Educational Activities
Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
The Tech Interactive (San Jose)
NASA Ames Visitor Center (Mountain View)
San Jose Public Library System
Outdoor Adventures
Happy Hollow Park and Zoo (San Jose)
Emma Prusch Farm Park (San Jose)
Vasona Lake County Park (Los Gatos)
Shoreline Lake Boathouse (Mountain View)
Cultural Experiences
Children’s Musical Theater San Jose
Japanese Friendship Garden (San Jose)
Chinese American Historical Museum (San Jose)
Creative & Artistic Fun
Bay Area Glass Institute (San Jose)
Seasonal Favorites
Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park
Holiday Train Rides (Los Gatos/Redwood City)
Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad (Los Gatos)
Redwood Valley Railway (Berkeley)
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch (San Jose)
Indoor Play Areas
iFly Indoor Skydiving (Santa Clara)
Tech & Innovation
Animal Encounters
Ongoing Activities and Select Days Throughout the Year (2024–2025):
Oakland Museum of California (First Sunday)
Location: Oakland
Description: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month with family-friendly exhibits and hands-on art activities.
Telescope Viewing at Chabot Space & Science Center (Friday & Saturday Evenings)
Location: Oakland
Description: Free telescope viewings for the public on Friday and Saturday evenings, weather permitting.
San Mateo County History Museum (First Friday)
Location: Redwood City
Description: Free admission on the first Friday of every month with exhibits on local history and interactive activities for kids.
Asian Art Museum (First Sunday)
Location: San Francisco
Description: Free admission to the museum on the first Sunday of each month, featuring family-friendly cultural exhibitions.
California Academy of Sciences (Four Select Days Per Year)
Location: San Francisco
Description: Free admission on select dates annually; explore the rainforest dome, planetarium, and aquarium.
Exploratorium (Select Days Throughout the Year)
Location: San Francisco
Description: Free community days throughout the year offer hands-on science and art exhibits for families.
CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point (Select Days)
Location: San Mateo
Description: Free admission days to explore interactive science exhibits and observe rescued wildlife.
Hands-On Science Classes at Intel Museum (Always Free)
Location: Santa Clara
Description: Free interactive science and technology classes for kids at the Intel Museum, perfect for curious learners.
Bay Area Children’s Discovery Museum (First Wednesday)
Location: Sausalito
Description: Free admission on the first Wednesday of each month; children can explore hands-on exhibits and outdoor play spaces.
Bay Model Visitor Center (Always Free)
Location: Sausalito
Description: Free admission to explore a giant working hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and Delta, with educational exhibits.
Cantor Arts Center at Stanford (Always Free, Special Family Programs on Sundays)
Location: Stanford
Description: Free admission year-round with special family art programs held every Sunday.
Home Depot Kids Workshop (First Saturday)
Location: All Home Depot Locations
Description: Free, hands-on workshops for kids on the first Saturday of every month, where they can build and decorate projects to take home.
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
Location: San Jose
Description: An interactive museum offering exhibits and programs designed for children to explore, learn, and play.
The Tech Interactive
Location: San Jose
Description: A hands-on science and technology museum offering interactive exhibits and IMAX experiences.
December 3–29, 2024 Panto in the Presidio: Peter Pan
Location: San Francisco
Description: A family-friendly theatrical performance of the classic tale "Peter Pan" with a panto twist.
November 8–December 22, 2024 Seussical by Berkeley Rep
Location: Berkeley
Description: A musical extravaganza bringing to life the beloved characters of Dr. Seuss.
November 28, 2024 – January 5, 2025 Boardwalk Winter Wonderland
Location: Santa Cruz
Description: A festive transformation of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk featuring holiday decorations, ice skating, and more.
December 7, 2024 – January 11, 2025 Holiday LEGO Show
Location: Palo Alto
Description: An exhibition showcasing intricate LEGO creations, perfect for enthusiasts of all ages.
December 14–22, 2024 Visit to the North Pole
Location: Walnut Creek
Description: A magical journey to meet Santa and his elves, complete with holiday activities.
Select dates through December 30, 2024 Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland
Location: Oakland
Description: A whimsical holiday experience with festive lights, performances, and a visit from Santa.
December 17, 2024 Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet
Location: Santa Rosa
Description: A captivating performance of the classic holiday ballet.
January 2 – December 27, 2025 Intel Museum Exhibits
Location: Santa Clara
Description: Interactive exhibits exploring technology and innovation, suitable for children and adults.
February 1–16, 2025 Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
Location: San Francisco
Description: A theatrical adaptation of the popular children's book, offering fun for the whole family.
February 1, 2025 Very First Concerts
Location: Berkeley
Description: An introduction to classical music tailored for young audiences.
February 2, 2025 Black History Month with Wee Love Art
Location: San Jose
Description: An art workshop celebrating Black History Month, encouraging creativity and learning.
February 2, 8, 22, 23, 2025 James and the Giant Peach
Location: San Francisco
Description: A stage adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved story, suitable for children.
February 4, 2025 The Peking Acrobats
Location: Santa Rosa
Description: A mesmerizing performance showcasing traditional Chinese acrobatics.
February 8, 2025 SF Jazz Family Matinees
Location: San Francisco
Description: Family-friendly jazz performances aimed at introducing children to the genre.
February 8, 2025 Very First Concerts
Location: San Francisco
Description: Another opportunity for young audiences to experience classical music.
February 8, 2025 Roundtable Reading: By the Great Horn Spoon!
Location: Berkeley
Description: A reading event featuring the classic adventure story set during the California Gold Rush.
March 7–16, 2025 Children's Musical Theater San Jose: "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
Location: San Jose
Description: A vibrant musical adaptation of Mark Twain's classic novel, performed by talented young actors.
March 15–30, 2025 Bay Area Children's Theatre: "The Lion King Experience"
Location: Berkeley
Description: A junior version of the beloved musical, introducing children to the world of theater.
April 12, 2025 Easter Eggstravaganza at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo
Location: San Jose
Description: An Easter celebration featuring egg hunts, crafts, and animal encounters.
April 12–13 and April 19–20, 2025 San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival
Location: San Francisco
Description: A cultural festival celebrating Japanese traditions with performances, food, and family activities.
May 24–26, 2025 Bay Area KidFest
Location: Concord
Description: A family fun festival featuring live entertainment, rides, and activities for children.
May 23–26, 2025 YMCA Family Camp: Roughout
Location: YMCA Camp Campbell, Boulder Creek
Description: A family camping experience with activities like hiking, archery, and campfires.
June 7–15, 2025 San Mateo County Fair
Location: San Mateo
Description: An annual fair with carnival rides, live music, agricultural exhibits, and family-friendly entertainment.
June 14, 2025 Children's Discovery Museum Summer Kickoff
Location: San Jose
Description: A celebration to kick off the summer with special exhibits, hands-on activities, and performances.