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Kiddie Koncierge: May 2009 Update
What is Kiddie Koncierge?
Kiddie Koncierge is the SF Bay
Area's premier resource for fun,
interesting, unique, and
creative kids activities.
We provide recommendations,
reviews, and resources on all
sorts of fun things to do in San
Francisco, Berkeley/Oakland,
San Jose, Marin, and beyond!
Kiddie Koncierge is the SF Bay
Area's premier resource for fun,
interesting, unique, and
creative kids activities.
We provide recommendations,
reviews, and resources on all
sorts of fun things to do in San
Francisco, Berkeley/Oakland,
San Jose, Marin, and beyond!
Welcome to the Kiddie Koncierge May
Update!
Somehow we skipped over Spring and headed straight into
summer. Mother's Day is on deck followed by Memorial Day and
boom, school's out. Good thing there is a lot going on that is both
cool and fun.
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages for a ton of great
ideas. Here are some highlights:
Activities at a Glance
April 4th – Sept 27th
Saturdays and Sundays, April 18th – May 3rd
Saturday, May 2nd
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009
Sundays, May 3rd through June 7th
Sunday, May 3rd
Free 1st Sunday, May 3rd this month
Free 1st Tuesday, May 5th this month
Free 1st Wednesday, May 6th this month
Free 1st Thursday, May 7th this month
Free 2nd Sunday, May 10th this month
Free 3rd Wednesday, May 20th this month
Saturdays and Sundays, April 25th - May 17th
Wednesday, May 6th
Saturday, May 9th
Sunday, May 10th MOTHERS DAY
Saturday, May 16th
May 16 & 17: Bay Area Storytelling Festival,
Saturday, May 16th and Sunday May 17th,
Sunday, May 17th
Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd
Saturday, May 23rd
Saturday, May 23 to Monday May 25th
May 23, 24 & 25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Friday, May 22nd – Monday, May 25th
Saturday, May 23 – Sunday May 24th
Sundays, May 24th - June 21st
Saturday, June 13th
Sunday, May 24th
Monday, May 25th
Saturday and Sunday, May 30th – 31st
Saturday, May 30th
Sunday, June 7th
Saturday, June 13th
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout
the summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of
which will sell out.
The Detes
4-27Saturdays and Sundays April 4 – Sept 27
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening Weekend for Train
Operations, California State Railroad Museum, Old
Town Sacramento, $8 adults, $3 kids 6-17, kids under
3 FREE
Every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells,
and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage
passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of
the Sacramento River on the California State Railroad Museum's
Sacramento Southern Railroad. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-
minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. Of course, the real reason to come
up is to check out the California State Railroad Museum which is
an amazing trip through our State’s history as told through its
railways. Full-sized equipment is cool for all ages and for non-
fanatics. Directions and visiting information at http://www.csrmf.
org/doc.asp?id=286
18-3Sat. & Sun., April 18th – May 3rd
2:00 p.m. Active Arts Theater Presents Wonderland, a
Circus Adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, Julia
Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA, $18
adult, $14 children
Alice’s adventures in Wonderland have never before been told like
this…with clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and musicians. When Alice
searches for a way back home, she will meet the caterpillar, the
white rabbit, and she will have to escape from the dreaded Queen
of Hearts. You may think you know this classic story, but hold on to
your hats, because this world premiere created by master clown
Jeff Raz of Cirque Du Soleil for the Advanced Training Program of
the Clown Conservatory and produced by Active Arts will be the
wildest, craziest trip to Wonderland you’ve ever taken!. Ages 6 and
up.
Information at http://www.activeartstheatre.org/Wonderland.html,
tickets at http://activeartstheatre.thundertix.
com/events/267/performances
If you can’t make it to the Berkeley Shows, the show will move to
San Ramon May 9-17th at the Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger
Canyon Blvd., San Ramon. Details at http://sabo.seatadvisor.
com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?
eventId=114607&presenter=SANRAMON&venue=&event=
25-17Sat & Sun, April 25th - May 17th
Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30
p.m., Madeline and the Gypsies, Young Performers
Theatre., Fort Mason Center, Building C, San
Francisco, 10:00 adults, $7 children under 13,
Come to this great theater by the Bay for some great kids' theater
with your favorite kid with an oversized beret and her eleven friends
and unhealthily thin chaperone. In this final show of the season,
Madeline joins Pepito and his family for a show with lots of fun and
circus antics. While you are there, check out the Exploratorium
outdoor exhibits sprinkled around Fort Mason.
For tickets, visit http://www.ypt.org/tickets.htm
For directions, visit http://www.ypt.org/map.htm
2Saturday, May 2nd
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Cinco de Mayo Festival,
Dolores Park (Dolores between 18th and 20th), San
Francisco, FREE
This is the premiere Bay Area Cinco de Mayo celebration. Bring
your picnic blanket and enjoy all day Music, Kid's Activities,
Entertainment (aztec dancers, illusionists, etc), Food, Arts/Crafts
and more. Visit http://www.sfcincodemayo.com/ for more.
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sausalito Spring Fair,
Gabrielson Park in Downtown Sausalito at Bridgeway
and Anchor near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal,
Sausalito, CA, $5, Kids under 3 FREE
Enjoy 100+ artists, fine food, wine, live music and a children's
entertainment area featuring music, theater, kids, crafts and
activities, jumpies and more! The kids’ areas are set off from the
arts areas. The games and entertainment in the kids’ area are
pretty much geared to kids 6 and under although magicians are
fun for all ages. Visit http://www.sausalitonurseryschool.
org/springFaire.html for more details.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Kids’ Festival and Kite Day,
Suisun Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano, Suisun City,
FREE
With this breeze, this should be a great day to loft a kite. If that isn’t
your bag, hang to music, engage in lots of kids activities, and enjoy
a boat parade.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Los Gatos Parent Nursery
School Children Fantasy Faire, Los Gatos High School
Front Lawn, FREE
Come for a day of pony rides, a petting zoo, food, drink, live
entertainment, lots of games (tickets required), From the looks of
the run down it is friendly down to the pre-school level with enough
challenge for the older sibs. For details and directions, visit http:
//www.lgpns.org/www/?q=fantasyfaire
2-3Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd-3rd
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sing Tao Street and Art Fair,
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City,
FREE
A two day Street and Art Fair with an Asian influence. Food, Artists,
Vendors, Chinese Dance Groups, Kung Fu Demonstrations,
Fashion Show, Kids Zone- featuring rides, inflatable jumps and so
much more for the whole family! http://www.redwoodcity.
org/calendar/EventDetail.aspx?Id=1696&CallingPage=Calendar.
aspx
3Sunday May 3rd
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Berkeley Rep Family Series,
“Target Story Builders” Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre, the Berkeley Rep School of Theater, Nevo
Education Center, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley,
FREE (with a children’s book donation)
Learn the art of theatre through play the first Sunday each month
with the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre’s Family Series! These
interactive workshops are designed for families of all ages and
levels (although kids should be at least 7). Family Series
programs encourage arts awareness and exploration, nourish
team work and parent/child bonds and sustain a creative family
environment. In lieu of tuition, families attending these workshops
are asked to bring a children’s book to be donated to local
elementary school libraries.
Experience our Story Builders program which the Berkeley Rep
takes to classrooms throughout the Bay Area. Work together as
one large ensemble. Parents and children will use dialogue,
physicality and improvisation to bring a book to life in only 90
minutes. Play with the potential of theatre in your neighborhood.
Recommended for ages 4 to adult.
Upcoming dates include
June 7, 2009: Summer fun
All Sunday workshops are held at the Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre at the Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison Street in
downtown Berkeley. For more information please call Gendell
Hernández at 510 647–2973 or e-mail ghernandez@berkeleyrep.
org.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. , SF MOMA, The Family Studio:
Jazz It Up, Koret Visitor Education Center, 151 Third
Street, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This weekend, join the SF MOMA for an exploration of the influence
that music has had on work of many great artists. In this workshop,
you'll create your own artistic composition while musicians play
classic jazz tunes. Don't miss a reading of the book The Jazzy
Alphabet, by Sherry Shahan and illustrated by Mary Thelen.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
For details, visit http://www.sfmoma.org/events/1387
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
12 and under. Capacity is limited; families will be served as space
is available.
This program repeats May 17th
3-7Sundays, May 3rd through June 7th
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Little Farm Goat Hike, Tilden
Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE
What could be more fun than going on a little walk from the Little
Farm to the lovely Jewel Lake and back accompanied by a herd of
friendly goats? Kids (and their parents, please) can learn all sorts
of cool things about these cool animals. Fun fact, did you know
that goats do not have upper teeth? For your little goat feeders this
is good news because it means that they don’t bite in the usual
sense of the word. A lot more cool than a petting zoo. For
directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/vc/tna
6Wednesday, May 6th
6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Kindergarten Information Night,
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco, FREE
This annual event is provided as a community service by the
Claude and Louise Rosenberg Early Childhood Education
Program at the JCCSF. This event is available to the public at no
charge and is an opportunity for parents whose children are ages
three and above, to gather information from over 60
representatives from Bay Area public and independent schools
about their Kindergarten programs. No registration is necessary.
Adults only please. For more information contact Linda Toschi-
Chambers at 415-292-1283 or email her at lchambers@jccsf.org
9Saturday, May 9th
11:00 a.m. - 12:30p.m., Almost Mother's Day Kid's
Concert Starring Andy Z & the Andyland Band,
Courthouse Square2200 Broadway, Redwood City,
FREE
FREE for the whole family! If you have never caught Andy Z, he is a
terrific performer with music that is not just geared towards the
toddlers. It is kids’ music that you as a parent can enjoy without
dental work afterwards. Enjoy a fun kid's concert, Starring Andy Z
and the Andyland Band! Your child may also create a Mother's Day
Gift at our craft area (opens at 10:30am).
9:00 a.m., Mother's Day Hike, Tennessee Valley
Trailhead, Marin Headlands, Registration Required,
FREE
Bring the whole family on a fascinating hike with Golden Gate
Raptor Observatory Director Allen Fish for a naturalist’s exploration
of Tennessee Valley. You’ll study the spring behaviors of
hummingbirds, hawks, wrens, sparrows, and warblers, and we
will keep company with a rich range of wildflowers: columbine,
monkeyflower, iris, bee-plant, and paintbrush. Bring binoculars
and dust off your field guides. Meet at Tennessee Valley Trailhead;
park at the Trailhead lot. Either bring a picnic lunch for after the
hike or head into Mill Valley for some great inexpensive eateries.
Registration is required. Please RSVP by May 4. To register or to
become a member, call (415) 561-3060 or e-mail
membership@parksconservancy.org. For details, visit http:
//www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=2638
10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco,
FREE
Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. And then try
your hand at it! Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco
Bay. Docents will teach you how to use the nets, discuss bait and
regulations, and let you try your luck on the Fort Point pier.
Reservations are required; phone (415) 556-1693. Visit http://www.
parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=943 for more
details.
KFOG KaBoom, Piers 30/32, San Francisco Bay,
Fireworks FREE, Concerts entail admission.
Every year, radio station KFOG lobs a bunch of fireworks into the
skies above San Francisco Bay (in their defense, they work to
make these events carbon neutral nowadays). If you are on the
waterfront, Treasure Island, take a look at the skies, turn on KFOG
and watch the fireworks to music. They typically start at around 9:
00 p.m. or so. For details on the concerts, view http://www.kfog.
com/Pages/KFOGKaBoom2009.aspx
10Sunday, May 10th MOTHERS DAY!
KORET FREE Museum Day, 17 Museums all over the
San Francisco Bay Area, FREE!
Every so often, the ever wonderful Koret Foundation gives the
greater Bay Area a very generous Mothers Day Gift: FREE
admission to one of 17 museums all over the Bay area. This
year's list includes:
For info on specific museums, visit our Museums Pages!
11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Mother's Day/Petite Picasso,
Rosso & Bianco Winery (formerly Chateau Soverain),
300 Via Archimedes (formerly Souverain Road),
Geyserville, FREE (reservations required)
Pretty civilized way to celebrate Mother's Day: mom gets a glass of
Sophia Blanc de Blancs while the little darlings create a special
artistic creation for her. Design Space limited to 50 kids under 12.
Reservations required. Call (707) 857-1427 to reserve your
space. Visit www.rossobianco.com for details and directions.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Asian Art Museum Family
Festival: Land of the Thunder Dragon, Asian Art
Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, FREE
This Sunday is special for a number of reasons: it is Mother's Day,
the Koret Free Family Day, and the Asian Art Museum Family
Festival. This year's festival is themed by the current Bhutan exhibit
and will offer performances, hands-on activities (cloth painting,
lotus flower sculpting), stories, and more all guided by the colorful
traditions and mythology of this remote kingdom. For details, visit
http://www.asianart.org/family.htm#familyfestival
Sunday Streets, Embarcadero between AT&T Park
and Aquatic Park, 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, the Embacadero has
been closed down from AT&T Park to Aquatic Park yet again for a
day of fun, entertainment, and family activities including face
painting, slides, games, classes, music and more. For details
visit http://sundaystreetssf.com/?page_id=5
Future Dates
Sunday, June 7th, New Route in the Mission
Sunday, July 19th, New Route in the Mission
Sunday, August 9th, Great Highway Route
Sunday, September 6th, Great Highway Route
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black
Diamond Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch, FREE
For kids 7 and over, take a free self-guided tour to explore 900 feet
of the cool underground workings of the restored 1930s Hazel-
Atlas silica sand mine. Call 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext 4506 or
visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond for details and
directions.
16 Saturday, May 16th
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Farm Tour, Deer Hollow Farm,
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cristo
Rey Drive, Los Altos, Adults $5, Kids $3, Kids under 2
FREE
What better way to usher in the Spring than a trip to a homestead
farm to visit sheep, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, and all manner of
fowl? This is a working farm and visitors can learn about farming,
tending to the animals, the century-old buildings, and more. The
tours are 45 minutes, but visitors are encouraged to explore the
County park and open space abutting the preserve. For details
and directions, visit http://www.fodhf.org/farm_tour_2009_flyer.
pdf.
If you don't want to travel that far south, don't forget the Little Farm at
Tilden Park which is open every day http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/tna
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Life is Good Festival, Speedway
Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, FREE!
You know the stuff: cute stick figure doing fun stuff, often with
family and/or a dog. Usually on hats, t-shirts. Positive messages
with a cute vibe. So, they also do the occasional family event! This
Saturday, there will be a ton of activities in Golden Gate Park from
games, a fund-raising 3-mile walk (with entertainment and
interactive surprises along the way), a chill-zone for kids to quiet
down and do some arts and crafts, and lots of music. The event
also is raising funds for Project Joy, an organization dedicated to
helping our most vulnerable children through play . For more
details on the festival including an opportunity to volunteer, visit
http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/2009-festivals-locations/san-
francisco-festival.aspx
For info on Project Joy, visit http://www.projectjoy.com/
16-17Sat. & Sun., May 16th & 17th
Bay Area Storytelling Festival, Kennedy Grove
Regional Recreation Area, San Pablo Dam Road, El
Sobrante, California
Most of these events are geared for kids 9 and older. Sunday
afternoon’s 1:00 p.m. performance is better suited for younger
children. With the disclaimer aside, this is a unique event to
celebrate the spoken word. Outstanding storytellers from around
the world visit the Bay Area each Spring to bring to life tales old and
new: folk tales, family stories, fables, recollections, ghost stories,
tall tales, fairy tales, and classic stories from many many cultures.
Join them for a weekend of outdoor concerts of oral storytelling,
and treat your imagination to the power and elegance of the well-
told story. Featured tellers for 2009 include Judith Black, Doug
Elliott, Jay O'Callahan, Antonio Rocha, and Gayle Ross.
For details and schedule, visit http://www.bayareastorytelling.
org/ For directions, visit http://www.bayareastorytelling.
org/directions.html
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Livermore Scottish Games and
Celtic Celebration 2008, Robertson Park, Livermore,
$15 adults, $10 children (although much of the kid’s
stuff does not require tickets – check it out before
you buy tickets), $5 parking
Before you blip past this one, read on: The Scottish Games are
more than big guys in tiny skirts. This is a cultural fair and athletic
event that is fun for the whole family. It is one of the few on the
West Coast and the only one in California. There will be mock
battles a la “Braveheart”, historical reenactments, sheepdog trials,
the ever-engaging Scottish sports like caber, stone, and hammer
tossing (a lot of throwing, although tossing the big stick – the caber
– is most crowd pleasing), rugby and shinty games,
demonstrations and exhibits, and food (you can probably find
some haggis). They will also feature a “Children’s Glen” with fun
activities that highlight Scottish History and Celtic Lore. Kids can
play scaled down versions of the big peoples’ games (like caber
throws, golf ball races, tug-of-war and much more), do crafts,
bounce themselves silly in a bouncy castle/obstacle course. Our
child dug the armor and games. Bring hats and hydrate as
Livermore can be sunny and hot.
Details are at http://www.livermoregames.com/
Directions at http://www.livermoregames.com/directions.html
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 (Sat) and 5:30 p.m. (Sun),
Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave @
Berryman, Berkeley, FREE
This fair highlights the culture, arts, crafts, music, dance, and food
of the Himalayan peoples. Sure, the crunch factor is pretty high,
but it is a lot of fun even if you don’t own a single thing woven out of
hemp. The kids love all of the dancing, colors, and people. The
good thing is that this fair is pretty authentic. The people there are
largely people who grew up there and moved here. Details,
schedule, and directions can be found at http://www.
himalayanfair.net/Default.htm Plan on a healthy walk as parking
will be challenging.
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Kick Off Weekend, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
FREE to visit, tickets for the rides and games
It sure feels like summer and for many Bay Area residents, that
means schlepping the family to the Boardwalk. Opening weekend
will have high diving demonstrations, performances by Cirque
Magnifique, an extra special concert right on the beach with The
Tubes featuring Fee Waybill and dare-devil skydivers landing right
on the beach in front of the Boardwalk on Saturday. The full
schedule is online at http://beachboardwalk.com/01_events.
html. And of course, there are the rides and midway. Even if your
kids aren’t up for the big rollercoasters, there is a tamer kid’s area
with gentler rides including Kiddie Speed Boats. It's a great time to
visit the Boardwalk as summer kicks off with an action-packed
weekend of free entertainment!
Details can be found at http://beachboardwalk.com/ Directions
can be found at http://beachboardwalk.com/01_directions.html
17Sunday, May 17th
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Firetruck Day, Ardenwood
Historical Farm, Fremont, $5 adults, $3.50 children (4-
17 years), kids under 3 free
Come out to this great park and climb aboard a bunch of new and
antique fire engines. Get wet with the battle of the fire trucks,
dance to live music, meet Smokey, and, as if that weren’t enough,
there are music, games, crafts, and lots of water to squirt and be
squirted with. For directions, go to http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/ardenwood
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Valley Nature Ride, Sunol
Regional Wildreness, $25 (non resident $29)
Enjoy an introduction to the cultural and natural history of the Sunol
Wildreness and then take a horseback ride! For kids 6 and older.
Registration required (888) 327-2757, Option 2,3. For details and
directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol
22-23Friday & Sat, May 22nd and 23rd
Friday, May 22nd at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., Saturday,
May 23rd at 11:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Peninsula Youth Theatre Stories on Stage presents
STINKY CHEESE MAN, Second Stage at Peninsula
Youth Theater, Mountain View Center for the
Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View,
tickets $6-$8
Find the Gingerbread Man a little too cloying for you? Little too
saccharine? How about an anthropomorphic blob of dairy
products? If you liked the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith,
writers a whole raft of fractured fairy tales, you’ll love this crazy
stage adaptation. Read the book and then see the play! TICKETS
can be purchased by phone at (650) 903-6000. Directions are at
http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa/directions.html
22-25Fri, May 22nd – Monday, May 25th
10:00 – 9:00 daily (except for Monday when it closes
at 3:00) The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Old Town
Sacramento, Admission,
The California State Railroad Museum will have a series of kids’
events throughout the Festival. The Railroad Museum is open daily
during the Jubilee, with jazz musicians performing inside the
Museum and complimentary admission offered to Jazz Jubilee
badge holders. There will be a Special Free Children’s Stage and
activity area located on J Street just down from the Eagle Theater
during Jubilee, and several event music venues located in close
proximity to the Railroad Museum. Steam-powered Sacramento
Southern Railroad excursion trains operate Saturday, Sunday, and
Monday only, departing hourly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (regular ticket
prices apply). Jazz musicians perform aboard the trains this
weekend as well! For more details about the Sacramento Jazz
Jubilee, visit www.sacjazz.com. For information about the
Museum, visit http://www.csrmf.org/doc.asp?id=286. Parking
and traffic may be challenging so plan accordingly.
23Saturday, May 23rd
10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco,
FREE
Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. And then try
your hand at it! Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco
Bay. Docents will teach you how to use the nets, discuss bait and
regulations, and let you try your luck on the Fort Point pier.
Reservations are required; phone (415) 556-1693. Click http:
//www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=943 for
more details.
23-24Sat, May 23rd – Sunday May 24th
10:00 – 6:00 p.m. daily with a parade at 9:30 on
Sunday, San Francisco Carnaval, Harrison Street
between 16th and 22nd Street in the Mission District,
San Francisco, FREE
Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, San Francisco's Mission
district is transformed by Carnaval, a Latin celebration of life. The
Grand Carnaval Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday features amazingly-
costumed dancers standing on fantastic floats, surrounded by
drummers, roller-skaters, stilt-walkers and thousands of people
out to enjoy the day.
Caribbean contingents showcase the music and dance of the
Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad. Other parade
groups include Mexican Aztec performers, traditional African
drummers, Polynesian dancers, Japanese drummers, giant
puppets and groups representing Guatemala, Honduras and
Bolivia. Sound systems boom out the latest reggae, hip-hop and
the hottest salsa, samba and soca tunes to create an intoxicating
street party atmosphere. The parade will be run from Harrison and
24th to Mission Street to 17th and Harrison where it ends. For
further details, please visit http://www.carnavalsf.com/ Check
back closer to the date for maps.
23-25Sat, May 23rd to Monday May 25th
9:00 a.m. Saturday to Monday at 2:00 p.m., The 25th
Annual Rattlesnake Rendezvous, Sunol Regional
Wilderness, Fee: $90/Adult (non-res. $102), $45/Child
(non-res. $51)
Travel back in time and join our intrepid band of primitives for a
weekend of Stone Age living skills. Aside from modern sleeping
gear and clothing, we will attempt to experience as closely as
possible the rigors and satisfactions of village life in the
ooooolllldddd ways. Fire-starting, flint-knapping, spears, arrows,
cordage, open-fire cooking, music, tracking, beads, and much
more! For children 9 and older. Registration Required: 1-888-
EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3)
23-25May 23, 24 & 25 (Memorial Day
Weekend)
Civil War Battles, Re-enactments and Train Rides,
Roaring Camp Railroads, Highway 17 at Mt. Hermon
Road, Felton
Visit encampments of Union and Confederate solders and witness
historic battles at one of the longest-running Civil War
reenactments in the West. Be advised that occasional loud cannon
and gunfire may be heard as part of the re-enactment activities
during the day. After seeing the Blue and Greys go at it, take a train
to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz or check out the Redwoods. For
tickets, timetables, and more, visit http://www.roaringcamp.
com/events.html
For directions, visit http://www.roaringcamp.com/maps.html
24-21
Sundays May 24 & 31, June 7, 14 , & 21st Saturday
June 13 only
Pre-Show 11:00 a.m., Performance 1:00 p.m.,
Mountain Play: Man of La Mancha, Cushing
Ampitheater, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin
County, $40 adults, $30 kids 4-21, Kids 3 and under
are FREE
Don’t know why they didn’t just call it Don Quixote. This is the
classic and inspirational story of a man’s quest to right the wrongs
of the world - all set to a memorable score. Saturday June 13 is
the only Saturday show and has special pricing for seniors and
kids where tickets are $5 off. Order online to save $2. http://www.
mountainplay.org/tickets.html
The Mountain Play is special. In good weather (and it frequently
is), the experience is amazing with stunning views of the Pacific.
That being said, make sure to pack layers just in case, watch the
weather reports for heat or rain, leave the lawn chairs at home, and
leave plenty of time to hike in or out as you cannot park up there.
There is a very well organized shuttle service that you can find out
about on the website: http://www.mountainplay.org/directions.
html Food and drink is sold there although people do bring
amazing picnics and awards are given to the most amazing picnic
schlepped up there.
24Sunday, May 24th
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Caledonia Street Fair/ A Taste
of Sausalito, Sausalito, CA, FREE
This event features over 100 fine arts and crafts vendors and food
and entertainment for the entire family. The Fair has a strong focus
on music and dance performances, with three stages of live
entertainment. A special children's area on the lawn at City Hall
provides art and activities for our littlest visitors. There are always
surprises at this event, so don't miss out. The show goes on, rain
or shine.
25Monday, May 25th, MEMORIAL DAY
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Memorial Day Farm Fun Open
House, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE
The Little Farm is one of the Bay Area’s finest gems. Live goats,
cows, ducks, rabbits, sheep, chickens, geese, pigs, and a great
nature center to boot. To make a day at the Little Farm even better,
they will have corn grinding, ice cream making, potato sack races,
music, and much more. For directions, visit http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/tna
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., FREE DAY OPEN HOUSE ON
MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day on the Farm,
Ardenwood Historical Farm, Fremont, FREE
Ardenwood has been mentioned in this space frequently – for
good reason, there is a lot to do revolving around farm life. On this
historic holiday we invite you to the farm for the day. Bring a picnic
and lollygag on the lawn, while your children roll up their sleeves
and help with the morning chores 11am-noon). Ride the horse-
drawn train, tour the Victorian farmhouse and taste some farm
baked cookies from our outdoor country kitchen (11am-1pm). Try
your skills at some oldtime games (noon-1pm). Take a stroll with
an interpreter and learn what life was like long ago. For details
and directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black
Diamond Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch, $3
For kids 7 and over, take a free self-guided tour to explore 900 feet
of the cool underground workings of the restored 1930s Hazel-
Atlas silica sand mine. Call 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext 4506 or
visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond for details
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Family Fun Memorial Day at the
Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda,
$5 parking
Crab Cove is a hidden gem. It features an 800-gallon aquarium,
interactive stations, and lots of hands-on activities that teach kids
about marine life in the San Francisco Bay. On Memorial Day, they
will have a bay life 'touch-tank,' nature crafts, snake meet and greet,
nature videos, low tide walk, and more. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Low Tide
Mudflat - Rocky Shore Exploration. 1:30 - 2 p.m.: Worm
Composting Demonstration. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: 'Catch of the Day'
program. For information, call (510) 521-6887. Details on the
Center and directions can be found at http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/crab_cove
10:30 a.m., Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, Old Mill
School on Throckmorton Avenue to Tamalpais High
School on the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino
Alto, FREE.
Start off the day with a parade in downtown Mill Valley and finish it
off with an afternoon of music at the Mill Valley Community Center
from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.. Bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon.
30-31Sat & Sunday, May 30th – 31st
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Sunday), Maker
Faire 2009, San Mateo County Event Center, 2495
South Delaware Street, San Mateo, Admission: Early
Bird (through May 20th): $20/Adult, $10/Student,
$5/Youth; Standard: $25/Adult, $15/Student,
$10/Youth, Two day passes available. Plan ahead:
Parking is $12
This is one of the Bay Area’s coolest events for innovative thinkers
and those who like to see what those creative minds make. The
Maker’s Faire is an entertaining two day family friendly event to
celebrate the Do-It Yourself movement with a bunch of makers,
doers, and thinkers. The Faire is for creative, resourceful people of
all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make
things, including arts, crafts, engineering, food, green products,
music, technology and more. There are all sorts of interactive
displays and demonstrations and even a room called Make Play
Day full of stuff where you can either watch or make something
cool. For details, directions, tickets, and schedules, visit http:
//www.makerfaire.com/
30Saturday, May 30th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 13th Annual Chocolate and
Chalk Art Festival, North Shattuck Ave. (@ Vine –
Gourmet Ghetto), Berkeley, FREE
Like chocolate? Like chalk? Like chocolate and chalk together?
This is your event. OK, don’t eat the chalk. In addition to lots of
food and entertainment, grab some chalk (for free at the
information booths) and join dozens of others in creating your own
sidewalk art. Prizes will be awarded to the best sidewalk chalk art.
For event details, visit http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.
com/chocolate-chalk-art/chocolate-chalk-art.html
13Saturday, June 13th
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., The Family Festival & Bike
Rodeo San Pablo Park and Frances Albrier, 2800 Park
St., Berkeley
The Family Festival and Bike Rodeo is a family celebration of bike
safety and physical activity and is open to everyone! Activities
include an obstacle course, mock city, bicycle tours, face painting,
performers, bike maintenance and fix-a-flat stations, blood
pressure screenings, raffle prizes and lots of other activities and
health resources! Free bicycle helmets for all kids that participate!
Feel free to bring bikes, scooters and/or skateboards. There will be
some bicycles available for use. For more information, contact Amy
Ranger or by phone at 510-981-5326. More info coming soon to:
www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Fireworks Spectacular, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
FREE to visit, tickets for the rides and games
So 4th of July got cancelled last year. They had good reason –
kinda bad taste to set off fireworks when much of the hills were on
fire themselves. To make up for it, the Boardwalk will have an
outstanding display over the water. For minimal details, visit http:
//beachboardwalk.com/01_events.html. And of course, there are
the rides and midway. Even if your kids aren’t up for the big
rollercoasters, there is a tamer kid’s area with gentler rides
including Kiddie Speed Boats. Directions can be found at http:
//beachboardwalk.com/01_directions.html
Things to think ahead
about:
The following events sell out almost instantaneously because they
are wildly popular, so if you are interested, you might wish to book
now before the opportunity passes you by.
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout the
summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of which
will sell out.
Great Train Robberies
June 27-28 & September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from
the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate
why the West was wild.
Starlight Evenings
June 27, July 4 & 18, August 22 & 29
Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a
two-hour round-trip railway excursion from the boardwalk in Santa
Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring
Camp at 1-831-335-4484.
Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike
July 3, 10, 17, August 7 & 14
Gather family and friends this summer for an outdoor, twilight
evening experience at Roaring Camp. Dine by the campfire on a
hardy Prospector meal prepared in an old-fashion Dutch oven.
After supper, embark on a 45-minute walking tour by flashlight led
by a knowledgeable Eco-Ranger into the Redwood forest of the
Santa Cruz Mountains. Your senses will feel the forest come alive
at night! Meet back at the campfire for stargazing and a cowboy
sing-along with warm peach cobbler, hot coffee and cider for
dessert. It's old-fashioned family fun! Reservations required.
Tickets are $25 per person
4th of July Celebration
July 4
Bop on over to Roaring Camp for a Sock Hop and 50’s family 4th of
July: Hula Hoop contests, games, live music and all-American
barbecue.
July 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st and August 1st and 2nd. Day Out
with Thomas, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains) $18,
If your kid, OK let’s be honest: if your SON loves Thomas and you
know who you are, how about having them enjoy a day with a full-
sized Thomas steam engine that they can take a ride on (well, not
Thomas, exactly, but rail cars attached to) Thomas. The kids can
hang with Sir Topham Hat and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed
activities. Details on the event are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/thomas/dowt_main.html.
You must have reservations and tickets sell out FAST. So, how do
you get them? Call Ticketweb at (866) 468-3399 or go online at
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?
region=sfbay&query=schedule&venue=roaringcamprr1
Directions to Roaring Camp are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/maps.html If you miss this one and your family might be
anywhere near one of these places, you can look up any one of a
bunch of “Days Out with Thomas” all over North America. http:
//www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html
That's it for now!
Update!
Somehow we skipped over Spring and headed straight into
summer. Mother's Day is on deck followed by Memorial Day and
boom, school's out. Good thing there is a lot going on that is both
cool and fun.
Make sure to check out the Resources Pages for a ton of great
ideas. Here are some highlights:
- Current Activities - Everything coming up for you and your
family! - Camps If you don't have plans, better get a move on!
- Winter Performing Arts Schedule There are a lot of great
performances this season. Don't miss out! - Museums and Other Attractions The Bay Area is rich with
treasures and cool fun things to do! Our lists are broken
down by region! - Check out the NEW Travel Koncierge Travel Ideas page for
tips on how to better enjoy your vacations with your family! - We just added the Kiddie Koncierge Santa Barbara guide
for your Spring Break planning enjoyment! - We have also added a Family Hiking Page for ideas on
getting those young 'uns out in the fresh air.
Activities at a Glance
April 4th – Sept 27th
- 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening Weekend for Train
Operations, California State Railroad Museum, Old Town
Sacramento, Admission
Saturdays and Sundays, April 18th – May 3rd
- 2:00 p.m. Active Arts Theater Presents Wonderland, a
Circus Adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, Julia Morgan
Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, Admission
Saturday, May 2nd
- 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Cinco de Mayo Festival, Dolores
Park (Dolores between 18th and 20th), San Francisco,
FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sausalito Spring Fair, Gabrielson
Park in Downtown Sausalito at Bridgeway and Anchor
near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, Sausalito - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Kids’ Festival and Kite Day, Suisun
Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano, Suisun City, FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Los Gatos Parent Nursery School
Children Fantasy Faire, Los Gatos High School Front
Lawn, FREE
Saturday & Sunday, May 2-3, 2009
- 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Sing Tao Street and Art Fair,
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, FREE
Sundays, May 3rd through June 7th
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Little Farm Goat Hike, Tilden
Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE
Sunday, May 3rd
- 11:00 a.m. - 12:30pm, Berkeley Repertory Family Series,
Target® Story Builders at Berkeley Rep Nevo Education
Center, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley, FREE - Jazz It Up, SF MOMA Family Studio, SFMOMA Koret Visitor
Education Center, 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, FREE
Free 1st Sunday, May 3rd this month
- Asian Art Museum www.asianart.org
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
Free 1st Tuesday, May 5th this month
- Cartoon Art Museum www.cartoonart.org
- De Young www.famsf.org
- Legion of Honor www.famsf.org
- SF MOMA www.sfmoma.org
- Yerba Buena www.ybca.org
Free 1st Wednesday, May 6th this month
- Exploratorium www.exploratorium.edu
- Coyote Point Museum www.coyoteptmuseum.org
- Bay Area Discovery Museum www.baykidsmuseum.org
Free 1st Thursday, May 7th this month
- Berkeley Art Museum www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
- Burlingame Pez Museum www.spectrumnet.com/pez/
Free 2nd Sunday, May 10th this month
- Oakland Museum www.museumca.org
- Tech Museum of San Jose, www.thetech.org
Free 3rd Wednesday, May 20th this month
- California Academy of Sciences www.calacademy.org
Saturdays and Sundays, April 25th - May 17th
- Madeline and the Gypsies, Young Performers Theater,
Fort Mason, San Francisco
Wednesday, May 6th
- 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Kindergarten Information Night, JCCSF,
3200 California Street, San Francisco, FREE
Saturday, May 9th
- 4:00 p.m., 15th Annual KFOG Kaboom, Piers 30-32, San
Francisco, FREE for the fireworks, $20 if you want to see
the bands - 11am-12:30p.m., Almost Mother's Day Kid's Concert
Starring Andy Z & the Andyland Band, Courthouse
Square2200 Broadway, Redwood City, FREE - 9:00 a.m., Mother's Day Hike, Tennessee Valley Trailhead,
Marin Headlands, Registration Required, FREE - 10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco, FREE
Sunday, May 10th MOTHERS DAY
- Koret Free Museum Day - All over San Francisco
- Mother's Day/Petite Picasso, Rosso & Bianco Winery,
Geyserville, FREE - Asian Art Museum Family Day, FREE
- 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black Diamond
Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch, FREE
Saturday, May 16th
- Life is Good Festival, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco,
FREE - Farm Tour, Deer Hollow Farm, Rancho San Antonio Open
Space Preserve, Los Altos
May 16 & 17: Bay Area Storytelling Festival,
- Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, San Pablo Dam
Road, El Sobrante, California
Saturday, May 16th and Sunday May 17th,
- 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Livermore Scottish Games and
Celtic Celebration 2008, Robertson Park, - 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 (Sat) and 5:30 p.m. (Sun), Himalayan
Fair, Live Oak Park, Berkeley, FREE, - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Kick
Off Weekend, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, FREE to visit,
tickets for the rides and games,
Sunday, May 17th
- Jazz It Up, SF MOMA Family Studio, SFMOMA Koret Visitor
Education Center, 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, FREE - 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Firetruck Day, Ardenwood
Historical Farm, Fremont - 10:00 a,m, - 10:45 a.m., Valley Nature Ride, Sunol Regional
Wildreness, $25 (non resident $29)
Friday, May 22nd and Saturday, May 23rd
- Friday at 9:30 & 11:00 a.m., Saturday at 11:30 am & 3 p.
m., Peninsula Youth Theatre Stories on Stage presents
STINKY CHEESE MAN, Second Stage at Peninsula Youth
Theater, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts,
500 Castro Street, Mountain View,
Saturday, May 23rd
- 10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco, FREE
Saturday, May 23 to Monday May 25th
- 9:00 a.m. Saturday to Monday at 2:00 p.m., The 25th
Annual Rattlesnake Rendezvous, Sunol Regional
Wilderness
May 23, 24 & 25 (Memorial Day Weekend)
- Civil War Battles, Re-enactments and Train Rides,
Roaring Camp Railroads, Highway 17 at Mt. Hermon Road,
Felton
Friday, May 22nd – Monday, May 25th
- 10:00 – 9:00 daily (except for Monday when it closes at 3:
00) The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Old Town Sacramento,
Admission
Saturday, May 23 – Sunday May 24th
- 10:00 – 6:00 p.m. daily with a parade at 9:30 on Sunday,
San Francisco Carnaval, Harrison Street between 16th
and 22nd Street in the Mission District, San Francisco,
FREE
Sundays, May 24th - June 21st
Saturday, June 13th
- Mountain Play Presents The Man of La Mancha, Mount
Tamalpais State Park Amphitheatre
Sunday, May 24th
- 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Caledonia Street Fair/ A Taste of
Sausalito, Sausalito, CA, FREE
Monday, May 25th
- 12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Memorial Day Farm Fun Open
House, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., FREE DAY OPEN HOUSE ON MEMORIAL
DAY Memorial Day on the Farm, Ardenwood Historical
Farm, Fremont, FREE - 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black Diamond
Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Family Fun Memorial Day at the Crab
Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda - 10:30 a.m., Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, Old Mill
School on Throckmorton Avenue to Tamalpais High
School on the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino Alto,
FREE.
Saturday and Sunday, May 30th – 31st
- 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Sunday), Maker Faire
2009, San Mateo County Event Center, 2495 South
Delaware Street, San Mateo, Admission
Saturday, May 30th
- 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 13th Annual Chocolate and Chalk
Art Festival, North Shattuck Ave. (@ Vine – Gourmet
Ghetto), Berkeley, FREE
Sunday, June 7th
- 11am–12:30pm, Berkeley Repertory Family Series,
Summer Fun, Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison
Street, Berkeley, FREE - Jazz It Up, SF MOMA Family Studio, SFMOMA Koret Visitor
Education Center, 151 3rd Street, San Francisco, FREE
Saturday, June 13th
- 11:00 – 3:00 The Family Festival & Bike Rodeo San Pablo
Park and Frances Albrier, 2800 Park St., Berkeley - 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Fireworks Spectacular, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
FREE to visit, tickets for the rides and games,
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout
the summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of
which will sell out.
- June 27-28 & September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend) Great
Train Robberies, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz
Mountains) - June 27, July 4 & 18, August 22 & 29 Starlight Evenings,
Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains) - July 3, 10, 17, August 7 & 14, Twilight Evening Cookout &
Hike, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains) - July 4th, 4th of July Celebration, Roaring Camp, Felton
(Santa Cruz Mountains) - July 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st and August 1st and 2nd.
Day Out with Thomas, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz
Mountains)
The Detes
4-27Saturdays and Sundays April 4 – Sept 27
11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Opening Weekend for Train
Operations, California State Railroad Museum, Old
Town Sacramento, $8 adults, $3 kids 6-17, kids under
3 FREE
Every weekend through September, experience the sights, smells,
and sounds of a real, working steam locomotive as it pulls vintage
passenger coaches and converted freight cars along the levees of
the Sacramento River on the California State Railroad Museum's
Sacramento Southern Railroad. Climb aboard for a relaxing 40-
minute, 6-mile roundtrip ride. Of course, the real reason to come
up is to check out the California State Railroad Museum which is
an amazing trip through our State’s history as told through its
railways. Full-sized equipment is cool for all ages and for non-
fanatics. Directions and visiting information at http://www.csrmf.
org/doc.asp?id=286
18-3Sat. & Sun., April 18th – May 3rd
2:00 p.m. Active Arts Theater Presents Wonderland, a
Circus Adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, Julia
Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley, CA, $18
adult, $14 children
Alice’s adventures in Wonderland have never before been told like
this…with clowns, acrobats, jugglers, and musicians. When Alice
searches for a way back home, she will meet the caterpillar, the
white rabbit, and she will have to escape from the dreaded Queen
of Hearts. You may think you know this classic story, but hold on to
your hats, because this world premiere created by master clown
Jeff Raz of Cirque Du Soleil for the Advanced Training Program of
the Clown Conservatory and produced by Active Arts will be the
wildest, craziest trip to Wonderland you’ve ever taken!. Ages 6 and
up.
Information at http://www.activeartstheatre.org/Wonderland.html,
tickets at http://activeartstheatre.thundertix.
com/events/267/performances
If you can’t make it to the Berkeley Shows, the show will move to
San Ramon May 9-17th at the Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger
Canyon Blvd., San Ramon. Details at http://sabo.seatadvisor.
com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?
eventId=114607&presenter=SANRAMON&venue=&event=
25-17Sat & Sun, April 25th - May 17th
Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30
p.m., Madeline and the Gypsies, Young Performers
Theatre., Fort Mason Center, Building C, San
Francisco, 10:00 adults, $7 children under 13,
Come to this great theater by the Bay for some great kids' theater
with your favorite kid with an oversized beret and her eleven friends
and unhealthily thin chaperone. In this final show of the season,
Madeline joins Pepito and his family for a show with lots of fun and
circus antics. While you are there, check out the Exploratorium
outdoor exhibits sprinkled around Fort Mason.
For tickets, visit http://www.ypt.org/tickets.htm
For directions, visit http://www.ypt.org/map.htm
2Saturday, May 2nd
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Cinco de Mayo Festival,
Dolores Park (Dolores between 18th and 20th), San
Francisco, FREE
This is the premiere Bay Area Cinco de Mayo celebration. Bring
your picnic blanket and enjoy all day Music, Kid's Activities,
Entertainment (aztec dancers, illusionists, etc), Food, Arts/Crafts
and more. Visit http://www.sfcincodemayo.com/ for more.
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sausalito Spring Fair,
Gabrielson Park in Downtown Sausalito at Bridgeway
and Anchor near the Sausalito Ferry Terminal,
Sausalito, CA, $5, Kids under 3 FREE
Enjoy 100+ artists, fine food, wine, live music and a children's
entertainment area featuring music, theater, kids, crafts and
activities, jumpies and more! The kids’ areas are set off from the
arts areas. The games and entertainment in the kids’ area are
pretty much geared to kids 6 and under although magicians are
fun for all ages. Visit http://www.sausalitonurseryschool.
org/springFaire.html for more details.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Kids’ Festival and Kite Day,
Suisun Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano, Suisun City,
FREE
With this breeze, this should be a great day to loft a kite. If that isn’t
your bag, hang to music, engage in lots of kids activities, and enjoy
a boat parade.
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Los Gatos Parent Nursery
School Children Fantasy Faire, Los Gatos High School
Front Lawn, FREE
Come for a day of pony rides, a petting zoo, food, drink, live
entertainment, lots of games (tickets required), From the looks of
the run down it is friendly down to the pre-school level with enough
challenge for the older sibs. For details and directions, visit http:
//www.lgpns.org/www/?q=fantasyfaire
2-3Saturday & Sunday, May 2nd-3rd
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sing Tao Street and Art Fair,
Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City,
FREE
A two day Street and Art Fair with an Asian influence. Food, Artists,
Vendors, Chinese Dance Groups, Kung Fu Demonstrations,
Fashion Show, Kids Zone- featuring rides, inflatable jumps and so
much more for the whole family! http://www.redwoodcity.
org/calendar/EventDetail.aspx?Id=1696&CallingPage=Calendar.
aspx
3Sunday May 3rd
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Berkeley Rep Family Series,
“Target Story Builders” Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre, the Berkeley Rep School of Theater, Nevo
Education Center, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley,
FREE (with a children’s book donation)
Learn the art of theatre through play the first Sunday each month
with the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre’s Family Series! These
interactive workshops are designed for families of all ages and
levels (although kids should be at least 7). Family Series
programs encourage arts awareness and exploration, nourish
team work and parent/child bonds and sustain a creative family
environment. In lieu of tuition, families attending these workshops
are asked to bring a children’s book to be donated to local
elementary school libraries.
Experience our Story Builders program which the Berkeley Rep
takes to classrooms throughout the Bay Area. Work together as
one large ensemble. Parents and children will use dialogue,
physicality and improvisation to bring a book to life in only 90
minutes. Play with the potential of theatre in your neighborhood.
Recommended for ages 4 to adult.
Upcoming dates include
June 7, 2009: Summer fun
All Sunday workshops are held at the Berkeley Rep School of
Theatre at the Nevo Education Center, 2071 Addison Street in
downtown Berkeley. For more information please call Gendell
Hernández at 510 647–2973 or e-mail ghernandez@berkeleyrep.
org.
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. , SF MOMA, The Family Studio:
Jazz It Up, Koret Visitor Education Center, 151 Third
Street, San Francisco, FREE
If you haven't been to one of these family events, it is well worth it.
Not only do you have a chance to engage in a great art activity in the
awesome Koret Center on the 2nd floor (even if you don't come on
the Family Studio days, you should stop by the Educational Center
as there is always something for the kids to do and explore), you
also get to explore the wonderful Museum of Modern Art for FREE.
This weekend, join the SF MOMA for an exploration of the influence
that music has had on work of many great artists. In this workshop,
you'll create your own artistic composition while musicians play
classic jazz tunes. Don't miss a reading of the book The Jazzy
Alphabet, by Sherry Shahan and illustrated by Mary Thelen.
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
on family program days. Please note: The Family Studio capacity is
limited. Families will be served as space is available.
For details, visit http://www.sfmoma.org/events/1387
Museum and program admission are free for families with children
12 and under. Capacity is limited; families will be served as space
is available.
This program repeats May 17th
3-7Sundays, May 3rd through June 7th
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Little Farm Goat Hike, Tilden
Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE
What could be more fun than going on a little walk from the Little
Farm to the lovely Jewel Lake and back accompanied by a herd of
friendly goats? Kids (and their parents, please) can learn all sorts
of cool things about these cool animals. Fun fact, did you know
that goats do not have upper teeth? For your little goat feeders this
is good news because it means that they don’t bite in the usual
sense of the word. A lot more cool than a petting zoo. For
directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/vc/tna
6Wednesday, May 6th
6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Kindergarten Information Night,
JCCSF, 3200 California Street, San Francisco, FREE
This annual event is provided as a community service by the
Claude and Louise Rosenberg Early Childhood Education
Program at the JCCSF. This event is available to the public at no
charge and is an opportunity for parents whose children are ages
three and above, to gather information from over 60
representatives from Bay Area public and independent schools
about their Kindergarten programs. No registration is necessary.
Adults only please. For more information contact Linda Toschi-
Chambers at 415-292-1283 or email her at lchambers@jccsf.org
9Saturday, May 9th
11:00 a.m. - 12:30p.m., Almost Mother's Day Kid's
Concert Starring Andy Z & the Andyland Band,
Courthouse Square2200 Broadway, Redwood City,
FREE
FREE for the whole family! If you have never caught Andy Z, he is a
terrific performer with music that is not just geared towards the
toddlers. It is kids’ music that you as a parent can enjoy without
dental work afterwards. Enjoy a fun kid's concert, Starring Andy Z
and the Andyland Band! Your child may also create a Mother's Day
Gift at our craft area (opens at 10:30am).
9:00 a.m., Mother's Day Hike, Tennessee Valley
Trailhead, Marin Headlands, Registration Required,
FREE
Bring the whole family on a fascinating hike with Golden Gate
Raptor Observatory Director Allen Fish for a naturalist’s exploration
of Tennessee Valley. You’ll study the spring behaviors of
hummingbirds, hawks, wrens, sparrows, and warblers, and we
will keep company with a rich range of wildflowers: columbine,
monkeyflower, iris, bee-plant, and paintbrush. Bring binoculars
and dust off your field guides. Meet at Tennessee Valley Trailhead;
park at the Trailhead lot. Either bring a picnic lunch for after the
hike or head into Mill Valley for some great inexpensive eateries.
Registration is required. Please RSVP by May 4. To register or to
become a member, call (415) 561-3060 or e-mail
membership@parksconservancy.org. For details, visit http:
//www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=2638
10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco,
FREE
Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. And then try
your hand at it! Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco
Bay. Docents will teach you how to use the nets, discuss bait and
regulations, and let you try your luck on the Fort Point pier.
Reservations are required; phone (415) 556-1693. Visit http://www.
parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=943 for more
details.
KFOG KaBoom, Piers 30/32, San Francisco Bay,
Fireworks FREE, Concerts entail admission.
Every year, radio station KFOG lobs a bunch of fireworks into the
skies above San Francisco Bay (in their defense, they work to
make these events carbon neutral nowadays). If you are on the
waterfront, Treasure Island, take a look at the skies, turn on KFOG
and watch the fireworks to music. They typically start at around 9:
00 p.m. or so. For details on the concerts, view http://www.kfog.
com/Pages/KFOGKaBoom2009.aspx
10Sunday, May 10th MOTHERS DAY!
KORET FREE Museum Day, 17 Museums all over the
San Francisco Bay Area, FREE!
Every so often, the ever wonderful Koret Foundation gives the
greater Bay Area a very generous Mothers Day Gift: FREE
admission to one of 17 museums all over the Bay area. This
year's list includes:
- Asian Art Museum, San Francisco
- Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
- Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland
- Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
- Contemporary Jewish Museum, San Francisco
- M.H. de Young Museum, San Francisco
- Exploratorium, San Francisco
- Judah L. Magnes Museum, Berkeley
- Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley
- Legion of Honor, San Francisco
- Museum of the African Diaspora, San Francisco
- Oakland Museum, Oakland
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco
(SFMOMA) - San Francisco Zoo
- San Jose Museum of Art
- IMAX Movie at the Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose
- Zeum, San Francisco
For info on specific museums, visit our Museums Pages!
11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m., Mother's Day/Petite Picasso,
Rosso & Bianco Winery (formerly Chateau Soverain),
300 Via Archimedes (formerly Souverain Road),
Geyserville, FREE (reservations required)
Pretty civilized way to celebrate Mother's Day: mom gets a glass of
Sophia Blanc de Blancs while the little darlings create a special
artistic creation for her. Design Space limited to 50 kids under 12.
Reservations required. Call (707) 857-1427 to reserve your
space. Visit www.rossobianco.com for details and directions.
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Asian Art Museum Family
Festival: Land of the Thunder Dragon, Asian Art
Museum, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco, FREE
This Sunday is special for a number of reasons: it is Mother's Day,
the Koret Free Family Day, and the Asian Art Museum Family
Festival. This year's festival is themed by the current Bhutan exhibit
and will offer performances, hands-on activities (cloth painting,
lotus flower sculpting), stories, and more all guided by the colorful
traditions and mythology of this remote kingdom. For details, visit
http://www.asianart.org/family.htm#familyfestival
Sunday Streets, Embarcadero between AT&T Park
and Aquatic Park, 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, the Embacadero has
been closed down from AT&T Park to Aquatic Park yet again for a
day of fun, entertainment, and family activities including face
painting, slides, games, classes, music and more. For details
visit http://sundaystreetssf.com/?page_id=5
Future Dates
Sunday, June 7th, New Route in the Mission
Sunday, July 19th, New Route in the Mission
Sunday, August 9th, Great Highway Route
Sunday, September 6th, Great Highway Route
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black
Diamond Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch, FREE
For kids 7 and over, take a free self-guided tour to explore 900 feet
of the cool underground workings of the restored 1930s Hazel-
Atlas silica sand mine. Call 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext 4506 or
visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond for details and
directions.
16 Saturday, May 16th
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Farm Tour, Deer Hollow Farm,
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cristo
Rey Drive, Los Altos, Adults $5, Kids $3, Kids under 2
FREE
What better way to usher in the Spring than a trip to a homestead
farm to visit sheep, goats, cows, pigs, rabbits, and all manner of
fowl? This is a working farm and visitors can learn about farming,
tending to the animals, the century-old buildings, and more. The
tours are 45 minutes, but visitors are encouraged to explore the
County park and open space abutting the preserve. For details
and directions, visit http://www.fodhf.org/farm_tour_2009_flyer.
pdf.
If you don't want to travel that far south, don't forget the Little Farm at
Tilden Park which is open every day http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/tna
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Life is Good Festival, Speedway
Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, FREE!
You know the stuff: cute stick figure doing fun stuff, often with
family and/or a dog. Usually on hats, t-shirts. Positive messages
with a cute vibe. So, they also do the occasional family event! This
Saturday, there will be a ton of activities in Golden Gate Park from
games, a fund-raising 3-mile walk (with entertainment and
interactive surprises along the way), a chill-zone for kids to quiet
down and do some arts and crafts, and lots of music. The event
also is raising funds for Project Joy, an organization dedicated to
helping our most vulnerable children through play . For more
details on the festival including an opportunity to volunteer, visit
http://www.lifeisgood.com/festivals/2009-festivals-locations/san-
francisco-festival.aspx
For info on Project Joy, visit http://www.projectjoy.com/
16-17Sat. & Sun., May 16th & 17th
Bay Area Storytelling Festival, Kennedy Grove
Regional Recreation Area, San Pablo Dam Road, El
Sobrante, California
Most of these events are geared for kids 9 and older. Sunday
afternoon’s 1:00 p.m. performance is better suited for younger
children. With the disclaimer aside, this is a unique event to
celebrate the spoken word. Outstanding storytellers from around
the world visit the Bay Area each Spring to bring to life tales old and
new: folk tales, family stories, fables, recollections, ghost stories,
tall tales, fairy tales, and classic stories from many many cultures.
Join them for a weekend of outdoor concerts of oral storytelling,
and treat your imagination to the power and elegance of the well-
told story. Featured tellers for 2009 include Judith Black, Doug
Elliott, Jay O'Callahan, Antonio Rocha, and Gayle Ross.
For details and schedule, visit http://www.bayareastorytelling.
org/ For directions, visit http://www.bayareastorytelling.
org/directions.html
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Livermore Scottish Games and
Celtic Celebration 2008, Robertson Park, Livermore,
$15 adults, $10 children (although much of the kid’s
stuff does not require tickets – check it out before
you buy tickets), $5 parking
Before you blip past this one, read on: The Scottish Games are
more than big guys in tiny skirts. This is a cultural fair and athletic
event that is fun for the whole family. It is one of the few on the
West Coast and the only one in California. There will be mock
battles a la “Braveheart”, historical reenactments, sheepdog trials,
the ever-engaging Scottish sports like caber, stone, and hammer
tossing (a lot of throwing, although tossing the big stick – the caber
– is most crowd pleasing), rugby and shinty games,
demonstrations and exhibits, and food (you can probably find
some haggis). They will also feature a “Children’s Glen” with fun
activities that highlight Scottish History and Celtic Lore. Kids can
play scaled down versions of the big peoples’ games (like caber
throws, golf ball races, tug-of-war and much more), do crafts,
bounce themselves silly in a bouncy castle/obstacle course. Our
child dug the armor and games. Bring hats and hydrate as
Livermore can be sunny and hot.
Details are at http://www.livermoregames.com/
Directions at http://www.livermoregames.com/directions.html
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 (Sat) and 5:30 p.m. (Sun),
Himalayan Fair, Live Oak Park, 1301 Shattuck Ave @
Berryman, Berkeley, FREE
This fair highlights the culture, arts, crafts, music, dance, and food
of the Himalayan peoples. Sure, the crunch factor is pretty high,
but it is a lot of fun even if you don’t own a single thing woven out of
hemp. The kids love all of the dancing, colors, and people. The
good thing is that this fair is pretty authentic. The people there are
largely people who grew up there and moved here. Details,
schedule, and directions can be found at http://www.
himalayanfair.net/Default.htm Plan on a healthy walk as parking
will be challenging.
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Kick Off Weekend, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
FREE to visit, tickets for the rides and games
It sure feels like summer and for many Bay Area residents, that
means schlepping the family to the Boardwalk. Opening weekend
will have high diving demonstrations, performances by Cirque
Magnifique, an extra special concert right on the beach with The
Tubes featuring Fee Waybill and dare-devil skydivers landing right
on the beach in front of the Boardwalk on Saturday. The full
schedule is online at http://beachboardwalk.com/01_events.
html. And of course, there are the rides and midway. Even if your
kids aren’t up for the big rollercoasters, there is a tamer kid’s area
with gentler rides including Kiddie Speed Boats. It's a great time to
visit the Boardwalk as summer kicks off with an action-packed
weekend of free entertainment!
Details can be found at http://beachboardwalk.com/ Directions
can be found at http://beachboardwalk.com/01_directions.html
17Sunday, May 17th
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., Firetruck Day, Ardenwood
Historical Farm, Fremont, $5 adults, $3.50 children (4-
17 years), kids under 3 free
Come out to this great park and climb aboard a bunch of new and
antique fire engines. Get wet with the battle of the fire trucks,
dance to live music, meet Smokey, and, as if that weren’t enough,
there are music, games, crafts, and lots of water to squirt and be
squirted with. For directions, go to http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/ardenwood
10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m., Valley Nature Ride, Sunol
Regional Wildreness, $25 (non resident $29)
Enjoy an introduction to the cultural and natural history of the Sunol
Wildreness and then take a horseback ride! For kids 6 and older.
Registration required (888) 327-2757, Option 2,3. For details and
directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol
22-23Friday & Sat, May 22nd and 23rd
Friday, May 22nd at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m., Saturday,
May 23rd at 11:30 a.m. & 3:00 p.m.
Peninsula Youth Theatre Stories on Stage presents
STINKY CHEESE MAN, Second Stage at Peninsula
Youth Theater, Mountain View Center for the
Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street, Mountain View,
tickets $6-$8
Find the Gingerbread Man a little too cloying for you? Little too
saccharine? How about an anthropomorphic blob of dairy
products? If you liked the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith,
writers a whole raft of fractured fairy tales, you’ll love this crazy
stage adaptation. Read the book and then see the play! TICKETS
can be purchased by phone at (650) 903-6000. Directions are at
http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/mvcpa/directions.html
22-25Fri, May 22nd – Monday, May 25th
10:00 – 9:00 daily (except for Monday when it closes
at 3:00) The Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, Old Town
Sacramento, Admission,
The California State Railroad Museum will have a series of kids’
events throughout the Festival. The Railroad Museum is open daily
during the Jubilee, with jazz musicians performing inside the
Museum and complimentary admission offered to Jazz Jubilee
badge holders. There will be a Special Free Children’s Stage and
activity area located on J Street just down from the Eagle Theater
during Jubilee, and several event music venues located in close
proximity to the Railroad Museum. Steam-powered Sacramento
Southern Railroad excursion trains operate Saturday, Sunday, and
Monday only, departing hourly 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (regular ticket
prices apply). Jazz musicians perform aboard the trains this
weekend as well! For more details about the Sacramento Jazz
Jubilee, visit www.sacjazz.com. For information about the
Museum, visit http://www.csrmf.org/doc.asp?id=286. Parking
and traffic may be challenging so plan accordingly.
23Saturday, May 23rd
10:00 a.m., Pier Crabbing, Fort Point, San Francisco,
FREE
Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. And then try
your hand at it! Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco
Bay. Docents will teach you how to use the nets, discuss bait and
regulations, and let you try your luck on the Fort Point pier.
Reservations are required; phone (415) 556-1693. Click http:
//www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=943 for
more details.
23-24Sat, May 23rd – Sunday May 24th
10:00 – 6:00 p.m. daily with a parade at 9:30 on
Sunday, San Francisco Carnaval, Harrison Street
between 16th and 22nd Street in the Mission District,
San Francisco, FREE
Each year on Memorial Day Weekend, San Francisco's Mission
district is transformed by Carnaval, a Latin celebration of life. The
Grand Carnaval Parade at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday features amazingly-
costumed dancers standing on fantastic floats, surrounded by
drummers, roller-skaters, stilt-walkers and thousands of people
out to enjoy the day.
Caribbean contingents showcase the music and dance of the
Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Trinidad. Other parade
groups include Mexican Aztec performers, traditional African
drummers, Polynesian dancers, Japanese drummers, giant
puppets and groups representing Guatemala, Honduras and
Bolivia. Sound systems boom out the latest reggae, hip-hop and
the hottest salsa, samba and soca tunes to create an intoxicating
street party atmosphere. The parade will be run from Harrison and
24th to Mission Street to 17th and Harrison where it ends. For
further details, please visit http://www.carnavalsf.com/ Check
back closer to the date for maps.
23-25Sat, May 23rd to Monday May 25th
9:00 a.m. Saturday to Monday at 2:00 p.m., The 25th
Annual Rattlesnake Rendezvous, Sunol Regional
Wilderness, Fee: $90/Adult (non-res. $102), $45/Child
(non-res. $51)
Travel back in time and join our intrepid band of primitives for a
weekend of Stone Age living skills. Aside from modern sleeping
gear and clothing, we will attempt to experience as closely as
possible the rigors and satisfactions of village life in the
ooooolllldddd ways. Fire-starting, flint-knapping, spears, arrows,
cordage, open-fire cooking, music, tracking, beads, and much
more! For children 9 and older. Registration Required: 1-888-
EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757, option 2, 3)
23-25May 23, 24 & 25 (Memorial Day
Weekend)
Civil War Battles, Re-enactments and Train Rides,
Roaring Camp Railroads, Highway 17 at Mt. Hermon
Road, Felton
Visit encampments of Union and Confederate solders and witness
historic battles at one of the longest-running Civil War
reenactments in the West. Be advised that occasional loud cannon
and gunfire may be heard as part of the re-enactment activities
during the day. After seeing the Blue and Greys go at it, take a train
to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz or check out the Redwoods. For
tickets, timetables, and more, visit http://www.roaringcamp.
com/events.html
For directions, visit http://www.roaringcamp.com/maps.html
24-21
Sundays May 24 & 31, June 7, 14 , & 21st Saturday
June 13 only
Pre-Show 11:00 a.m., Performance 1:00 p.m.,
Mountain Play: Man of La Mancha, Cushing
Ampitheater, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Marin
County, $40 adults, $30 kids 4-21, Kids 3 and under
are FREE
Don’t know why they didn’t just call it Don Quixote. This is the
classic and inspirational story of a man’s quest to right the wrongs
of the world - all set to a memorable score. Saturday June 13 is
the only Saturday show and has special pricing for seniors and
kids where tickets are $5 off. Order online to save $2. http://www.
mountainplay.org/tickets.html
The Mountain Play is special. In good weather (and it frequently
is), the experience is amazing with stunning views of the Pacific.
That being said, make sure to pack layers just in case, watch the
weather reports for heat or rain, leave the lawn chairs at home, and
leave plenty of time to hike in or out as you cannot park up there.
There is a very well organized shuttle service that you can find out
about on the website: http://www.mountainplay.org/directions.
html Food and drink is sold there although people do bring
amazing picnics and awards are given to the most amazing picnic
schlepped up there.
24Sunday, May 24th
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Caledonia Street Fair/ A Taste
of Sausalito, Sausalito, CA, FREE
This event features over 100 fine arts and crafts vendors and food
and entertainment for the entire family. The Fair has a strong focus
on music and dance performances, with three stages of live
entertainment. A special children's area on the lawn at City Hall
provides art and activities for our littlest visitors. There are always
surprises at this event, so don't miss out. The show goes on, rain
or shine.
25Monday, May 25th, MEMORIAL DAY
12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Memorial Day Farm Fun Open
House, Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley, FREE
The Little Farm is one of the Bay Area’s finest gems. Live goats,
cows, ducks, rabbits, sheep, chickens, geese, pigs, and a great
nature center to boot. To make a day at the Little Farm even better,
they will have corn grinding, ice cream making, potato sack races,
music, and much more. For directions, visit http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/tna
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., FREE DAY OPEN HOUSE ON
MEMORIAL DAY Memorial Day on the Farm,
Ardenwood Historical Farm, Fremont, FREE
Ardenwood has been mentioned in this space frequently – for
good reason, there is a lot to do revolving around farm life. On this
historic holiday we invite you to the farm for the day. Bring a picnic
and lollygag on the lawn, while your children roll up their sleeves
and help with the morning chores 11am-noon). Ride the horse-
drawn train, tour the Victorian farmhouse and taste some farm
baked cookies from our outdoor country kitchen (11am-1pm). Try
your skills at some oldtime games (noon-1pm). Take a stroll with
an interpreter and learn what life was like long ago. For details
and directions, visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood
12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mine Open House, Black
Diamond Mines, Somersville Road in Antioch, $3
For kids 7 and over, take a free self-guided tour to explore 900 feet
of the cool underground workings of the restored 1930s Hazel-
Atlas silica sand mine. Call 1-888-327-2757, option 3, ext 4506 or
visit http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond for details
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Family Fun Memorial Day at the
Crab Cove Visitor Center, 1252 McKay Ave., Alameda,
$5 parking
Crab Cove is a hidden gem. It features an 800-gallon aquarium,
interactive stations, and lots of hands-on activities that teach kids
about marine life in the San Francisco Bay. On Memorial Day, they
will have a bay life 'touch-tank,' nature crafts, snake meet and greet,
nature videos, low tide walk, and more. 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Low Tide
Mudflat - Rocky Shore Exploration. 1:30 - 2 p.m.: Worm
Composting Demonstration. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: 'Catch of the Day'
program. For information, call (510) 521-6887. Details on the
Center and directions can be found at http://www.ebparks.
org/parks/vc/crab_cove
10:30 a.m., Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, Old Mill
School on Throckmorton Avenue to Tamalpais High
School on the corner of Miller Avenue and Camino
Alto, FREE.
Start off the day with a parade in downtown Mill Valley and finish it
off with an afternoon of music at the Mill Valley Community Center
from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.. Bring a picnic and enjoy the afternoon.
30-31Sat & Sunday, May 30th – 31st
10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (6:00 p.m. on Sunday), Maker
Faire 2009, San Mateo County Event Center, 2495
South Delaware Street, San Mateo, Admission: Early
Bird (through May 20th): $20/Adult, $10/Student,
$5/Youth; Standard: $25/Adult, $15/Student,
$10/Youth, Two day passes available. Plan ahead:
Parking is $12
This is one of the Bay Area’s coolest events for innovative thinkers
and those who like to see what those creative minds make. The
Maker’s Faire is an entertaining two day family friendly event to
celebrate the Do-It Yourself movement with a bunch of makers,
doers, and thinkers. The Faire is for creative, resourceful people of
all ages and backgrounds who like to tinker and love to make
things, including arts, crafts, engineering, food, green products,
music, technology and more. There are all sorts of interactive
displays and demonstrations and even a room called Make Play
Day full of stuff where you can either watch or make something
cool. For details, directions, tickets, and schedules, visit http:
//www.makerfaire.com/
30Saturday, May 30th
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 13th Annual Chocolate and
Chalk Art Festival, North Shattuck Ave. (@ Vine –
Gourmet Ghetto), Berkeley, FREE
Like chocolate? Like chalk? Like chocolate and chalk together?
This is your event. OK, don’t eat the chalk. In addition to lots of
food and entertainment, grab some chalk (for free at the
information booths) and join dozens of others in creating your own
sidewalk art. Prizes will be awarded to the best sidewalk chalk art.
For event details, visit http://www.anotherbullwinkelshow.
com/chocolate-chalk-art/chocolate-chalk-art.html
13Saturday, June 13th
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., The Family Festival & Bike
Rodeo San Pablo Park and Frances Albrier, 2800 Park
St., Berkeley
The Family Festival and Bike Rodeo is a family celebration of bike
safety and physical activity and is open to everyone! Activities
include an obstacle course, mock city, bicycle tours, face painting,
performers, bike maintenance and fix-a-flat stations, blood
pressure screenings, raffle prizes and lots of other activities and
health resources! Free bicycle helmets for all kids that participate!
Feel free to bring bikes, scooters and/or skateboards. There will be
some bicycles available for use. For more information, contact Amy
Ranger or by phone at 510-981-5326. More info coming soon to:
www.cityofberkeley.info/publichealth
11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Fireworks Spectacular, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz,
FREE to visit, tickets for the rides and games
So 4th of July got cancelled last year. They had good reason –
kinda bad taste to set off fireworks when much of the hills were on
fire themselves. To make up for it, the Boardwalk will have an
outstanding display over the water. For minimal details, visit http:
//beachboardwalk.com/01_events.html. And of course, there are
the rides and midway. Even if your kids aren’t up for the big
rollercoasters, there is a tamer kid’s area with gentler rides
including Kiddie Speed Boats. Directions can be found at http:
//beachboardwalk.com/01_directions.html
Things to think ahead
about:
The following events sell out almost instantaneously because they
are wildly popular, so if you are interested, you might wish to book
now before the opportunity passes you by.
Roaring Camp Upcoming Events
The Roaring Camp Railroad at the top of the 17 in Felton on your
way to Santa Cruz is worth checking out anyway. Throughout the
summer, there are some cool events coming up. Many of which
will sell out.
Great Train Robberies
June 27-28 & September 5-6 (Labor Day Weekend)
Witness shootouts of famed lawmen and notorious outlaws from
the 1880s at Bear Mountain. Blazing reenactments demonstrate
why the West was wild.
Starlight Evenings
June 27, July 4 & 18, August 22 & 29
Wonder at the beauty of a redwood forest lit up at night during a
two-hour round-trip railway excursion from the boardwalk in Santa
Cruz. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring
Camp at 1-831-335-4484.
Twilight Evening Cookout & Hike
July 3, 10, 17, August 7 & 14
Gather family and friends this summer for an outdoor, twilight
evening experience at Roaring Camp. Dine by the campfire on a
hardy Prospector meal prepared in an old-fashion Dutch oven.
After supper, embark on a 45-minute walking tour by flashlight led
by a knowledgeable Eco-Ranger into the Redwood forest of the
Santa Cruz Mountains. Your senses will feel the forest come alive
at night! Meet back at the campfire for stargazing and a cowboy
sing-along with warm peach cobbler, hot coffee and cider for
dessert. It's old-fashioned family fun! Reservations required.
Tickets are $25 per person
4th of July Celebration
July 4
Bop on over to Roaring Camp for a Sock Hop and 50’s family 4th of
July: Hula Hoop contests, games, live music and all-American
barbecue.
July 24th, 25th, 26th, and 31st and August 1st and 2nd. Day Out
with Thomas, Roaring Camp, Felton (Santa Cruz Mountains) $18,
If your kid, OK let’s be honest: if your SON loves Thomas and you
know who you are, how about having them enjoy a day with a full-
sized Thomas steam engine that they can take a ride on (well, not
Thomas, exactly, but rail cars attached to) Thomas. The kids can
hang with Sir Topham Hat and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed
activities. Details on the event are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/thomas/dowt_main.html.
You must have reservations and tickets sell out FAST. So, how do
you get them? Call Ticketweb at (866) 468-3399 or go online at
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?
region=sfbay&query=schedule&venue=roaringcamprr1
Directions to Roaring Camp are at http://www.roaringcamp.
com/maps.html If you miss this one and your family might be
anywhere near one of these places, you can look up any one of a
bunch of “Days Out with Thomas” all over North America. http:
//www.thomasandfriends.com/usa/parents/dowt.html
That's it for now!
Kiddie Koncierge
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2009 Kiddie Koncierge™, all rights reserved.
A seedling of ImuaPartners, LLC
Copyright 2006-2009 Kiddie Koncierge™, all rights reserved.
| Other Events From Past Kiddie Koncierges Bank of America FREE Museum Weekend, FREE Admission to Museums for Bank of America Cardholders (ATM, Check, Credit Card) The first weekend of every month through early 2010 is FREE admission to selected Bay Area Museums for Bank of American card holders. Bay Area Museums include:
and FREE dates, visit http://promotions. bankofamerica.com/museums/ From Now until December 1st East Bay Regional Parks Trails Challenge (Click here for details) |
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| On Going It’s the weekend and your kids are climbing the walls. At a loss for something to do? The following are events that are happening every week. Saturdays
Sundays
Cool Way to Spend a Sunday: Why not make a day of it in Jack London Square?
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/evlist. php. NOTE: if you live in San Francisco, the SF Yoshi’s has a similar arrangement for Sunday matinees. For a listing of SF matinees, check out: http://sfyoshis2.inticketing.com/evlist. php For directions to Oakland, visit: http://www.yoshis. com/oakland/directions For directions to San Francisco, visit http://www.yoshis. com/sanfrancisco/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. San Francisco’s Yoshi’s has parking under the club. You can try your luck on the streets, but that could be challenging. |
