February is bursting with things to do with Marin Kids! For things to do with kids 0-10, check out Ronnie’s Awesome List. For things to do with the 11 and over crowd check out Things to Do with Teens & Tweens.
Check back with us often as we continue to update Marinhood with more great options.
As always, please check company websites for updated information, changes and cancellations! If you have suggestions on Marin tween and teen activities and outings, please submit a comment to us and we’ll check it out. Enjoy!
Day Trip for February – Golden Gate Park in San Francisco
On Sundays, you can load up the car with bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller blades and head to John F. Kennedy Drive. There you’ll find many people with the same idea as you, enjoying a car-free road. Pass by the Buffalo Paddock to see the bison (look similar to buffalo). Tweens and Teens may find the majority of the Children’s Playground a bit young, but they may be interested in the
cement slides used for cardboard sliding! Also, children of all ages will enjoy taking a ride on the historic carousel. Take advantage of the photo opps in front of the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers where something colorful is always in bloom. If an indoor outing is what you seek, head over to the California Academy of Sciences where you’ll find, an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, nearly 40,000 live animals, and a rain forest all under one roof! For a cultural experience, visit The Japanese Tea Garden and sip on some tea. For an interesting array of plants, visit the San Francisco Botanical Garden, 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way. For an artistic outing, visit the deYoung Museum located at 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr. Even if they’re not interested in appreciating art, they’ll appreciate dining in the de Young Cafe. Other popular eating spots include The Beach Chalet with a view of the ocean, The historical Cliff House Restaurant which is right over the ocean, and one of my personal favorite places for casual dining, The Seal Rock Cafe. Check websites for dining times.
Concerts/Performing Arts
1/28 – 29 Marin Symphony Presents Youthful Brilliance, featuring 18-year old Nathan Chan, a Bay Area native who has conducted symphonies, collaborated with Roberta Flack and was one of the featured artists in the acclaimed Peabody Award winning HBO Television documentary, “Music In Me.”
2/3 -5 Young People’s Teen Musical Theater Company presents Cabaret, 199 Museum Way, SF (415)554-9600.2/28 Environmentalist Tour and Artist Talk for Teens, Contemporary Jewish Community Museum, 3-5pm. Tour the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought. Then join exhibiting artist David Tomb for an engaging conversation about how he uses his art as a tool for conservation.
Sat 2/11 English Beat at the Throckmorton, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 8:30 PM.Sat 2/21 SNL’s Seth Meyers, Cal Performances, UC Berkeley, Zellerbach Hall, 8pm.
San Francisco Ballet. Performances include Chroma, an award-winning contemporary work by Wayne McGregor (2/14-2/25); Le Carnaval des Animaux brining a whimsical menagerie of animals to life (2/16 -26).
Saturday, 2/10 Tam High Valentine Dinner, Tam High School, 700 Miller Ave., Ruby Scott Gym, Mill Valley, 7-10 PM. A February Explosion of Musical Love! Tam Music invites you to a wonderful evening of great food, and continuous music supplied by Tam students. The food will be catered by Focaccia. Adults: $25, Teens: $15, Kids and Call for info: 415-388-3292.
Weds, 2/22 Dying to do Letterman, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, 7:30 PM. Hilarious, heart-felt, feature-length documentary about a 35 year old stand-up comedian Steve Mazan who found out he only had fives years to live, went after his dream of performing comedy on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Opening Next Month…Fiddler on the Roof by the Marin Youth Performers at the Throckmorton Theater. Get your tickets today!
Education/Training
Tues 2/7 Teen Life Over Suicide Live Town Hall Meeting and Webcast and Twitter Chat, YMCA Berkeley, Teen Center, 2111 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. 5- 6pm Tweet Chat/Tag your tweets with #TeenLifeOverSuicide or join at 6-7:30 PM for the live town hall and webcast.
Sat 2/11 - Babysitting Training and First Aid, Terra Linda Community Center, 670 Del Ganado Road , San Rafael, 9am – 3pm. Reservations required: 415-485-3344, $80-$88.
Sun 2/26 Environmental Art: Tour and Artist Talk for Teens, Jewish Contemporary Museum, 736 Mission St., SF 3-5pm. Tour the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought. Then join exhibiting artist David Tomb for an engaging conversation about how he uses his art as a tool for conservation. Tomb is a highly skilled artist and a dedicated environmentalist who founded his own non-profit, Jeepney Projects Worldwide (JPW). Learn about how Tomb went from birding in the Oakland hills with his high school buddies to traveling in Ecuador with those same friends, his paint brush, and a vision for social change. teens@thecjm.org or 415.655.7851.
Exhibits/Events/Fairs/Festivals
Sat 2/11 – Chinese New Year’s Parade, Chinatown, SF, 5:15 PM – 8:00 PM. Chinese 
New Year is a two week Spring festival celebrated for over 5,000 years in China. The San Francisco Chinese New Year celebration originated in the 1860′s during the Gold Rush day and is now the largest Asian event in North America as well as the largest general market event in Northern California. The celebration includes two major fairs, the Chinese New Year Flower Fair and Chinatown Community Street Fair. All the festivities culminate with Chinese New Year Parade.
Sun 2/26 - Chicken Hot Wing Eating Contest! Cable Car City Pub & Cafe is hosting its first annual Chicken Hot Wing Eating Contest! Contestants will recruit sponsors and compete for the title of most hot wings eaten in one hour. Along with this prestigious title, the winner will also receive prizes and a trophy from Jagermeister. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health. To register, stop by the pub or send an email to info@cablecarpub.com.
The DeYoung Museum, 55 Hagiwara Drive, SF. Now through July 1 – New Dimensions Prints and Multiples from the Anderson Collection. The multiples format provided an opportunity for artists to break free from the expectations of previous art movements, such as Abstract Expressionism, which promoted the idea of the physical “trace” of the artist.
2/24 – 3/2 Each February, the Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, SF, plays host to a remarkable gathering of the City’s young scientific talent. Last school year brought the 29th annual San Francisco Middle School Science Fair! Members of the public are able to view the projects during regular Museum hours (10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday) after the judging is complete and before project check-out: between Friday, February 24 and Friday, March 2.
Library
Thurs 2/2 - “First Thursday,” Mill Valley Public Library, 7pm. This author talk is for high school students only. The critically acclaimed author of Beautiful and Clean will talk about her long, eventful road to becoming a writer, answer questions and maybe, just maybe drop a few hints about her next book.
Weds 2/8 – Teen Advisory Group, Novato, 1720 Novato Blvd, 3:30- 4:30 PM. Are you a middle school or high school teen? Do you want to help the Novato Library create interesting teen programs? Come to our monthly Teen Advisory Group, have fun, and earn community service hours! 415-897-1132.
Sat 2/11 – Manga Drawing Class (ages 9-13), Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Ave, Corte Madera, 2pm. (415) 924-4844.
Sports
Sun 2/5 Superbowl XLVI, NY Giants vs. New England Patriots, 3:30 PM, NBC. Your kids may not know Madonna, but you will when you see her at the half time show!
Professional Sports:
College Sports:
Don’t forget the women’s sports leagues, too!
MOVIE THEATERS
I vividly remember the day Marjorie and I launched Marinhood exactly one year ago. I have seen other blogs and website with family event information before and scattered in various places, but I always wished for something like Marinhood, a quick and simple list of various family events and activities with a direct link to the information. Never miss an opportunity when there are so many memories and experiences to have. I have been delighted by the feedback and thank you for recommending us to other families to enjoy.
Look for last minute events for:
Black History Month
2/2 Groundhogs Day and another birthday for me, Yippee!
2/5 Super Bowl
2/7 Full Moon
2/12 BAFTA
2/12 Grammy Awards
2/14 Valentine’s Day
2/20 President’s Day
2/21 Mardi Gras, New Moon
2/22 Ash Wednesday
2/26 The Oscar’s
2/29 Leap Year
Have you heard about the Marin Math Circle? I just learned about their Elementary Circle recommended for students in grades 3+. The class meets meets from 6:30 – 7:20 pm on Wednesday during the school year in Alemany Library Room 207, Dominican University. The main purpose of this group is to expose children to fun mathematical problems and ideas so that they develop a positive attitude towards math. Sessions may include experiments, storytelling, manipulatives, guided discussions, independent work, and work in teams. The Marin Math Circle is intended for students who are good at math and like working on challenging problems. Now how cool is that!
With Love!
Ronnie
FEBRUARY 2012
Feb 1 & 2 Worm Exploration with Kelly Morton, 10am – 11am, make friends with a worm, follow a trail in search of growing treasures, or explore the “wilds” outside our fence. These experiences help develop a sense of empathy with the natural world, putting children on the path to environmental stewardship. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 2 Manga for Teens, Join us for a Manga discussion group and hands-on drawing session. Open to 6th – 12th graders. Novato Library the first Thursday of the month from 4:45 – 5:45 and discuss your favorite Manga, graphic novels and web comics. Laptops, drawing supplies and snacks provided. Novato Library Reference Desk at 897-1142.
Feb 2 Craft Bar with Etsy Labs, 6-8pm, Be your own valentine this year – or make something special for your sweetie! Make heart pins and learn the delicate art of finger-knitting. Admission of $5 includes materials, tips and tricks. Museum of Craft and Folk Art , 51 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco
Feb 2 Toddler Play + Learn, 10-11:30am, Find answers. Find support. Find community. Find friends (and great coffee too). seesaw studio.
Feb 2 & 9 Sandpipers Winter Session, 9:30am – 10:30am, Sandpipers programs bring 2-4 year olds and their adult to our Center to explore the wonders of the Sanctuary through the seasons. Naturalist will lead pond, trail, insect, beach, or bird explorations. Richardson Bay Audubon Center, 376 Greenwood Beach Rd, Tiburon.
Photo by Eva Kolenko
Feb 3 Eddie Madril, Hoopman, 3:30-4:30pm, Experience the artistry of Native American hoop dancing with Eddie Madril, Pascua Yaqui tribe member. Discover the rich traditions of America’s indigenous peoples, past and present, through the beautiful expression of song and dance. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn some American Indian sign language, too. This free performance is a great activity for all ages. No sign-up is required prior to the program. San Anselmo Library.
Feb 3 How Andy Found His Voice by the San Francisco Opera Guild, 9:30 & 11 a.m., Showcase Theatre, Marin Center, Andy, a 9th grader, is picked on in class and having a hard time making friends. Visited by spirits from classic operas, he discovers how music and stories open a world of expression and joy. The San Francisco Opera Guild’s production features grand arias, duets and even an opera sing-along! Recommended for Grades 3-8.
Feb 4 Nature Stories Along the Ecology Trail It’s story time on the Ecology Trail with a park ranger! This walk begins at the corner of Funston and Moraga Avenue and ends at the Inspiration Point Overlook. Explore the natural world within the Presidio’s historic forest as you enjoy tales about the plants and animals that live there. Meet at the corner of Funston and Moraga in the Presidio Main Post. Free. All ages. Registration required as space is limited. Please phone (415) 561-4323.
Feb 4 Raices de Mi Tierra, 11am – 12pm, a lively celebration of the rich, cultural heritage of Mexico. This colorful performance showcases traditional folkloric dance and music performed by talented dancers, wearing a beautiful array of regional dress. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 4 Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day with FREE admission and special activities, along with a look at our newest exhibition, Leveling the Playing Field, Schultz Museum.
Feb 4 Keepsake Box 9am-12pm, Make a personalized box to hold private treasures or give it as a gift for Valentine’s Day, Home Depot.
Feb 4 Read to a Dog, 2:00pm, School age. Call 924-6382 to sign up. Corte Madera Library.
Feb 4 Doing & Viewing Art, 10:30am, Matter + Spirit: The Sculpture of Stephen De Staebler, ages 4-12. Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 year old must be accompanied by an adult. DeYoung Museum.
Feb 4 Doing & Viewing Art, 2p, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Figuring Out Figurative Art (Looking at People in Art). Legion of Honor.
Feb 4 Rumpelstiltskin, 10:30am & 1:00pm, The kingdom of King Wipple is in big trouble. There are charming songs, lots of laughs, and a happy ending for everyone. “A promise is a promise.” Legion of Honor.
Feb 4 Giants FanFest,The day includes live KNBR broadcasts on the field, player Q&A, free player autographs and places to take photos, a kids zone and more.The full details of the 2012 event haven’t been finalized when this article was submitted, but typically you’ll get a chance to meet and take pictures of Giants stars like Buster Posey, Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum, Brian Wilson, Pablo Sandoval and many more scheduled to appear.
Feb 4 Brian Waite Band Nature’s Adventure, 1-2pm, Come sing, dance and laugh for a special afternoon show and share in their latest rock ‘n roll adventure when they are stranded on a remote tropical island. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 4 Afternoon Art, Dip into the art of printmaking with bold and instantly gratifying monoprints. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Feb 4 Drop-In Science, The world of colors! Discover how millions of colors can be made and take home your own spectroscope, 10:30, Randall Museum.
Feb 4 Amiguitos de La Peña, Earthcapades, 10:30am, Juggling water bottles and other antics, Earthcapdes, edu-tainment entertains as well as teaches all of us to care about our planet.
Feb 4 Summer Camp Fair 9:30am to 12:30pm in the French American International School Gym. Entrance is free and you’ll have a chance to win $100 off your camp tuition.
Feb 4 & 5 Pinkalicious, Being in the pink isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be! In this glittering musical, Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, learn that a little bit of what you love can go a long way. Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 pm.
Feb 5 Year of the Dragon Celebration, 11:00 am–4:00 pm, Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon with students of the Chinese American International School presenting Chinese classical music and dances from Chinese ethnic minorities, ending with a playful lion dance arranged by the students. The lion dance is an important part of every New Year celebration and is believed to scare away evil spirits and ensure a bright new beginning. Hunt for dragons on an Art Explorers’ family tour; listen to dragon stories; create a dragon puppet or paint a dragon netsuke designed by artist Natsusaka Shinichiro. Asian Art Museum.
Feb 5 Nature for Kids at Bahia, 10am – 2pm, Rush Creek Preserve, Meet at the end of Bahia Drive: From Hwy 101 in Novato, take the Atherton Avenue exit east and turn left at Bugeia, which turns into Bahia Drive. We’ll take a slow walk up to the ridge where there should be lots to see; the oak trees should just be sprouting their new leaves, and the Manzanita flowers will be buzzing with insects. 893-9508.
Feb 5 James Henry and Samba Samba at 11:00 am. Come to the library before we open for an exciting interactive journey through the roots of African American music. All ages, no sign-up required.
Feb 5 Cowgirl Tricks with Hilarious Karen Quest America’s Favorite Award-Winning Cowgirl! 1 pm – 2 pm, Osher Marin, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael.
Feb 5 Drop-In Art-Making: Stained Glass Exploration, 1pm-3pm, Be inspired by the majesty of Congregation Sherith Israel’s stained glass window featured in the exhibition, California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, and create your own color-saturated works of art. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Feb 5 Collection Highlights Tours for Families, 1:00 p.m., Tours of galleries, tailored especially for families, are offered in conjunction with select Family Sundays. Space is limited. Ages 4 to 11. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Feb 5 Brian Waite Band, The Berkeley JCC Theater at The JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street (between Vine and Rose) North Berkeley.
Feb 5 Family Tours, 1pm, Bring the kids! Tours of SFMOMA’s galleries, tailored especially for families, are offered in conjunction with select Family Sundays. Tour topics change monthly; check the schedule in the Koret Center for topics on the day of your visit. Free with museum admission. To register, visit the Koret Visitor Education Center. Space is limited. SFMOMA Family Programs are designed for families with children ages 4 to 11. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Feb 6 Museum Mondays, 10am–12pm, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Feb 7 Award-winning Singer Patricia Shih, 3:30pm, Ages 3 and up. Corte Madera Library.
Feb 8 Toddler Treks, 11-12pm, Designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. Please note that each month has two identical programs, so participants should register for only one program per month. California Academy of Sciences.
Feb 8 Garden Strollers, 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM, Join Molly Bolt, Botanical Garden docent and mom with her son Rowan, on this special tour of the Garden for parents with their children under 3 years old. This 45 minute tour will guide you around the Garden and end on the lawn for gentle play and snacks (bring your own). While geared towards the adults, understanding accommodations are made for diaper changes and enthusiastic kids. Children must be in a stroller or carrier for the tour portion. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Feb 9 Valentine Crafts and Story, ages 5 & up, 4pm, Kids ages 5 & up will have a great time making fun Valentine crafts and listening to a story with Felicia Farrell Martin. Registration is Required. Sign up in the Children’s Room, Belvedere-Tiburon Library, 789-2662.
Feb 9 Special Valentine’s Celebration, 3:30pm, Story Time with Phil Sheridan, The best in classic and contemporary stories. At 4pm The Bubble Lady Dancing bubbles, trick bubbles, bubble haircuts, spaceship bubbles, love bubbles . . . this is a show that really pops! Sausalito Library.
Feb 9 SHARE-A-Book—Read to a Dog!, 3:30pm, Advanced sign-ups required, The popular Marin Humane Society dogs are visiting twice every month to share their love of reading. Kids in Kindergarten and older can sign up for a 15-minute session. San Anselmo Library.
Feb 10 Father-Daughter Valentine’s Dance, 7pm-8:30pm, This evening begins with a flower being presented to each young lady and picture taken of the father and daughter(s) as a memento of the occasion. A dessert buffet will be served and daughters can enjoy creating a special valentine craft. Guests will enjoy dancing to the music provided by a DJ. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. Belvedere Community Center.
Feb 10 TAO: The Art of the Drum, 8 pm, The drummers of TAO bring a modern flair to the ancient art form, drawing on the diverse backgrounds of its performers—who are composers, gymnasts and rock musicians—to create an extraordinary stage production filled with energy and precision. TAO transports audiences to historic Japan while celebrating the modern-day Land of the Rising Sun. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael.
Feb 10 Melanie DeMore Community SingOut!, 7:30-9:30 pm, Singer-songwriter Melanie DeMore has a remarkable voice, weaving the fibers of African American folk music with soulful ballads, spirituals and her own original music. Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda.
Feb 10 – 19 Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival
Feb 11-13 Hearts on the Hill, Valentines Family Event, 4-7 pm at the Corte Madera Recreation Center, All families are welcome. Admission is $5; 2 and under are free. Carnival-Style Games & Face Painting, a Cupcake Walk, Live DJ & Dancing, Food & Drinks, a Raffle for a Family Getaway to Disneyland , and a Fantastic Silent Auction for Giants tickets, Tahoe cabin, one-night getaways, golf outings, kid’s birthday parties and more! All proceeds benefit Kids on the Hill. Thank you for supporting a local preschool.
Feb 11-13 Russian Festival
Feb 11 Mother-Son Valentine’s Dance, 7pm – 8:30pm, This evening begins with a picture of each mother and son as a memento of the occasion. A dessert buffet will be served. Sons and mothers will enjoy a magic show and participate in party games. All will enjoy dancing the night away to the music provided by our DJ. Each son leaves the event with a good bag of prizes. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. (415) 435-4355.
Feb 11 Gift of Love, 9am-12pm, Marin County Parks, the City of San Rafael, Marin Municipal Water District and the Marin County Bicycle Coalition are partnering with hundreds of volunteers from Bay Area Churches for the 5th annual Gift of Love event! There will be a wide range of volunteer activities in Parks locations throughout the County. The work is suitable for volunteers of all ages and abilities. Contact Greg Reza for a list of project sites and descriptions: greza@marincounty.org or (415) 473-3778.
Feb 11 Migration Festival, Natural Bridges State Park, 11am-4pm, celebrating the migration of whales, butterflies, birds and the many creatures that travel. The park will host migratory animal talks, active kids’ games, crafts, skits, live music by the nature-loving 5M’s Band, educational booths and displays, along with the now-famous free habitat-cake served at the end of the event. (831) 423-4609. The park is located at 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Feb 11 Kid Friendly Farm Tour at Toluma Farms, Bring the whole family to Toluma Farms to meet the goats and their lovable kids! We will explore the barn and milking parlor, go for a hike and get a glimpse of what a sustainable goat dairy operation is all about. Bring a picnic and enjoy the MALT protected rolling hills and stunning views of Marin County!
Feb 11 Family Create With Nature: Sculpture in the Park, 10 am to Noon, Families! Flowers, pine cones, leaves, stones, branches, bark, and other wonders of nature are the inspiration and the materials for this day of spontaneous collaborative artistic expression. Get creative, and have fun while appreciating and honoring nature. RSVP to nature@presidiotrust.gov or (415) 561-4449, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. Meet at Rob Hill Campground.
Feb 11 Coveys, Pods, & Animal Squads, 1-4pm, It’s true what they say: birds of a feather flock together! Join us for an afternoon outdoors and discover the unique familial characteristics of animals that call the Marin Headlands home. Pre-registration required, NatureBridge, Sausalito.
Feb 11 Plant a Kiss, 11am, special story time, Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera.
Feb 11 Saint Valentine’s Festival, 9am-2pm, cupcake decorating, Valentine projects, eco art, face painting, puppets story time and more, Marin County Mart, Larkspur.
Feb 11 Chinese New Year Community Concert and Celebration 2012, 4:00pm, Welcome the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Dragon in elegant style at the San Francisco Symphony’s annual Chinese New Year Concert and Celebration. This family event features a mix of music and instruments in a fusion of East and West. Arrive early at 3pm for a festival reception with Asian instruments, lion dancers, Chinese calligraphers, and more. Davies Symphony Hall.
Feb 11 Chinese Culture Center Spring Festival, 11am – 3pm, Great fun for the entire family! Exhibitions, crafts, demonstrations, New Year food tastings, performances of lion dances, martial arts, folk and classical dances and much more. Come and bring your friends and family! There will also be interesting booths and prizes for participants to win. This is the largest indoor celebration in San Francisco. Don’t miss it! Chinese Cultural Center, 750 Kearny Street, 3rd Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94108
Feb 11 Chinese New Year Parade, 5:15pm-8pm
Feb 11 Manga Drawing Class with Chiyoko Wong. Ages 9 and up. Corte Madera Library.
Feb 11 Afternoon Art, Join us and make a Valentine’s Day Heart Art sculpture to give to the one you love. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Feb 11 Drop-In Science, Learn about the physics of flight by making your own paper airplanes and other flying devices!, 10:30, Randall Museum.
Feb 11 Life in a Pond, 9:30am–11:30am, When it rains, seasonal ponds suddenly come to life and become a valuable resource for local wildlife. Bring your sense of adventure and wear clothes and shoes that can get muddy/wet, and we’ll explore the micro to macro inhabitants of our seasonal pond. Appropriate for children ages 5-8. Children ages 4 and under may participate, but must be accompanied by an adult. Program will cancel with less than 5 participants. Advance Registration. Required: 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon Center.
Feb 11 Amiguitos de La Peña, Rosina & Friends, Oakland musicians and artists who perform interactive and visual music that expands the imagination, love of music, social consciousness, and celebration of culture in children.
Feb 11 Doing & Viewing Art, 10:30am, Colorful Canines, ages 4-12, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. DeYoung Museum.
Feb 11 Doing & Viewing Art, 2pm, Sketching for Fun, ages 4-12, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Legion of Honor.
Feb 11 Hui Tama Nui, 11am–12pm, specializes in traditional and contemporary Tahitian dance and music. Marvel at their power and grace as they perform intricate dance movements of incredible beauty as well as dynamic celebrations of their cultural heritage. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 11 Moscow Festival Ballet – Swan Lake, 8 pm, Hope reigns in this poignant tale from Marius Petipa, Tchaikovsky, and the Moscow Festival Ballet. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael.
Feb 11 Master Class for Young Adults, 10am–12noon, Join Raina Telgemeier, creator of the graphic novel, Smile, to explore the art of making comics and writing stories. Participants will learn about thumbnails, layouts, balloon placement, panel variation, and the mechanics of sequential art, and will have a chance to create their own 4–8 page short comic. Recommended for aspiring cartoonists ages 10 and up. Cost: $35 for members; $40 for non-members. Advance reservations required: (707) 284-1263. Schultz Museum.
Feb 11 Julia Robinson Math Festival 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Targeted at girls in grades 4-8, featuring dozens of exciting mathematical activities designed to inspire, challenge and get all girls excited about math! Girls Middle School 3400 West Bayshore Road in Palo Alto.
Feb 11 & 12 Your Family Jewels: DNA Extraction, An Exploratorium Valentine Event, Noon & 2pm Inside a swish of spit lie precious strands of DNA—the treasured threads stitching generations together. Admire samples of your genetic jewels with your naked eye. Exploratorium.
Feb 11 & 12 Pinkalicious, Being in the pink isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be! In this glittering musical, Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, learn that a little bit of what you love can go a long way. Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 pm.
Feb 12 Calling All Red–Haired Girls! Little (and not-so-Little) Red–Haired Girls Get in FREE! We are continuing the tradition of celebrating Valentine’s Day and Charlie Brown’s affection for a certain Little Red–Haired Girl two days early since the Museum is closed on Valentine’s Day! Schultz Museum.
Feb 12 MacBeth, free 55-minute family performance of Macbeth, presented in Shakespeare’s original text, Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop. Following the performance enjoy “Playshop, a free one-hour, hands-on experience for kids and parents that will deepen your appreciation of the Bard. This participatory workshop includes games, activities, and text work designed to create a greater understanding and appreciation of theater. Space for PLAYSHOP is limited; please RSVP to playshop@presidiotrust.gov.
Feb 12 YouthRock, the Rebuild Concert to benefit KIDDO!. Hosted by Bob Weir. Sweetwater Music Hall (located at the former Masonic Center across City Hall), Mill Valley.
Feb 12 Family Gallery Tour: California Dreaming, 12:30pm-1:15pm, Experience an interactive family gallery tour with an arts educator who will bring exhibitions to life with activities designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. View the past, present, and future of Jewish life in the Bay Area during this interactive gallery tour of California Dreaming. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Northern California Jewish history will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Feb 12 Cowgirl Tricks with Hilarious Karen Quest America’s Favorite Award-Winning Cowgirl! The Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, San Francisco.
Feb 12 Valentines Day Tea for Kids Enjoy a special celebration of herbs and flowers at this afternoon tea party. We’ll use our senses to explore these fragrant edibles, talk about their uses and benefits, and see how they grow. Make fresh teas and bite-size herb finger sandwiches. Also make valentines from pressed botanicals to take home. Space is limited. Two seating times available: 10 am – 11:30 am or 1 pm – 2:30 pm Registration required. Registration required: $18, 15 members Registration info: Register by calling 510-643-2755. UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley.
Feb 12 Drop-In Art-Making: Contour Trees, 1pm-3pm, Create your own contour tree line drawings after viewing artwork from the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Peanuts © PNTS
Feb 13 Valentine’s Gift Workshop, 10:30am–12pm, Enjoy a morning with your little ones decorating and creating personalized Valentine cards and gifts. This is a perfect present for a family member or friend that means so much to you! Each child will choose one gift project and one card. After arts and crafts enjoy activities, toys, play on the climbing structures and bounce in the jump house. Adult supervision is required. Strawberry Rec Center.
Feb 13 Museum Mondays, 10am–12pm, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Feb 14 Origami Hearts for Valentine’s Day, Hear a sweet Valentine story and learn to make a folded heart necklace. Ages 5 and up, advance sign-up required, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Feb 14 Tyke Explorers Workshop, The Very Hungry Caterpillar (10am, 12pm or 3pm) A fat, happy caterpillar + sleep = A beautiful, colorful butterfly. Learn about the science behind the magnificent metamorphosis from caterpillar to butterfly through the timeless work of Eric Carle’s classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Ages 2½ – 5 years, Chabot Space & Science Center.
Feb 14 Make a Valentine, 3:30pm, with Victoria Gonzales. School age. Call 924-6382 to sign up. Corte Madera Library.
Feb 14 Poetry Club for Kids ages 7-12, 3:45-4:45pm, Advanced sign-ups required, If you are interested in reading and writing poetry, join the San Anselmo Library Poetry Club! Young poets work together to create poetry all their own. San Anselmo Library.
Feb 15 – 17 Animals of Hyde Street Pier, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, Come experience a whole different world you might not realize exists at Hyde Street Pier. Be prepared for squishy, squirty, and slimy creatures. 447-5000.
Feb 16 – 26 Le Carnaval des Animaux, (Carnival of the Animals) brings a whimsical menagerie of animals to life set to Tchaikovsky’s string sextet “Souvenir de Florence.” Ages 5+, San Francisco Ballet.
Feb 17 Spaghetti Bingo, 6:15pm, $7 (includes dinner and 9 bingo cards), great family event. Tam Community Center, Mill Valley.
Feb 17 Movie Night for Kids, 5:30-7:30pm, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, email (jdesk@bel-tib-lib.org) to sign up early for this monthly favorite for older kids. Pizza and popcorn provided. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
Feb 18 Doing & Viewing Art, Special! 2pm, The Cult of Beauty: The Victorian Avant-Garde, 1860-1900 Opening Day, 12-3 p.m. ages 4-12, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Legion of Honor.
Feb 18 Presidio Nature Play Days for Families 10am-1pm, Flowers, pine cones, leaves, stones, branches, bark, and other wonders of nature are the inspiration and the materials for this day of spontaneous collaborative artistic expression. Join in, get creative, and have fun while appreciating and honoring nature. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch! Meet at Rob Hill Campground, RSVP to nature@presidiotrust.gov or (415) 561-4449.
Feb 18 Collage Dance Ensemble, 11am–12pm, weaves together the beauty, energy and passion of traditional Eastern European folk dance with a contemporary sensibility. Stomping, clapping and slapping, dancers use their bodies as percussive instruments. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 18 Explorables, 11am – 2pm, It’s child’s play at the Exploratorium’s new Explorables station, where activities for youngsters, ages 3 years and older, focus on experimenting with everyday materials, discovery, and toy making- in other words, playing with science! Explorables is a new twist on the popular, 20-year-old Physics of Toys program. Materials are provided, and kids take what they make. No preregistration required.
Feb 18 Folktales and Songs from the African Continent with Diane Ferlatte, 2-4pm, accompanied by her drummer Moshe Milon, will share folktales, & songs coming from various parts of the African continent. Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).
Feb 18 Afternoon Art, Collage an owl image on wood from our luscious leather scrap collection. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Feb 18 Drop-In Science, Hang out with some of the Randall Museum’s own aquatic animals while water coloring and printing an aquatic environment!, 10:30, Randall Museum.
Feb 18 Sanctuary Night Hike, 6pm – 8pm, Interested in the night life in Richardson Bay? Check out our sanctuary after the sun goes down! We’ll take a Naturalist lead hike through our Sanctuary and if the clouds allow, explore the winter constellations. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $7. Advanced registration required: 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon Center.
Feb 18 Music of the Sea for Kids, 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM On Balclutha, History comes alive for kids in this special program, where the songs are geared for younger ears and chosen especially for fun. Ages 6 and up. 447-5000.
Feb 18 Amiguitos de La Peña, Miss Kitty, 10:30am, Combines her performance, song writing, and singing with her love of children to create a magical, interactive musical adventure. La Peña.
Feb 18 — March 17 Advanced LEGO Animation Workshop, 10am–1:30pm, Spend five Saturdays working in small groups to edit and add sound, dialog, and backdrops to make a professional-looking short movie with LEGOs. Instructor Surya O’Shea is a professional artist and art instructor. Recommended for grades 4 and up. Advance reservations required: (707) 284-1263. Cost: $125 for members; $156 for non-members.
Feb 18 & 19 Pinkalicious, Being in the pink isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be! In this glittering musical, Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, learn that a little bit of what you love can go a long way. Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 pm.
Feb 19 Drop-In Art-Making: Contour Trees, 1pm-3pm, Create your own contour tree line drawings after viewing artwork from the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Feb 19 Winter Wonderland, 9am-12pm, Discover the wonder of an old-growth redwood forest in winter on this leisurely walk on the Fern Creek and Alice Eastwood trails. Look for salmon, mushroom displays, winter wildflowers, waterfalls, and more! Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as the trails are steep and may be muddy. Bring water and a snack. Entry fees apply. For information and reservations, call (415) 388-2596.
Feb 19 Regina Carter, violin, 11am, Herbst Theatre, $10 Children/$15 Adults The acclaimed jazz violinist traveled throughout Africa to explore folk melodies. Here, she mixes tradition with her original improvisations to create a new world of sound.
Feb 19 Family Tours, 1pm, Bring the kids! Tours of SFMOMA’s galleries, tailored especially for families, are offered in conjunction with select Family Sundays. Tour topics change monthly; check the schedule in the Koret Center for topics on the day of your visit. Free with museum admission. To register, visit the Koret Visitor Education Center. Space is limited. SFMOMA Family Programs are designed for families with children ages 4 to 11. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Feb 20 Chinese New Year Festival, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Gung hay fat choy! Welcome the Year of the Dragon by joining us for the Museum’s annual celebration of Chinese New Year. See a vibrant performance by the Chinese Performing Arts of America Youth Group. Try your hand at calligraphy or make a kite in the Art Studio. Delicious Chinese food will be on sale or make your own traditional sweet pastry and we’ll cook it for you. This will be accompanied by Chinese string music performed by Purple Orchid. Don’t miss the free outdoor demonstrations by the spectacular lion dancers. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 20 Museum Mondays, 10am–12pm, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Feb 20 Birds of Prey Day, What are birds of prey? And how are birds of prey different than other birds? Learn about our fine feathered friends during this fun, family event. Meet roving birds of prey, attend special programming, and receive a tasty treat (while supplies last)! Free with the cost of admission. 12:30pm – Meet a Falcon, 1:30pm – Meet a Hawk, 2:30pm – Meet an Owl, All day – Roving birds throughout the museum, CuriOdyssey.
Feb 21 Rainbow Rocks of Rodeo Beach , 9:30-11:30 a.m. Somewhere over the Golden Gate Bridge and below Hawk Hill, there is a place where you and your young adventurer can discover what makes the rocks at the Marin Headlands so unique. Join us for guided hands-on field activities designed to engage your preschooler’s sense of wonder and imagination through story, movement, and inquiry. Together, we’ll sort through rainbow sands, learn how rocks are made, and explore color, texture, and size all while enjoying the great outdoors. NatureBridge, Sausalito.
Feb 21 Tyke Explorers Workshop, Little Cloud (10am, 12pm or 3pm) It’s a bird… It’s a plane… It’s a cloud! Explore the skies and learn about the different types of clouds that fill up the deep blue yonder. Ages 2½ – 5 years, Chabot Space & Science Center.
Feb 22 Toddler Treks, 11-12pm, Designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. Please note that each month has two identical programs, so participants should register for only one program per month. California Academy of Sciences.
Feb 22 Bookworms Book Club, 3:45-4:45 pm, Grades 3-5 (or home school equivalent), Advanced sign-ups required. Do you love reading? Are you in 3rd-5th grade? Then join the bookworms! Each month we meet to discuss a featured book and enjoy snacks. San Anselmo Library.
Feb 23 SHARE-A-Book—Read to a Dog!, 3:30pm, Advanced sign-ups required, The popular Marin Humane Society dogs are visiting twice every month to share their love of reading. Kids in Kindergarten and older can sign up for a 15-minute session. San Anselmo Library.
Feb 24 Bedtime with the Beasts, 7pm, a special overnight program for youth groups (ages 6-18) and their chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an evening hike around the zoo where you’ll get a look at what the zoo is like after all of the guests leave. Afterwards, enjoy snacks and participate in a fun activity.Then get the chance to meet one of our education animals up close. Oakland Zoo.
Feb 25 Bay Model Grand Reopening, Sausalito.
Feb 25 Mona Khan Company, 11am – 12pm, Combining classical Indian, folk and tribal dance with western theatrical traditions, Bollywood is filled with flash and energy. This interactive workshop includes an introduction to Bollywood, a dance demonstration plus a chance to learn a few simple dance moves. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Feb 25 Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony, 2:00pm, Discover the sights, sounds, and stories in a live orchestral experience to share with your whole family, Bring your family to hear the San Francisco Symphony in kid-sized classical concerts designed for families—great music, fascinating musical discoveries, and priceless memories. Recommended for ages 7 and older, Davies Symphony Hall.
Feb 25 Family Farm Day #1, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Explore the farm with our new Teachers-in-Residence, and perhaps meet some very new animals too on this first family day of 2012. Slide Ranch.
Feb 25 Crafts for Kids, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Learn a little about life at sea and make a maritime craft! 447-5000.
Feb 25 Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West, A FREE one-hour movie for families with live introduction. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister, Veterans Building, San Francisco.
Feb 25 Doing & Viewing Art, 10:30am, The Surprise of Stamping, ages 4–12, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. DeYoung Museum.
Feb 25 Doing & Viewing Art, 2pm, The Magic of Color and Light, ages 4-12, Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Legion of Honor.
Feb 25 The Rush to Rush Creek! 10am – 12pm, Join Supervising Ranger Rich Gibson and Ranger Dave McMullen as we take in the wonder of the waterfowl migration, while exploring this unique open space preserve. This tidal marshes nestled against healthy oak woodlands is sure to present many interesting sights and sounds. This hike will be on flat ground and gentle slopes. Bring water; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
Feb 25 Crafts for Kids, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Learn a little about life at sea and make a maritime craft! 447-5000.
Feb 25 The Lorax visits Whole Foods, two story telling sessions by Phil Sheridan, 2:30 and 3:30 enjoy crafts, food and win a free child admission to see The Lorax movie (supplies are limited to the first 50 kids), Whole Foods, Miller Avenue, Mill Valley. (Coloring contest for free passes available at the Blithedale location.)
Feb 25 & 26 Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West is the opera version of a classic Western—we meet a crafty criminal, a suspicious sheriff and a frontier woman with a tender heart who knows how to shoot a gun. The dramatic love triangle story is set during the Gold Rush. This one hour movie is a perfect way for children to learn about the magic of opera. The performance is in Italian, with English subtitles and is recommended for ages 8 and up. San Francisco Opera.
Feb 25 & 26 Pinkalicious, Being in the pink isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be! In this glittering musical, Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, learn that a little bit of what you love can go a long way. Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 pm.
Feb 26 Drop-In Art-Making: Contour Trees, 1pm-3pm, Create your own contour tree line drawings after viewing artwork from the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Feb 26 Family Art Expedition, 9:30am-12pm, The headlands are alive with shapes, patterns, colors, and texture that are sure to inspire your inner artist. Sharpen your observation skills, take a closer look, and head out on the trail to practice your field sketching techniques inspired by the natural world around you. Pre-registration required, NatureBridege, Sausalito.
Feb 26 Magic, Juggling and Tongue Twisters with Bob Kann, The Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, San Francisco.
Feb 26 Puccini’s The Girl of the Golden West, A FREE one-hour movie for families with live introduction. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister, Veterans Building, San Francisco.
Feb 26 Corte Madera Creek Habitat Restoration, 9am – 12pm, We will be working along this section of the creek to remove a swath of non native, invasive ice plant. The surrounding area supports a healthy array of native plants and resident bird life that will benefit greatly from our work. We can count on beautiful views of Mount Tam and hope for river otters to swim by, 473-2823.
Feb 26 San Rafael Martial Arts, 11am-1pm, Grand opening with lion dance & demos – free event, Downtown San Rafael.
Feb 27 Golden Gate Playdate: Super Seas, 9:30-11:30am, “S” is for sea. Join us as we celebrate seals, sea stars, and whales as our Sea-lebrities in the spotlight. We will guide you through hands-on activities designed to engage your preschooler’s sense of wonder and imagination through story, song, movement, and inquiry. Together, we will take a walk inside a whale skeleton, meet a live sea star from our marine lab, and explore size, texture, and shape all while enjoying the great outdoors. NatureBridge, Sausalito.
Feb 27 Amy Liz, 6:00-7:30, celebrated Marin County children’s musician, is performing, Ghiringhellis Pizzeria Grill & Bar.
Feb 27 Museum Mondays, 10am–12pm, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Feb 27 Meet and Greet the Midwives, 7:15 to 8:15 pm, Come meet the Certified Nurse Midwives of the new PRIMA OB service at Marin General Hospital and learn about our exciting new program! Marin General Hospital, 945-2117.
Feb 28 Evening in Muir Woods, 4:30-6:30 pm, As the sun sets below the Dipsea Ridge and Muir Woods transitions from day to night, come see and hear the subtle changes of an ancient redwood forest. Travel slowly through the woods on this easy walk in search of the sounds of nature. Bring flashlight, dress in layers and sturdy shoes. Reservations required; please phone (415) 388-2596.
Feb 28 Tyke Explorers Workshop, The Mixed-Up Chameleon (10am, 12pm or 3pm) The chameleon is just one of the amazing creatures that is able to blend in with its surrounding. Get to know some of the experts at hide-and-seek of the animal kingdom. Ages 2½ – 5 years, Chabot Space & Science Center.
Feb 28 iHop National Pancake Day, free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals© and other designated local charities.
Feb 29 Nature for Kids at Tennessee Valley, 10am – 2pm, We’ll follow the road down this beautiful valley scanning the surrounding hills for bobcats and coyotes and searching for owls in the trees. We’ll enjoy lunch at the beach. David Herlocker will lead, 893-9508.
Feb 29 Big Bad Bruce, 7pm, For ages 4 and up, “Big Bad Bruce” by Bill Peet, is a classic story, full of rollicking action and humor. Bruce, a big bully of a bear, never picks on anyone his own size until he is diminished in more ways than one by Roxie, a small but very independent witch. This tale is brought to life with the beautiful crafted hand, rod and shadow puppets of Images In Motion. Fairfax Library.
Feb 29 Kids’ Book Club, 7pm, discusses The Phantom Tollbooth with Debbie Toizer. Fourth grade and up. Call 924-6382 to sign up. Corte Madera Library.
December & January is bursting with things to do with Marin Kids! For things to do with kids 0-10, check out Ronnie’s Awesome List. For things to do with the 11 and over crowd check out go to Things to Do with Tweens & Teens in Marin.
Check back with us often as we continue to update Marinhood with more great options.
If you have any suggestions or have a favorite charity you want to let our followers know….we want to hear from you.
December & January is bursting with things to do with Marin Kids! For things to do with kids 0-10, check out Ronnie’s Awesome List. For things to do with the 11 and over crowd check out go to Things to Do with Tweens & Teens in Marin.
Check back with us often as we continue to update Marinhood with more great options.
It’s winter and in the Marin that means the rainy season is here! Wondering where to go at a moments notice? Maybe you need to run an errand, go to a doctors appointment or your child is bored and wants to get out of the house. Fortunately, there are many drop-in opportunities available in Marin. Starting from southern Marin and heading north, here are some suggestions.
* If you know other places that have a drop in program, please let us know.
Mill Valley
Tiburon
San Rafael
San Anselmo
Fairfax
Novato
You will also find an amazing variety of events listed below. Don’t forget story times at the libraries and be sure to check my “every list” for more great ideas.
For inspiration on what to do with your family during the holiday’s, or any day of the year, come back and visit us again at Marinhood.
Wishing you all a very magical holiday! See you in 2012.
Ronnie
December 2011/January 2012
Tree & Menorah Lighting | Holiday Teas | Breakfast with Santa
Ice Skating | Nutcracker | Christmas Houses | A Christmas Carol
Parades, Festivals and Other Holiday Fair
Theatre, Music and Other Performances | Other Events | Wildlife Viewing
12/2-12/4 Holiday Tree-Lighting Event, Join Snoopy, Charlie Brown and a cast of up-and-coming skaters for a mini Ice Show and marvel at the spectacle of our 20ft Christmas tree at center ice.
Sat. 12/3 Union Street Holiday Program, Thousands of holiday lights set off the Victorians, transforming Union Street into a magical backdrop for Santa and a team of elves to celebrate along with jugglers, live ponies dressed as reindeer, a monkey, face painters and balloon artists, Union Street between Van Ness & Steiner, Fillmore Street from Union to Lombard, San Francisco, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
12/20 – 12/27 – Menorah Lighting, Union Square, First Candle Lighting, 5pm.
Sun. 12/25 Bill Graham Menorah Day, Union Square, festivities begin at 3pm.
Sat. 12/10 – Un Thé au Petit Jardin, Teddy Bear Tea à la française at the Robson Harrington House of San Anselmo.
Sat. 12/10 Pixie Park’s Teddy Bear Tea Party, Seatings at 11:00 am and 1:00pm, For ages 7 and under, Featuring Tea Fare, a special Craft, and a Holiday Sing-a-Long with Tim Cain!
Sat/Sun 12/10 – 12/11 Bookmarks Annual Teddy Bear Tea, Founders Room, Seatings 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am for children ages 2 & up, wear your holiday finest, and enjoy refreshments, music, stories and crafts. RSVP 789-2662. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 Magic Toy Box Tea, Falkirk Cultural Center.
11/26-1/1 Nutcracker Tea in the Laurel Court at the Fairmont Hotel, Saturdays and Sundays, reservations available 1:30 to 3:30pm.
12/9-12/10, 12/16-12/17, 12/19-23, Magical Holiday Tea with RJ Owens, the magician, and Sandra Lethley, the face painter. All children receive a complimentary gift to take home, 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm.
12/16, 12/19, 12/23 Crown & Crumpet Tea Salon Gingerbread Tea, 4pm–6pm
Sat. 12/3 Breakfast with Santa, Sausalito, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Sat. 12/3 Breakfast with Santa, Village at Corte Madera, Cheesecake Factory.
Sun. 12/4 Breakfast with Santa, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Margaret Todd Senior Center, Novato.
Sat. 12/10 Breakfast with Santa, 9-10:30am, Belvedere Community Center.
Sat. 12/10 Breakfast with Santa, San Anselmo, 8am-12pm.
Sat. 12/10 Breakfast with Santa 9am & 11am, Tamalpais Community Center, Mill Valley.
Sat. 12/10 Breakfast with Santa, 8-10:30am, Corte Madera Rec Center.
Sat. 12/10 Breakfast with Santa, 9-10am, Applebee’s, Northgate, San Rafael.
Fri. 12/16 Santa Claus is coming to town, Stinson Beach Community Center.
Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center
San Francisco Zoo
Snoopy’s Home Ice
Yerba Buena Ice Skating
Union Square Holiday Ice Rink
Sat. 12/3 The Nutcracker, abbreviated version, 12 Noon, 2 pm, 5 pm and 6:30 pm, Showcase Theater, San Rafael.
Thurs. 12/15 – The Puppet Company with “The Nutcracker”, 4pm, An annual favorite, the Nutcracker has been delighting children and families here for over 5 years. The show features large and colorful marionettes and lively music based on the ballet, Belevedere-Tiburon Library.
Stapleton Ballet’s Nutcracker, 1 pm and 5 pm, Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael,
Marin Ballet The Nutcracker, 1 pm and 5 pm Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael,
Berkeley Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker
San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson's Nutcracker. (© Erik Tomasson)
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
San Francisco Youth Ballet, The Nutcracker
Nutcracker Sweets, Children’s Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum)
The Dance-Along Nutcracker, Bring the kids to a daytime show or get with it and treat yourself to the Dance-Along’s Groovy Gala, and you’ll get down with one of San Francisco’s most far out holiday traditions. Even wallflowers dig it!
Rombeiro’s Christmas House, 34 Devonshire Dr., Novato
Bear House, 383 Quietwood Drive, Marinwood
Mickey Mouse Christmas House, 417 Blackstone Drive, Marinwood
Oakland Zoo
Stitham House, 285 Adobestone Court in Marinwood
Tilden Park Christmas Fantasy in the Woods
West End Nursery, San Rafael
12/15-12/18 Stapleton A Christmas Carol, 7:30 p.m. shows on Thu & Fri; 2:00 Matinees on Sat & Sun. Drake High Little Theater, 1327 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo
A Christmas Carol, In true-to-Dickens style! 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, ACT
A Christmas Carol, Novato Players
PARADES, FESTIVALS AND OTHER HOLIDAY FAIR
11/25 – 12/18 Dickens Christmas Fair
Sat/Sun 11/26-12/18 Gingerbread Architecture Fundraiser, Let your imagination run wild as you create the most delightful gingerbread house on the block, festooned with candy canes, gumdrops, frosting and other treats. Don’t miss the sweetest event of the holiday season, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
12/1-19 Letters to the North Pole, mail your letters to Santa to: 305 Bell Lane, Mill Valley, CA 94941. Make sure to include your return address.
Thur. 12/1 Make It @ MOCFA, 6–8pm, Join us for a very special winter wonderland CRAFT BAR! This CRAFT BAR is all about winter gift-giving: create a penguin Woolbuddy and then make a unique holiday card.
Thur. 12/1 The Best Time of Year: A Christmas Special with the San Francisco Symphony, Enjoy the magnificent San Francisco Symphony and Chorus in a jubilant concert of classical Christmas music coupled with carols and more. Trees trimmed with lights in the windows, festive decorations, and the spirit of the season in the air—Davies Symphony Hall is the place to be during the most wonderful time of year. Start your season—and a new tradition—at the San Francisco Symphony. 8:00pm, Davies Symphony Hall.
Fri. 12/2 A Storybook HOLIDAY FESTIVAL in the almost perfect little town of Tiburon, 5:30, spend an evening in the enchanting storybook town reminiscent of idyllic small town Norman Rockwell holiday pictorials (but with a healthy dose of humor), the evening’s festivities will include: classic holiday carolers, costumed characters strolling along magical Main Street, yummy gingerbread house making, wonderful holiday treats, fun face painting, a Winterland Photo Shop for the kids and more!
Fri. 12/2 Holiday Tree Lighting and Evening Walk, 5:30-6:30pm, Join the magical tree-lighting ceremony, a decades-old Presidio tradition. Bring your singing voice and join our friends at the Presidio Trust for a fun evening! Live music will be provided by the Golden Gate Carolers. Light refreshments will follow at the Presidio Community YMCA. Meet at the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Funston Avenue, Main Post. NEW! – Evening Forest Walk at 6:15 pm Following the tree lighting, join us for an enchanting, family-friendly, lantern-lit walk through the forest. Kids, bring your flashlights and experience the park in the dark on this 20-minute stroll.
Fri. 12/2 Dickens Family Victorian Holiday, Falkirk Cultural Center, San Rafael, Join Charles Dickens and his family for a joyous evening of Victorian revelry at the Falkirk Mansion in San Rafael. Partake in a holiday treat as you go back in time to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens, listen to him read from his famous works, watch his characters come alive (look out for Scrooge), meet and greet the true Father Christmas, play Victorian parlor games, dance and sing with our Victorian family and make traditional holiday crafts. Light food and drink will be served. A true family event.
Sat/Sun 12/2-3 The Snowman with the San Francisco Symphony, charming animated film tells a story of a young boy’s magical friendship with a snowman.
Sat. 12/3 Ring Mountain Holiday & Habitat Restoration Event, Marin County Parks and Girl Scout Troops #31522 and #30729 are hosting a very special, one time only, Christmas tree harvest day on the Ring Mountain Preserve. Families are invited to select, cut down, and take home their very own Christmas tree from the preserve! Pine trees are invading the preserve and impacting native habitats. This event will serve as a habitat restoration project, as well as a fun holiday activity for the whole family. The Girl Scouts will also offer a holiday swag-making booth, and refreshments will be provided. Please note that these trees come in all shapes and sizes, and may not necessarily serve as a replacement for your traditional holiday tree … think Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Wear warm clothing and dress appropriately for hiking through scrub. Trees are growing across the preserve and are often difficult to access. Tools will be provided. Heavy rains may cancel: Call (415) 473-2128 on the morning of the event to hear a recorded message if cancelled.
Sat. 12/3 Jingle and Jog, benefiting Strawberry Point School, 1-4 mile family run along the Strawberry Peninsula. Music, Rudolph, free face painting and more. 9:30am-11:30am. Registration due 12/1.
Sat. 12/3 Holiday Crafts Family Farm Day, 10a-2pm, Slide Ranch.
Sat. 12/3 Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids’ 3rd Anniversary & Holiday Party! 3pm – 6pm, 766 Valencia, Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids,feast on cupcakes from Mission Minis, our very own mulled cider, and family-friendly musical entertainment by Neil Aaron.
Sat. 12/3 Union Street Holiday Program, A month long celebration of holiday happenings Union Street between Van Ness & Steiner, Fillmore Street from Union to Lombard, San Francisco, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM where young and old alike can enjoy festivities to begin the holiday season. Thousands of holiday lights set off the Victorians, transforming Union Street into a magical backdrop for Santa and a team of elves to celebrate along with jugglers, live ponies dressed as reindeer, a monkey, face painters and balloon artists.
Sat. 12/3 Holiday Crafts Day, 10am-3pm, Crafts include roll-your-own beeswax candles, handmade candle holders, scented soaps, candy houses, and more, fabulous live family entertainment. Randall Museum.
Sat. 12/3 Oakland Holiday Parade, downtown Oakland, It begins the holiday season.. a fun time of year. It makes children of all ages stand up and cheer! There are giant balloons that fly high in the sky. They are causing oohs and aahs as they pass by. We have dancing trees and floats on parade. There are marching bands, drill teams and clowns on that day! It’s fun to watch kids see their favorite stars. Hey there’s Snoopy, Miss Rosa, Clifford and Lars!
Sat. 12/3 Winter Faire, Greenwood School, Winter Wonderland for the whole family. Old fashioned games, crafts, holiday shopping with local artisan’s trade booths, amazing food and live music.
Sat/Sun 12/3-12/4 WinterFest, 11am-5 pm, 12/3: live holiday music all day by seven different groups. 12/4: Food and Beverages, tree lighting, FREE ICESKATING!!, and Santa Claus arrives, Depot Plaza, Downtown Mill Valley. For more information contact 686.5707 or kennethianbrooks@gmail.com.
Sat/Sun 12/3-4 Christmas at Ardenwood, Celebrate the holiday season in Victorian style! Visit the beautifully decorated Patterson House, sing Christmas carols, Listen to live holiday music performances and enter our home-made “Christmas Cookie” baking contest (bring your cookies & the recipe with you). The day also includes holiday crafts, music, and cooking demonstrations. Magician Brian Scott and his Wizard Training Show 12:30 & 3:00pm.
Sun. 12/4 Snow Day in the Gourmet Ghetto, play in the snow in Andronico’s parking lot at 1550 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, 10AM-3PM. (Rain date is Dec. 11.) Visit with the Snow Queen who will listen to all of your holiday wishes, make holiday crafts like greeting cards and dreidels, and warm up with hot cider and chewy cookies, find the ‘ice’ in a snowball – one has a ¼ carat diamond ring inside (1-4PM), holiday card-making party using specialty paper remnants (12-4PM.)
Sun. 12/4 Deck the Halls, Treat your children to this festive concert featuring the magical music of the season performed by members of the San Francisco Symphony and special guests. The whole family will enjoy a post-concert party with entertainment, arts and crafts activities, and refreshments.
Sun. 12/4 – Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade, Vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks, and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights roll down Calistoga’s scenic main street to celebrate the season and the city’s agricultural heritage in a uniquely fun way.
Wed. 12/7 Winter Wednesday Craft Drop-in – Holiday Greeting Cards, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM, FREE, Make laminated holiday ornaments to deck your halls and customized bookmarks for everyone on your gift list. Sip warm apple cider and enjoy seasonal music while you create your masterpieces, Mill Valley Public Library.
Thurs. 12/8 & 12/15 Handmade Gifts, Take advantage of this great opportunity to stitch up some unique gifts for the holidays. The wonderfully creative teaching team, Redwood Thimble, will brainstorm with those who sign up – to come up with a few special projects to be completed over the course of the 2-week series. 3:15 – 4:45 pm, $65 plus $15 materials fee, Once Around, Mill Valley.
Sat. 12/10 Home for the Holidays Open House, Marine Mammal Center, 10am-5pm, educational games and activities such as a Scavenger Hunt, Marine Mammal Rescue Demos, and more! Free.
Sat. 12/10 Winter Magic Festivities and Snow Days, 3-8pm, Snow slide and play area, Tam Valley, Mill Valley.
Sat. 12/10 Winter Celebration, Homestead Valley Community Center, 6-8pm.
Sat. 12/10 Family Game Day with Blue Orange Games, 2pm – 4pm, Join us for a day of fun and games! Xavier from Blue Orange Games of San Francisco hosts a play-day featuring some of our favorite kids games like Spot It! 766 Valencia, Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids
Sat. 12/10 Pixie Park’s 2011 Holiday Bake Sale & Photos with Santa! offering delicious and beautifully presented homemade baked goods for sale. These festively wrapped sweets make terrific gifts for a variety of events, and each of our members is involved in the creation of the cookies, cakes, brownies, candies and gingerbread houses for sale. 10AM – 4PM, The Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake, Ross.
Sat. 12/10 Parol Lantern Festival, 5-9pm, San Francisco.
Sat. 12/10 Frosting the Conservatory of Flowers, 11 am – 3 pm, Family Fun Gingerbread House Workshop.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 Make-it-Yourself Holiday Workshop! 10am-2pm, Skip the crowds, the lines, and all the extra spending at the mall this year… bring your kids to GROW for a holiday themed workshop! Children will hand-make their own holiday gifts from re-used and re-purposed materials. Six fun-filled stations will be set up throughout the space, where kids will get their hands dirty and express their creativity. GROW, 254 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 888-8471.
Sun. 12/11 Simply Hanukkah! and Festival of Lights! 9:30am-3pm, For families with children ages Birth-3 and their siblings – Free! Learn about the Jewish holidays and traditions through music, art, cooking and parent education. Come nosh and schmooze with new friends! Marin JCC.
Sun. 12/11 Hanukah Festival of Light and Isaac Zones Family Concert, 10 AM – 2 PM, storytelling, Family Hanukah Concert with Isaac Zones and Band, plus latkes, Hanukah-themed art & craft projects, and more! Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley, 510-410-0622.
Sun. 12/11 Horse & Buggy Rides, Meet at the Beachhouse Style shop at 779 Center Blvd 11 am – 1 pm, Ride will drop you off at Bolinas Park.
Tues. 12/13 Winter Holidays Concerts and Sing-Along with Dream Circle, Join favorite Marin children’s recording artists Tim Cain, Miss Kitty, Cindy Cohen Levy, Christopher Smith, Peter Penhallow and the Dream Circle Band to share songs about Hannukah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and other joys of the season. Recommended for Pre-K to Grade 2, Marin Civic Center.
Wed. 12/14 Santa is coming to Miller! 3-6pm, pictures with Santa, goodie bags, decorate an ornament and more. Whole Foods, Miller Ave, Mill Valley.
Wed. 12/14 Winter Wednesday Craft Drop-in – Holiday Ornaments & Gifts, Make laminated holiday ornaments to deck your halls and customized bookmarks for everyone on your gift list. Sip warm apple cider and enjoy seasonal music while you create your masterpieces., Mill Valley Public Library.
12/15 – 12/18 Holiday Treat with The Ross Valley Players.
12/16-12/23 Fairy Winterland, noon – 7pm, Arts & crafts from 2pm – 4pm, puppet show at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm, Santa Claus from 5pm – 6pm, Festival of Lights Parade at 6:15pm, Special Appearances: 12/16: Pacific Boychoir (4:30pm), A Time To Be Jolly (Marionette Show, 5:30pm), Fairyland Tree Lighting Ceremony (6:30pm) 12/17: Storyteller John Weaver (2:30pm), The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees (5:30pm) 12/18: Buki the Clown (2:30pm), Snowflake the Elf magic show (5:30pm) 12/19 The Snow Queen Storyteller (5:30pm) 12/20 Storyteller Kirk Waller (5:30pm) 12/21 Holiday Treats puppet show (5:30pm) 12/22 Juggler & fire eater Owen Baker Flynn (5:30pm) 12/23 The Nutcracker presented by The Puppet Company (5:30pm), Children’s Fairyland, Oakland.
Sat. 12/17 Holiday Celebration, Marin County Mart, Larkspur, 9:15-10am Christopher Smith, 10-10:40am Scott the Storyteller, 11-12pm Santa Sing Along, 12-2pm Jubilee Klessmer Music, 9am-4pm pictures with Santa and his live reindeer. Complimentary cookie decorating and hot chocolate.
Sat. 12/17 Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales, Exploratorium’s annual screening of the classic 1963 film, A Child’s Christmas in Wales that follows a boy’s Christmas time memories in Wales.
Sat. 12/17 – Dream Circle Holiday Concert, Tim Cain, Judy Nee (Miss Kitty), Cindy Cohen and Christopher Smith, 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. Join us for a delightful and uplifting seasonal celebration featuring songs for a wide range of winter holidays, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year. Dream Circle is indeed a dream lineup of Marin’s best loved children’s entertainers. Share in the true meaning of the holidays at this heart filled performance and then spend a wonderful day at the Discovery Museum.
Sat. 12/17 Sophie and the Enchanted Toy Shop, Marin Dance Theatre, a kindly toymaker enters with his mischievous alley cats, he observes little Sophie, and being touched by her generous kind spirit, rewards her with an amazing journey to a beautiful Snow Kingdom, 1 pm and 5 pm, Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael. Meet the Dancers at the Teddy Bear Tea Party following the 1:00pm performance and enjoy lots of goodies to eat and drink ($5.00 per person.)
Sat. 12/17 – Dance with Sherry Studio’s Tapcracker©, funny, quirky and hilarious original take on that old standard, Nutcracker, will keep you entertained. 2 pm and 5:30 pm, Showcase Theater, San Rafael.
Sat. 12/17 Lighted Boat Parade, San Rafael, 6pm.
Sat. 12/17 Canine Holiday Potluck, 12 – 2pm, Take a break from the festivities and give your furry friend something to celebrate! Rangers will provide hot chocolate and apple cider if you bring light lunchtime or holiday treats to share with humans and dogs alike. Meet at McInnis Park, in the Hillside picnic area (310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael), 446-4423.
Sat/Sun 12/17 – 12/18 Gingerbread Doghouse Workshops, Assemble and decorate Snoopy’s doghouse out of gingerbread—complete with a marshmallow Snoopy on top! Schultz Museum.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 Make-it-Yourself Holiday Workshop! 10am-2pm, Skip the crowds, the lines, and all the extra spending at the mall this year… bring your kids to GROW for a holiday themed workshop! Children will hand-make their own holiday gifts from re-used and re-purposed materials. Six fun-filled stations will be set up throughout the space, where kids will get their hands dirty and express their creativity. GROW, 254 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 888-8471.
Sun. 12/18 - Tim Cain’s Family Christmas Sing Along, Rancho Nicasio.
Sun. 12/18 Holiday Concert, ‘Tis the Season…a Winter Fantasy”, sing-along carols throughout the show, while special visuals and lighting effects create an enchanting holiday concert, not to be missed, Singers Marin.
Sun. 12/18 Mariachi Sol de México de José Hernández, Celebrate the holidays with your entire family with the sounds of these superlative mariachi performers whose annual concert has become a favorite event at Davies Symphony Hall. Hear holiday favorites from the US and Mexico, traditional Mexican music, and more in this celebration of Mexico’s Christmas traditions, San Francisco Symphony.
Tues. 12/20 Nick Barone’s Puppets presents”Holiday Treats,” 11:00am, open to all ages, but reservations are required. Larkspur Library, 927-5005.
Wed. 12/21 Gingerbread Person Party Age 5 and up – advance sign-up required, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM, FREE, Listen to a story to find out what makes the Gingerbread Boy run and then decorate your very own delicious gingerbread person. Call 415-389-4292 x106 to register, Mill Valley Public Library.
Thur. 12/22 Gingerbread Cookie Decorating, 10:30am. RSVP by email to library@cityoflarkspur.org or call 927-5005.
12/22 – 12/24 – ‘Twas the Night, In the days just before Christmas, take time out of your frenzied schedule for a cozy Holiday concert at Davies Symphony Hall, cheerfully decorated for the season. Delight in a warm and intimate program, and sing along with your favorite holiday tunes, all performed by members of the Symphony’s brass section and singers from the SFS Chorus, and accompanied by the gorgeous Ruffatti organ.
12/26-12/30 Holiday Animation Film Festival, Noon, 2pm, 4pm, The Exploratorium’s cinematic holiday festivities invites you to a round up of animated shorts utilizes computers, stop-motion and other animation techniques to capture the hilarity in several playful scenarios. Among the films to be screened are these engaging shorts: Sour Death Balls, White Out, and Western Spaghetti.
Mon. 12/26 Kwanzaa Celebration, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free Museum admission and performances, The African Roots of Jazz, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Experience the rich traditions of Kwanzaa, featuring a celebration of African-American culture through hands-on art activities, and performances. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 12/31 Noon Year’s Eve, 9 a.m. – noon, Count down to noon with us as we watch the ball drop in Festival Plaza. Dance along to our DJ and create your own party hat and noise maker to celebrate the Noon Year. Please note that the Museum is open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 12/31 Happy New Year, Charlie Brown! Celebrate the New Year with hands-on crafts for kids, a balloon drop, and a root beer toast! 10am–3pm, Schultz Museum.
Sun. 12/31 New Year’s Eve Day Party, Celebrate the dawn of 2012! Count down the New Year around the world on our Science on a Sphere®, and celebrate with an apple cider toast. Create your own noisemaker to ring the new year in with a bang, and be there for our big balloon drop at 2pm, Lawrence Hall of Science.
THEATRE, MUSIC AND OTHER PERFORMANCES
10/29-12/4 Annie, Berkeley Playhouse.
11/25 – 12/11 Velveteen Rabbit, Novellus Theater, celebrating the unique relationship between a little boy and his stuffed rabbit, and the enduring power of love.
12/3 – 12/20 Cinderella, Fort Mason Center Building C – San Francisco.
12/3-12/28 Cinderella, African-American Shakespeare Company, 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco.
12/21 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Golden Gate Theatre
Thur. 12/1 Ask the Experts, Are you wondering whether your child’s language development is on track? Do you wonder if he or she is hitting appropriate developmental milestones? Whatever your question, we are here to help you problem-solve and take home practical strategies for addressing your concerns. $35. With Janina Nadaner, MFT, and Casey Heckman, MA., 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Parents Place.
Fri. 12/2 Special Storytime, 11:30 a.m., Join KQED and the Bay Area Discovery Museum and meet PBS Kids Mr. Steve and Miss Rosa for a special singing and storytime appearance. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Fri. 12/2 Spaghetti Bingo, 6:15pm, $7 (includes dinner and 9 bingo cards), great family event. Tam Community Center, Mill Valley.
Sat. 12/3 ‘Til Dawn will be performing at noon for the Corte Madera Library 40th Birthday celebration.
Sat. 12/3 Rubinoos, that power pop group, whose hit song “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” rocketed them to the top of the pop charts. Dance to clever originals loaded with kid appeal, including “The Peanut Butter Song” as well as classics like “Witch Doctor,” Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 12/3 Making Snowman Napkin Holders, Start the holiday season with a fun, family project. Children can build and paint a Snowman Napkin Holder, 9am-Noon, any Home Depot store.
Sat. 12/3 Art Explorers’ Maharaja Family Tour, Join a docent on a search for power symbols in the special exhibition Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts and engage your kids in looking at and talking about art. Suggested for families with children ages 5-7. Asian Art Museum.
Sat. 12/3 Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony, Each concert includes great symphonic music, informative talks, musical demonstrations, and free musical materials for use at home. Child-friendly start and end times make it easy for children to experience and enjoy classical music!
Sat. 12/3 Lollipop 5K Run, Golden Gate Park.
Sat. 12/3 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
Sat. 12/3 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please Sit Down! (Chairs and Decorative Arts), 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
Sat. 12/3 Broom Bust at Old St. Hillary’s, 9-1pm, Once again the Broom Busters of Old St. Hilary’s host this annual party. After the work, volunteers will be served lunch while Naturalist David Herlocker describes the wildlife that benefits from our habitat restoration work. Meet at the Tiburon Peninsula Club parking lot (1600 Mar West St, Tiburon).
Sat. 12/3 Children’s Storytime and Family Walk, 10:30 AM, San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Join a docent-led Family Walk following Children’s Storytime in the Library, featured book “Night Tree” by Ted Rand. Kids and their families can dig into great garden stories, then venture out on a special tour of the Botanical Garden. Storytime begins at 10:30am and the Family Walk follows at 11am, 661-1316.
Sat/Sun 12/3-12/4 Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
Sun. Carmen for Families, two-hour version of this season’s exciting production, telling the classic story of love, jealousy, betrayal and death. Opera newcomers will thrill to the captivating music of this beloved work, featuring the alluring Gypsy girl Carmen, the Spanish soldier who loves her and her brave bullfighter who wins her heart. This opera is recommended for ages 10 and up due to the mature nature of the characters and story of Carmen. Also included is a Pre-Opera Talk and workshop after. San Francisco Opera.
Sun. 12/4 Presidio Nature Play Days, Flowers, pine cones, leaves, stones, branches, bark, and other wonders of nature are the inspiration and the materials for this day of spontaneous collaborative artistic expression. Join in, get creative, and have fun while appreciating and honoring nature. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch! Meet at Rob Hill Campground. RSVP to nature@presidiotrust.gov.
Sun. 12/4 Winter Wonderland, 9am-noon, Discover the wonder of an old-growth redwood forest in winter on this leisurely walk on the Fern Creek and Alice Eastwood trails. Look for salmon, mushroom displays, winter wildflowers, waterfalls, and more! Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as the trails are steep and may be muddy. Bring water and a snack. Entry fees apply. Muir Woods. For information and reservations, call (415) 388-2596.
Sun. 12/4 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15pm, Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 12/4 Daniel DaVinci Juggling Genius and his famous Comedy Juggling show, Osher Marin, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, 1 pm – 2 pm.
Sun. 12/4 Magician Timothy James, Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, SF All Shows Sundays 11 am – Noon.
Sun. 12/4 Le Jazz Hot, 11am, Herbst Theatre, $10 Children/$15 Adults Le Jazz Hot is the new quartet of the Hot Club of San Francisco, still continuing their tradition of fine French Gypsy Swing played on stringed instruments. They will join San Francisco Performances for a special holiday concert of the songs of 1930s Paris—a festive foray into jazz for the whole family!
Sun. 12/4 Fred Anderson, Fringe Festival Winner! Prop Comic and Juggler, The Berkeley JCC Theater, 1414 Walnut Street (between Vine and Rose), 1 pm – 2 pm.
Sun. 12/4 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3pm, Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 12/4 Read to Bumps – Have you ever read to a dog? Call 485-3322 to schedule your appointment with Bumps the Reading Education Assistance Dog today, 2-4pm, San Rafael Public Library.
Mon 12/5 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Mon. 12/5 Feisty 3′s & 4′s, This workshop, presenting a developmental approach to understanding your child, includes discipline strategies appropriate to his or her development. $35, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Parents Place.
Tues. 12/6 A Family Quiltmaking Workshop with Victoria Gonzalez will be held in the meeting room Tuesday, December 6 from 3:30 to 5:00. For school-age children. Call 924-6382 to sign up. Corte Madera Library
Tues. 12/6 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Look Who’s Roaring, 10am – 10:50am OR 12pm – 12:50pm, The word dinosaur comes from the Greek “terrible lizard.” But were they really so terrible? Explore some of the most famous creatures that ever roamed the Earth, and learn about few of the many species of dinosaurs that we know. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Fri. 12/9 Raise the Youth holiday celebration and fundraiser benefitting Marin Youth Performers. This family-friendly event will feature youth performance showcase including highlights from this past year’s musical theatre productions and advanced teen musical ensembles, 7-10pm, $60 General Admission, $15 Students, 383.960, 142 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley.
Sat. 12/10 Total Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Europe, eastern Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the North America.
Sat. 12/10 Nature for Kids at Verissimo Hills Open Space, 10am – 1pm, This walk will take us up an oak covered hill that overlooks Stafford Lake. We’ll look for interesting mushrooms, salamanders and lots of creatures that live among the new green grass and the wet leaves that cover the forest floor. Call (415) 893-9508 or e-mail dherlocker@marincounty.org.
Sat. 12/10 Manga Drawing Workshop with Chiyoko Wong, 2:00, age 9 to 13. Corte Madera Library.
Sat. 12/10 Alphabet Rockers, Shout it out with the Alphabet Rockers. Featuring hip grooves, rocking guitar lines and tight rhymes, this is music that you can enjoy no matter what your age. Every catchy and clever song in this genre-hopping show introduces preschool concepts from counting money to naming the colors of the rainbow, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 12/10 Greening of the Headlands, 12:30-3 pm, For centuries, people listened to music and decorated their homes with greenery during winter’s dark days. Join us and return to those simpler days by making ornaments in an atmosphere laced with music and friendship. Materials provided. Meet artist Katrina Wagner at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. Reservations required, phone (415) 331-1540.
Sat. 12/10 Make It @ MOCFA, 2-4pm, Get your hands dirty! Inspired by the ceramic artwork in the exhibition we will create one-of-a-kind sculptural cubes and bricks using texturing tools and clay. Your works of art will be perfect as paperweights, bookends, and for holiday gift giving. $5 for admission and all materials, ages 5 and up.
Sat. 12/10 Drop-In Science, Discover the amazing dynamics of bee communities here at the Randall! Get hands-on in extracting honey from our own combs and even take some home to enjoy!, 10:30 & 11:30, Randall Museum.
Sat. 12/10 Chipper Cheer this holiday season. Let’s Go Chipper author, Stephanie Rach, will read stories from the eco-educational series which playfully teaches good character and a love for nature. Continue the fun with crafts and activities that celebrate the environment and animals – like Bruce the banana slug! REI San Francisco, 840 Brannan St.
Sat. 12/10 Exploring Devil’s Gulch, 10:00 am, Walk along a creek, step inside an old growth redwood tree, discover ancient trap door spiders, hike to a waterfall, and perhaps even spy a bobcat. All these natural wonders and more are right in our backyard and can be found in Devil’s Gulch. Join WildCare naturalists on an easy four mile round trip hike. The trailhead is located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile past the picnic area in Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Sat. 12/10 Peter and the Wolf Delight your children with our annual presentation of Peter and the Wolf including festive holiday songs- perfect for music lovers of all ages. The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra is joined by a special guest narrator, who narrates Prokofiev’s charming tale. 1 & 4pm, Davies Symphony Hall.
Sat. 12/10 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Good Enough to Eat (A Look at Food in Art), 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
Sat. 12/10 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please Sit Down! (Chairs and Decorative Arts), 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/22 Emil of Lonneberga, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 pm, Once you meet Emil you’ll never forget him. Puppets add to the delight of this laugh-filled world premiere about a clever, five-year-old Swedish lad who just can’t keep out of trouble. Bay Area Children’s Theatre is thrilled to bring the beloved Emil stories by the author of Pippi Longstocking to the English-speaking stage.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30pm & 2:30pm. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 The DC Dancers, ranging in age between 3 and 21, will dance to holiday favorites, ballet and jazz tunes. 1:30pm, Children’s Fairyland, Oakland.
Sun. 12/11 Comedy Illusionist Brian Scott and his amazing sleight-of-hand! The Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, SF, 11 am – Noon
Sun. 12/11 Preschool Gallery Tour: The World of Light, 9-11am, Featuring the music of Charity Kahn (of Charity and the JAMband) Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 12/11 Magic Class, Each class covers different tricks and skills with San Francisco’s very own Chin-Chin who has been performing magic since the age of 7. 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sat. 12/11 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3pm, Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 12/11 Preschool Gallery Hour: The World of Light, 9-11am, If it’s the second Sunday of the month, it’s Preschool Gallery Hour when the Museum opens early just for preschoolers and their families. Explore the exhibition Houdini: Art and Magicwith loads of interactive activities, make magical shadow puppets, and move to the musical groove with Charity Kahn, of the JAMband! Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Peanuts © PNTS
Mon. 12/12 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Tues. 12/13 Toddler Treks – Penguins, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.
Tues. 12/13 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Paleontologist Puzzle, 10am – 10:50am OR 12pm – 12:50pm, There are special scientists who study dinosaurs and the remains we find of those early animals. Practice some tricks of the trade and prepare for a paleontology adventure. Not only will our Tykes work with some fossils of dinosaurs, but also other prehistoric creatures. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Sat. 12/17 Winter Solstace Night Walk, What is Winter Solstice? Come and find out on this family-friendly storytelling evening walk that starts at Rob Hill and ends with a campfire in the Rob Hill Campground. You’ll hear stories from many cultures about the ways people have welcomed back the sun. Meet at Rob Hill Campground, Presidio, Free. All ages. Space is limited, registration required at (415) 561-4323.
Sat. 12/17 Explorables: Science You Can Play With, 11am – 2 pm, activities focus on experimenting with everyday materials, discovery and toy-making, Exploratorium.
Sat. 12/17 Afternoon Art, Make a wish that your wish doll will carry throughout the year. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Sat. 12/17 Children’s Storytime and Family Walk, 10:30 AM, San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Join a docent-led Family Walk following Children’s Storytime in the Library, featured book “Night Tree” by Ted Rand. Kids and their families can dig into great garden stories, then venture out on a special tour of the Botanical Garden. Storytime begins at 10:30am and the Family Walk follows at 11am, 661-1316.
Sat. 12/17 Drop-In Science, Let’s make snow for San Francisco! Learn about crystal formation and make your own crystal covered snowflake decoration just in time for winter!, 10:30 & 11:30, Randall Museum.
Sat. 12/17 Paper Fun with the Toy-Maker, 10am–12noon for parents and children, Marilyn Scott-Waters will take simple paper and show how cutting, pasting, and folding creates simply delightful toys. Join Marilyn as she teaches you how to make a koi kite, paper butterfly, miniature fairy book, cornucopia, and a coupon folder holder! She demonstrates tips, tricks, and more.
Sat. 12/17 Dancing the Diaspora with Ayodele Kinchen, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, new interactive program series for children and their families of storytelling, performance and crafts from Africa, North America, South America and the Caribbean, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD.)
Sat. 12/17 Afternoon Art, Transform a small plain box into a beautiful keepsake perfect for holding jewelry or other precious items. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Sun. 12/18 Tam Jam X-Fest, 2-10pm, music and more fun in this all day rock & roll festival featuring local student bands from around Marin. Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave.at Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley, Tickets call 388-6393.
Sun. 12/18 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15pm, Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 12/18 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3pm, Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Peanuts © PNTS
Mon. 12/19 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
Mon. 12/19 Winter Break Film Festival, Cars 2, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Tues. 12/20 Winter Break Film Festival, Balto, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Tues. 12/20 Sing Along with Pierina Dell’Avo (Ages 3-7) – Small and tall are invited to come and sing delightful and original songs by Pierina Dell’Avo. Feel shy about singing? You can join in with the fun movements, 3:30pm, San Rafael Public Library.
Tues. 12/20 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, What happened to the dinosaurs? Learn about one of the leading theories that was discovered by scientists from right here the Bay Area. By taking part in a dramatic play, our little Tyke explorers will discover why scientists think the dinosaurs went extinct. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Tues. 12/20 Ghirardelli Day, 9:30am – 5:00pm Celebrate the sights, smells, and tastes of the holiday season with Ghirardelli Chocolate Company! Meet Steve Genzoli, VP of Chocolate Development at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and learn about the art and science of chocolate – from bean to bar. Savor complimentary samples from Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop. Visit the Naturalist Center for more sweet science! Explore a cocoa pod up close, test your knowledge with the Chocolate Mystery Box, and browse chocolate-themed books. Check out the activity tables with chocolate-themed crafts for kids! Explore the Academy’s spice forest, and learn more about the ingredients in your favorite holiday treats. Academy of Science.
12/20-12/23 Winter Break Explorer Days, Come and explore the science of the world around you in an interactive and distinctive drop-in program. Spin your own handmade top, light up the room with circuits, and more! Activities will change daily, so there’s something new to learn about science each day, CuriOdyssey.
Wed. 12/21 Winter Craft for Tweens (Grades 6-8) – Come make a set of marble magnets for yourself or to give as a gift. Bring your own images to personalize your magnets. After the craft, we will enjoy cupcakes and hot cider! No reservations, free, 2:30pm, San Rafael Public Library.
Wed. 12/21 Winter Solstice in Muir Woods, Celebrate the longest night of the year and a full moon with the tallest trees on earth! This outdoor program is suitable for all ages and will begin at the Muir Woods Visitor Center. Activities and events include the making of solstice crowns; a stage performance of songs, stories, and puppetry; and walking the trails of Muir Woods lit by luminary. No reservations required. Free. Daytime activities between 3–5 pm, evening 5:30–8 pm. This evening can be dark and chilly; we ask visitors to bring a flashlight and to dress warmly (layers/blankets).
Wed. 12/21 Nature for Kids at Devil’s Gulch, 10am – 2pm, We’ll start this walk looking for salmon in the rushing creek. Afterwards, we might head up to Stairstep Falls, or we could decide to follow the main canyon through forests and open meadows looking for winter wildlife. Call 893-9527 on the morning of the walk to hear a recorded message if cancelled. Meet at the parking area across from Devil’s Gulch: Follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west 1 mile past the entrance to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.
Thur. 12/22 Winter Break Film Festival, Mr. Popper’s Penguins, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Fri. 12/23 Winter Break Film Festival, How the Grinch Stole Christmas & Frosty the Snowman, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Fri. 12/23 Pine Cone Bird Feeders, Noon – 2pm, Bring nature a little closer to home with your own handmade pinecone bird feeder. These make wonderful gifts, especially for winter birds. When the pinecones run out the program is over, so come early! Meet Ranger Linda in front of the Bay Model Classroom.
Sat. 12/24 Afternoon Art, Join our annual holiday tradition of free-form painting to music. Paint large! Paint wild! Paint free! 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.
Sun. 12/25 Drop-In Art-Making: Magical Spinning Tops, 11am-4pm, In honor of Chanakuh and Houdini: Art and Magic, create spinning tops that display magical colors as they spin. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Peanuts © PNTS
Mon. 12/26 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.
12/26, 12/27 & 12/30 Drop-In Art-Making: Pocket-Sized Amazements, 1pm-3pm, Create small-scale magical objects that will surprise and amuse. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
12/26-1/1 Grandparents’ Week, 10a-4p, For this week only, when grandparents visit Fairyland with their grandchildren, grandparents get in for free.
12/26-27, 12/29-30 School’s Out Family Magic Show, Dan Chan the Magic Man, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Tues. 12/27 Winter Break Film Festival, Kung Fu Panda 2, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
12/27-12/30 Winter Break Explorer Days, Come and explore the science of the world around you in an interactive and distinctive drop-in program. Spin your own handmade top, light up the room with circuits, and more! Activities will change daily, so there’s something new to learn about science each day, CuriOdyssey.
Wed. 12/28 Poetry Palooza (Grades 2-4) – Join us for an afternoon of creative fun. We provide journals , pencils, writing games, cookies and apple cider. No experience necessary! No reservations. Free, 2:30pm, San Rafael Public Library.
Wed. 12/28 Game & Puzzle Day! Family fun for everyone. (All ages, no-sign-up needed, Creekside Room.) Put away your Wii and come to the cozy Creekside Room for old fashioned board and card games, big puzzles, and family fun. Sip warm apple cider and listen to seasonal tunes while you play. Families welcome! Mill Valley Library.
Wed. 12/28 Toddler Treks – Penguins, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.
Thur. 12/29 Winter Break Film Festival, The Muppet Movie (1979), 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Thur. 12/29 Family Fun Activity: Dance, 1:00–3:00 pm; suggested for families with children ages 11-15. Hip hop, funk, and reggae songs are the soundtracks for Bhangra, a type of popular dance combining Punjabi folk traditions with Western pop music. Learn to dance like a Bollywood star in this workshop for tweens. Asian Art Museum.
Thur/Fri 12/29-30 Mochitsuki Workshops, watch Mr. Yamada transform hot cooked rice into mochi. Participants will then have the opportunity to make their own mochi balls to take home, 3:00 – 6:30 p.m., Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California.
Fri. 12/30 Winter Break Film Festival, Cartoon Day, 2:30 – 4:30 pm. Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.
Fri/Sat 12/30-12/31 Children’s Fairyland, Snow Queen performs “Tales from Winter Wonderland”, a magical music and storytelling performance, 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Sat. 12/31 Marin Country Mart Farmers’ Market, Enjoy brunch and a full array of children’s entertainment this New Year’s Eve. Shop for local organic produce, meats and sweets for your last dinner of 2011. End the year right with music, art, ponies and puppets! Children’s Art Activities by Scrap: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wed. 1/4 Toddler Treks, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.
Sat. 1/7 Chinyakare Ensemble, 11am, an incredibly varied spectrum of Zimbabwean music and dance. Harmonically weaving voices with traditional instruments and dance, they celebrate the beauty and power of southern African culture. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 1/7 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
Sat. 1/7 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
Sat. 1/7, 1/21, 1/28 Rumpelstiltskin, 10:30am & 1:00pm, The kingdom of King Wipple is in big trouble. Inflation has destroyed the economy and there is no more gold! An ambitious miller claims that his “miraculosis” daughter can actually weave straw into gold, which she is ordered to do immediately on pain of death. She is saved from this cruel fate by the mysterious arrival of a funny little man who can perform this miracle, but for a high price. The miller’s daughter makes a promise to the little man, and she is helped in her quest by colorful and zany members of the court, as well as the audience itself. There are charming songs, lots of laughs, and a happy ending for everyone. “A promise is a promise.” Presented by the Children’s Theater Association.
Sat/Sun 1/7-1/8 Ice Skating in Fairfax, The Pavilion, synthetic ice rink is set up for young & old alike! Minimum age to skate is 5 years old. The event runs from 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Sat/Sun 1/7-1/8 Children’s Fairyland, Storyteller John Weaver will entertain with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Sun. 1/8 Sunday Sampler, enjoy a wide variety of programming offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, including acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning, sample four different classes from a menu of options at 1pm, 1:30pm, 2:00pm and 2:30pm, Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, 2071 Addison Street, Berkeley
Sun. 1/8 Magic Class, Each class covers different tricks and skills with San Francisco’s very own Chin-Chin who has been performing magic since the age of 7. 2:00 PM – 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/8 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15pm, Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/8 Boswick the Clown and his Circus of Comedy! 1 pm – 2 pm, Marin JCC, San Rafael.
Sun. 1/8 – Mochitsuki! Mochi Pounding Ceremony, Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai! Join this venerable San Francisco institution as they present the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi (sweet delectable rice cakes) pounding with music, dance, and costumes. Afterwards, listen to Japanese New Year stories told by the museum’s animated storytellers, and finally, drawomikuji, written fortunes about the upcoming year, or make a rabbit carrying pouch (inro) modeled after the cuddly creatures found in the galleries, Asian Art Museum.
Sun. 1/8 Nature for Kids at Mount Burdell, 10am – 2pm, Mount Burdell Preserve, We’ll take a winter walk at this beautiful preserve looking for cold weather critters. If we’re feeling adventurous, we might even head up to Hidden Lake to see if we can find newts and frogs. 893-9508 or e-mail dherlocker@marincounty.org.
Sun. 1/8 Drop-In Art-Making: Muniz-Inspired Collages, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Celebrate the art of everyday objects and the genius of Vik Muniz—a featured artist in the Houdini exhibition —as you create truly uncommon collages composed of thoroughly common materials. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/8 Preschool Gallery Hour, 10am-11:30am, f it’s the second Sunday of the month, it’s Preschool Gallery Hour when the Museum opens early just for preschoolers and their families. Explore the exhibition Houdini with loads of interactive activities, get hands on with art, and enjoy a show by musical guest Alison Faith Levy. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/8 Ace Miles, The Comedy Pirate Returns! stars as hilarious Captain Jack Spareribs! Berkeley JCC Theater, 1 pm – 2 pm.
Tues. 1/10 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Lumos, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Shadow puppets are great… but how do they work? Unravel the mysteries behind day and night – light and dark. Also, discover the magic behind rainbows and their connection to the light that we see. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Sat. 1/14 Youth Winter Bird Count, give aspiring young birders an opportunity to work in small teams with experienced birders while participating in real citizen science. Richardson Bay Center and Sanctuary.
Sat. 1/14 Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno, 11am, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno will perform dances from across Mexico. Enjoy the rich culture of Mexico through dance, music, and fabulous costumes ranging from the tropical port of Veracruz to the rancheros of Jalisco. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 1/14 Manga Drawing Workshop with Chiyoko Wong, 2:00, age 9 to 13. Corte Madera Library.
Sat. 1/14 Youth Winter Bird Count, Children of all ages and their families are invited to participate FREE, give aspiring young birders an opportunity to work in small teams with experienced birders while participating in real citizen science. Participants will learn to use binoculars and scopes, record scientific data, identify a variety of local birds with the help of expert birders, enter data into a shared database, present bird data to other participating teams. Richardson Bay Audubon Center.
Sat. 1/14 Free Tulip Grove Classes, 11am-2pm, Mill Valley Baby & Kids.
Sat. 1/14 Mochitsuki! Mochi Pounding Ceremony, 12:00 noon to 1:00 pm, Samsung Hall, Hands–on activity, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai! Join this venerable San Francisco institution as they present the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi (delectably sweet rice cakes) pounding with music, dance and costumes. Afterward, stick around and make an art project inspired by the New Year, listen to storytelling or join an Art Explorers’ Family Tour. Asian Art Museum.
Sat/Sun 1/14-1/15 Children’s Fairyland, Owen Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Cheryl Traendly, Photography
Sun. 1/15 Meet tennis star and legend, Billie Jean King, who won a record 20 titles at Wimbledon during her tennis career. Ms. King was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Ms. King will answer questions and sign books.
Sun. 1/15 Drop-In Art-Making: Muniz-Inspired Collages, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Celebrate the art of everyday objects and the genius of Vik Muniz—a featured artist in the Houdini exhibition —as you create truly uncommon collages composed of thoroughly common materials. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/15 Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr’s Birthday (FREE), 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition, Contemporary African American Quilts. Drop in to the Education Center where families will silk screen images of jazz greats and Dr. King using screens burned with black and white photos, paint, and paper. There will also be blank paper for anyone who wants to create their own image for printing or for embellishing one of the burned screens. Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).
Mon. 1/16 MLK Day of Service with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Mon. 1/16 SoVoSó – From the Soul to the Voice to the Song, 11am & 12:30pm, Be uplifted by this amazing a cappella ensemble’s unique, rhythmic mix of jazz, gospel, world and R & B music sung in their trademark improvisational style. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Mon. 1/16 Drop-In Art-Making: Dream Jars, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. During this special holiday drop-in, honor the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by creating your own dream jar, the perfect space to hold your dreams, hopes, and New Year wishes. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Tues. 1/17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, 9am-4pm, Create a self-portrait to add to our Freedom Bus. Listen to a special storytime with books about Dr. King’s life and the values he advocated. Quotes from his writing and speeches will be mounted throughout the Museum to help your family think about how to celebrate this important holiday. Come honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with SoVoSó. Be uplifted by this amazing a cappella ensemble’s unique, rhythmic mix of jazz, gospel, world and R & B music. Discovery Museum.
Tues. 1/17 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Start Your Engines, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Tykes will get an early introduction to the laws of motion through directed “play” with toy cars and marble tracks. Learn about the basics of gravity, motion and friction, as well as some building basics. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Wed. 1/18 Toddler Treks, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.
Tues. 1/19-22 Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at PIER 39, 11am-4pm, The sea lions anniversary is always a special event for PIER 39 as these playful mammals entertain and delight both our guests and the PIER 39 staff year-round.
Sat. 1/21 ABADA Capoeira, 11am, Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, fuses acrobatics, dance, percussion, and song. African slaves in Portuguese-colonized Brazil developed this rigorous form of self-defense. ABADA shows how they camouflaged the art with music, song, and dance so they could practice it undetected. Bay Are Discovery Museum.
Sat. 1/21 BAEER Fair (Bay Area Environmental Education Resource), Marin Civic Center located in San Rafael, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sat. 1/21 Winter/Spring Bird Walk, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Join us for a bird walk, view and learn about the waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds that visit our site during winter and spring. Birders of all levels and families welcome. Cost: $7/participant. RSVP: 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary.
Sat. 1/21 Farmers Market Entertainment, Plant Dye Workshop for Kids with Molly DeVries will be instructing a mini dye workshop for kids at the market from 9:00-2:00. Using local textiles and Coreopsis flowers, children will see first hand the power of nature in making vibrant hues of yellows, oranges and browns. Christopher Smith (9:15-10:00), Scott the Storyteller (10:00-10:45) and more. Marin Country Mart, Larkspur.
Sat. 1/21 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
Sat. 1/21 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
Sat. 1/21 Family Bingo, 7-8:30pm, Belvedere Community Center.
Sat. 1/21 Chinese New Year, Ring in the Year of the Dragon with crafts and hands-on traditional Chinese activities. 11 am – 5 pm, Chabot Space & Science Center.
Sat/Sun 1/21-22 Peking Acrobats, gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers transform 2,000-year-old athletic disciplines into a family-friendly kaleidoscope of eye-popping wonder, Zellerbach Playhouse, Berkeley.
Sat/Sun 1/21-1/22 Children’s Fairyland, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Sun. 1/22 Drop-In Art-Making: Stained Glass Explorations, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Be inspired by the majesty of Congregation Sherith Israel’s stained glass window featured in the exhibition, California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, and create your own color-saturated works of art. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/22 RoCo Dance On Stage, Children’s Program, 6:30 pm, Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael.
Sun. 1/22 The Greg Frisbee Show, Escape Artistry, Magic and Juggling, Randall Museum Theatre, 11 am – Noon.
Sun. 1/22 The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Fairy Tales, Poor Jack. He’s got to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairy tale characters – and one very annoying Stinky Cheese Man – keep messing up his plans. Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, this show for kids four years and up is delightfully deconstructive. With Cinderella rebuffing Rumpelstiltskin and Goldilocks meeting the Three Elephants, nothing is quite the same as you remember it. 11am & 2pm. JCCSF, 3200 California St. San Francisco.
Tues. 1/24 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Magnet Mayhem, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Why do magnets attract some things and not others? Our Tyke explorers will explore different types of magnets to observe and understand why magnets work they way they do. Hands-on exploration will help to demystify the magic of magnets. Chabot Space & Science Center.
Thur. 1/26 Daffy Dave, Ages 5+, 4pm, Laugh till it aches with Daffy Dave and his comedy magic.
Fri. 1/27 Nature for Kids at Cascade Canyon, 10am – 2pm, By now the creek should be rushing, and the waterfall might be going full blast. We’ll search for insects, amphibians and anything else we can find in this beautiful canyon. 893-9508 or e-mail dherlocker@marincounty.org.
Fri. 1/27 Oceans Aglow: Family Night Hike and Campfire, 5:30-8:00PM, Join us for a night hike to Rodeo Beach in search of bioluminescent plankton twinkling in the sand. Gather ’round the campfire with friends and family, sing songs, and roast s’mores by moonlight, Nature Bridge, 1033 Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito
Fri. 1/27 Movie Night for Kids, grades 3-5, UP, Registration Required, 5:30-7:30pm, Suggested Donation $10, Pizza and popcorn provided. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
Sat. 1/28 Murphy Irish Dancers, 11am, Performing a variety of step dances including jigs and reels, combined with impressive leaps, this amazing group of young dancers will connect you with age-old Irish traditions and joyous celebrations that are very much alive today. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Sat. 1/28 San Anselmo Storytelling Festival, Come to an afternoon of old-fashioned storytelling. For more information or to sign up for a 5-10 minute slot, call the library at 258-4656 Admission is free but space is limited.
Sat. 1/28 Muir Woods Earth Day Celebration, 8:30am-1pm, Enjoy the majestic redwoods while helping to restore and preserve this spectacular national park. Projects include planting, habitat restoration and weed removal, mulching, tending the forest floor, and trail maintenance throughout the Redwood Creek Watershed. All participants are invited to stay for lunch at the end of the event. It’s going to be a fun and rewarding day!
Sat. 1/28 Restoration Work Day, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Bring your family and friends for a morning of restoration and clean-up at the Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary. We may be removing trash, invasive plants, or helping with restoration projects. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. FREE program; RSVP: 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary.
Sat. 1/28 Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony, Each concert includes great symphonic music, informative talks, musical demonstrations, and free musical materials for use at home. Child-friendly start and end times make it easy for children to experience and enjoy classical music!
Sat. 1/28 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
Sat. 1/28 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
Sat. 1/28 Civil War Re-enactors at Fort Point, Join the American Civil War Association, as part of the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War 2011-2015 commemoration, as they bring Fort Point to life with music, marching and the colorful uniforms of Civil War soldiers. Talks and demonstrations are held throughout the day. For information, call 556-1693. Next event is January 28, 2012; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat/Sun 1/28-1/29 Fourth Annual Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival, a Playdate for the Imagination at the beautiful art deco theater, Michaan’s Auctions, in Alameda. Doors open at 9:30am and show starts at 10:30am both days.
Sat/Sun 1/28-1/29 Children’s Fairyland, Snow Queen performs “Tales from Winter Wonderland”, a magical music and storytelling performance. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
Sun. 1/29 Mill Valley/Sausalito Path Cleanup, 10am – 12pm, Join us to clean a litter hot spot and remove invasive weeds from the sensitive tidal wetlands surrounding this very popular multi-use path. The area is home to endangered species, which are threatened by accumulations of trash and weeds that crowd out native vegetation. The work involves easy to moderate activity on flat ground and is suitable for all ages. Bring water; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Rain may cancel. Meet at the parking lot underneath Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, next to the offices at 100 Shoreline Hwy.
Sun. 1/29 Julia Robinson Mathematics Festival, UC Berkeley campus from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join us in the Pauley Ballroom in the MLK Student Union where we will feature dozens of exciting mathematical activities designed to inspire, delight and challenge young mathematicians, 6th grade and up.
Sun. 1/29 Sing-a-Long Wizard of Oz, 3pm, The Lark.
Sun. 1/29 Family Comedy and Magic Revue, a benefit for the PTA for Arts and Enrichment Programming at Hamilton School in Novato. Marin Civic Center, Showcase Theatre, San Rafael, 2pm and 5pm. For tickets 499-6800.
Sun. 1/29 Drop-In Art-Making: Stained Glass Explorations, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Be inspired by the majesty of Congregation Sherith Israel’s stained glass window featured in the exhibition, California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, and create your own color-saturated works of art. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
Sun. 1/30 Amy Liz, 6:00-7:30, celebrated Marin County children’s musician, is performing, Ghiringhellis Pizzeria Grill & Bar.
Salmon
Elephant Seals – December 15 through March 31
Whales - mid-January through mid-March. Late April and early May to see moms and calfs.
Birds
Butterflies
Tule Elk
