Wednesday February 3rd at 3:00 PM. Return by 5:00.
5. Hike for Haiti to the top of Tank Hill and then the top of Kite Hill
and Back. Meet at La Boulange (1000 Cole Street cross
Parassus), Thursday 2/4 at 8:00 AM. Return by 10:00 AM.
For details, visit http://www.treefrogtreks.com/programs/treks.
htm
28Sundays Through March 28th,
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Soggy Sundays Kids' Series,
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave at Gilman, Berkeley,
$4 kids, $6 adults
Looking for something to do on a soggy Sunday afternoon? Come
out to the Ashkenz performance space for an hour of family music.
They are offering ten Sundays of programs are geared for dancing
and family members of all ages. Genres include folk, rock, and
world music. The schedule includes:
- January 31, Orange Sherbet + the Magical Mystery Marching Band
- February 7, Charity and the Jamband
- February 14, International Young Flamenco Performers'
Showcase - with free roses and chocolate and a valentine's
competition!
- February 21, Four Shillings Short
- February 28, Earthcapades with Special Guests Zac and Jenny
Matthews
- March, TBA
For details and directions, visit www.ashkenaz.com
30Saturday, January 30th
6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Wild Night at the Museum,
Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Street, Walnut
Creek, $50 for one adult and one child and $10 for
each additional child under 18
First of all the Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a great place and
deserves a visit no matter what the weather or occasion. If rainy,
there are wonderful wildlife displays including some rescue
creatures and interactive activities under the roof. On a cloudy or
sunny day, there is a wonderful park adjacent that the kids will
love. Tonight, the Museum will be holding a special fun family
oriented event to support the museum’s programs in education
and wildlife rehabilitation. The evening's festivities include
For tickets, details and directions, visit http://www.wildlife-
museum.org/wildnight/
30-31Sat & Sun, January 30th-31st
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Golden Gate Kennel Club All-
Breed Dog Show, Cow Palace, South San Francisco,
Adults $12, children $7, Families (2 adults + 2 kids):
$30
Looking for a dog? Just like them? Want a pure-bred, AKC-
registered dog with champion lineage? This is your show. This is
*the* go-to show if you are researching breeds and wanting to
meet breeders. In between watching the judging (a la “Best in
Show”) and agility demonstrations, the dogs and their breeders
will be in the exhibition halls so that you can see the dogs and talk
to the experts about them. There are also oodles of vendor booths
with everything imaginable for your dog. For information and
tickets go to http://www.goldengatekc.com/.
31Sunday, January 31st
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Berkeley Ballet Boys Open
House, Berkeley Ballet Theater, Julia Morgan Center
for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, FREE
You'd be surprised who ends up being great dancers. Just ask
Herschel Walker and Lynn Swann to name a few. Then, who can
forget MJ? If your child has even the remotest interest in dance or
just has a great time breaking it down to tunes in your living room,
you should check this out. The Berkeley Ballet Theater is hosting
an afternoon of dance events featuring
participants through a little over 30 minute clinic in each of four
dance styles to give the guys a flavor for dance. The best part is it
is FREE and no reservations are necessary. We know the hip-hop
teacher and, if he is any indicator, the participants are in for a great
time. For more details, visit http://www.berkeleyballet.
org/pdfs/boys_open_house.pdf
2-28February 2th - 28th
February 2nd - 8th, Tall Ships, Pier 40 Embarcadero
at Townsend, San Francisco,
Feb 10th - 20th Tall Ships, Jack London Square,
Oakland
February 22nd-28th, Tall Ships, 451 Seaport Court,
Redwood City
Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport Tall Ships Visit the
Bay Area! Dockside Tours Tues-Fri 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.
m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,
Adventure Sails 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
We did this last year. While we didn't take the three hour tours, we
did have a great time climbing through the ships and talking with
the crews. Sure the trips can be a little pricey, but you can climb
aboard the square-rig sailing ship, Hawaiian Chieftain (travelling
alone this year as the Chieftain's usual berthmate, Lady
Washington is out for some repairs) and learn about maritime
history for free (even though they would appreciate a nominal
donation). If your kid loves pirates or just loves sailing, this is a trip
worth making. There are four ways to experience these beautiful
ships:
So, bone up on your pirate speak http://www.talklikeapirate.
com/howto.html and check out this cool opportunity. Call (800)
200-5239 for details or go to http://historicalseaport.
org/store/ship-dates.php to book a trip and check availability.
Cool Way to Spend a Sunday:
Why not make a day of it in Jack London Square?
6-7Sat-Sun, February 6-7th
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:
00 p.m. Chinatown Flower Fair, Washington below
Grant Street, San Francisco, FREE
The Flower Fair is a great way to begin the Chinese New Year
Celebration. The Fair begins with a Mini Parade Preview on
Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 a.m., Chinatown, San Francisco
(from California and Grant to Jackson and Grant If crowds aren’t
your thing, and you still want to ring in the year of the Tiger, come
check out this smaller version of the Chinese New Year parade
that follows 3 weeks later. This one starts at California and Grant
and follows Grant to the stage at Jackson four blocks later. Once
you finish with the parade, you can visit the Flower Fair on Grant
from Broadway to Clay; Pacific Ave. from Stockton to Kearny, and
Jackson between Stockton and Kearny where you can buy flowers,
plants, fruits and candies and enjoy activities and entertainment
from 10:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. and also on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:
00 p.m. (no parade on Sunday) Want to enjoy the Year of the Tiger
but don't want to deal with the crowds two weeks later when the
official parade takes over downtown San Francisco? Check out
this mini-parade with dragons and puppets and spend the rest of
the day enjoying the Chinatown Flower Fair . Besides flowers,
plants, fruit, and sweets, the Fair will feature demonstrations and
entertainment including dragon dances, martial arts
demonstrations and more. For details, visit http://www.
chineseparade.com/parade_events.asp?pEvent=flower_fair
6-27Saturdays, February 6, 20, 27
28Sunday, February 28th
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Vasco Caves Hike, Shuttles
Stage From Round Valley Regional Preserve 2/6, 27,
28) and Brushy Peak Regional Preserve (2/20), $30
($34 for non-residents)
For Kids 10 + and their families, these occasional tours to see
Vasco’s spectacular outcrops and vernal pools – seasonal home
of endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp are a must-
experience. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and
migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored
grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a
complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is
accessible through guided tours only, staging from Round Valley
Regional Preserve and Brushy Peak Regional Preserve aboard
District-provided bus transportation. (10+yrs)
Registration is. Required: 1-888-EBPARKS The event codes are
Feb 6: 23138
Feb 20: 23141
Feb 27: 23139
Feb 28: 23140
tails, visit http://www.salinasairshow.
com/index1.htm
6-13Saturdays, February 6th - March 13th
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events, 766 Valencia Street, San Francisco,
(415) 824-1872, 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 in the Mission
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, Paxton Gate offers a Free Science workshop
with James M. Create slides of three different food groups and
investigate at the cellular level with aid of an optical microscope.
www.paxtongate.com/events-upcomingevents.aspx
Upcoming events include
Saturday, February 13th - Not Your Average Doily. Join them for
an afternoon of Valentine craft using repurposed, vintage materials
and learn the basics of printmaking.
Saturday, March 13th - Presenting Shiv Sounds with RythEm's
Stop in for a musical afternoon. We'll be singing some of the
classics.
6Saturdays, November 7th through March 6th
11:00 a.m. SaturYAY! Series at the Amador Theater,
Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, Adults $10-18
most shows and Children $6-14
The Amador Theater in Pleasanton has this terrific Saturday
matinee series with wonderful family-friendly entertainment. This
week, it is the Gizmo Guys, a highly entertaining pair of jugglers
whose humor and skills enrapture audiences all over. Going
forward, here is the run-down:
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 17th Annual KNBR 680 Giants
FanFest, AT&T Park, San Francisco, FREE
Baseball fans of all ages come and join the San Francisco Giants
and KNBR for the 17th Annual KNBR 680 Giants FanFest. The San
Francisco Giants will be hosting a day at the park where you can
meet a lot of your favorite players, enjoy interactive games, a Kids
Zone, and activities and exhibits throughout the ballpark, tour the
dugout and club house, get player autographs, meet Lou Seal and
much more. For information, call 415-972-2000 or visit http:
//sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Parade at 11:00 a.m.), Lunar
New Year Festival and Parade, Solano Ave., Albany
and Berkeley, FREE
Come down to Solano Ave. in the Cities of Albany and Berkeley for
a celebration of the year of the Ox! There will be a parade down
Solano starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by performances from 11 a.
m. - 2:00 pm on the main stage at the Albany Twin Theatre at 1115
Solano. Entertainment includes Drums by DJ Wind Chinese Music
Academy, Dance by the Chinese Arts Program, Chinese
Acrobatics, Martial Arts by Golden Lion, Chinese Instrumental
Music, and Chinese Opera. Of course, there will be plenty of Asian
Food for sale.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sacramento Museum Day,
Sacramento, FREE
The Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and Umpqua
Bank offer FREE admission to 26 Sacramento museums including
the ever-cool California State Railroad Museum. For detailed
information about participating sites, free shuttles and more, visit
www.sacmuseums.org/museumday.html.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Annual Orion Children's
Authors and Illustrators Festival, Orion Elementary
School, 815 Allerton St., Redwood City, FREE
Orion Elementary hosts its popular Children's Book Authors and
Illustrators Festival. This is a free event featuring award-winning
children's authors and illustrators from throughout the Bay Area.
Books and food will be available for purchase; Spanish language
translation available. This year's lineup includes Alexandra Boiger;
Ying Chang Compestine; Elisa Kleven; Tim Myers; LeUyen Pham;
Rachel Rodriguez; and Joyce Carol Thomas. Come meet your
favorite authors and illustrators! There will be book signings and
author presentations throughout the event. For a schedule and list
of authors and bios, visit http://www.rcsd.k12.ca.
us/189020162345050/site/default.asp
7,21Sunday, February 7th and 21st
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm, SFMOMA Might as Well Jump,
Koret Visitor Education Center, SF MOMA, 151 Third
Street, San Francisco, FREE
Mod-erators lead participatory art projects and provide supplies
and support as you create your own works of art. Docents conduct
engaging, family-friendly gallery tours. Special activities include
book readings and movie screenings. Look. Think. Create. That's
Family Sunday.
If you haven’t done one of these family studios, it is a great
program: admission is FREE for kids, the kids get a well-
designed and supervised activity that immerses them into the
collection, and, well, SF MOMA is a gem of a museum. The Koret
Center is on the 2nd floor. Even if there is no activity in session, it
is worth visiting with your kids. Please note: capacity is limited;
families will be served as space is available.
represented companies and careers, visit http://www.
girlscoutsbayarea.org/pages/events/ggt_career.html
12-15Fri, Feb 12th – Mon, Feb 15th
Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Citrus Fair Grounds, No. 1
Citrus Drive, Cloverdale, $6 adults, $4 kids, Monday,
“Kids Day”, kids 6-12 are FREE
Kicking off the Ag fair season is the Cloverdale Citrus Fair! Come
visit beautiful Cloverdale (just 15 minutes past Healdsburg) for
parades, food, entertainment (music, a hypnotist, clowns, jugglers,
stories, talent shows, etc.), farm animals, carnival rides, and
more. If you haven’t visited one of these fairs, you are really
missing out, especially with good weather. This weekend should
be spectacular up there. Kids love these fairs (especially the
animals), the cost is low, and there is even stuff that is fun for
adults.
Details http://www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org/ or call 707-894-3992
Directions: The Fair Grounds are just off the 101 N in Cloverdale.
Exit at Citrus Fair Drive Exit and hang a left at the base of the exit.
14Sunday, February 14th
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Free Community Family Day:
Lunar New Year. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S.
Market St., San Jose, FREE
Visit Silicon Valley's leading institution dedicated to the art of our
time. And, what better way than on a FREE day? In addition to their
terrific contemporary collection, the SJMA will host a wide range of
great family activities in celebration of the Lunar New Year
including traditional Lion Dance, art-making activities, storytelling,
performances by area youth groups, and more.
For directions, visit http://www.sjmusart.org/visit/getting-here
22-21Sat-Sun, February 20th-21st
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Target Free Tut Weekend,
deYoung Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
FREE
Target sponsors a weekend of free gallery viewing and activities in
celebration of Bay Area families and Tutankhamun and the Golden
Age of the Pharaohs. Free admission into the entire museum;
tickets are limited and are first come, first served. Limit four tickets
per guest.
9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hands-on art making for all ages
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. DJ music with Arabic and Egyptian beats
noon–5:00 p.m. Sword dancing and belly dancing performances
noon-5:00 p.m. Mummy Movie Marathon
For more information, visit www.deyoungmuseum.org/tut.
For info on the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
exhibit, visit http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/exhibition.
asp?exhibitionkey=1015
26-28Fri-Sun, February 26-28th
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sunday: 11:00
a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Filoli Opening Celebration - Daffodil
Daydreams, Filoli 86 Canada Road, Woodside. Adults
$15, Kids 5-17 $5, Kids under 5 FREE
Filoli is a special place nestled in the hills just West of the 280 in
Woodside. You can bike right past it and not know it is there. After
hibernating all weekend, the flowers are ready to make their debut.
This weekend, they are out with a vengeance: thousands of
daffodils along with the huge variety of other flowers, plants and
trees in the most amazing setting you have ever see. There will be
drop in activities for kids every day from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m..
For the grown ups, there will be demonstrations, lectures, and
other horticulturally-centric activities throughout the day. Yeah, you
could do that, but the real attractions are the grounds.
A property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Filoli is a
wonderous 654 acre estate 30 miles south of San Francisco. A
grand Georgian mansion sits amongst amazing gardens where
hundreds of rare flowers, plants and trees flourish. Wander
through the estate on the brick paths that invite visitors to explore
the grace and beauty of Filoli.
Filoli is a special place and is worth a visit no matter what time of
year. Call (650) 364-8300 for information and reservations. For
directions, visit http://www.filoli.org/plan-your-visit/directions.html
27Saturday, February 27th
5:15 p.m. Chinese New Year Parade, San Francisco
FREE
Gung Hee Fat Choy! Celebrate the Lunar Year 4708, the year of
the Tiger! This is the big parade. Come early and take public
transportation as the crowds can be fierce. The Route starts at
Market and snakes through Downtown ending up on Kearny
between Washington and Jackson. If the map below is not
supported by your email browser, click here http://www.
chineseparade.com/route.asp (you DO NOT need to install the
Adobe Flash Player to view the map)
For viewing, forget about Market Street, Geary Street or Union
Square, the crowds are crazy. Instead, Post Street tends to be a
little more civilized and you might even be able to pull up a curb for
a seat.
Parking is probably best at the Mission and Fifth garage as getting
to Ellis/O’Farrell, Union Square, Sutter Stockton or Portsmouth will
be all but impossible (let alone getting out).
Either before or after the parade, check out the Chinatown
Community Street Fair on Grant from Broadway to Clay on
February 27th (10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and February 28th (9:00 a.
m. - 5:00 p.m.) - NO PARADE ON SUNDAY, the 28th; Pacific Ave.
from Stockton to Kearny, and Jackson between Stockton and
Kearny where you can experience Chinese cultural
demonstrations and performances including lion dancing, martial
arts, calligraphy, traditional dance, and puppet shows. There will
also be a children's area with a petting zoo and games.
12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m., E=girlpower2, Saturday
Science Workshop for Girls Grade 5-8, Chabot Space
and Science Center, Oakland, $20 per person, $15 for
members
This is a terrific program that inspires young girls (grade 5-8) to
develop skills and explore the wonders of science, technology,
engineering, and math. To register, call (510 336-7373
28Sunday, February 28th
10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., JCCSF Family Fun Day, JCC
San Francisco, 3200 California Street at Presidio, San
Francisco, $10 adults ($6 members)
Family Fun Days are a great way to enjoy a Sunday together
especially if it is a little cold and rainy outside. Bring your family to
the JCCSF for a day filled with fun activities for you and your
children. Your day includes a special performance and lots of
special activities. Come early for Kindergym at 10 a.m., arts and
crafts at 10:15, a performance at 11:30 a.m., and a family swim at 2:
00. Best for kids 9 and younger.
This Sunday, enjoy puppets with professional, Russian-trained
puppeteer, Dmitry. Dmitry has been entertaining and enriching the
lives of children and adults for the last 20 years. His show includes
large marionettes, hand puppets and wooden "limberjack"
puppets, and consists of comedy sketches, accompanied by
music and songs from different countries.
You can take your chances parking on the street (good luck) or you
can bite the bullet and park in the JCC parking garage (enter from
the westbound lanes of California) for $1.50 /half hour
Directions are available at http://www.jccsf.org/about-us/general-
information/directions/
2:00 p.m., The Sippy Cups Family Matinee at Yoshi’s,
Yoshi's Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland
Near Jack London Square, Adults, $16, Kids $5
Be there as the band the San Francisco Chronicle called "every
parent's favorite kid rock band" brings their rock and roll circus to
Yoshi's Oakland. The national kid-rock sensation The Sippy Cups
feature original songs from their third full-length CD, and time-
tested classics from the likes of The Beatles and The Ramones.
The Sippy Cups' famously rollicking stage-show keeps kids
enthralled with a carnival of juggling, unicycling, comical characters
and special effects. Opening the show will be Kit'n'Tenders, a
unique vocal duo featuring Gabby La La and Thessaly Lerner "The
Ukulady"
You and the family can take in a first class performance at an
awesome performance space. The show begins at 2:00 p.m. but
the line begins before 1:00 p.m. Here’s a hint: buy your ticket, wait
in line, get your hand stamped, take the little tags they give you,
mark your seats, and then grab lunch at the restaurant (they DO
have a nice $6 lunch for the kids, but the adult food will cost you a
lot more) or walk across the street to Jack London Square or to any
of the dozens of great restaurants like E&J’s Barbecue and grab a
quick bite there before you head back. Of course, the music is top
notch and the performers really play to the audience.
A note on seats: you CAN go for the café tables near the stage but
they can be uncomfortable and the volume can be loud. There are
a bunch of booths just behind the café tables – a lot more
comfortable and roomy. If you can’t quite get it together to go grab
a bite and come back, they DO have table service with a decent
menu. There is a one drink minimum – even the kids. For a
complete listing of acts and to buy tickets (you can buy tickets at the
door), visit http://yoshis.inticketing.com/events/72104/2PM-
Matinee--THE-SIPPY-CUPS.
For directions to Yoshi's Oakland, visit:
http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/directions
Note: Parking at Oakland is pretty easy, There is a validated
garage right next to Yoshi’s where it will cost you about $5.75 for
lunch and the show. On a Sunday, you can also do street parking.
3:00p.m., Moscow Circus, Lincoln Theatre, 100
California Dr., Yountville, Adults $29-39, Children 12
and under $12
The Moscow Circus is one of the crown jewels of Russian cultural
heritage and the standard by which other circuses around the
world are judged. This circus features unparalleled death defying
acts, beautiful artistry and humorous clowns that have wowed
audiences worldwide. To buy tickets, call 707.944.1300 or visit
http://www.lincolntheater.com/performances/09/winter/moscow.
html and click on "buy tickets online" Visit http://www.
moscowcircus.biz/ (turn down your audio first) to find out about
the circus. And, while you are in the area, both Napa and Yountville
have decent playgrounds for yaya eradication from the drive. Visit
our North Bay Page for more info.
13-4Saturday-Sunday, March 13th - April 4th
Saturdays 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 2:00 p.
m., Aesop's Funky Fables, New Conservatory Theatre
Center, 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
A wild and wacky adaptation of the classic Greek fables. Come
meet the tortoise, the hare, the fox, the stag, and three time
travelers who learn from Aesop himself what lessons can be
learned from these charming stories written centuries ago. Great
for kids 4 and older. For tickets, visit http://www.nctcsf.
org/press_room/aesop/aesop_press.htm
14Sunday, March 14th
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Pier 39, 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 around Pier 39
on the Embarcadero from Pier 39 to China Basin and Terry
Francois Blvd. 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
Future dates include:
Sunday, April 11 along the Great Highway if it isn't washed away
Sunday, April 18 Bayview along 3rd Street from King and 4th to
Bayview Playground
Sunday, May 23 Bayview in conjunction with the 3rd Street Festival
Sunday, June 20 Mission, along Valencia and 24th Streets
Sunday, July 11 Mission
Sunday, August 22 Great Highway/Golden Gate Park
Sunday, September 19 Western Addition
Sunday, October 24 Civic Center/Tenderloin
20-21Sat & Sunday, March 20th-21st
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Houdini Magic Weekend,
Playland Not At The Sea, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El
Cerrito, $15 adults, kids 3-14 $10
Playland-Not-at-the-Beach is a small storefront holding a lot of cool
Bay Area history. This hands-on "museum" (quotes added) has a
lot of the old nickelodeon attractions from the now-defunct Playland
by the Sea amusement park that used to be at the foot of the hill
below the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths and a lot more. There
are 25+ pinball machines set on Free Play, arcade games,
videogames, carnival games of skills where you can win prizes,
penny arcades full of antique amusement devices, live magic
shows, an amazing hand-carved miniature circus, side show acts,
miniature dioramas, Fascination games, and historic exhibits with
artifacts from the Sutro Baths and Whitney's Playland in San
Francisco. This weekend, magicians from around Northern
California are performing and putting on classes in the art of
illusion. This is one of their most popular events. For details and
directions, visit http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org/index.
htm
2-10April 2nd-10th
San Francisco Bay Area International Children’s Film
Festival at WonderCon, Moscone Center South and
other Bay Area Venues, Admission (children under 11
free with paid adult admission)
If your kid loves comics or if you are using your kid as an excuse to
attend, this is NorCal’s premiere comics and pop culture
convention. Yeah, the media and Simpson’s paint this crowd with
a rather pejorative brush, but it can be fun. Even if you don’t go to
the convention (why would you miss the ComicCon of the North? If
you pay for one, you get both admissions together), you should
check out the films in the film festival. They are fresh and fun
movies geared to kids.
For a full list of films and venues, visit http://www.sfchildrensfilm.
org/. For more information, visit www.comic-con.org/wc/, email
sfchildrensfilm@cox.net or call (760) 453-2922.
4Sunday, April 4th
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Berkeley Rep Sunday Sampler
Series, Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, the Berkeley
Rep School of Theater, Nevo Education Center, 2071
Addison Street, Berkeley, FREE
Bring your family, bring a friend or treat yourself to the wide variety
of programming offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre,
including acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning.
Taught by professional theatre artists, our classes offer people of
all ages and abilities an opportunity to explore the craft of theatre
and experience the joy of dynamic engagement with their own
creativity.
The Sunday Sampler is free and open to youth, teens, adults and
families.
Following a brief introduction at 1pm, participants may sample
three different classes from a menu of options at 1:20pm, 2:00pm
and 2:30pm.
The Sunday Sampler is held at the Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704.
For more information about the Sunday Sampler, please e-mail
school@berkeleyrep.org or call 510 647–2972.
11Sunday, April 11th
Performances TBA, Circus for Arts in the Schools,
Koffman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda,
Tickets on sale shortly
Mark your calendars. This is a show not to be missed. It is not
Ringling Brothers or Cirque du Soleil although many of the
performers have had careers with one or the other. The 70-minute
shows feature acts of skill, daring and silliness with acrobats,
clowns, jugglers and musicians (all donating their time), including
performers of Cirque du Soleil, the Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe and
Pickle Family Circus fame. All the Proceeds from the Circus will
support arts education in the Alameda Unified School District. It is
a very intimate space and the acts delight kids of all ages. We hit a
number of circuses from time to time and we put this one on our
short list. For more details, visit http://www.circusforarts.
org/circus2010/
That's it for now!
Koncierge February Update!
Happy New Year! The kids are back to school and the New Year is
off to a big start.
During the Break, we took the kids to the slopes to take advantage
of the great snow and weather. One place we found that was worth
a visit was Donner Ski Ranch . Lift tickets were inexpensive, it is
an easy day trip from the Bay Area, and it is not that crowded.
Check out our full review on our Snow Play Page.
Don't forget, our Resources Pages have a ton of great ideas on
things to do if your child is already bored with their presents. Here
are some highlights:
Snow Play
With all the snow that we have been getting there is a lot of fresh
and man-made snow. The resorts and snow parks are open! Just
a thought – if you are teaching kids, you do not necessarily need a
lift ticket if you do not mind walking up the hill. Check out the Snow
Play Guide for more details
Make sure to check out our Facebook page. If you like us, be our
fan! Share us! Pass us around!
SPECIAL OFFER!
- $30 off Wicked Tickets! Save some serious bucks on
tickets to this Tony Award-winning show for performances
through February 28th. Visit http://www.ticketmaster.
com/promo/ilzyqt/?dma_id=382 and enter offer code
26GOOD
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages. Here are some
highlights:
- Performing Arts Schedule UPDATED 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! - CAMPS! Not just for next summer, but for the winter breaks
as well! - 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 vacation 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
Year Round
- Pick Your Own Produce, Brentwood
On-Going (Fridays)
- 5:00 p.m., Cultural Encounters: Friday Nights at the de
Young, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Through February
- Monarch Butterflies at Monarch Grove, Pacific Grove
Through March
- Marine Mammal Migration, Point Reyes National Seashore
Sundays Through March 21st and Weds-Sat March 31-April 3
- The Bubble Man's The Greatest Bubble Show on Earth,
The Marsh San Francisco Main Stage Theater, 1062
Valencia St (near 22nd Street), San Francisco
Sundays
- The Buddy Club: San Francisco, Berkeley, and San Rafael
Through February 15th EXTENDED!
- Downtown Walnut Creek Ice Rink, 1365 Civic Drive at
Broadway, Walnut Creek
Thursday, November 19th - April 18th
- Golden Gate Express Garden Railway at the Conservatory
of Flowers, Conservatory of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy
Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Saturdays, January 9th - February 13th
- The Children's Theatre Association of San Francisco
Presents The Beauty and the Beast at the Legion of Honor
Saturdays January 17-February 7th
- e=girlpower2 Saturday Science Workshops for Girls,
Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland
Saturdays through February 27th
- 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Science on Saturdays,
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First Street, Livermore, FREE
Saturdays and Sundays January 23rd - February 14th
- Rumpelstiltskin at the Young Performers Theater, Fort
Mason, San Francisco
January 29th, February 1-4th
- Tree Frog Treks Hikes for Haiti, Various Locations, $25
donation
Sundays through March 28th
- 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Soggy Sundays Kids' Series,
Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317
San Pablo o Ave. @ Gilman, Berkeley
Saturday, January 30th
- 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Wild Night at the Museum, Lindsay
Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek
Saturday and Sunday, January 30th and 31st
- Golden Gate Kennel Club All-Breed Show, Cow Palace,
San Francisco
Sunday, January 31st
- 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Berkeley Ballet Boys Open House,
Berkeley Ballet Theater, Julia Morgan Center for the Arts,
2640 College Ave., Berkeley, FREE - 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., Jay Alexander Magic, Showcase
Theater, San Rafael, $20
Free 1st Tuesday, February 2nd
- 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, February 3rd
- Exploratorium www.exploratorium.edu
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
- Bay Area Discovery Museum www.baykidsmuseum.org
Free 1st Thursday, February 4th
- Berkeley Art Museum www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
- Burlingame Pez Museum www.spectrumnet.com/pez/
Saturday and Sunday, February 6th and 7th
- Chinatown Flower Fair and Mini Parade, San Francisco
Saturday, February 6th, 20th, and 27th, and Sunday, February
28th
- 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Vasco Caves Hike, Round Valley
Regional Preserve (2/6. 27. 28) and Brushy Peak Regional
Preserve (2/20 only) Registration Required
Saturdays, February 6th, 13th, and March 13th
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Free Kids' Workshops,
766 Valencia Street (near 19th), San Francisco
- Feb 6: Free Science Workshop
- Feb 13: Not Your Average Doily
- March 13th: Shiv Sounds with RythEm's
Saturday, February 6th
- 11:00 a.m., Sippy Cups Perform at the Satur-Yay Series,
Amador Theatre, Plesanton - 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 16th Annual KNBR 680 Giants
FanFest, AT&T Park, San Francisco, FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Parade at 10:00 a.m.), Lunar New
Year Festival and Parade, Solano Ave., Albany and
Berkeley, FREE - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 Sacramento Museum Day, Sacramento,
FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Annual Orion Children's Authors
and Illustrators Festival, Orion Elementary School, 815
Allerton St., Redwood City, FREE
Sunday, February 7th
- Super Bowl Sunday. Kick Off 6:30 Eastern on CBS
Free 1st Sunday, February 7th
- Asian Art Museum www.asianart.org
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
February 2nd - 28th
- Tall Ships visit the Bay Area
- Feb 2-8 - San Francisco
- Feb 10-20 - Oakland Jack London Square
- Feb 21-28, - Redwood City
Free 1st and 3rd Sundays (for Kids), February 7th and 21st
- SF MOMA www.sfmoma.org
February 12th-28th
- Olympic Winter Games, Vancouver, British Columbia
Friday - Monday, February 12th - 15th
- Cloverdale Citrus Fair, One Citrus Fair Drive., Cloverdale
Free 2nd Sunday, February 14th
- Oakland Museum www.museumca.org ***CLOSED
UNTIL MAY 2010*** - 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Free Community Family Day: Lunar
New Year. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S. Market St.,
San Jose, FREE - Tech Museum of San Jose, www.thetech.org
Free 3rd Wednesday, February 17th
- California Academy of Sciences www.calacademy.org
Saturday and Sunday, February 20th-21st
- Target Family Free Weekend including King Tut!, deYoung,
Golden Gate Park
Friday-Sunday, February 26th-28th
- 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Fri, Sat), 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.,
Sunday Filoli Opening Celebration, 86 Canada Road,
Woodside
Saturday, February 27th
- Chinese New Year Parade, San Francisco
Sunday, February 28th
- JCC SF Family Fun Day: Puppets, JCC-SF, 3200 California
Street, San Francisco - 2:00 p.m., The Sippy Cups Family Matinee, Yoshi's
Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland (near Jack
London Square) - 3:00 p.m., Moscow Circus, Lincoln Theatre, 100 California
Drive, Yountville
Through March
- Annual Elephant Seal Mating, Ano Nuevo State Preserve
Sunday, March 7th
- 5:00 p.m., Academy Awards, ABC
Saturdays and Sundays, March 13 - April 4
- Sat: 2:00 and 4:00, Sundays 2:00 p.m., Aesop's Funky
Fables, New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness
Avenue, San Francisco
Sunday, March 14th
- Daylight Savings Time Begins - Spring Forward
- 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Pier 39, San
Francisco, FREE
Saturday and Sunday, March 20th - 21st
- Houdini Magic Weekend, Playland Not At the Sea, 10979
San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito
Sunday, March 21st
- Benefit Party for 2010 Circus in the Parks, Amnesia, San
Francisco
April 2nd - 10th
- Wondercon/SF International Children's Film Festival, San
Francisco
Saturday, April 3rd
- Most Egg Hunts occur the day BEFORE Easter. Watch
this space for our annual egg hunt guide.
Sunday, April 4th - Happy Easter!
- Berkeley Rep Sunday Sampler Series, Berkeley Rep
School of Theatre, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, FREE
Sunday, April 10th
- Circus for Arts in the Schools, Koffman Auditorium, 220
Central Ave., Alameda
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.
Seasonal
January – March, Ano Nuevo State Reserve Annual
Elephant Seal Mating and Birthing, $5 per vehicle,
Guided Tour Tickets are $7 per person reservations
recommended
Ano Nuevo is a special place. It is a hike both literally and
figuratively since it is tucked away on the coast between Half Moon
Bay and Santa Cruz. That being said, it is worth the drive. From
the moment you arrive, you can hear the barking of the seals in the
sea breeze. A quick hike later (you can do a self-guided hike for
free between April and November. You must be accompanied by a
guide during breeding season), you are a set of bluffs overlooking
a beach filled with barking and belching life. The adults are gone
by March leaving weaned pups who hang on the beach through
April. Information on visiting the preserve can be found at http:
//parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=523 with a link on the page to
online reservations (which are a must). It is recommended that
you read this http://parks.ca.gov/pages/523/files/ano%20nuevo%
20press%20release--2010sw.pdfbefore calling the reservation
line at (800) 444-4445.
Through February
Monarch Butterfly Migration, Various Locations
These delicate creatures know how to live their short lives: They
winter in Mexico with stops in Northern California and a few other
choice spots on their way home. Here are a few local spots worth
checking out between October and February. A lot of places are
home to rest stops for the Monarchs, but only a few have significant
concentrations of butterflies. With this chilly weather, you are likely
to see these little orange and black guys huddled together for
warmth. Not sure how that works given that they are cold blooded,
but I digress. For a good guide on butterflies, their life cycle, and
migratory habits, download this 12 page document: http://www.
monarchwatch.org/download/pdf/where.pdf
- Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz This is the only
State Monarch Preserve in California. There are all sorts of
displays at the visitors center with eggs, caterpillars, and
chrysalides. Make sure to check out the natural rock
bridges, tidal pools, and migrating whales. For more
information, visit http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541 - Ardenwood, Fremont In addition to the historical farm,
there is a full-fledged Monarch rest stop. ebparks.
org/parks/ardenwood Note: Farewell to Monarchs Day is
Sat., February 6th - Pacific Grove, Monterey Peninsula This is one of the
classic overwintering locations in the area. Visit http://www.
pgmuseum.org/ for more details (click on Monarchs) - Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Carmel Visit http://pt-
lobos.parks.state.ca.us/Monarch.html for more details - San Leandro Golf Course, Alameda Call to find out when
you can see their eucalyptus trees draped in butterflies. For
directions, visit http://www.americangolf.com/ca/san-
leandro-monarch-bay-golf-club - Bolinas Terrace, Bolinas, Marin In the town of Bolinas, just
off of Park at the intersection of Terrace and Mann are a
good concentration of butterflies. Muir Beach also has a
smaller concentration of butterflies.
Through March
Marine Mammal Migration, Mating, Birthing, and
more: Whales and Elephant Seals at the Point Reyes
National Seashore
The Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the few places on the
Pacific Coast where northern elephant seals and gray whales may
be observed and studied. What is more amazing is that Point
Reyes is about 30 minutes from Marin and an hour from SF or the
East Bay.
The elephant seals' semi-annual sojourns to the shores of Point
Reyes provide a unique opportunity to glimpse the lives and
behaviors of these elusive ocean giants. The Elephant Seal
Overlook near Chimney Rocky is a great place for viewing elephant
seals from December through March. You can see the males
doing their dominance dance and pup birthing. On weekends and
holidays, docents are available to provide guidance.
During the winter, you can also watch the migration of gray whales
as they make their way to Alaska from Baja. Peak Southern
Migration is mid-January and the peak Northern Migration is mid-
March. Late April and Early May offer you the chance to see
mothers and calves close to shore. Best place to watch is from
areas near Chimney Rock and the Lighthouse
NOTE: due to traffic concerns, the roads are closed and shuttle
buses from Drakes Beach provide transportation. For details on
the shuttles, visit http://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/shuttle.
htm
For details on watching seals, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_elephantseals.htm
For information on watching whales, visit http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/wildlife_viewing_whales.htm
The National Park Service also offers a number of ranger-lead
programs that provide the most informative ways to explore our
friends on the coast. Click here for more details http://www.nps.
gov/pore/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm
3Sundays Through April 3rd
Through January 24, 2010
Sundays, Feb 14 – March 21, 2010
Wed, March 31, 2010
Thur, April 1, 2010
Fri, April 2, 2010
Sat, April 3, 2010
no show March 7
11:00 a.m., The Bubble Man's The Greatest Bubble
Show on Earth, The Marsh San Francisco Main Stage
Theater, 1062 Valencia St (near 22nd Street), San
Francisco, $10 adults, $7 kids
This is the most amazing 45 minutes most of you have probably
ever experienced involving bubbles. MOST of you. I'm sure there
are stories, that are just not that suitable for your family activities
website. Then again, your kids aren't reading this...and I digress.
You will witness all kinds of extraordinary things such as spinning
flying saucer bubbles, square bubbles filled with fog, universe
bubbles with orbiting planets and bubble chains that look like
centipedes. There is lots of audience participation and some lucky
kids will find themselves inside bubbles, while others will get to
eat them. Warning: expect lots of excitement and laughter. For
details, tickets, and directions, visit http://www.themarsh.
org/bubble_guy_2009.html
Sundays 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., The Buddy Club, $7.00
(kids < 2 years FREE)
The Buddy Club has an ongoing series of kids’ entertainment at
three locations throughout the Bay Area: the Berkeley JCC, the
Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael, and the Randall Museum Theatre
in San Francisco. The Buddy Club shows are appropriate for all
ages and can entertain older kids and adults as well (this isn’t
necessarily baby stuff). Visit their website at www.thebuddyclub.
com (Please do NOT forget the “the” as one of our parents did.
The resulting website is NOT suitable for family viewing). The
shows are entertaining and engaging. The shows are also
suitable for birthday parties. The following are the upcoming
shows.
Marin Buddy Club Shows, Hoytt Theater at the Osher
Marin JCC, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael,
February 7: The Bubble Lady
March 14: Dan Chan, the Magic Man
San Francisco Buddy Club Shows, Randall Museum
Theater, 199 Museum Way@ Roosevelt Way, San
Francisco
Note: SF Buddy Club Shows are at 11:00 a.m. Randall Museum
members also enjoy a $2 discount per ticket.
February 7: Comedy illusionist, Brian Scott
February 21: From Wisconsin: magic, juggling and comedy with
Bob Kann
March 7: Robert Strong, Comedy magician
March 21: Hilarious cowgirl tricks with Karen Quist
April 11: Prop comic and juggler, Fred Anderson
April 25: Award winning Zappo the Magician
Berkeley Buddy Club, Berkeley JCC Theater, 1414
Walnut Street (Between Walnut and Rose),
February 7: Comedy magician, Robert Strong
March 7: World-renowned physical comedian, The Unique Derique.
10-14Saturdays Jan 10th - Feb 14th
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Children's
Theatre Association of San Francisco Presents Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Florence Gould
Theater at the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, 34th
Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco, $12
The Children's Theatre
From Now until December 1st
East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge
This one kinda defies classification, but it is a great family activity.
Thousands of people have participated in the Regional Parks
Trails Challenge over the past 15 years--over 6,000 last year alone!
Hike five of the 20 trails listed in the booklet by Dec. 1 and receive a
commemorative pin with the Trails Challenge logo (pins will be
mailed in the fall) plus pick up a free organic cotton T-shirt at a
Regional Parks visitor center. T-shirts will be available for pick up
in April and May only, one per person, two per household while
supplies last. If you can't pick up your shirt, pay mailing costs and
we’ll mail it to you.
The East Bay Regional Parks are encouraging participants to "go
green" this year by downloading the Trails Challenge guidebook
and printing only what you need (booklets are available; costs will
be charged to the participant). Upon registration, participants will
receive instructions on how to download the guidebook and how to
get your free organic cotton T-shirts.
Kaiser Permanente is a major sponsor of this program, enabling
EBRPD to offer materials for free to all Alameda and Contra Costa
county residents and Kaiser employees. Registration is required at
www.ebparks.org. No phone registrations. Registration begins
January 13, 2010
15Through February 15th
EXTENDED! Through 15 February 2010, Downtown
Walnut Creek on Ice, 1365 Civic Drive in Civic Park
(at Broadway and Civic – slightly different location),
Walnut Creek, Mon – Thu 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Fri 3:
00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., Sat 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Sun
11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. $11 - $15 including skate rental
Walnut Creek’s outdoor skating rink is truly lovely. Nestled amidst
the trees (but somehow sunny when the weather calls for it), and
steps from a great playground and the downtown shopping area (if
you can handle the crowds), it is one of the nicer ones. With the
lights in the trees, it will be especially pretty at night. Nothing but
pluses here: parking in Walnut Creek is pretty easy, lessons are
available, and a shuttle serves BART. For details visit http://www.
iceskatewalnutcreek.com/
27Through February 27th
9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Lawrence Livermore
National Labs Science on Saturdays (SOS) Lectures,
Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore, FREE
Are your kids into science? Middle and high school students
(precocious elementary school students, I imagine, are welcome
as well) are invited to hear cutting-edge science lectures
presented by leading researchers at Lawrence Livermore National
Labs. Science on Saturday (SOS) is a series of science lectures
for middle and high school students. Each topic highlights cutting-
edge science occurring at the Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory (LLNL). The talks are presented by leading LLNL
science researchers supported by master high school science
teachers. Seating is on a first come basis. Seats may not be
reserved in advance. Call (925)-373-6800 or visit http://education.
llnl.gov/SOS/?page=upcoming for more information
Students receive a "Student Notes" worksheet to record key
information from the talk. Students should check with their teacher
in advance to determine if they will receive credit for attending
SOS. Teachers who attend the SOS presentations can receive a
FREE CD or DVD with the presentation slides by mail after the
completion of the lecture series for the year.
This month’s lectures include
Feb 6 “Distant Worlds: Making Images of Other Solar Systems”
Feb 13 “Put it Back When You Are Done: Storing Carbon Dioxide in
the Earth, Not the Atmosphere”
Feb 20 “Understanding Climate Change: Seeing the Carbon
Through the Trees” and
Feb 27 “Harnessing Fusion Energy: The Power of Light”
19-18Thursday, Nov 19th - April 18th
Golden Gate Express Garden Railway, Conservatory
of Flowers, 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate
Park, San Francisco, Adults $5-$7, Kids 12-17, $3.00 -
$5.00, Kids 5-11 $1.50-$2.00, Kids 4 and under FREE
Can’t argue too much with the price. If you are in the area after a
visit to the California Academy of Sciences or the Koret Playground,
the Golden Gate Park's Conservatory of Flowers has a cool display
that celebrates the City of San Francisco through an impressive
layout of G-gauge model trains winding their way through a lush
landscape of dwarf plants and steam past several replicas of
some of San Francisco's most famous places including the
Conservatory of Flowers itself, the Japanese Tea Garden, the
Golden Gate Bridge, Mission Dolores, Chinatown's dragon gate,
the Transamerica Pyramid building, the Ferry Building, Coit Tower,
Ghirardelli Square and the Bently Reserve (formerly the Federal
Reserve Building). Surrounding these landmarks is a magical
landscape of miniature gardens and parks created with living
plants including dwarf conifers, tiny orchids and more. Visitors will
also enjoy appearances by costumed volunteer conductors. Fog
even rolls in twice a day and a sound track adds to the ambiance.
This year some of the landmarks will be made from recycled
activities. There will be a children's interactive train set that kids
can operate, a San Francisco history treasure hunt and much more.
For more details, visit www.conservatoryofflowers.org
9-13Saturdays Jan 9th - Feb 13th
Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., Children's
Theatre Association of San Francisco Presents The
Tale of the Beauty and the Beast, The Florence Gould
Theater at the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park, 34th
Avenue and Clement Street, San Francisco, $12
The Children's Theatre Association puts on great plays at the
Legion of Honor. This year's show is a musical based on the
classic tale of the arrogant Prince who is turned into a terrible
Beast by an old woman to whom he denies shelter. A poor lost
widow plucks a forbidden rose from the cursed Beast’s castle
grounds, is caught red-handed and sentenced to death!
Meet the widow’s two distasteful daughters and greedy sons-in-
law who ignore their mother's story about meeting the Beast and
being sentenced to death declaring her insane instead! But her
third daughter, Beauty offers to go to the castle and live with the
Beast if her mother is allowed to go free. You're sure to be moved
by the Beast’s eventual transformation and return to the handsome
and loving prince he once was before the nasty spell was cast.
Experience thrills and laughs when the sons-in-law sneak into the
eerie castle and encounter all sorts of weird goings-on, including a
battle with some very strange, enchanted furniture. Spend an hour
with us and you too will be enchanted--by the wonderful words and
music of the incomparable writer, Vera Morris and
composer/lyricist Bill Francoeur.. The CTASF is very family
friendly: kids on lap are free, Fine Arts members (and you know
who you are) get a $2 discount. The show is about an hour so,
while the material is geared to the elementary school child, you
should use your judgement as to whether your child is capable of
sitting quietly for that long. For details including tickets and
directions, visit their website at http://www.ctasf.org
15Friday, January 15th
5:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m., Cultural Encounters: Friday
Nights at the de Young $10 adults, $6 kids 13-17,
FREE for kids 12 and under
Friday nights, the museum is open late and the de Young folks
spice things up with music, film, dance, and special events. You
can get dinner and cocktails at the cafe to make an evening of it.
To make this a family event, there are hands-on art making
activities for kids and adults. For details, visit the Friday Nights
Web Page
Don't forget the Saturdays at the de Young program which
combines docent tours with artist-supervised art projects on
Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. A
schedule of programs can be found at http://www.famsf.
org/deyoung/calendar/day.asp?categoryid=30 For a reward, you
can march the little artists across JFK Drive to the Koret
Playground to get some ya-yas out.
23-14Sat. & Sun. Jan 23rd - Feb 14th
Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30
p.m., Rumpelstiltskin, Young Performers Theater, Fort
Mason Center, Building C, San Francisco $10 adults,
$7 for children under 13
A father's boast that his daughter can spin straw into gold causes
a lot of difficulty. Of course the king of the land hears of the boast
and orders the father to bring the girl to his kingdom and prove the
statement. "What to do. What to do." the girl cries, begs and
suddenly one of fairy tales' favorite characters appears --
Rumpelstiltskin, who is only too glad to help out, but he demands
a heavy price. Not to worry, it all works out in the end, happily ever
after! A combined live actor and puppet show. This group does
very nice children's theater and is worth checking out. Tickets and
reservations at http://www.ypt.org/tickets.htm and directions can
be found at http://www.ypt.org/map.htm
29,1-4January 29th, February 1-4th
Tree Frog Treks Hike for Haiti, Locations and Dates
vary, $25 suggested donation - all proceeds donated
to Oxfam.
Chris Giorni, Director of Tree Frog Treks, will be leading a series of
San Francisco Hill Hikes as a benefit for the Haiti Relief Effort.
Come meet friends, a live animal ambassador, science
specimens and sip hot cocoa with marshmallows on a two hour
hill hike in the city. 100% of the proceeds collected from the hikes
will be donated to Oxfam for the Haiti Relief Effort. No one turned
away due to lack of funds. Babies/toddlers welcomed if carried in
backpacks. School age children able to do the hike are welcome.
Five Days of Hiking to Help Haiti: (come one day or all five!)
1. Hike for Haiti to the top of Bernal Heights San Francisco's own
native grassland. Meet at Park Bench Café on 3214 Folsom and
Precita Friday January 29th at 9:00 AM. Return by 11:00 AM.
2. Hike for Haiti from base of Glen Canyon to the top and back.
Meet at the Bakery (598 Chenery) Monday February 1st at 3:00
PM. Return by 5:00 PM.
3. Hike for Haiti from the Stowe Lake Boat House to the top of
Strawberry Island Hill. Meet at Boat House, Tuesday February 2nd
at 3:00 PM . Return by 5:00 PM.
4. Hike for Haiti from Tree Frog Treks Frog Hall (meet the animals)
at 2114 Hayes to the top of Corona Heights and back. Meet at Tree
Frog Treks Wednesday February 3rd at 3:00 PM. Return by 5:00.
5. Hike for Haiti to the top of Tank Hill and then the top of Kite Hill
and Back. Meet at La Boulange (1000 Cole Street cross
Parassus), Thursday 2/4 at 8:00 AM. Return by 10:00 AM.
For details, visit http://www.treefrogtreks.com/programs/treks.
htm
28Sundays Through March 28th,
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Soggy Sundays Kids' Series,
Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave at Gilman, Berkeley,
$4 kids, $6 adults
Looking for something to do on a soggy Sunday afternoon? Come
out to the Ashkenz performance space for an hour of family music.
They are offering ten Sundays of programs are geared for dancing
and family members of all ages. Genres include folk, rock, and
world music. The schedule includes:
- January 31, Orange Sherbet + the Magical Mystery Marching Band
- February 7, Charity and the Jamband
- February 14, International Young Flamenco Performers'
Showcase - with free roses and chocolate and a valentine's
competition!
- February 21, Four Shillings Short
- February 28, Earthcapades with Special Guests Zac and Jenny
Matthews
- March, TBA
For details and directions, visit www.ashkenaz.com
30Saturday, January 30th
6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Wild Night at the Museum,
Lindsay Wildlife Museum, 1931 First Street, Walnut
Creek, $50 for one adult and one child and $10 for
each additional child under 18
First of all the Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a great place and
deserves a visit no matter what the weather or occasion. If rainy,
there are wonderful wildlife displays including some rescue
creatures and interactive activities under the roof. On a cloudy or
sunny day, there is a wonderful park adjacent that the kids will
love. Tonight, the Museum will be holding a special fun family
oriented event to support the museum’s programs in education
and wildlife rehabilitation. The evening's festivities include
- Food, beverage and wine tasting
- Raffles with great prizes
- Silent auction
- Peter Gros from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom with live
animals like a Serval, Ocelot, Ring Tail Lemur and
Burmese Python - Tae Kwon Do Demonstration Treasure Hunt and other
family fun activities
For tickets, details and directions, visit http://www.wildlife-
museum.org/wildnight/
30-31Sat & Sun, January 30th-31st
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Golden Gate Kennel Club All-
Breed Dog Show, Cow Palace, South San Francisco,
Adults $12, children $7, Families (2 adults + 2 kids):
$30
Looking for a dog? Just like them? Want a pure-bred, AKC-
registered dog with champion lineage? This is your show. This is
*the* go-to show if you are researching breeds and wanting to
meet breeders. In between watching the judging (a la “Best in
Show”) and agility demonstrations, the dogs and their breeders
will be in the exhibition halls so that you can see the dogs and talk
to the experts about them. There are also oodles of vendor booths
with everything imaginable for your dog. For information and
tickets go to http://www.goldengatekc.com/.
31Sunday, January 31st
12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Berkeley Ballet Boys Open
House, Berkeley Ballet Theater, Julia Morgan Center
for the Arts, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, FREE
You'd be surprised who ends up being great dancers. Just ask
Herschel Walker and Lynn Swann to name a few. Then, who can
forget MJ? If your child has even the remotest interest in dance or
just has a great time breaking it down to tunes in your living room,
you should check this out. The Berkeley Ballet Theater is hosting
an afternoon of dance events featuring
- Daddy and Me (12:30 - 1:00 p.m.) session at noon geared
to 3 and 4 year olds - Dance Fitness (1:00 - 1:30 p.m.) geared to 5 and 6 year
olds; and our favorite: - Dance Clinics in Capoiera, Ballet, Hip Hop and Dance
Fitness from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) for 7 to 18 year olds
participants through a little over 30 minute clinic in each of four
dance styles to give the guys a flavor for dance. The best part is it
is FREE and no reservations are necessary. We know the hip-hop
teacher and, if he is any indicator, the participants are in for a great
time. For more details, visit http://www.berkeleyballet.
org/pdfs/boys_open_house.pdf
2-28February 2th - 28th
February 2nd - 8th, Tall Ships, Pier 40 Embarcadero
at Townsend, San Francisco,
Feb 10th - 20th Tall Ships, Jack London Square,
Oakland
February 22nd-28th, Tall Ships, 451 Seaport Court,
Redwood City
Gray’s Harbor Historical Seaport Tall Ships Visit the
Bay Area! Dockside Tours Tues-Fri 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.
m., and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,
Adventure Sails 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
We did this last year. While we didn't take the three hour tours, we
did have a great time climbing through the ships and talking with
the crews. Sure the trips can be a little pricey, but you can climb
aboard the square-rig sailing ship, Hawaiian Chieftain (travelling
alone this year as the Chieftain's usual berthmate, Lady
Washington is out for some repairs) and learn about maritime
history for free (even though they would appreciate a nominal
donation). If your kid loves pirates or just loves sailing, this is a trip
worth making. There are four ways to experience these beautiful
ships:
- Dockside Tour (FREE, but they suggest a donation of $3) –
You can tour the ship and hear what it was like to be a
sailor in the 18th century. Hours for Dockside Tours vary by
day, so check the schedule here http://historicalseaport.
org/store/ship-dates.php - For those of you who really want to full experience, you can
participate in a series of actual sailing adventures (Beware
the “three-hour tour” if the mate is named “Gilligan”): - Adventure Sail ($35 for children under 12 up to $55 for an
adult) 2:00 p.m. daily. For three hours, passengers can
participate in the operation of an 18th century tall ship. You
can, if you like, take the helm raise sails, and hear stories
of how these ships sailed the west coast in their day. - Passage Sails – these trips are for when the ships sail
from one port to the next (from SF to Oakland ($78.50) ,
from Oakland to Redwood City ($67.50).
So, bone up on your pirate speak http://www.talklikeapirate.
com/howto.html and check out this cool opportunity. Call (800)
200-5239 for details or go to http://historicalseaport.
org/store/ship-dates.php to book a trip and check availability.
Cool Way to Spend a Sunday:
Why not make a day of it in Jack London Square?
- 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. traipse aboard the tall ships and
share your tales of the high seas with the crew - 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. forage for provisions and lunch at
the Jack London Square Farmers Market then stash the
booty in your car and
6-7Sat-Sun, February 6-7th
Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Sunday 9:00 a.m. - 6:
00 p.m. Chinatown Flower Fair, Washington below
Grant Street, San Francisco, FREE
The Flower Fair is a great way to begin the Chinese New Year
Celebration. The Fair begins with a Mini Parade Preview on
Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 a.m., Chinatown, San Francisco
(from California and Grant to Jackson and Grant If crowds aren’t
your thing, and you still want to ring in the year of the Tiger, come
check out this smaller version of the Chinese New Year parade
that follows 3 weeks later. This one starts at California and Grant
and follows Grant to the stage at Jackson four blocks later. Once
you finish with the parade, you can visit the Flower Fair on Grant
from Broadway to Clay; Pacific Ave. from Stockton to Kearny, and
Jackson between Stockton and Kearny where you can buy flowers,
plants, fruits and candies and enjoy activities and entertainment
from 10:00 a.m. -9:00 p.m. and also on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:
00 p.m. (no parade on Sunday) Want to enjoy the Year of the Tiger
but don't want to deal with the crowds two weeks later when the
official parade takes over downtown San Francisco? Check out
this mini-parade with dragons and puppets and spend the rest of
the day enjoying the Chinatown Flower Fair . Besides flowers,
plants, fruit, and sweets, the Fair will feature demonstrations and
entertainment including dragon dances, martial arts
demonstrations and more. For details, visit http://www.
chineseparade.com/parade_events.asp?pEvent=flower_fair
6-27Saturdays, February 6, 20, 27
28Sunday, February 28th
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Vasco Caves Hike, Shuttles
Stage From Round Valley Regional Preserve 2/6, 27,
28) and Brushy Peak Regional Preserve (2/20), $30
($34 for non-residents)
For Kids 10 + and their families, these occasional tours to see
Vasco’s spectacular outcrops and vernal pools – seasonal home
of endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp are a must-
experience. This is habitat for eagles and various nesting and
migrating raptors hunting bountiful prey in robust restored
grasslands. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a
complex reaching back nearly 10,000 years. This Preserve is
accessible through guided tours only, staging from Round Valley
Regional Preserve and Brushy Peak Regional Preserve aboard
District-provided bus transportation. (10+yrs)
Registration is. Required: 1-888-EBPARKS The event codes are
Feb 6: 23138
Feb 20: 23141
Feb 27: 23139
Feb 28: 23140
tails, visit http://www.salinasairshow.
com/index1.htm
6-13Saturdays, February 6th - March 13th
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Paxton Gate Curiosities for Kids
Saturday Events, 766 Valencia Street, San Francisco,
(415) 824-1872, 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 in the Mission
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, Paxton Gate offers a Free Science workshop
with James M. Create slides of three different food groups and
investigate at the cellular level with aid of an optical microscope.
www.paxtongate.com/events-upcomingevents.aspx
Upcoming events include
Saturday, February 13th - Not Your Average Doily. Join them for
an afternoon of Valentine craft using repurposed, vintage materials
and learn the basics of printmaking.
Saturday, March 13th - Presenting Shiv Sounds with RythEm's
Stop in for a musical afternoon. We'll be singing some of the
classics.
6Saturdays, November 7th through March 6th
11:00 a.m. SaturYAY! Series at the Amador Theater,
Amador Valley High School, Pleasanton, Adults $10-18
most shows and Children $6-14
The Amador Theater in Pleasanton has this terrific Saturday
matinee series with wonderful family-friendly entertainment. This
week, it is the Gizmo Guys, a highly entertaining pair of jugglers
whose humor and skills enrapture audiences all over. Going
forward, here is the run-down:
- February 6th, 2010 - the Sippy Cups
- March 6th, 2010 - Beethoven's Wig
10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., 17th Annual KNBR 680 Giants
FanFest, AT&T Park, San Francisco, FREE
Baseball fans of all ages come and join the San Francisco Giants
and KNBR for the 17th Annual KNBR 680 Giants FanFest. The San
Francisco Giants will be hosting a day at the park where you can
meet a lot of your favorite players, enjoy interactive games, a Kids
Zone, and activities and exhibits throughout the ballpark, tour the
dugout and club house, get player autographs, meet Lou Seal and
much more. For information, call 415-972-2000 or visit http:
//sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/fan_forum/fanfest.jsp
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Parade at 11:00 a.m.), Lunar
New Year Festival and Parade, Solano Ave., Albany
and Berkeley, FREE
Come down to Solano Ave. in the Cities of Albany and Berkeley for
a celebration of the year of the Ox! There will be a parade down
Solano starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by performances from 11 a.
m. - 2:00 pm on the main stage at the Albany Twin Theatre at 1115
Solano. Entertainment includes Drums by DJ Wind Chinese Music
Academy, Dance by the Chinese Arts Program, Chinese
Acrobatics, Martial Arts by Golden Lion, Chinese Instrumental
Music, and Chinese Opera. Of course, there will be plenty of Asian
Food for sale.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Sacramento Museum Day,
Sacramento, FREE
The Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and Umpqua
Bank offer FREE admission to 26 Sacramento museums including
the ever-cool California State Railroad Museum. For detailed
information about participating sites, free shuttles and more, visit
www.sacmuseums.org/museumday.html.
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Annual Orion Children's
Authors and Illustrators Festival, Orion Elementary
School, 815 Allerton St., Redwood City, FREE
Orion Elementary hosts its popular Children's Book Authors and
Illustrators Festival. This is a free event featuring award-winning
children's authors and illustrators from throughout the Bay Area.
Books and food will be available for purchase; Spanish language
translation available. This year's lineup includes Alexandra Boiger;
Ying Chang Compestine; Elisa Kleven; Tim Myers; LeUyen Pham;
Rachel Rodriguez; and Joyce Carol Thomas. Come meet your
favorite authors and illustrators! There will be book signings and
author presentations throughout the event. For a schedule and list
of authors and bios, visit http://www.rcsd.k12.ca.
us/189020162345050/site/default.asp
7,21Sunday, February 7th and 21st
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 pm, SFMOMA Might as Well Jump,
Koret Visitor Education Center, SF MOMA, 151 Third
Street, San Francisco, FREE
Mod-erators lead participatory art projects and provide supplies
and support as you create your own works of art. Docents conduct
engaging, family-friendly gallery tours. Special activities include
book readings and movie screenings. Look. Think. Create. That's
Family Sunday.
If you haven’t done one of these family studios, it is a great
program: admission is FREE for kids, the kids get a well-
designed and supervised activity that immerses them into the
collection, and, well, SF MOMA is a gem of a museum. The Koret
Center is on the 2nd floor. Even if there is no activity in session, it
is worth visiting with your kids. Please note: capacity is limited;
families will be served as space is available.
represented companies and careers, visit http://www.
girlscoutsbayarea.org/pages/events/ggt_career.html
12-15Fri, Feb 12th – Mon, Feb 15th
Cloverdale Citrus Fair, Citrus Fair Grounds, No. 1
Citrus Drive, Cloverdale, $6 adults, $4 kids, Monday,
“Kids Day”, kids 6-12 are FREE
Kicking off the Ag fair season is the Cloverdale Citrus Fair! Come
visit beautiful Cloverdale (just 15 minutes past Healdsburg) for
parades, food, entertainment (music, a hypnotist, clowns, jugglers,
stories, talent shows, etc.), farm animals, carnival rides, and
more. If you haven’t visited one of these fairs, you are really
missing out, especially with good weather. This weekend should
be spectacular up there. Kids love these fairs (especially the
animals), the cost is low, and there is even stuff that is fun for
adults.
Details http://www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org/ or call 707-894-3992
Directions: The Fair Grounds are just off the 101 N in Cloverdale.
Exit at Citrus Fair Drive Exit and hang a left at the base of the exit.
14Sunday, February 14th
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Free Community Family Day:
Lunar New Year. San Jose Museum of Art, 110 S.
Market St., San Jose, FREE
Visit Silicon Valley's leading institution dedicated to the art of our
time. And, what better way than on a FREE day? In addition to their
terrific contemporary collection, the SJMA will host a wide range of
great family activities in celebration of the Lunar New Year
including traditional Lion Dance, art-making activities, storytelling,
performances by area youth groups, and more.
For directions, visit http://www.sjmusart.org/visit/getting-here
22-21Sat-Sun, February 20th-21st
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Target Free Tut Weekend,
deYoung Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
FREE
Target sponsors a weekend of free gallery viewing and activities in
celebration of Bay Area families and Tutankhamun and the Golden
Age of the Pharaohs. Free admission into the entire museum;
tickets are limited and are first come, first served. Limit four tickets
per guest.
9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Hands-on art making for all ages
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. DJ music with Arabic and Egyptian beats
noon–5:00 p.m. Sword dancing and belly dancing performances
noon-5:00 p.m. Mummy Movie Marathon
For more information, visit www.deyoungmuseum.org/tut.
For info on the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs
exhibit, visit http://www.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/exhibition.
asp?exhibitionkey=1015
26-28Fri-Sun, February 26-28th
Friday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Sunday: 11:00
a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Filoli Opening Celebration - Daffodil
Daydreams, Filoli 86 Canada Road, Woodside. Adults
$15, Kids 5-17 $5, Kids under 5 FREE
Filoli is a special place nestled in the hills just West of the 280 in
Woodside. You can bike right past it and not know it is there. After
hibernating all weekend, the flowers are ready to make their debut.
This weekend, they are out with a vengeance: thousands of
daffodils along with the huge variety of other flowers, plants and
trees in the most amazing setting you have ever see. There will be
drop in activities for kids every day from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m..
For the grown ups, there will be demonstrations, lectures, and
other horticulturally-centric activities throughout the day. Yeah, you
could do that, but the real attractions are the grounds.
A property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Filoli is a
wonderous 654 acre estate 30 miles south of San Francisco. A
grand Georgian mansion sits amongst amazing gardens where
hundreds of rare flowers, plants and trees flourish. Wander
through the estate on the brick paths that invite visitors to explore
the grace and beauty of Filoli.
Filoli is a special place and is worth a visit no matter what time of
year. Call (650) 364-8300 for information and reservations. For
directions, visit http://www.filoli.org/plan-your-visit/directions.html
27Saturday, February 27th
5:15 p.m. Chinese New Year Parade, San Francisco
FREE
Gung Hee Fat Choy! Celebrate the Lunar Year 4708, the year of
the Tiger! This is the big parade. Come early and take public
transportation as the crowds can be fierce. The Route starts at
Market and snakes through Downtown ending up on Kearny
between Washington and Jackson. If the map below is not
supported by your email browser, click here http://www.
chineseparade.com/route.asp (you DO NOT need to install the
Adobe Flash Player to view the map)
For viewing, forget about Market Street, Geary Street or Union
Square, the crowds are crazy. Instead, Post Street tends to be a
little more civilized and you might even be able to pull up a curb for
a seat.
Parking is probably best at the Mission and Fifth garage as getting
to Ellis/O’Farrell, Union Square, Sutter Stockton or Portsmouth will
be all but impossible (let alone getting out).
Either before or after the parade, check out the Chinatown
Community Street Fair on Grant from Broadway to Clay on
February 27th (10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) and February 28th (9:00 a.
m. - 5:00 p.m.) - NO PARADE ON SUNDAY, the 28th; Pacific Ave.
from Stockton to Kearny, and Jackson between Stockton and
Kearny where you can experience Chinese cultural
demonstrations and performances including lion dancing, martial
arts, calligraphy, traditional dance, and puppet shows. There will
also be a children's area with a petting zoo and games.
12:00 noon - 3:00 p.m., E=girlpower2, Saturday
Science Workshop for Girls Grade 5-8, Chabot Space
and Science Center, Oakland, $20 per person, $15 for
members
This is a terrific program that inspires young girls (grade 5-8) to
develop skills and explore the wonders of science, technology,
engineering, and math. To register, call (510 336-7373
28Sunday, February 28th
10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., JCCSF Family Fun Day, JCC
San Francisco, 3200 California Street at Presidio, San
Francisco, $10 adults ($6 members)
Family Fun Days are a great way to enjoy a Sunday together
especially if it is a little cold and rainy outside. Bring your family to
the JCCSF for a day filled with fun activities for you and your
children. Your day includes a special performance and lots of
special activities. Come early for Kindergym at 10 a.m., arts and
crafts at 10:15, a performance at 11:30 a.m., and a family swim at 2:
00. Best for kids 9 and younger.
This Sunday, enjoy puppets with professional, Russian-trained
puppeteer, Dmitry. Dmitry has been entertaining and enriching the
lives of children and adults for the last 20 years. His show includes
large marionettes, hand puppets and wooden "limberjack"
puppets, and consists of comedy sketches, accompanied by
music and songs from different countries.
You can take your chances parking on the street (good luck) or you
can bite the bullet and park in the JCC parking garage (enter from
the westbound lanes of California) for $1.50 /half hour
Directions are available at http://www.jccsf.org/about-us/general-
information/directions/
2:00 p.m., The Sippy Cups Family Matinee at Yoshi’s,
Yoshi's Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland
Near Jack London Square, Adults, $16, Kids $5
Be there as the band the San Francisco Chronicle called "every
parent's favorite kid rock band" brings their rock and roll circus to
Yoshi's Oakland. The national kid-rock sensation The Sippy Cups
feature original songs from their third full-length CD, and time-
tested classics from the likes of The Beatles and The Ramones.
The Sippy Cups' famously rollicking stage-show keeps kids
enthralled with a carnival of juggling, unicycling, comical characters
and special effects. Opening the show will be Kit'n'Tenders, a
unique vocal duo featuring Gabby La La and Thessaly Lerner "The
Ukulady"
You and the family can take in a first class performance at an
awesome performance space. The show begins at 2:00 p.m. but
the line begins before 1:00 p.m. Here’s a hint: buy your ticket, wait
in line, get your hand stamped, take the little tags they give you,
mark your seats, and then grab lunch at the restaurant (they DO
have a nice $6 lunch for the kids, but the adult food will cost you a
lot more) or walk across the street to Jack London Square or to any
of the dozens of great restaurants like E&J’s Barbecue and grab a
quick bite there before you head back. Of course, the music is top
notch and the performers really play to the audience.
A note on seats: you CAN go for the café tables near the stage but
they can be uncomfortable and the volume can be loud. There are
a bunch of booths just behind the café tables – a lot more
comfortable and roomy. If you can’t quite get it together to go grab
a bite and come back, they DO have table service with a decent
menu. There is a one drink minimum – even the kids. For a
complete listing of acts and to buy tickets (you can buy tickets at the
door), visit http://yoshis.inticketing.com/events/72104/2PM-
Matinee--THE-SIPPY-CUPS.
For directions to Yoshi's Oakland, visit:
http://www.yoshis.com/oakland/directions
Note: Parking at Oakland is pretty easy, There is a validated
garage right next to Yoshi’s where it will cost you about $5.75 for
lunch and the show. On a Sunday, you can also do street parking.
3:00p.m., Moscow Circus, Lincoln Theatre, 100
California Dr., Yountville, Adults $29-39, Children 12
and under $12
The Moscow Circus is one of the crown jewels of Russian cultural
heritage and the standard by which other circuses around the
world are judged. This circus features unparalleled death defying
acts, beautiful artistry and humorous clowns that have wowed
audiences worldwide. To buy tickets, call 707.944.1300 or visit
http://www.lincolntheater.com/performances/09/winter/moscow.
html and click on "buy tickets online" Visit http://www.
moscowcircus.biz/ (turn down your audio first) to find out about
the circus. And, while you are in the area, both Napa and Yountville
have decent playgrounds for yaya eradication from the drive. Visit
our North Bay Page for more info.
13-4Saturday-Sunday, March 13th - April 4th
Saturdays 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and Sundays 2:00 p.
m., Aesop's Funky Fables, New Conservatory Theatre
Center, 25 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
A wild and wacky adaptation of the classic Greek fables. Come
meet the tortoise, the hare, the fox, the stag, and three time
travelers who learn from Aesop himself what lessons can be
learned from these charming stories written centuries ago. Great
for kids 4 and older. For tickets, visit http://www.nctcsf.
org/press_room/aesop/aesop_press.htm
14Sunday, March 14th
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday Streets, Pier 39, 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 around Pier 39
on the Embarcadero from Pier 39 to China Basin and Terry
Francois Blvd. 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
Future dates include:
Sunday, April 11 along the Great Highway if it isn't washed away
Sunday, April 18 Bayview along 3rd Street from King and 4th to
Bayview Playground
Sunday, May 23 Bayview in conjunction with the 3rd Street Festival
Sunday, June 20 Mission, along Valencia and 24th Streets
Sunday, July 11 Mission
Sunday, August 22 Great Highway/Golden Gate Park
Sunday, September 19 Western Addition
Sunday, October 24 Civic Center/Tenderloin
20-21Sat & Sunday, March 20th-21st
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Houdini Magic Weekend,
Playland Not At The Sea, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El
Cerrito, $15 adults, kids 3-14 $10
Playland-Not-at-the-Beach is a small storefront holding a lot of cool
Bay Area history. This hands-on "museum" (quotes added) has a
lot of the old nickelodeon attractions from the now-defunct Playland
by the Sea amusement park that used to be at the foot of the hill
below the Cliff House and the Sutro Baths and a lot more. There
are 25+ pinball machines set on Free Play, arcade games,
videogames, carnival games of skills where you can win prizes,
penny arcades full of antique amusement devices, live magic
shows, an amazing hand-carved miniature circus, side show acts,
miniature dioramas, Fascination games, and historic exhibits with
artifacts from the Sutro Baths and Whitney's Playland in San
Francisco. This weekend, magicians from around Northern
California are performing and putting on classes in the art of
illusion. This is one of their most popular events. For details and
directions, visit http://www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org/index.
htm
2-10April 2nd-10th
San Francisco Bay Area International Children’s Film
Festival at WonderCon, Moscone Center South and
other Bay Area Venues, Admission (children under 11
free with paid adult admission)
If your kid loves comics or if you are using your kid as an excuse to
attend, this is NorCal’s premiere comics and pop culture
convention. Yeah, the media and Simpson’s paint this crowd with
a rather pejorative brush, but it can be fun. Even if you don’t go to
the convention (why would you miss the ComicCon of the North? If
you pay for one, you get both admissions together), you should
check out the films in the film festival. They are fresh and fun
movies geared to kids.
For a full list of films and venues, visit http://www.sfchildrensfilm.
org/. For more information, visit www.comic-con.org/wc/, email
sfchildrensfilm@cox.net or call (760) 453-2922.
4Sunday, April 4th
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Berkeley Rep Sunday Sampler
Series, Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, the Berkeley
Rep School of Theater, Nevo Education Center, 2071
Addison Street, Berkeley, FREE
Bring your family, bring a friend or treat yourself to the wide variety
of programming offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre,
including acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning.
Taught by professional theatre artists, our classes offer people of
all ages and abilities an opportunity to explore the craft of theatre
and experience the joy of dynamic engagement with their own
creativity.
The Sunday Sampler is free and open to youth, teens, adults and
families.
Following a brief introduction at 1pm, participants may sample
three different classes from a menu of options at 1:20pm, 2:00pm
and 2:30pm.
The Sunday Sampler is held at the Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704.
For more information about the Sunday Sampler, please e-mail
school@berkeleyrep.org or call 510 647–2972.
11Sunday, April 11th
Performances TBA, Circus for Arts in the Schools,
Koffman Auditorium, 2200 Central Ave., Alameda,
Tickets on sale shortly
Mark your calendars. This is a show not to be missed. It is not
Ringling Brothers or Cirque du Soleil although many of the
performers have had careers with one or the other. The 70-minute
shows feature acts of skill, daring and silliness with acrobats,
clowns, jugglers and musicians (all donating their time), including
performers of Cirque du Soleil, the Nanjing Acrobatic Troupe and
Pickle Family Circus fame. All the Proceeds from the Circus will
support arts education in the Alameda Unified School District. It is
a very intimate space and the acts delight kids of all ages. We hit a
number of circuses from time to time and we put this one on our
short list. For more details, visit http://www.circusforarts.
org/circus2010/
That's it for now!
Kiddie Koncierge
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2010 Kiddie Koncierge™, all rights
reserved.
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2010 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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