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
DECEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
‘Tis the Season to go Ice Skating!
If you grew up in Marin you may remember the Raydine’s Ice Rink that used to occupy the space that is now occupied by Golds Gym in Corte Madera. Now you may have to drive a bit, but there are still some indoor and outdoor rinks 
outside of Marin. Just opened for the season is the Holiday Ice Rink at the Embarcadero in San Francisco in Justin Herman Plaza. Take the Larkspur Ferry and dine at one of the many restaurants at the Embarcadero or Ferry Building Marketplace. Not too far from this rink is the Yerba Buena Ice Skating and Bowling Center (an indoor rink). Do some window or real shopping before or after skating at the Union Square ice rink. . If you feel like heading North, there’s the famous Snoopy Home Ice, The Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa. While you’re up there, visit the Snoopy’s Gallery that showcases the chronology of the Peanuts comic strip. For a fleeting moment (on Friday, 12/2 only), Tiburon will also have its very own ice rink featured in the Tiburon Holiday Festival.
Baby, It’s Cold Outside…So Get Into a Museum!
Here are some museums that are interesting enough, even for that discriminating tween or teen!
California Academy of Sciences – ‘Tis the Season for Science is a celebration of science including indoor snow flurries and live reindeer! Get into the festive spirit with art and music from the Bay Area’s greatest talents, including carolers, musicians, dancers, theater troupes, and more.
The Cartoon Museum – 655 Mission St., SF, Tuesday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Closed Monday and on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Not your typical still-life painting, this museum celebrates the humorous side of life. Beginning December 17th, the museum presents its latest exhibition, Black and White and Read All Over: Comics of the New Millennium, a showcase featuring nine comic strips introduced between the years 2000 and 2010. From talking animals to beleaguered cartoonists, childhood fears to childhood nightmares, the perils of adulthood to the trials of arrested development, the nonsensical to the political (which often goes right back around to nonsensical), the modern comic strip page really does include something for everyone.
The Exploratorium – Unlike most museums, this one offers a hands-on experience for kids of all ages. From artist’s exhibits, to film showings and special shopping days for members, this museum has a lot to offer. Be prepared to be exhausted by the end of the day!
Modern Museum of Art (MOMA), Located at 151 Third St. in San Francisco, The MOMA offers cool art that even teens will appreciate.
Ring in the Holidays with a Dance Performance
Chances are if you have a child in Marin, you know someone who is in one of 
the many ballet and dance performances this month in Marin. See the schedule below for dates and times.
Get Cooking!
I remember how my mom “forced” me to take a cooking class when I was in the eighth grade and I ended up loving it. It even led to my first job as a pantry cook when I was 16! Some of the cooking classes are more appropriate for older teens so please check the website or call the company for more details:
Exhibits
Play Land at the Conservatory of Flowers, SF now through April 15, 2012.
If your parents or grandparents grew up in or around San Francisco during the 
mid-1900s, they may have told you how they used to visit the Sutro baths and Play Land located near Ocean Beach. The Conservatory of SF presents a miniature replica of Play Land complete with sounds and memorabilia.
Some Events by Date in December:
As always, please check the website for more current information for changes, cancellations or updates. Please investigate the events on your own as we do not take responsibility for actions resulting from this list.
Fri 12/2
Festival – Tiburon Holiday Festival, Downtown Tiburon, Main Street, 5:30 PM. Tiburon Holiday Festival 2011 will feature an OUTDOOR ICE SKATING RINK for families, couples, ice skating enthusiasts, and everyone to delight!
12/3
Art - Art & Film, 540 Alabama St, SF. On the first and third Saturday of each month (September through May 7), students tour downtown galleries and museums to take in the very latest in contemporary art before they are treated to a picnic lunch. After lunch we go see a new release film. Unless noted otherwise, we meet on the balcony outside Metreon overlooking Yerba Buena Park between 10:30 and 11am. Come join us.
Audition – Gleeful Live! The San Francisco Children’s Musical Theater is will be holding auditions for youth (ages 5-17) to perform in “Gleeful Live!” The songs featured will be from the popular t.v. show Glee. The auditions will be held at the King George Hotel, 334 Mason St., SF. Check the website for specific times. If selected there are registration and costume fees. The performances will be held at the Palace of Fine Arts in March.
Cooking Class – Chocolate Making at Cavallo Point, 1-4 PM. 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito. Learn how to make chocolate with Michael Rechiuti. Classes $85 plus tax.
Craft Fair – Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, 10am – 
5pm. Jewelry, hand-crafted gift items, ornaments and more! Free admission. (415) 383-1370.
Jingle Jog (1 mile or 4 mile run). Start the holiday season right with a festive 1 mile or 4 mile run along with the scenic shores of the Strawberry Peninsula. Fun for all members of the family. Registration required. 4 mile race $40, 1 mile race $25 to benefit Strawberry Point Elementary School in Mill Valley.
Dance – Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker, Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, Civic Center, San Rafael. 1pm and 5pm. Adults $32, Seniors and Students $20.
Dance – Just Dance Academy presents the Nutcracker plus jazz and hip-hop numbers performed by the junior and senior members of the Just Dance Academy and other members of the Just Dance Academy. Showcase Theater, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm & 6:30pm. Ticket prices: Adults $11, Seniors and Youth $9.
Sun 12/4
Audition - Gleeful Live! The San Francisco Children’s Musical Theater is will be holding auditions for youth (ages 5-17) to perform in “Gleeful Live!” 
The songs featured will be from the popular t.v. show Glee. The auditions will be held at the King George Hotel, 334 Mason St., SF. Check the website for specific times. If selected there are registration and costume fees. The performances will be held at the Palace of Fine Arts in March.
Dance – Stapleton Ballet Nutcracker, Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, Civic Center, San Rafael. 1pm and 5pm. Adults $32, Seniors and Students $20.
Dance – Spark Dance, Proof Lab, 254 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley. The Spark Dance is put on by highschoolers for middle-schoolers grades 6-8. Students must show their student I.D. to enter. According to the website, online tickets are sold out, but may be purchased at the door for $20. This dance is NOT put on by Proof Lab so contact the promoters directly.
Performance – Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker, Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, San Rafael, 1pm and 5pm. Adults $39, Seniors and Youth (18 & Under) $24, Candy Cane Party $5 additional.
Performance – Raise The Youth, 142 Throckmorton Theater, Mill Valley. Young performers will be performing favorite moments from Les Miserables, Singing in the Rain and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The Marin Youth Performer’s fantastic teen A Capella group will also be performing to raise money for the Marin Youth Performers.
Performance - Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker,Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, San Rafael, 1pm and 5pm. Adults $39, Seniors and Youth (18 & Under) $24, Candy Cane Party $5 additional.
Sun 12/11
Performance - Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker, Marin Veteran’s Auditorium, San Rafael, 1pm and 5pm. Adults $39, Seniors and Youth (18 & Under) $24, Candy Cane Party $5 additional.
Sat 12/17
Lighted Boat Parade, The best viewing locations are the Pickleweed Community Center, Beach Park, along the Canal area at the Montecito Plaza, 6pm. Each year, San Rafael unofficially celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with its annual lighted boat parade in the San Rafael Canal. Boaters throughout Marin County devote many hours and days preparing their vessels for what has become one of the largest lighted boat parades in the Bay Area.
Peformance – Sophie and the Enchanted Toy Shop, Marin Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium, Civic Center, San Rafael, 1pm and 5pm. Adults: $35, seniors and students $25, Teddy Bear Tea Party $5 additional per person.
Do you know of an event or activity that tweens & teens would like? Please email your ideas to: Marjorie at marinhood4kids@gmail.com.
November is full of 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 Marin Tweens & Teens, click here.
Before it Gets Too Wet, Try Skateboarding in Marin!
When your kid takes an interest in a sport, you start noticing things. For example, my son has recently taken an interest in skateboarding. So, as I’m driving around Marin, I start 
noticing skate board parks. Even, the skateboard park at Mill Valley Middle School had never really stood out to me…until now. I also started noticing how many kids are into it. For some, it’s really a passion, for others, it’s just something to do. If your kid is already into it, you’ll already know all about these places, but if your kid is just starting out, check out these places!
McInnis Skate Park San Rafael (415)499-6387
Check out this YouTube video.
Mill Valley Skate Park A very small ramp park next to Mill Valley Middle School’s Gym Parking lot. It’s not really a destination, but if you’re in the neighborhood…
Novato Skate Park
1200 Hamilton Parkway, one block from
Nave Drive in Sports Court Island
Hours: 10:00 AM – Sunset
Skate Park Hotline: (415) 493-4753
Includes a 15,000 square foot skating area that features stairs, bowls, walls, curbs, rails, and ramps. The park was designed for beginner and intermediate skateboarders; located at 1200 Hamilton Parkway, one block from Nave Drive in Sports Court Island.
Proof Lab in Mill Valley, is a skate/surf shop located at Tam Junction. It’s so cool, that you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless you had heard about it because it’s tucked behind their smaller Patagonia store front. Perfectly situated (on the way to Stinson Beach), it carries all things related to skating, surfing, or just hanging at the beach! There’s also a skate ramp on the premises which anyone can use as long as a parent signs the liability waiver. The address is 254 Shoreline Highway. Once in a while they have special events so check their website.
Ramp Rats Bike & Skate Park, 917e Piner Road, Santa Rosa.
Library Events for Teens and Tweens
Marin County Libraries’ new site. Check out the teen page for suggested reading for teens, homework help, and other teen related topics!
Spectator Sports
Cal Football (college)
Stanford Football (college)
49ers (pro)
Raiders (pro)
San Jose Sharks (hockey)
Theater
The New Conservatory Theater Centerin San Francisco offers a Youth Aware educational theater for children and teens. This month they are performing Outspoken. Based directly on the voices of today’s young people, OutSpoken is a drama for teens that looks at the many reasons young people feel ostracized in school, at home, and in their communities including race, religion, sexual orientation, body type, and socioeconomic background. OutSpoken helps teens think about labeling and diversity within their communities.
Cirque Du Soleil Totem, a fascinating journey into the evoluation of mankind. Now through December 18th, 74 Mission Rock St., SF.
142 Throckmorton Theater Youth Performers. This month they perform Thoroughly Modern Millie, a high-energy musical featuring young performers. See calendar for times.
Concerts
Katy Perry, The California Dreams Tour, Oracle Arena, Oakland.
NOVEMBER CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
As always, please check the individual websites for any time changes or cancellations. Check back for updates throughout the month!
Tue 11/1 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park, SF. Interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits will overwhelm AT&T Park. Check the schedule for details.
Wed 11/2 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park, SF. Interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits will overwhelm AT&T Park. Check the schedule for details.
Thu 11/3 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park, SF. Interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits will overwhelm AT&T Park. Check the schedule for details.
Fri 11/4 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park, SF. Interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits will overwhelm AT&T Park. Check the schedule for details.
Sat 11/5 - Film- Come Hell or High Water, a surf film documenting the plight of the Torpedo People. Proof Lab, 274 Shoreline Ave., Mill Valley, 6:30PM. (415) 380-8900.
11/5 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park, SF. Interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits will overwhelm AT&T Park. Check the schedule for details.
11/6 Bay Area Science Festival, AT&T Park will become a science wonderland when the Bay Area Science concludes with this FREE science extravaganza on Sunday November 6th. The event showcases the intrigue and pure fun of science with a non-stop program of interactive exhibits, experiments, games, and shows, all meant to entertain and inspire. Over 170 exhibits.
Fri 11/11- Veterans Day. No School!
11/11 – Theater – Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton Theater, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, 7:30 PM. The Marin Youth Performers delight the audience with this high-spirited musical.
11/11 – Friday Nights at the DeYoung Museum, 5-8:45 PM. Enjoy hands-on art activities for the family, live music, the de Young Café, and more.
Sat 11/12 - Theater – 142 Throckmorton Theater (youth division) presents the upbeat musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, Matinee, 2pm.
11/12 - Writing Workshop for Teens, Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd. 12:30 – 3:30 pm. Space is limited so reservations needed. For more information, call the Novato Library Reference Desk at 415-897-1142.
11/12 – College Entrance Writing Workshop, Point Reyes Library. 11431 State Route 1, Point Reyes. Two workshops by instructor Sarah Olsen of 10,000 Degrees.
Reservations are required – call 663-8375 to reserve space.
Sun 11/13 Theater - 142 Throckmorton Theater (youth division) presents the upbeat musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, Matinee, 2pm.
Mon 11/14 – Outspoken Community Night for Teens (grade 6-12), New Conservatory Theater Centre, 25 Van Ness, SF, 7pm. Based directly on the voices of today’s young people, OutSpoken is a drama for teens that looks at the many reasons young people feel ostracized in school, at home, and in their communities including 
race, religion, sexual orientation, body type, and socioeconomic background. OutSpoken helps teens think about labeling and diversity within their communities. Through OutSpoken, we hope young people will find new ways to move past these differences to a place of real tolerance and understanding. Playing now through Dec. 8th. Check the site for times.
Weds 11/16 – Breaking Dawn Release Party for Teens, 6th – 12th graders. Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd 7-8:30 PM. Reservations Recommended.For more information, call the Novato Library Reference Desk at 415-897-1142. Sponsored by Friends of the Novato Libraries
Thur 11/17 – House of Air Theme Night, 926 Mason Street, West Crissy Field in the old Presidio, 7-9 pm. Wear your best (or worst) T-shirt!
Fri 11/18 – 13th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest, Palace of Fine Arts, 8pm. 
Featuring dance companies from all over the globe.
Fri 11/18 Friday Nights at the DeYoung Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, SF. 6:00-8:30 PM.
Fri 11/18 – Theater - 142 Throckmorton Theater (youth division) presents the upbeat musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, Matinee, 7:30 pm.
Sat 11/19 - 13th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest, Palace of Fine Arts, 6 pm & 9:30 pm. Featuring dance companies from all over the globe.
11/19 – Theater - 142 Throckmorton Theater (youth division) presents the upbeat musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, Matinee, 2pm.
11/19 – Warren Miller Ski Film Like There’s No Tomorrow, Marin 
Veteran’s Auditorium, San Rafael. Warren Miller Entertainment brings you its 62nd winter sports film, hosted by Marin County skiing icon Jonny Moseley and shot on location in India, New Zealand, Chile, British Columbia and beyond.
Sun 11/20 - Lecture – Rules Are Made to be Broken, but Which Ones and When? California Writer’s Cub, Marin Branch presents at Book Passage, Corte Madera, 2-4pm. Three authors share their experiences and answer your questions about breaking writing and publishing “rules” and blazing one’s own unique writing path.
11/20 – Theater - 142 Throckmorton Theater (youth division) presents the upbeat musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley, Matinee, 2pm.
11/20 – Tree Lighting Ceremony Pier 39, 12-6pm. Families and friends are invited to PIER 39’s Tree Lighting Celebration to give hugs to some of your favorite Disney Pals, sing along with live holiday music, engage in interactive booths and more. The event culminates at 5:30pm as PIER 39′s majestic 60ft. tree adorned with glistening ornaments, bows and twinkling lights is illuminated against a stunning backdrop of the San Francisco City skyline.
11/20 - 13th Annual SF Hip Hop DanceFest, Palace of Fine Arts, 8pm. Featuring dance companies from all over the globe, 6pm.
Mon 11/21 – Katy Perry The California Dreams Tour, Oracle Arena in Oakland, 7:30 PM.
Thurs 11/24 – Happy Thanksgiving!
Race – 11th Annual Marin County Turkey Trot, Indian Valley College, Novato. Something for the whole family! Registration at 7am. This benefits the Novato School Fuel Foundation.
Things to do during the Thanksgiving Break
Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose. (408) 247-2101. It’s been many years since I’ve toured the mansion, but I still remember that I was pretty scared! It may be the closest thing your child will come to a real haunted house. Check the website for tour costs and times.
Fri 11/25 – The Great Dickens Christmas Fair. Step back into time with this 
outdoor festival at The San Francisco Cow Palace Exhibition Halls. Over 120,000 square feet to explore!
Fri 11/25 – The 32nd Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Downtown San Rafael, includes snow sledding from noon – 4:30 pm. Check the 
website for schedule.
11/25 – Fam Bam world premiere and Q & A with filmmaker Kevin Epps, DeYoung Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, SF.
Sat 11/26 - The 32nd Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland in Downtown San Rafael, includes snow and kids’ activities 9-noon. Check the website for schedule.
Do you know of an event or activity that tweens & teens would like? Please leave a comment. Thanks!
As the winter holiday’s start to rush in so do out-of-town visitors. Wondering where to go that everyone will enjoy? Here are some tours that are entertaining, informative and some are FREE!
Shuttle Through Time: Take the PresidiGo shuttle at 10:45-11:45 am, 1st & 3rd Friday of the month and travel through time as you hear stories spanning the centuries. Meet NPS Ranger at the Presidio Transit Center, corner of Graham Street and Lincoln Boulevard. Free!
San Francisco City Guides: Run by local volunteers who love the City, its history, lore and legends as much as I do. Tours are fun and informative showing you a combination of San Francisco landmarks and off-the-beaten-path sites. Most tours last 1-1/2 to 2 hours and are not hard, although, you are walking in San Francisco and that often involves hills. Regularly scheduled City Guides tours are free, donations are always welcome.
The Marine Mammal Center: Open to the public daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission is free! Docent-Led Tour for an hour of insights and stories. Adults/$7, $5/kids.
Marinship Walking Tour at Bay Model Visitor Center: Walk back in time with Carol Schoenfeld on a 1.5 hour guided tour of Sausalito’s Historic Marinship. This was a major WWII shipyard which had a significant role in winning the war and influencing social changes in Marin County. Come and learn about the history, the extraordinary Marinship workers, and the spirit of this era. Call 332-3871 to make arrangements. Free!
Tour Berkeley Campus: The UC Berkeley Visitor Center offers tours seven days a week, with reservation, all year (except for Thanksgiving and the winter holiday period). Led by expert student guides who know the campus and the nuances of student life, the campus tour is ideal for students interested in attending UC Berkeley or tourists wishing to learn more about the campus. Free!
AT&T Park: This tour is not free but if you have a baseball enthusiast visiting this tour is a must. I took my dad (a NY & SF Giant fan) in October and he was like a kid again. Tour includes the Field Warning Track, a Major League Dugout, Visitors’ Indoor Batting Cage, the Visitors’ Clubhouse, the Press Box, a Luxury Suite. $15/adult, $12/kids.
There are many tours in the Bay Area, so if you know of tour that Marinhood fans would enjoy please let us know.
Happy November!
Ronnie
Print version of Ronnie’s Awesome List (pdf)
November 2011
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15
16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30
~ ART Everything Is the Kitchen Sink, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Family tour at 1:00 p.m., Special presentation at 2:00 p.m. If you were traveling in a trailer for a month, what would you need? Artists Andrea Zittel and Charlie White asked this kind of question when they customized their own trailer, the A to Z 1995 Travel Trailer Unit. Combining creativity and efficiency at this Family Studio, you can create your own miniature trailer with all the necessary items inside. Learn how to reuse and recycle with a reading of Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel. Children ages 4 to 11 on family program days. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
~ CRAFT Crochet Class, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Pickleweed Public Library, 50 Canal Street, This is a series of classes to learn to make easy home projects. 485-3483.
~ STORYTIME Stories by the Fireside, with Phil Sheridan, Henry’s Toyshop, Mill Valley.
~ CRAFT Day of the Dead – Día de Los Muertos Family Altar Making Event, Age 5 and up and families, Learn about Day of the Dead/Día de Los Muertos traditions in Spanish and English and then transform a shoebox into a beautiful altar to honor a loved one. Kids 5 and up and families. Call 389-4292 x106 to register, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM, FREE, Mill Valley Public Library.
~ FESTIVAL San Francisco’s Annual Day of the Dead celebration!
~ FESTIVAL Dìa de los Muertos Celebration, 5-9PM, Shattuck Ave. at Vine St. in Berkeley includes a community altar, costume & giant papier mâché head contests, Aztec Dancers, food trucks, and a sidewalk candle light procession.
~ FESTIVAL Día de Muertos, Join us for bilingual storytime, games and crafts for the entire family! 5-6pm, Novato Library, 897-1143.
See Ronnie’s Awesome Every List
~ DRAMA Creative Drama Playshop with Sandra Davies, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Kids in Kindergarten and up will explore the world of improvisation and drama as they dive into their imaginations. We’ll play fun improv games, act, dance, sing, and tell stories together. Children are encouraged to make up stories on their own with partners or groups and they will delight in the whimsical outcome. Anybody can play improv with instructor Sandra Rae Davies (founder of the YeaSayers Improv Troupe). San Anselmo Library.
~ ART 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. Lovely Landscapes in American Impressionism, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. The Power of Painting, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ ART Trash to Treasures, fun, engaging and educational workshops will give children ages 5-11 the opportunity to create unique note cards using plastic trash collected from local beaches, while learning about marine mammals, ocean health and how they can prevent ocean trash, 1-3pm, The Marin Mammal Center, Sausalito.
~ ART Randall Museum, Create a beautiful personal matchbox shrine. Collage details on the outside of your shrine and pull it open to reveal messages and images you’ve hidden inside, 1pm and 4pm.
~ CRAFT Veterans Flag Day, Free Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 12-2pm.
~ EVENT GROW Open House, 254 Shoreline Hwy, Mill Valley, 2-5pm, free drinks, taco truck, oyster bar, music. For more information call 888-8471.
~ EVENT Family Farm Days, Slide Ranch, 10am – 2pm: $30/person; $95 families of 4 or more; age 2 and under free.
~ EVENT Candlelight Tour, 6:30-8 pm, See Fort Point by the light of candles and stars on this evening tour. Reservations required; phone (415) 556-1693.
~ EVENT 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 “Are Trees Alive?” by Debbie Miller. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ EVENT Day of the Dead, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Pickleweed Park Community Center, 50 Canal St., San Rafael.
~ EVENT Manor Elementary School Winter Faire, 150 Oak Manor Drive, Fairfax, Come for the sledding and the creative games, bake sale, bounce house, big slide, chilli cookoff and a book sale. It’s free and fun for the whole family. Fundraiser for Manor PTA and the YES Foundation, 4:00pm.
~ EVENT Guy Fawkes event at the Pelican Inn and the beach, contact them for info, 383-6000.
~ MUSIC Alison Faith Levy’s Big Time Tot Rock, 11am – 12pm, bringing a freewheeling, rock n’ roll energy to acoustic guitar and piano tunes, encouraging kids and parents to dance around, get silly, and have fun! Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ MUSIC Día de los Muertos Community Concert, 2pm, Davies Symphony Hall.
~ NATURE Family Hike at Bolinas Lagoon, 11am – 1pm, discover why the lagoon was designated as a “Wetland of International Significance” and learn about birding. (415) 507-2816.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Owen Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 1:30pm & 2:30pm. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE Paula the Magician, 11:00 AM, Barnes & Nobel, Corte Madera.
~ SCIENCE Discovery Days North Bay Discovery Day at Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, 11AM -4PM.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Randall Museum, It’s a well know fact that oil and water don’t mix, but see how fun this physics fact can be. Make your own psychedelic Lava Lamp to amaze your friends and family!
~ SCIENCE Star Party, Mt. Tamalpais State Park, Explore the Wonders of the Universe, a “nekkid-eye Nightscape” tour following the program.
~ SPORT Kids’ & Family Relay Triathlon, 11:30am, McNear’s Beach County Park (201 Cantera Way, San Rafael, CA 94901)
~ STORYTIME Scott the Storyteller, puppeteer and storyteller, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera at 11 a.m.
~ VOLUNTEER Horse Hill Work Party, 9am – 1pm, broom-busting pizza party, raffle, and equine interpretive event. Participants will learn about the herd that calls this hill home, see them up close, and discover their unique and entertaining personalities. Meet near the intersection of Lomita Dr and Greenfield Ct (Mill Valley).
~ WRITING Karen Benke – Rip the Page! Writing for Kids 8-10 Years Old, Benke presents an imaginative writing workshop for kids 8-10 years-old who want to create poems and small stories they can take home to share. Karen Benke has inspired kids’ creative journeys in the form of poem-making for 17 years as a California Poet in the Schools and has authored a collection of poems, Sister, and a new book for kids and kids-at-heart, $40, 3pm, Book Passage, Corte Madera.
Sunday, November 6, Daylight Savings
~ EVENT Children’s Program, 10-11:30am, Green Gulch Farm.
~ NATURE Muir Woods Auditory Odyssey, Winter is the best time to experience the quietness of the primeval forest at Muir Woods. See and hear the subtle changes of the redwood forest as day transitions into night. Travel slowly through the woods with Ranger Lou Sian on this easy walk, surrounded by the rich sounds of nature that are fast becoming endangered in this urban area. Children under 8 years not advised. Bring a flashlight, dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Reservations required; phone (415) 388-2596.
~ NATURE Children’s Program at Green Gulch, after a short talk, the children leave the zendo to participate in their own special programs. Activities include crafts, seasonal projects on the farm and garden, yoga, and ritual. The program is regularly held on the first Sunday of each month (except the first Sunday in December). Please check in before the program at the table near the southwest side entrance of the zendo.
~ PERFORMANCE Timothy James, Magician, Berkeley JCC.
~ PERFORMANCE The Flying Calamari Brothers Magic and Comedy, Come see two of the funniest and coolest Magicians working today! Osher Marin JCC The Kanbar Center for the Performing Arts 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael.
~ PERFORMANCE EarthCapades Environmental Vaudeville, Juggling, Stiltwalking and Circus Arts, The Randall Museum, San Francisco.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Owen Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 1:30pm & 2:30pm. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Festival Finale at AT&T Park, San Francisco, 11AM -4PM.
~ SCIENCE Little Learners Lab, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Outside of the Project Lab. This special program is designed for the Academy’s youngest learners (ages 3 to 5) and families. Be a scientist-in-training and do fun hands-on-experiments! California Academy of Science.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
Tuesday, November 8, Election Day
~ CRAFT Crochet Class, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Pickleweed Public Library, 50 Canal Street, This is a series of classes to learn to make easy home projects. 485-3483
~ MUSIC 200 Years of American Music, Showcase Theatre, Marin Civic Center, 9:30 & 11 a.m. We open the season with Razzle Bam Boom’s song-filled and humorous take on important musical genres of the past two centuries, including Bluegrass, Hawaiian, Western, Jazz, Blues, Patriotic, Folk and Rock ‘n Roll. Sing and clap along as you learn the musical history of our country. Appropriate for All Grades.
~ NATURE Rainbow Rocks at Rodeo Beach, 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. 9:30-11:30am register, $15/per child per session, 1 adult FREE with child admission. Pre-registration required. Ages 3-5 welcome (pre-K), Snack provided.
~POETRY Young Poet’s Club for Kids 6-12, If you like to read and write poetry, join the Poetry Club! Space is limited so call us at (415) 258-4656 to register, San Anselmo Library.
~ SCIENCE Toddler Treks – Owls. 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.
~ SCIENCE Sprouts! 2:00 pm. Explore plants, animals, geology, weather, and seasons in a variety of nature’s gardens, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and even your own backyard! The program can include learning games, simple crafts, stories and other fun activities. For children ages 3-5. Join us in November to learn about coniferous trees and discover the vast plant life in Californian forests. California Academy of Science.
~ EVENT Having Fun in the Delta, 2pm – 3pm Have you ever thought about all the things there are to do in the Delta? Come find out some fun and interesting adventures you and your family can have by exploring this hidden gem with Ranger Bill. Bay Model, Sausalito.
~ NATURE Nature for Kids at Point Reyes, 10am – 2pm, Point Reyes National Seashore, great place to look at bugs and other animals. We’ll have lunch at Divide Meadow, a perfect spot for kids to explore among the tall grasses. Meet at the far end of the large parking area across from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Thursday, November 10, Full Moon
~ EVENT Children’s Book Swap, 4-5:30, The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting longer which means more time for reading! Bring your used children’s books to our Children’s Book Swap and take home something new to read—or at least new to you. Sausalito Library.
~ MUSIC Musical Pajama Story Time with Julia Norton, All ages, 6:30 PM – 7:15 PM, Jump into your jammies and come to the library for relaxing songs and stories with Julia Norton, singer and lullaby expert. Call 389-4292 x106 for more information. The Creekside Room, Mill Valley Public Library.
~ NATURE Muir Woods after Hours, 4-6 pm, Explore the evening magic of Muir Woods, learning about the secret nightlife of an old-growth redwood forest. This special walk begins one hour before sunset and will conclude with the dark of night! Listen for owls, look for bats, and use our senses to guide us along the trails. Children under 8 not advised. This is an easy, two-mile walk on paved trail. Bring your flashlight, dress in layers, and wear good hiking shoes. Reservations required, phone 388-2596. Entrance fee applies.
Friday, November 11, Veterans Day
~ FILM Movie Night for Kids grades 3-5, Karate Kid, Registration Required, 5:30-7:30pm, Suggested Donation $10, Call or email the Children’s Room to sign up early for this monthly favorite for older kids. Pizza and popcorn provided. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ VETERAN’S DAY Veterans’ Day, 9:30 am, Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael, Honor those who have served our country. Marin’s Veterans’ Day program will begin in the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium with music, military exercises and a brief address. It will continue in front of the World War I, World War II and Korean, Vietnam and Merchant Marine Memorials on the Avenue of the Flags. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony in the Redwood Foyer. Admission to this event is free; no tickets or reservations are required.
~ VETERAN’S DAY Veteran’s Day Celebration and BBQ, free event that features a parade in the morning, a U.S. Military Fly over featuring two T238 planes courtesy of Beale AFB, CA. The Bay Area Tuskegee Airmen Ceremony and a featured monologue presented by a theater student portraying the role of General Benjamin Davis by Performing Stars of Marin and the Marin Theater Company.
~ ART Randall Museum, In many places, houses stand on stilts. Design and decorate your own stilt shack with all the trimming! 1pm and 4pm.
~ ART Family Fun Activity: Paint, 10:30 am–12:00 noon, Suggested for families with children ages 7-10. Families learn to make South Asian style paintings together with New York artist Talha Rathore. This intimate setting allows budding artists an opportunity to explore traditional painting techniques. Asian Art Museum.
~ ART Make It @ MOCFA, with guest artist Stan Peterson, 2–4pm ”Construction is collaboration” is a quote from Randy Colosky, the artist featured in the current exhibition. Participants 5 years and older will use scrap wood, cordless drills, and dowels to build a collective sculpture in the Museum gallery. At the end, stand back and see what you have created! We will photograph the sculpture before all is disassembled and you take a piece of it home. $5 for admission and materials. Members are free.
~ EVENT 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 “Are Trees Alive?” by Debbie Miller. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ EVENT The Night’s Sky: Family Night Hike & Campfire, 5:30-8pm, Join us for a night hike and investigation of the night’s sky under a full moon. Gather ’round the campfire for quality time with friends and family, sing songs, and get silly as you roast s’mores by moonlight. 5:30-8pm Headlands Institute, Sausalito.
~ EVENT Grandparents Family Farm Day, 10am-2pm, at Slide Ranch. To ask about space and fees, contact them at 415.381.6155 or office@slideranch.org. (please double check this date!)
~ EVENT Victorian Christmas, Camp Reynolds, Angel Island, Join us for arts & crafts and make your own holiday ornament to take home! Enjoy the smell and taste of hot apple cider and freshly baked cookies made in the historic brick oven of the cozy 1860s era Bake House. Tours of the historic Victorian officer’s quarters on site will be offered, as well as a traditional Camp Reynolds cannon firing to salute the season at noon and 1:30 pm each day.
~ MUSIC The Swing Era, Both fun and educational, Family Matinees provide a window into the exciting world of live jazz. Each one-hour matinee features live performance, audience participation, Q&A and amazing music. Although designed for elementary school students, our Family Matinees are open to music fans of all ages. Acclaimed bassist and composer Marcus Shelby leads this season’s wonderful program.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Award winning Storyteller John Weaver will entertain with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Randall Museum, What’s a turtle? What’s a tortoise? Meet some of the Randall turtles and tortoises and see just how great these animals are. Paint your own watercolor habitat to discover how each type of animal lives!
~ SLEEPOVER Penguins+Pajamas, 6:00 pm, Curious whether Claude the albino alligator snores at night? Now’s your chance to find out. Unroll your sleeping bag inside the Academy for a Penguins+Pajamas sleepover. Explore your favorite exhibits, visit penguin central and tour the universe after-hours. California Academy of Science.
~ WORKSHOP Worm Bin Workshop, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Learn how to make a worm bin for your home or classroom! Worm bins keep food waste out of landfills and produce wonderful soil for your garden. We’ll also explore other methods of composting, such as tumblers and yard waste bins. Appropriate for families or individuals. Cost: $40 (includes bin, info packet, & starter worms). Advance registration required: 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon & Sanctuary, Tiburon.
~ CRAFT Clay Pot Event, Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 1-2pm.
~ EVENT Victorian Christmas, Camp Reynolds, Angel Island, Join us for arts & crafts and make your own holiday ornament to take home! Enjoy the smell and taste of hot apple cider and freshly baked cookies made in the historic brick oven of the cozy 1860s era Bake House. Tours of the historic Victorian officer’s quarters on site will be offered, as well as a traditional Camp Reynolds cannon firing to salute the season at noon and 1:30 pm each day.
~ MUSEUM Preschool Gallery Hour: The Magic of Stories, featuring the music of the East Bay’s Octopretzel and the Magic of Brian Scott. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ NATURE Welcome Back Salmon! Bring the whole family and join us around a campfire with members of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria who will say their traditional salmon blessing. The event features storytelling, native craft-making, and traditional fire-starting. Also, bring your favorite nature readings to wish the coho salmon a healthy return to their home in Redwood Creek. Meet on Muir Beach where the creek meets the ocean. For more information, call (415) 388-2596.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Award winning Storyteller John Weaver will entertain with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ VOLUNTEER Fennel Fest at McInnis Park, 9am – 12pm, 350 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. Meet at the skatepark parking lot.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ ART Everything Is the Kitchen Sink, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Family tour at 1:00 p.m., Special presentation at 2:00 p.m. If you were traveling in a trailer for a month, what would you need? Artists Andrea Zittel and Charlie White asked this kind of question when they customized their own trailer, the A to Z 1995 Travel Trailer Unit. Combining creativity and efficiency at this Family Studio, you can create your own miniature trailer with all the necessary items inside. Learn how to reuse and recycle with a reading of Michael Recycle, by Ellie Bethel. Children ages 4 to 11 on family program days. San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
~ CRAFT Crochet Class, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Pickleweed Public Library, 50 Canal Street, This is a series of classes to learn to make easy home projects. 485-3483
~ ANIMALS Fish Feeding Frenzy, 2:30pm – 3pm Help Ranger Bill feed the hungry inhabitants of our fresh and saltwater tanks. Watch the different feeding styles of perch, crabs, sea stars, and steelhead trout. Bay Model, Sausalito.
~ CRAFT Harvest Crafts with It’s a Piece of Cake for ages 5 & up, registration required, 4pm, Come make some wonderful crafts featuring pumpkins with It’s a Piece of Cake. Limit 30 children- sign up today by calling 789-2662. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ HOLIDAY Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, While the Mistletones rock the stage with festive holiday songs, Santa will make a grand entrance in a horse-drawn sleigh to light our Oak Tree for the holidays! Come join the free fun, snow, gifts and magic! Northgate Mall.
~ NATURE Focus on Gulls, 10am – 2pm, Point Reyes National Seashore. Naturalist Shannon Burke will discuss identification, plumages, and life-histories of our local gulls as we attempt to demystify these beautiful birds. Meet at the parking lot across from the Bear Valley Visitor Center.
~ ART 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. The Art of the Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Animals in Art, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ ART Randall Museum, Alexander Calder was famous for his giant mobiles. Make a “stabile” sculpture inspired by this great artist. 1pm and 4pm.
~ CRAFT Thanksgiving Table Decoration, 1-2pm, RSVP a must, 388-6233, Goodman’s Building Supply, Mill Valley.
~ EVENT Give Thanks for Food; Family Farm Day, Slide Ranch, 10am – 2pm, Share the wonders of Slide Ranch with your whole family! With the guidance of our experienced teachers, you will milk a goat, feel a sheep’s wool, feed and collect eggs from our chickens, plant a seed, sample from our organic garden, make crafts and food, and explore wild land trails overlooking the ocean. Pack a lunch, water bottle, layered clothing and shoes that can get dirty!
~ EVENT Folktales Across the African Diaspora, 2-4pm, storyteller Yolanda Rhodes will present Mama Yo Tells Tales, whimsical tales from the Caribbean, Deep South and Africa that reflect African roots. Families will make masks representing characters from the stories to enrich their storytelling experience. Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).
~ EVENT Candlelight Tour, 6:30-8 pm, See Fort Point by the light of candles and stars on this evening tour. Reservations required; phone (415) 556-1693.
~ MUSIC LOLLIPOPALOOZA, 10 AM and 12 Noon, featuring Tim Cain, Cindy Cohen, Miss Kitty and Christopher Smith with keyboards by Peter Penhallow and the Dream Circle Band perform two Lollipopalooza concerts, a delightful, interactive sing and dance along extravaganza for young children and their families, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 240 Tiburon Blvd. (across from Cove Shopping Center), Tiburon.
~ MUSIC Culann’s Hounds, 11am – 12pm, Combining vocal harmonies with melodies on fiddle, guitar, and mandolin, to produce an eclectic blend of modern and traditional Irish music. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ MUSIC essence Free CD Release Party, 1:00pm – 1:30pm, Marin singer-songwriter and Museum member essence releases her first children’s CD, “A Dog Named Moo,” Sing and dance along as essence joined by Susan Z share some of the playful tunes. Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ NATURE Wild Fall Friends, 10:00 am, Look for clues that will reveal the identity of some of the animals that call Tennessee Valley home during the Fall. Meet at the Tennessee Valley parking lot.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Fairyland favorite Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Randall Museum, Before GPS people were still able to easily figure out how to navigate the world with the amazing characteristics of magnets. You’ll never lose your way after this fun session where you’ll create your own compass from scratch!
~ AUTHOR Owen Bragg – Ketinga the Cat & Eunice the Unicorn, a delightful children’s book about a cat and a mischievous mouse!, and Eunice the Unicorn. Enjoy the adventures of this brave little unicorn as she flees from an evil tyrant! A percentage of proceeds from sales will support Autistry Studios of Marin, a non-profit organization that helps teens and adults with Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome and other learning differences. Book Passage.
~ CRAFT Family Menorah Making Playshop, With parents’ help and guided by the instructor, children make their own Hannukah menorahs. 1:30-3:30pm, Jewish Community Center of San Francisco.
~ CRAFT Thankful Event, Free Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 & up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 1-3pm.
~ EVENT Ane Carla Rovetta – Acorns á la carte, In this season of Thanksgiving, join Ane Carla Rovetta for stories, drawings, and a celebration of the woodlands that surround us. She’ll share acorn treats, toys, and folktales that are guaranteed to increase your appreciation of Marin’s amazing oaks! All Ages, 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM, FREE. Mill Valley Library.
~ HOLIDAY PIER 39’s Tree Lighting Celebration, a holiday tradition, will feature entertainment performing seasonal favorites. Bring the whole family to sing, shop and swoon at the 60’ tree. PIER 39’s majestic tree, adorned with glistening ornaments, bows and twinkling lights will be lit at 5:30 pm in the Entrance Plaza., Mill Valley Public Library.
~ MUSEUM Free Day! Celebrate Charles Schultz’s birthday with FREE admission to the museum.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Fairyland favorite Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30pm & 2:30pm
Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE The Bubble Lady, The Randall Museum, San Francisco.
~ NATURE Salmon Hike, 10am – 12pm, If Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll be fortunate to witness one of Marin’s natural treasures—steelhead and coho salmon. Learn about their life cycles and the efforts to restore local populations. Meet at the Leo T. Cronin Fish Viewing Area (off Sir Francis Drake Blvd), approximately 1 mile west of Lagunitas.
~ NATURE Nature for Kids at Blackstone Canyon, 10am – 1pm, Big Rock Ridge. This secluded valley below the rugged east end of Big Rock Ridge is a great place to look for animals that are attracted to the creek. Meet at the end of Valleystone Dr in San Rafael.
~ NATURE Soaring Raptors, 1-4pm, Break out the binoculars and spotting scope; it’s raptor migration season in the Headlands! Join our educators for a hike into the hills to catch a glimpse of these birds of prey, dissect an owl pellet, and perfect your raptor calls., *$15/person, pre-registration required.
~ SCIENCE Little Learners Lab, 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Outside of the Project Lab. This special program is designed for the Academy’s youngest learners (ages 3 to 5) and families. Be a scientist-in-training and do fun hands-on-experiments! California Academy of Science.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ CRAFT Crochet Class, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Pickleweed Public Library, 50 Canal Street, This is a series of classes to learn to make easy home projects. 485-3483
~ SCIENCE Sprouts! 2:00 pm. Explore plants, animals, geology, weather, and seasons in a variety of nature’s gardens, including deserts, forests, wetlands, and even your own backyard! The program can include learning games, simple crafts, stories and other fun activities. For children ages 3-5. Join us in November to learn about coniferous trees and discover the vast plant life in Californian forests. California Academy of Science.
~ EVENT Tis the Season for Science, Enjoy wintry festivities and family fun that celebrates the science behind some of our most familiar holiday sights, sounds, and traditions. Join us November 23, 2011 through January 16, 2012. California Academy of Science.
Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving
~ RACE Marin County Turkey Trot, The Youth Gobbler 1 Mile and Turkey Trot 5K are run cross country style on the trails of Marin’s Open Space.
~ HOLIDAY The San Rafael Annual Parade of Lights and Winter Wonderland, Snow Sledding & Marketplace Noon to 8:30 PM Parade at 5:30 PM
~ HOLIDAY The Great Dickens Christmas Fair: A holiday adventure into Victorian London, partying with hundreds of costumed players in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and Christmas shops on winding lanes.
~ PERFORMANCE School’s Out Family Magic Shows: Gerald Joseph, 12-1pm or 2-3pm, Adults: $5 Members; $15 General | $5 youth 18 and under (incl. museum admission) Sleight of hand, levitation, and fanciful escapes will all be part of the fun. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ ART Randall Museum, Blend two dimensions into three. Sculpt a bowl, a boat, a jug, a hat. You choose. 1pm and 4pm.
~ HOLIDAY Snow & Kids’ activities 9:00 AM – Noon, Fourth Street ~ A Street to Lootens , San Rafael, CA
~ HOLIDAY Gingerbread Architecture Fundraiser, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $30 per gingerbread kit for members $40 per gingerbread kit for nonmembers, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ PERFORMANCE Tomáš Kubínek, Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible, The perfect family outing for Thanksgiving weekend! He may be a bit “unhinged” (and we mean that in the nicest way!), but the one-and-only Dr. Professor Kubínek is also a comic genius, virtuoso vaudevillian, and all-round charmer who gives audiences an utterly joyous experience they’ll remember for a lifetime. Zellerbach Playhouse, Berkeley.
~ PERFORMANCE Nutcracker Sweets, Children’s Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum), through Dec 23.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Buki the Clown and her way cool, magic show is here to make you laugh and giggle at her crazy antics! 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Randall Museum, The physics behind bubbles! Make your own unique bubble wand to create this wonderful natural phenomenon for yourself.
~ SPORT Fishing Derby, 8am – 12pm, 201 Cantera Way, San Rafael. Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to enter the competition and teach your kids to fish! Prizes will be awarded for the biggest fish caught and most fish caught. Rangers will be on hand to demonstrate the basics of salt water fishing. A limited number of fishing poles and bait will be provided first-come, first-serve courtesy of Western Sport Shop and the Ca Dept of Fish and Game. Meet at the pier.
~ EVENT MIlk & Cookies Party, ODC Dance, 3:45PM, $12 per person, Join the characters from The Velveteen Rabbit for this special, one-time-only, post performance party in the YBCA Forum. Nibble on mountains of tasty treats, dance with the characters and have your face painted —it’s great family fun for all!
~ HOLIDAY Gingerbread Architecture Fundraiser, 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 pm. $30 per gingerbread kit for members $40 per gingerbread kit for nonmembers, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ OPERA Carmen for Families, 11am-12pm or 12:30-1:30pm Ages 10 and older recommended. Snacks will be served after each workshop. Experience Bizet’s masterpiece in an interactive, multi-generational workshop based on the themes, story, characters and music of Carmen. Rachel Henneberry, Stage Manager for Carmen, will lead us in dynamic and engaging activities that will transport us to the world of this dramatic tale, $5 per person, Chorissima Hall, San Francisco Girls Chorus, 44 Page Street between Gough and Franklin Streets, San Francisco Opera.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 12:30pm & 3pm, Buki the Clown and her way cool, magic show is here to make you laugh and giggle at her crazy antics! 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ CRAFT Crochet Class, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Pickleweed Public Library, 50 Canal Street, This is a series of classes to learn to make easy home projects. 485-3483
~ SCIENCE Toddler Treks – Owls. 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.
~ HOLIDAY The Best Time of Year: A Christmas Special with the San Francisco Symphony Enjoy the magnificent San Francisco Symphony and Chorus in a joyful holiday concert of old favorites and Christmas standards, San Francisco Symphony, 8:00pm, Davies Symphony Hall.
~ SCIENCE Xtreme Science Magic! Fire tornados, bubble fun, flying toilet paper and shooting rockets. Is this a science or a magic show? It’s BOTH! Don and Shane O’Brien are back to get kids hooked on science. Ages 3+, 6:30 – 7:30pm, Novato Library, 897-1143.
To see Ronnie’s Awesome List October 2011 (for kids ages 0 & up), click here.
This month I’ve decided to change the format for the “teen” calendar. What I’ve realized is that mosts parents of teens and tweens have such busy schedules with sports, homework and extra curricular activities, that rarely do they have time to plan. It’s usually it’s a matter of “seizing the day,” when the opportunity arises. Therefore, instead of having a daily calendar for every activity, I’ve listed places to go that teens and tweens might enjoy so that that when you have that rare moment of deciding where to go with your teen or tween, you can refer to the list for ideas. Your feedback is always appreciated! Thank you.
-Marjorie
Check out our “Kids Sports Leagues in Marin” link on this site. This month in local sports…CYO volleyball is ending, tryouts are happening for CYO and school basketball teams, fall baseball and soccer are happening, football season is ending. AAU leagues are year round so check their schedule for tryouts. No wonder Marin teens and tweens are so busy!
WHERE DO TEENS HANG OUT IN MARIN?
My friend who lives in Sonoma County was telling me about a teen center in Santa Rosa called Chop’s where teens can hang out in a safe, fun environment. The unique thing about the place was designed by and for kids! Okay, the adults provide the financial backing, but, the kids had a lot of input in how it should be run.The philosphy is based 
on the founder Charles “Chop” DeMeo’s vision that teens should be seen as assets to the community, not as problems to be solved. I’ve been searching for something similar in Marin, but haven’t found anything like it. There are teen centers offered by community centers, but they’re really more for after school care, unlike Chop’s which is open late on Friday nights and even on Saturdays! So where do Marin teens hang out? It seems that when they’re not participating in a sport or other extracurricular activity, they are hanging out at each others’ houses. They go to movies, eat out and some times hang out in town centers. A couple weeks ago in Southern Marin, a large amount of teens congregated in Tiburon for the last “Friday Nights on Main Street,” a weekly summer “community street fair” sponsored by the Tiburon Peninsula Chamber of Commerce and other supporters. I’m not sure if teens hanging out without parents were what they had in mind when they came up with the idea!
I’ll continue my quest to find good hang out spots for your teens and if anyone has any ideas, please share them. I’m sure we’d all love to know! -Marjorie
THINGS TO DO IN OCTOBER FOR TWEENS AND TEENS
We strive for accuracy of information, but please check the individual websites below for updated information in case of any changes or cancellations.
~ FRIGHT FEST AT SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM, Vallejo. After 6pm, the amusement park will take a spooky twist when the ghosts and goblins come out. Sword swallowers, walking 
zombies and a scary haunted house are just a few of the attractions. Check the website for more details as they recommend that this is for 13 year olds & up! For the younger and those who aren’t into the being scared, come to the park earlier in the day and experience Halloween shows and acts without the terror.
~ POTTERY PAINTING at Doodlebug Marin, 641 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo. As the weather gets wetter, you can take the kids to this open art studio. Artists select a bisque piece off of the shelf ranging from $12 & up. Plates, animal figurines, vases, boxes and platters are just some of the shapes available for painting. Once the piece is painted, you leave it at the studio for about a week and they’ll fire it for you. It’s a great, creative way to spend an afternoon.
Art Studio is open 7 days a week!
10 am – 7 pm Sun, Mon, Tues, and Wed
10 am – 9 pm Thurs, Fri, and Sat
No reservations required
(except once a month during Pajama Night)
~ HALLOWEEN-THEMED EVENTS
Friday, 10/28, 6:30 – 7:30 PM semi-scary, 7:30 – 8:30 pm scary.
Saturday, 10/29, 5:00 – 6:00 PM Not scary at all, 6:30 – 7:30 PM semi-scary, 8:00 – 9:00 PM horrifying.
loween Haunt “Terror in the Toy Store.” Saturday, 10/22, 5:30-8:30 PM. Tame Version 5-6:30 PM, Scary Version 7-8:30 PM.
You provide the creativity! The pumpkins will be displayed during Sausalito’s Halloween Parade. Over 100 pumpkins will be on display!~ FILM FESTIVAL The 34th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival, October 6-16th. While some films may be too adult for tweens and teens, here’s a list of child-friendly films.
~ MARIN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Now that school is well under way, your child may need to take
advantage of our free public libraries. Many of the branches offer programs and events specifically designed for teens.
Belvedere/Tiburon, 1501 Tiburon Blvd. Hours: Sun 12-5pm, Tues/Weds/Thu 10am-9pm, Fri/Sat 10am – 5pm. (415) 789-2665. They have a teen lounge and teen book club.
Bolinas 14 Wharf Road. Hours: Mon. 2-6pm, Weds 10am – 1pm & 2-6pm, Thurs 2-6 & 7-9pm, Sat 2-5pm. Closed Sun, Tues, Fri. (415) 868-1171.
Civic Center 3501 Civic Center Drive #427, San Rafael. Hours Sun CLOSED, Mon 10am-6pm, Tue 10am-9pm, Weds 10am-6pm, Thu 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm.
Corte Madera 707 Meadowsweet Dr. Hours: Sun 12-5pm, Mon/Tues/Weds 10am – 9pm, Fri – Closed, Sat 10am- 5pm. (415) 924-4844.
Fairfax 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Hours: Sun CLOSED, Mon/Tues/Weds/Thur 10am-9pm, Fri CLOSED, Sat 10am- 6pm. (415)453-8151.
Inverness 15 Park Ave. Hours: Sun CLOSED, Mon 3-6pm & 7-9pm, Tues 10am-1pm & 2-6pm, Weds 10am-1pm & 2-6pm, Thu CLOSED, Fri 3-6pm, Sat 10am-1pm.
Marin City 164 Donahue S. Hours: Sun 12 – 5pm, Mon 1-9pm, Tues 1-9pm, Weds, 10am – 6pm, Thurs 10am-6pm, Fri Closed, Sat 10am-5pm. Math tutoring available from high school students every Tuesday from 4-6pm.
Mill Valley 375 Throckmorton Ave. Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 10am – 9pm, Fri. 12-6pm, Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. 1-5pm. The MV library offers a Creative Writing workshop and film night for teens.
Novato 1720 Novato Blvd. Hours: Sun 12-5pm, Mon 10am-9pm, Tues/Weds/Thurs 10am- 9pm, Fri CLOSED, Sat 10am- 5pm.
Southern Novato 6 Hamilton Landing, Suite 140A. Hours: Sun/Mon CLOSED, Tues 12-8pm, Weds 10am-5pm, Thu 12-8pm, Fri CLOSED, Sat 10am-5pm. (415) 506-3165. This library offers a Teen Advisory Group (TAG) that meets once a month to create interesting teen programs.
Stinson Beach 3521 Shoreline Hwy. Hours: Sun CLOSED, Mon 10am – 1pm, Tue 1-5pm & 6-9pm, Weds CLOSED, Thur CLOSED, Fri 10am – 1pm & 2-6pm, Sat 10am – 1pm.
(415) 868-0252.
~ PUMPKIN PATCH - ‘Tis the season for pumpkin patches throughout the Bay Area. If your teen is bored with the thought of going to a pumpkin patch, remind him about the scene in Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire where Harry gets trapped in the hedge 
maze. Then, take him to the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and let him try to find his way through the A’Mazing Corn Maze, a 4-acre maze made out of 10 foot tall corn stalks! With only one way in, and one way out it’s not as easy as you might think!
~ MOVIE THEATER The Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39 in San Francisco has recently opened the Bay Theater, located adjacent to its entrance on PIER 39. The 270-seat Bay Theater boasts a 1,000 square foot full production stage, as well as a café and lounge area. This multi-use space can be rented for private and corporate meetings and events, as well as live music performances and entertainment. Check out a film with graphic shark scenes (perfect for tweens and teens), or bring them to see an animated film (perfect for all in the the family).
LARK THEATER at 549 Magnolia Ave in Larkspur is playingDolphin Tale this month. See the trailer for this movie! It’s one of the few PG 2D movies right now that both parents and teens can feel good about watching!
MUSEUMS
The Exploritorium is one of my favorite teen museums as it makes science interactive and interesting! They also have events and displays that are specifically designed with the teen in mind. This month they are part of the NY/SF International Children’s Film festival from Friday, 10/21 – Sunday, 10/23. They’re also offering “Bicycle Science” on Saturday, 10/22. Click here for more information. And don’t forget to borrow a free museum pass from the library!
~ THEATER
The Conservatory Theater Ensemble (CTE) is Tam High’s acclaimed theater group. To see what’s playing this month, click here.
Cirque du Soleil “Totem” benefit performance to support Huckleberry Youth Programs, 11/4, 8pm, AT&T Parking Lot. If you’ve ever seen a Cirque du Soleil performance you’ll know what I mean when I say it’s “magical.” On November 4th there will be a benefit performance to support the Huckleberry Youth Programs serving underserved youth in San Rafael and San Francisco. 100% of ticket sales will go to the Huckleberry Youth Programs.
To preview “Totem” click here.
“So much time, and so little to do! Strike that, reverse it.” Willy Wonka
I love that quote! It sums up how I feel month after month. Especially in October since it marks the start of holiday celebrations (…spiraling out of control.) Just another reminder how fast time flies! So, take a little time out and book the sitter for 2 great causes!
Don’t miss the Marin Charitable Riverboat Gala on October 15 for a New Orleans-themed evening aboard the San Francisco Belle! On board, enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay at sunset while dining on a gourmet, Louisiana-inspired, seated dinner. Marin Charitable is an all volunteer organization with 100% of funds raised going back to the community of Marin in the form of grants to non-profits with programs supporting kids with limited opportunities.
On Saturday, October 29, check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Spooky Soiree, celebrate creativity at play with first ever, grown-ups only masquerade party in San Francisco. And don’t miss every kids favorite Goblin Jamboree.
Besides all the great Halloween/Harvest events, I HIGHLY recommend on October 2nd, Music for Kids of All Ages presented by the Marin League of the SF Symphony, 2-4pm, free (but donations welcome), family friendly and relaxed environment where kids of all ages can enjoy classical music, snacks provided. The musicians are fantastic and let the children explore, ask questions and be themselves. Reservations to SFSMarin@gmail.com or 216-3372, Mill Valley Community Center….tell them Ronnie sent you.
And another not to be missed performance every Saturday and Sunday from October 1 – October 23 is the Magic School Bus, Live! by the amazing Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. My daughter and I cannot wait to join Ms. Frizzle for a ride on the MSB!
I am also REALLY excited about the inaugural Bay Area Science Festival scheduled for October 29th-November 6th with 100′s of science & technology activities for the whole family given throughout the Bay Area.
And don’t forget Fleet Week, Mill Valley Film Festival and all the amazing places to take your family, all listed below. Be sure to check back – I am always updating my blog as I find out about other awesome events. Enjoy the month of October!
Cheers,
Ronnie
Print Ronnie’s Awesome List, October 2011….RonniesList_1011
October 2011
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Saturday, October 1, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Trash to Treasures, fun, engaging and educational workshops will give children ages 5-11 the opportunity to create unique note cards using plastic trash collected from local beaches, while learning about marine mammals, ocean health and how they can prevent ocean trash, 10am-12pm, The Marin Mammal Center, Sausalito.
~ ART Randall Museum, This fall, design and paint a gourd – make it gourd-geous! (One per family), 1pm and 4pm.
~ ART 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. Art on the Edge: Paintings and Their Frames, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Gilding: The Glory of Gold, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ BOOK FAIR Festa del Libro, A children’s Italian book fair will be held at the Museo Italo Americano. Italian storytime, 11am Italian movie “Toto’ Sapore”, 4pm. Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, Building C, San Francisco.
~ CRAFT Fire Rescue Helicopter, 9am-Noon, any Home Depot store.
~ EVENT Toddler Days, 9 am – noon, Enjoy milking a goat, holding a warm egg from the chickens, and hearing the baa of the sheep. Many tastes, colors, and smells live in the garden. We use our senses to explore the farm. A popular day at the farm for families with toddlers and babies! Activities are toddler age appropriate, but all ages welcome. Fee: $20 per person; 1 year & under Free. Slide Ranch.
~ EVENT Fandango, this park is on the closure list, this will be their last Fandango, 12-4pm, welcome autumn’s arrival as they did in 1840′s by experiencing the dance and music of a “Fandango”. The fandango was not only a dance but also the name given to an informal dancing party. Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park, 3325 Adobe Road, Admission for adults (age 17 and older) is $3.00, children (age 6 to 16) are $2.00 and under 5 enter free.
~ EVENT 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 “Sister Night & Sister Day” by Beth Norling. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ FESTIVAL Arab Cultural Festival, Union Square, San Francisco, 12-6pm.
~ FESTIVAL Filipino American International Book Festival
~ FESTIVAL Sonoma County Harvest Fair, 10am – 7pm.
~ HOLIDAY Fiesta de Arte en El Parque, Enjoy live entertainment, sample yummy cultural treats, and create traditional Day of the Dead art in preparation of the upcoming holiday. Art activity choices will include painting traditional cheery Calacas, making paper flowers, face painting, and much, much more. Bring the whole family; all ages welcome. This event will take place at the Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach, Presidio of San Francisco. Drop-ins are welcome; a $5 suggested donation is appreciated. For more information call 415-561-2805, 10am-2pm, Crissy Field Center.
~ MUSIC Concert for Kids, Robin Sweeny Park, 420 Litho Street, Sausalito
~ MUSIC Walt Disney Family Museum Members Only Sing-Along, 7:00pm to 9:30pm, with a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious collection of songs for everyone to enjoy. A souvenir sing-along booklet, a dessert buffet, and a raffle complete this extra special Member Event, $15.00 per person.
~ MUSIC Cypress String Quartet, Family Matinee, San Francisco’s own ensemble brings a program of beautiful, classic works while showcasing the chemistry and fun of collaborative music-making. Herbst Theatre, 11am.
~ NATURE Nature for Kids: Evening at Deer Island, We’ll take a slow walk up to the ridge top where we can enjoy a picnic dinner while we look and listen for creatures of the night. We’ll talk about owls, bats, coyotes, and many other animals that start their “day” just as the sun sets. 5-7pm.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. 12:30pm & 3pm, Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Randall Museum, Come find out the physical properties of different types of sound while making your own sound-making device – a musical instrument!
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drawing Inspiration, Do you doodle? Draw on your imagination and make your mark at the museum as we sketch, scribble, and squiggle our way through the wonderful world of drawing, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ BOOK FAIR Festa del Libro, A children’s Italian book fair will be held at the Museo Italo Americano. Italian storytime, 11am Italian movie “Spaghetti Family”, 4pm. Museo Italo Americano, Fort Mason Center, Building C, San Francisco.
~ DANCE Tango in the Square, Christy Cote, Jewels in the Square, Union Square, 2-4pm.
~ DANCE Cambodia’s Khmer Arts Ensemble, The Lives of Giants, 3pm, Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley.
~ EVENT Children’s Program, 10-11:30am, Green Gulch Farm.
Unidentified Artist, Houdini in Shackles, n.d., photograph. Courtesy of the Collection of Dr. Bruce J. Averbook, Cleveland.
~ EXHIBIT Houdini: Art and Magic exhibit opens, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ FESTIVAL Sonoma County Harvest Fair, 10am – 7pm.
~ FESTIVAL Filipino American International Book Festival, Asian Art Museum, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Free admission (10:00 am-5:00 pm) Join us as we honor Filipino and Filipino American authors and artists featuring talks, food, artist demonstrations, and music. Acclaimed Filipino painter Ben Cabrera talks about creativity and his efforts to capture the nuances of everyday life in his work. Enjoy wandering rondalla players throughout the day, check out the West Bay youth’s display on healthy lifestyles, take a docent or storyteller led tour of the Filipino objects in the museum, or drop in on a Baybayin (Filipino calligraphy) demonstration by Christine Balza and make an art project to take home.
~ MUSIC Tim Cain, 11am Nicasio Valley Farms Organic Pumpkin Patch.
~ MUSIC Music for Kids of All Ages presented by the Marin League of the SF Symphony, 2-4pm, a free, family friendly and relaxed environment where kids of all ages can enjoy classical music, snacks provided. Reservations to SFSMarin@gmail.com or 415-216-3372, Mill Valley Community Center.
~ MUSIC Ladybug Picnic, a rockin’ band that sings kid and adult favorites, such as Beatles tunes and familiar folk-rock sing-alongs, plus fun original songs. 3-4:40pm, $4/kids, $6/adult, Ashkenaz.
~ MUSIC Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Speedway Meadow in Golden Gate Park.
~ MUSIC Walt Disney Family Museum Sing-Along, 7:00pm – 8:30pm, Join us in a fun sing-along that will make you smile. A singalong booklet and a drawing for a prize are included.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. 12:30pm & 3pm, Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Oakland.
~ STORYTIME Sunday Story Time, 3:00pm – 3:45pm, All Aboard! Listen to adventurous tales on one of Walt’s favorite topics, trains! This special program is designed for families with children between the ages of 5 and 8. Walt Disney Museum.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ LECTURE Positive and Effective Discipline: A Crash Course, (3 – 5 years) Starting with a basic understanding of developmental norms for 3- to 5-year olds, we will break down the components of discipline— communication, listening, modeling, consequences, and more—to learn about improving limit-setting, encouraging responsibility, and fostering communication. $40. With Susan Byrd, LCSW, 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
~ STORYTIME Stories by the Fireside, with Phil Sheridan, Henry’s Toyshop, Mill Valley.
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 18mo – 4 yrs, 10:30 AM, Preregistration required, Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ CRAFT Picture Books & More, Grades 1 & 2, Cool stories, outrageous crafts, and super special snacks, Advance sign-up required, The Creekside Room, The Mill Valley Public Library, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Council Chambers, San Anselmo.
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ MUSIC Tim Cain, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM, Council Chambers, San Anselmo.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ANIMALS Incredible Insects! 11:00 am, Explore the fantastic lives of beetles, millipedes, tarantulas, walking sticks, whip scorpions and more! Come learn about the extraordinarily diverse world of insects and other arthropods while naturalists teach you about their key role in the web of life. Please call (927-5134) or email (library@cityoflarkspur.org) the library to RSVP. Larkspur Library.
~ ART Randall Museum, Become your own Halloween costume tailor as you make and paint a vest for your costume this year, 1pm and 4pm.
~ COOKING Complimentary Technique Classes for Kids, Yummy Fall Stew, 10am-11am, WILLIAMS-SONOMA at the Village at Corte Madera. Space is limited, RSVP required, 924-6799.
~ CRAFT Make-a-Scarecrow, San Anselmo Library for this very special autumn program. Bring old clothes and hats to dress up your creation. Heads, bodies, hay, and assorted decorations will be provided.
~ CRAFT The Crazy Pumpkin Event, Design an extreme craft pumpkin. Make-It Take-It with purchase of pumpkin. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 1-3pm.
~ CRAFT Disney Discoveries, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Don’t miss your train! Using recycled materials, you will create a decorative train that will be a keepsake of your fun-filled journey to the Museum!
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ EVENT LEAP Sand Castle Contest, 10am-4pm, Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
~ FARM Woolly Egg Ranch Tour, Come visit a working farm with chickens, bountiful garden and sheep. 503 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley, RSVP required, $5 per person, 388-6393 or email info@tcsd.us.
~ FESTIVAL Oktoberfest, Redwood Ave & Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera, 12-5pm.
~ FESTIVAL Harvest Festival, Become a share-cropper for a day and help harvest this year’s Indian Corn and popcorn crops! Enjoy fresh squeezed apple cider, hands-on crafts making, hoedown music, and the bounty of another harvest season. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Tilden Park.
~ FILM Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey Who is Elmo? Elmo is joyous. Elmo is love. Elmo is Kevin Clash. Long before his furry red friend became an international superstar, Clash discovered his passion in life. Ages 4+ 11:30 AM – Sequoia Theatre, Mill Valley.
~ FILM Magic Silver, In Norwegian with English subtitles. These Blue Gnomes control the sky’s transition from night to day! In this charming fantasy adventure based on a popular Norwegian television series, a community of gnomes discovers the secret power of a shimmering silver liquid that bubbles deep within their mountaintop home. Ages 6+, 4:15 PM – 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
~ HOLIDAY Marin Green Halloween Costume Swap, Fun for the Kids, Treats for All, Tips for A Green Halloween®, Get A Costume-Give A Costume, 11am-4pm, Marin Kids Consignment, 814 W. Francisco Blvd. San Rafael, 456-4943.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Tales from the Pearl of the Eastern Sea. A collection of stories from the Philippines tells of how the islands came to be, why mosquitos are like that, and how even the lowliest worm can become a prince if he takes good care of the world around him. 12:30pm & 3pm, Storyteller John Weaver will entertain with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, It’s not a solid. It’s not a liquid. It’s a polymer! Understand how cool polymers can be by creating a chemical reaction and taking home your own colorful goo! Randall Museum.
~ SHOP Green Halloween, Costume swap, Marin Kids Consignment, 814 West Francisco Blvd. , San Rafael.
~ STORYTIME Scott the Storyteller, puppeteer and storyteller, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera at 11 a.m.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ WORKSHOP Clown Workshop, Learn how to work on being funny and silly, do some clown routines and begin to juggle. Teacher Joan Mankin is a veteran theater performer and director. Recommended for children eight and older (younger kids usually aren’t able to juggle yet). Workshop is limited to 25 children, and only they need tickets. $5, 2:00 PM, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drawing Inspiration, Do you doodle? Draw on your imagination and make your mark at the museum as we sketch, scribble, and squiggle our way through the wonderful world of drawing, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ CRAFT Paper Bat Event, Go batty this All Hallows’ Eve. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 1-3pm.
~ EVENT Animal Families of the Headlands, 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 who call the Marin Headlands home. $15/person, pre-registration required. All ages are welcome. Baby carriers are suggested for children 4 and under.
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ FESTIVAL Harvest Festival, Become a share-cropper for a day and help harvest this year’s Indian Corn and popcorn crops! Enjoy fresh squeezed apple cider, hands-on crafts making, hoedown music, and the bounty of another harvest season. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Tilden Park.
~ FESTIVAL MALT Day at the Nicasio Valley Farms Pumpkin Patch.
~ FILM Light of the River, In Japanese with English subtitles. In this warmhearted, amusing, beautifully animated adventure about finding your way in a strange world, a family of river rats is driven from its riverbank home by a human construction project. Ages 4+, 2:30 PM, 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
Photo by Harry Powers
~ FILM Circus Dreams, Stuff a clown-sized hankie up your sleeve for this wonderfully heart-squeezing documentary about a traveling youth circus on the brink of closure. As the performers get a true taste of circus life, with all its highs and lows, we get a rare glimpse behind the big top at the real people who bring a special kind of magic to life. Ages 8+, 12:00 PM – Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael.
~ HOLIDAY Italian Heritage Columbus Day Parade
~ MUSIC Octopretzel, puppets in an interactive, engaging, danceable, singable, and super-fun experience for kids and their parents. 3-4:40pm, $4/kids, $6/adult, Ashkenaz.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Tales from the Pearl of the Eastern Sea. A collection of stories from the Philippines tells of how the islands came to be, why mosquitos are like that, and how even the lowliest worm can become a prince if he takes good care of the world around him. 12:30pm & 3pm, Storyteller John Weaver will entertain with his lively, humor-filled stories for children of all ages. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ STORYTIME Storytime with Christopher Smith Sunday, 11:00am Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ AUTHOR Jon Agee! Presents his new picture book My Rhinoceros. Maurice Sendak says: “Yes, Jon Agee’s My Rhinoceros is a genuine masterpiece. Even better, every kid will love it.” For ages 2-6, 10 a.m., Book Passage, Corte Madera.
~ CAMP One Day Camp: Spooky Science, 9 am – 4 pm Get a head start on your Halloween spirit this year with the Exploratorium’s Spooky Science, a day camp featuring a cauldron’s worth of spine-tingling activities for children 7-10 years old. Kids can engage in a number of eerie activities like learning how to shrink a head, make a flying ghost, and listen to cutlery scream. Cost is $85 ($70 for non-members). Exploratorium.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 2:40 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 4:00, 5:20 PM Greg Frisbee, Juggler 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Greg Frisbee, Juggler
~ EVENT Fleet Week, 12–7pm.
~ EXPLORE Tyke Explorers Program, Gee, I’m a Tree! (10am – 10:50am OR 12pm – 12:50pm) Some of the most majestic creatures of the Earth often times go unnoticed. Chabot Space and Science Center is located amongst the beautiful redwoods, some of the tallest organisms on Planet Earth. Learn about the different parts of trees and why they are so important to us. This session will include a Mini-Hike through the Redwood Forest. Please wear appropriate clothing & footwear – beware the fog! Chabot Space & Science Center. Guests: $12 / $10 for each additional child, Members: $9 / $5 for each additional child, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM.
~ FILM Raiders of the Lost Ark, come celebrate the 30th anniversary of Raiders of the Lost Ark—in all its big-screen glory! 7:00 PM – Century Cinema, Corte Madera.
~ LECTURE How Girls Bully, (10 – 14 years) Unlike boys, who tend to bully acquaintances or strangers, girls frequently bully within a network of “friends.” This dynamic makes it more difficult to identify when girls are bullying and intensifies the harm to the victim. We will address how to understand and recognize relational aggression and bullying between girls, how girls use cyberspace to bully, how to empower your daughter if she is being bullied, and how to prevent your daughter from bullying. $35, Holly Pedersen, MFT, PhD. 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
~ POETRY Young Poet’s Club for Kids, 6-12 years, 3:45pm-4:45pm, San Anselmo Library.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Fred Anderson, Juggler, 2:40 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician, 4:00, 5:20 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 18mo – 4 yrs, 10:30 AM, Preregistration required, Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
Wednesday, October 12, Indigenous Peoples Day, National Fossil Day, Full Moon
~ EVENT Picture Books & More, Grades 1 & 2, Cool stories, outrageous crafts, and super special snacks, Advance sign-up required, The Creekside Room, The Mill Valley Public Library, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
~ EVENT FREE Estate Planning Educational Event, 6:00pm, Mill Valley Community Center, Forest Room, 180 Camino Alto.
~ EVENT Muir Woods After Dark, Explore the evening magic of Muir Woods, learning about the secret nightlife of an old-growth redwood forest. This special walk begins one hour before sunset and will conclude with the dark of night! We’ll listen for owls, look for bats, and use our senses to guide us along the trails. This is an easy, two-mile walk on paved trail. Bring your flashlight, dress in layers, and wear good hiking shoes. Children under 8 not advised. Reservations required; phone (415) 388-2596.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ LECTURE Food, Families, Farming & Health: Protecting Your Health & the Food We Grow, Presenting critical information from a dynamic and informative panel of local pediatricians and leading experts about emerging health concerns related to our food supply. MOMS Advocating Sustainability, a $10 donation per person is suggested, 7-9 pm at Strawberry Recreation Center Gym.
~ NATURE Tarantulas! 4-8pm, This walk coincides with the annual mating season of the California Tarantula, but to see them, we’ll have to travel to the East Bay (there are no tarantulas in Marin County). RSVP, contact David Herlocker at (415) 893-9508 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us.
~ NATURE Full Moon Hike at Roy’s Redwoods, Before the weather turns frosty, rangers will lead a short loop hike at this remote preserve. We promise the redwoods will be spectacular under light of the full moon and with a little luck, we may even see things that go bump in the night. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring a flashlight and water. Night hikes are popular—RSVP early (415) 507-2816. 5:30-8pm, Nicasio.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Captain Jack Spareribs, Pirate of the Caribbean, 4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning
~ AUTHOR Children’s Author/Illustrator M. Sarah Klise, Children’s author and illustrator M. Sarah Klise (Regarding the Fountain, Dying to Meet You, and more) visits to read and draw from her Old Cemetery Road series. The Creekside Room, The Mill Valley Public Library, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM.
~ EVENT Five Little Monkeys Toy Store will be celebrating it’s 10th anniversary! Enjoy FREE kid-friendly activities going on throughout the day, raffles, prizes, games, face painting, contests, crafts, and more. 10am-8pm, 852 Grant Avenue, Novato, 898-4411.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Captain Jack Spareribs, Pirate of the Caribbean
6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Council Chambers, San Anselmo.
~ ART October Family Class: Get Ready to Get Messy: Discovering Shapes, Children and adults will explore super messy art and science activities while we take care of the clean-up! Does your young child love to squish, squeeze and smash? Give them the opportunity to unleash their inner artist in this messy class series. Pre-registration required. Space is limited to 10 children per session. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 10am – 11am and 11:15am – 12:15pm.
~ EVENT Spaghetti Bingo, 6:15pm, $7 (includes dinner and 9 bingo cards), great family event. Tam Community Center, Mill Valley.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FILM Movie Night for Kids grades 3-5, Spiderwick Chronicles , Registration Required, 5:30-7:30pm, Suggested Donation $10, Call or email the Children’s Room to sign up early for this monthly favorite for older kids. Pizza and popcorn provided. Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ FILM Mill Valley Film Festival
~ MUSIC Festival of Irish Music & Dance, Irish traditional, hybrid and fusion music. Children under 12 are free and welcome in the Fairfax Pavillion show, Fairfax Coffee Roastery, The Slepping Lady Cafe and Sorella’s Cafe.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning
~ SLEEPOVER Slumber with the Stars, 6pm, Spend a night under the stars or with some really cool exhibits. Slumber with the Stars is an experience your family will remember for a lifetime. Minimum age of participants is 5 years old. Tickets Start at $75 Members/$85 Guests. Special pricing is available for families of four or more. Advance reservations required – (510) 336-7373, Chabot Space & Science Center.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART 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. What’s on the Table? (Painted Things That Stay Still), 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Fashion from the Past, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ COOKING Complimentary Technique Classes for Kids, Cooking with Grain, 10am-11am, WILLIAMS-SONOMA at the Village at Corte Madera. Space is limited, RSVP required, 924-6799.
~ CRAFTS Nature Sculpture in the Presidio, In a special natural area of the park, flowers, pine cones, leaves, stones, branches, bark, and other wonders of nature are the inspiration and the materials for this day of collaborative artistic expression. Get creative and have fun while appreciating and honoring nature. RSVP to nature@presidiotrust.gov or 561-4449, FREE! Near the new Andy Goldsworthy sculpture, “Treeline” (off Lover’s Lane Trail by the Presidio Boulevard Gate.)
~ DANCE Dancing the Diaspora with Lisa Saunders and the Ethnic Arts Institute, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Introducing a new interactive program series for children and their families of storytelling, performance and crafts from Africa, North America, South America and the Caribbean. Ganga Zumba: Stories of Liberation, a celebration of Afro Brazilian dance that brings to life the African Diaspora in Brazilian culture. Following the performance, participants will create their own indigenous musical instruments.
~ EVENT Children’s Filmfest Circus Party Extravaganza, 2-4pm, Join us on our second weekend of films for a Children’s FilmFest party at 142 Throckmorton Theatre in Mill Valley, including balloons, prizes, performers and many other surprises, all served with a finger-food après-lunch by Whole Foods Market (with ice cream of course!). There’ll even some short films–about the circus, naturally! Adults must be accompanied by children. $5.
~ EVENT Harvest Celebration, Celebrate the season of harvest and bounty in the style of an old time country fair! Create and name a scarecrow, milk a goat, feed and hold a chicken, card and spin wool from our sheep, have your face painted, make autumn crafts, learn about our native coastal plants on a guided wild lands hike, make bread, butter, and cheese, or just relax in our beautiful garden while eating delicious local, organic cuisine. Throughout the day enjoy kid-friendly live bluegrass and acoustic jams and breathtaking coastal views at Slide Ranch, $25/person in advance, $30 at the gate; $80 families of 4 or more in advance, $95 families of 4 or more at the gate; age 2 and under free, 10am-4pm.
~ EVENT FREE Estate Planning Educational Event, 3:00pm, Mill Valley Community Center, Forest Room, 180 Camino Alto.
~ EVENT 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 “Sister Night & Sister Day” by Beth Norling. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ EVENT Ball by the Bay at Bothin Marsh, Mill Valley, After a short stint weeding around the marsh, volunteers will enjoy a county-style fair including face painting, a bean-bag toss, wetland bingo, food, treats, and music. Due to the sensitive nature of the restoration site, space is limited and registration is REQUIRED at savesfbay.org. If there are more than nine people in your group, contact Natalie LaVan at (510) 463-6809 or bayevents@savesfbay.org. Participants will receive a free T-shirt, so be sure to indicate shirt size when registering.
~ FARM A Day of Learning at the Woolly Egg Ranch Tour, “How to” for chickens an urban setting. 503 Tennessee Valley Rd, Mill Valley, RSVP required, $10 per person/$20 per family, 388-6393 or email info@tcsd.us.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FESTIVAL Fall Carnival at Venetia Valley School, 177 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael.
~ FILM Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey Who is Elmo? Elmo is joyous. Elmo is love. Elmo is Kevin Clash. Long before his furry red friend became an international superstar, Clash discovered his passion in life. Ages 4+ 12 PM – Sequoia Theatre, Mill Valley.
~ FILM Magic Silver, In Norwegian with English subtitles. These Blue Gnomes control the sky’s transition from night to day! In this charming fantasy adventure based on a popular Norwegian television series, a community of gnomes discovers the secret power of a shimmering silver liquid that bubbles deep within their mountaintop home. Ages 6+, 4:15 PM – 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
~ HOLIDAY A Spooktacular Party, 5-7pm, Cookie Decorating, face painting, magician, samples, goody bags, scarecrow judging. Come in costume! Whole Foods Market, 414 Miller Ave, Mill Valley.
~ HOLIDAY Randall Museum, What are you going to be for Halloween? Join us and make a “haunted” hat to go with your costume, 1pm and 4pm.
~ HOLIDAY Goblin Jamboree, stroll through a haunted wonderland complete with games, attractions and live entertainment. Ride a train or real ponies, visit the spooky-but-not-scary Haunted Pier, make potions in the witches’ and wizard’s school, visit the petting zoo and enjoy a full brew of games, activities and live entertainment. 10am-4pm, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, 9am-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Adobe Pumpkin Festival, Petaluma.
~ MUSEUM Children’s Creativity Museum, Free Museum admission and carousel rides, 10am – 4pm, Be the first to experience our Imagination Lab and other exhibit enhancements geared toward our youngest visitors. Meet our “Creativity Critters” (peeking behind the red curtain) who you’ll see throughout the museum. You’ll also be able to make a clay animation, music video, digital art, and more!
We are located at 221 Fourth St. in the heart of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens. We will be closed Sept. 12 – Oct. 14 as we prepare for opening weekend.
~ MUSIC Festival of Irish Music & Dance, Irish traditional, hybrid and fusion music. Children under 12 are free and welcome in the Fairfax Pavillion show, Fairfax Coffee Roastery, The Slepping Lady Cafe and Sorella’s Cafe. 10:30 AM The Irish Piper Band will March from The Sleeping Lady to The Fairfax Pavilion.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Puss in Boots. What’s a kitten to do when the dogs bully her? Momma cat responds by telling the classic story of how a loyal cat with a taste for good footwear takes her human friend from rags to riches. Words and music by Tony Jonick. 12:30pm & 3pm, Jacquelyn Lynaugh as Miranda the Gypsy tells stories and tales of magic and lore. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Greg Frisbee, Juggler, 4:00, 5:20 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Fred Anderson, Juggler
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Chromatography is science of separating an objects’ colors into their basic elements. Dissect the colors of local leaves to discover the basics of what makes them beautiful! Randall Museum.
~ SCIENCE Tyke Explorers: Special Edition, We’ve partnered with the Lafayette Library to bring a special edition of our Tyke Explorers Program. Geology Rocks, The floor is lava! Run, don’t walk, to learn about the exciting nature of volcanoes. Where are volcanoes? Where do volcanic eruptions occur? What are different types of volcanic rocks? Your Tykes will transform to vulcanologists for the day and explore the wonders of our active Planet Earth. To register call (510) 336-7373, Chabot Space & Science Center.
~ SCIENCE Explorables: Science You Can Play With, 11 am– 2 pm, 11 am – 2 pm, it’s child’s play at the Exploratorium’s new Explorables station. Activities focus on experimenting with everyday materials, discovery and toy-making. Kids are invited to literally play with science as they discover secret colors in black ink, create membrane-o-phones and make other fun scientific discoveries. All the materials are provided, and participating youngsters get to take home what they make. Exploratorium.
~ STORYTIME Scott the Storyteller, puppeteer and storyteller, will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera at 11 a.m.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drawing Inspiration, Do you doodle? Draw on your imagination and make your mark at the museum as we sketch, scribble, and squiggle our way through the wonderful world of drawing, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ ART Wrapping Traditions: Korean Textiles Now, Patchwork your own bojagi wrapping cloth to take home, 12pm-4pm, Museum of Craft and Folk Art, 51 Yerba Buena Lane, San Francisco.
~ CRAFT Disney Discoveries, 1:00pm – 3:00pm, Don’t miss your train! Using recycled materials, you will create a decorative train that will be a keepsake of your fun-filled journey to the Museum!
~ EVENT Headlands Center for the Arts Fall Open House, noon-5pm, 1 hour hikes depart from the Headlands Center for the Arts at 1:15 pm and 3:15 pm. Get inspired by art and nature during the Headlands Center for the Arts Fall Open House. Head out on the trail with a Headlands Institute educator, then drop by the open house to meet artists and see new works in progress.
~ EVENT St. Francis Blessing of the Animals, custom in remembrance of St. Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures. Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church, 410 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley, 11:45am, 388-4456 for more information.
~ FESTIVAL Children’s Faire, 10am-4pm, for children ages 3-10 years old. This day of family fun includes games, puppet shows, story telling, crafts, local vendors, a visit from the Sleeping Giant, and activities such as the Knights Quest, and the Hero’s Maze. Organic food is available for purchase. Marin Waldorf, 755 Idylberry Road, San Rafael.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FESTIVAL Yerba Buena Family Day, welcome all ages with a full day of free admission, hands-on art makinng activities for kids and special family-friendly performances. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at five locations downtown San Francisco including San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Contemporary Jewish Museum, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), Children’s Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum) and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
~ FILM Light of the River, In Japanese with English subtitles. In this warmhearted, amusing, beautifully animated adventure about finding your way in a strange world, a family of river rats is driven from its riverbank home by a human construction project. Ages 4+, 2:15 PM 142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley.
Photo by Harry Powers
~ FILM Circus Dreams, Stuff a clown-sized hankie up your sleeve for this wonderfully heart-squeezing documentary about a traveling youth circus on the brink of closure. As the performers get a true taste of circus life, with all its highs and lows, we get a rare glimpse behind the big top at the real people who bring a special kind of magic to life. Ages 8+, 12:00 PM – Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael.
~ HOLIDAY Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, 9am-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Adobe Pumpkin Festival, Petaluma.
~ HOLIDAY Goblin Jamboree, stroll through a haunted wonderland complete with games, attractions and live entertainment. Ride a train or real ponies, visit the spooky-but-not-scary Haunted Pier, make potions in the witches’ and wizard’s school, visit the petting zoo and enjoy a full brew of games, activities and live entertainment. 10am-4pm, Bay Area Discovery Museum.
~ MUSEUM Children’s Creativity Museum, Free Museum admission and carousel rides, 10am – 4pm, Be the first to experience our Imagination Lab and other exhibit enhancements geared toward our youngest visitors. Meet our “Creativity Critters” (peeking behind the red curtain) who you’ll see throughout the museum. You’ll also be able to make a clay animation, music video, digital art, and more!
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Puss in Boots. What’s a kitten to do when the dogs bully her? Momma cat responds by telling the classic story of how a loyal cat with a taste for good footwear takes her human friend from rags to riches. Words and music by Tony Jonick. 12:30pm & 3pm, Jacquelyn Lynaugh as Miranda the Gypsy tells stories and tales of magic and lore. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM The Keith Show, Juggler, 4:00, 5:20 PM Daniel DaVinci, The Juggling Genius, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ SCIENCE East Bay Mini Makers Faire, 10am-5pm, hack, make and remake things into new, personalized stuff. This is truly a Do-It-Together experience. 10am – 5pm.
~ STORYTIME Storytime with Christopher Smith Sunday, 11:00am Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Lindsay Benner, Juggler
6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ ANIMAL Toddler Treks, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, for children 1 to 3 years of age. Learn about the Shark 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. Academy of Science.
~ EXPLORE Tyke Explorers Program, Flower Fantastic (10am – 10:50am OR 12pm – 12:50pm) Wake up and smell the roses! There is much more than meets the nose when talking about flowers. Explore the inner workings of some of the most beautiful and coloring additions to the outdoors. Chabot Space & Science Center. Guests: $12 / $10 for each additional child, Members: $9 / $5 for each additional child, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM.
~ LECTURE Breaking the Cycle of Bullying: Tools to Help Your Child, (3 – 12 years) Whether a child bullies, is bullied, or is a bystander, he or she is affected by bullying. Examine how parents can empower their children to help break the cycle of bullying. $35, with Holly Pedersen, MFT, PhD. 6:30pm-8:30pm.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 4:00, 5:20 PM Fred Anderson, Juggler
6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 18mo – 4 yrs, 10:30 AM, Preregistration required, Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ AUTHOR Picture Books & More, Grades 1 & 2, Cool stories, outrageous crafts, and super special snacks, Advance sign-up required, The Creekside Room, The Mill Valley Public Library, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ HOLIDAY Ghoulish & Giggly: Halloween Stories and Crafts, 10am, Dragons, fairies, wizards or . . . puppies? Whether you’re ghoulish or giggly, come to the library for a morning of stories and crafts. We’ll read some spooky stories, make mysterious and magical masks, and have a wickedly good snack. Sausalito Library.
~ PERFORMANCE Magician Timothy James, for ages 5 & up, 4pm Marvel at the magical skills of magician Timothy James, Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness
2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM The Keith Show, Juggler, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Council Chambers, San Anselmo.
~ ART October Family Class: Get Ready to Get Messy: Discovering Shapes, Children and adults will explore super messy art and science activities while we take care of the clean-up! Does your young child love to squish, squeeze and smash? Give them the opportunity to unleash their inner artist in this messy class series. Pre-registration required. Space is limited to 10 children per session. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 10am – 11am and 11:15am – 12:15pm.
~ AUTHOR Jonathan London, for Froggy Builds a Treehouse. Don’t miss this rare chance to see this enormously entertaining author/illustrator. Perfect for preschoolers, 10 a.m., Book Passage, Corte Madera.
~ EVENT Opening Night Party, The celebration will include face painting, butterfly tattoos, shadow puppets, music, kid-friendly food, drinks and complimentary grown-up grape juice. Costumes optional but encouraged. Palm Room, San Francisco Film Centre, 39 Mesa Street.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FILM Sammy’s Adventures: The Secret Passage, This delightful, kid-friendly eco-adventure utilizes the immersive 3-D experience to the fullest: You will feel like you are snorkeling in a fabulously colorful, animated undersea world. 5pm, Premier Theater, Letterman Digital Arts Center, the Presidio. Free parking available to all ticket holders in the Letterman garage.
~ FILM Tales of the Night, The film weaves together six exotic fables, each unfolding in a unique locale, from Tibet to medieval Europe, an Aztec kingdom, the African plains and even the Land of the Dead. 7:30pm, Premier Theater, Letterman Digital Arts Center, the Presidio. Free parking available to all ticket holders in the Letterman garage.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Music and Magic Show, Mill Valley Community Center, 2 shows 4pm & 6:30pm.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Lindsay Benner, Juggler, 4:00, 5:20 PM Daniel DaVinci, The Juggling Genius, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART 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. Cool Clay, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Sketching for Fun, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ CRAFT Randall Museum, Honor the Mexican holiday Dia de los Meurtes. Use clay and wire to make a little dancing skeleton to put in your Day of the Dead diorama. 1pm and 4pm.
~ CRAFT Halloween T-Shirt Event, Make a fun scary spider T-shirt. Make-It Take-It with purchase of shirt. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 10-Noon.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FILM Tigers and Tattoos—and More! Maj lives with her uncle Sonny and loves to sit with him when he “draws” on the tough women and hard-boiled men who frequent his tattoo shop. One day, a particularly large and scary customer dozes off and Maj ends up tattooing all over his huge back with her childish designs. Fearing the man’s rage, Sonny and Maj make a hasty escape on Sonny’s motorcycle—the start of an exciting adventure where they discover a magic forest filled with fairies and sprites, a circus mother and her son and a man-eating tiger named Brutalis. 10am, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Party Mix, An entertaining, thought-provoking, and visually stunning selection of animated and live action short films from around the world. 12pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM The Storytelling Show , Laurent is so good at telling bedtime stories that his kids decide to enter him in a reality-show TV contest, where the competing dads are given cues and have to invent a bedtime story on the spot. Who will tell the best story? 2:15pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Girls’ POV, This eye-opening selection of films celebrates the trials and triumphs of girls from different cultures and backgrounds. 4:15pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Echoes of the Rainbow, It’s the spring of 1969 and the world will have to wait another six months before Neil Armstrong sets foot on the moon—but our young hero “Big Ears” is running through the streets of Hong Kong with a goldfish bowl on his head, pretending to be an astronaut. 7pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ HOLIDAY Randall Museum Come and “hang” with live bats and learn all about these amazing flying mammals. Also, create your own spooky, swooping, flying bat for some Halloween fun!
~ HOLIDAY Twin Cities Co-op Halloween Carnival, 10 am – 2 pm, Join us for a day of fun at this much loved and non-scary annual Halloween event. The carnival will feature an array of fun children’s activities, including face painting, carnival games, a cake walk, raffle, jumpy house, bake sale, pumpkin sale and much, much more. Admission is free and game tickets can be purchased at the door, or at a discount in advance online, 56 Mohawk Ave., Corte Madera.
~ MUSIC CHELLE! and Friends, drums, percussion, bass and powerful voices, delivers a musically rich performance of New Orleans jazz, R & B and gospel, fused with Caribbean rhythms. Sing, dance and celebrate the music as well as our cultural diversity. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 2 11am – 12pm
~ MUSIC San Francisco Jazz Festival, Family Matinee, Birth of Cool, 11am, The cool era in jazz was a breath of fresh air for both listeners and performers alike. Hear why the music of Miles Davis and others transformed the jazz landscape, giving composers and improvisers a broader sonic palette as well as a minimalist approach. Herbst Theatre.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Lindsay Benner, Juggler, 2:40 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 4:00, 5:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. 12:30pm & 3pm, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ SCIENCE C.S.I. Open Lab: Compost Creations, 1pm – 2:30pm, Learn how to create & care for your own worm compost bin. Tour the Community Garden worm compost areas. Learn about easy and fun ways to compost at home. Why should worms have all the fun? Now you can make your own edible compost bin. Chabot Space & Science Museum.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drawing Inspiration, Do you doodle? Draw on your imagination and make your mark at the museum as we sketch, scribble, and squiggle our way through the wonderful world of drawing, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ AUTHOR Brian Selznick, Wonderstruck, meet Caldecott Medal winner and author of The Houdini Box—at his only San Francisco appearance. Selznick will read and show illustrations from Wonderstruck, his novel for young adults. weaves together two compelling stories, set fifty years apart—Ben’s story, which takes place in 1977, is told in words; Rose’s story, set in 1927, is told in pictures. Presentation will be accompanied by a sign-language interpreter. Book signing to follow. Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ BLOCK PARTY Sunday Streets 2011 Season Final in the Mission.
~ DANCE Hula for Families, 12pm, Palace of Fine Arts.
~ EVENT Walk with WildCare, 9am-Noon, Lake Lagunitas (near Fairfax – see link below for directions) Join Whole Foods Market and the naturalists from WildCare for a 1.8 mile fun family hike at Lake Lagunitas. Walk includes: light breakfast, kids crafts, free parking ($8 value!), souvenir bag, post-walk snacks and naturalist stations. Junior Ranger passports for kids to get stamped at each naturalist station. Completed passports can be shown at Whole Foods Market for a special treat. All registered families will receive a free WildCare annual membership ($35 value) Registration is $20 per adult – kids free! 100% of proceeds go to WildCare.
~ FESTIVAL Tolay Fall Festival, Native American Village with demonstrations,“From Earth to You” hands-on children’s area & Kiddie Corral, Night Time Creatures Barn with Creep Crawly Critters room, live animals, and nature hikes. Tons of family fun on a spectacular 1,737-acre ranch outside Petaluma.
~ FESTIVAL Who Wants to Be a King (or Queen)?, 10:30 am–4:30 pm, Become a king or queen (maharaja or maharani) at this fun-filled family event that has activities the whole family will enjoy. Pick up an Eye Spy and search the galleries for symbols from India’s royal courts; dress like a king or queen and have your picture taken by a museum photographer; listen to a family of sitar players play music from rock to raga, and learn to sing some riffs yourself; join a docent storytelling tour; sample ice cream flavored with cardamom and rose—two of the region’s tastiest flavors; and make art projects inspired by elephants, Indian royalty, and gods and demons in anticipation of Sanjay Patel’s exhibition opening in November! Free with museum admission, Asian Art Museum.
~ FILM Kid Flix Mix, Perfect for youngest audiences, this colorful and musical mix of the best animated films from around the world features chatty birds, beatboxing cats and one very hungry pig. 10am, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Sandman and the Lost Sand of Dreams, beautifully animated stop-motion film, six-year-old Milo finds himself transformed into an animated character and swept into Dreamland, a secret nocturnal world of enchantment and adventure. 12:15pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Chandani: The Daughter of the Elephant Whisperer , true-life story set in the magnificent Sri Lankan tropics. Chandani dreams of following in the footsteps of her father and becoming the first female mahout—a guardian of wild elephants. 2:45pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ FILM Laflamme’s Diary , Aurelie Laflamme suspects she is an alien. That would explain why she feels different from everyone else, why she can’t string two words together without making a fool of herself and why boys really get on her nerves. 5:30pm, New People Cinema, 1746 Post Street (Webster/Buchanan)
~ MUSEUM Family Gallery Tours, 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.
~ MUSIC Tim Cain, 11am Nicasio Valley Farms Organic Pumpkin Patch
~ PERFORMANCE The Comedy Magician Robert Strong performs a rare family show! 11 am – Noon, $8 (under 2 yrs old free), Randall Museum, San Francisco, (510) 236 – 7469.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. 12:30pm & 3pm, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Lindsay Benner, Juggler, 2:40 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning, 4:00, 5:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ PERFORMANCE Cashore Marionettes, 11am and 3pm, $24, Wheeler Auditorium, Berkeley.
~ STORYTIME Storytime with Christopher Smith Sunday, 11:00am Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera.
~ THEATRE Magic School Bus, Live!, Grab your imagination and get on board with Ms. Frizzle and her class as they learn why it matters that the polar ice is melting and what they can do to help. Bay Area Children’s Theatre at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, 2pm.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM The Keith Show, Juggler, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning
~ CRAFT Paper Pumpkin Event Grace your home with ghoulish decor. FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 10-Noon.
~ EXPLORE Tyke Explorers Program, Bee-utiful Friendship (10am – 10:50am OR 12pm – 12:50pm) Buzz… Buzz… Buzz… What do those buzzes mean? We will find out! Our Tykes will transform to become busy bees and discover their relationship with nature and flowers. Chabot Space & Science Center. Guests: $12 / $10 for each additional child, Members: $9 / $5 for each additional child, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Greg Frisbee, Juggler
6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Thomas John, Juggling and Clowning
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 18mo – 4 yrs, 10:30 AM, Preregistration required, Belvedere-Tiburon Library.
Wednesday, October 26, New Moon
~ ANIMAL Toddler Treks, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, for children 1 to 3 years of age. Learn about the Shark 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. Academy of Science.
~ CRAFTS Picture Books & More, Grades 1 & 2, Cool stories, outrageous crafts, and super special snacks, Advance sign-up required, The Creekside Room, The Mill Valley Public Library, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM.
~ CRAFT Halloween Visor Event, Create a crafty visor for Halloween fun. Make-It Take-It with purchase of visor. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 6-8pm.
~ FLIM Play Again, Play Again is an award winning documentary about how the digitally saturated world affects children born in the “screen age.” As we stand at a turning point in our relationship with earth, we find ourselves immersed in the gray area between the natural and virtual worlds. From a global perspective of wonder and hope, Play Again examines this unique point in history. Q and A with one of Play Again’s filmmakers to follow. 7-9pm, Mill Valley Library.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ HOLIDAY San Anselmo Goblin Parade, 5-7pm, From the corner of Ross and San Anselmo Ave. to Tamalpais Ave.
~ LECTURE Was That Me Yelling? (all ages) Yelling can be caused by stress, depression, anger, and other reasons. Most parents agree that yelling isn’t beneficial, but many report that they just don’t know what to do when their children misbehave. Learn to create a plan about the factors that trigger yelling and develop strategies to avoid it. $35, Rona Renner, RN, expert parent educator, temperament counselor, and host of Childhood Matters radio show, 6:30 – 8:30 pm.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician, 4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Daniel DaVinci, The Juggling Genius
~ CRAFT Halloween Mask Event, Make your own masquerade mask. Make-It Take-It with purchase of mask. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 6-8pm.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ HOLIDAY Magic Circus Wizard Show, 4pm, The Magic Wizard Circus Show is coming to town for an afternoon of bewitching magic, impish comedy, mysterious illusions and lots and lots of fun. Benny the Wizard and Bebe the Clown have amazing tricks up their sleeves (and under their hats and behind their ears). Don’t miss it! Sausalito Library.
~ HOLIDAY Haunted House, Novato Youth Center.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Greg Frisbee, Juggler
6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ STORYTIME French Immersion Storytime with Le Petit Jardin, 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM, Council Chambers, San Anselmo.
~ ART October Family Class: Get Ready to Get Messy: Discovering Shapes, Children and adults will explore super messy art and science activities while we take care of the clean-up! Does your young child love to squish, squeeze and smash? Give them the opportunity to unleash their inner artist in this messy class series. Pre-registration required. Space is limited to 10 children per session. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 10am – 11am and 11:15am – 12:15pm.
~ CRAFT Halloween Clay Pot Event, Design your own adorable clay pot creations. Make-It Take-It with purchase of clay pot Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. 3″ clay pot only $0.50. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 6-8pm.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ HOLIDAY Scaregrove 2011, Bring the family out for Scaregrove at Sigmund Stern Grove, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring hay rides, a haunted house, carnival rides, giant inflatables, live entertainment and food for sale. $8 per person for an all-access pass.
~ HOLIDAY Haunted House, Novato Youth Center.
~ HOLIDAY Pacheco Plaza Halloween Fest, 3:30pm-5:30pm, Novato
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Harvest Festival, 5-8pm, Marinwood.
~ HOLIDAY Friday Nights at the de Young Masquerade Ball, 5pm
~ HOLIDAY Strawberry Halloween Faire, 10:30am-12pm.
~ HOLIDAY It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, Join us for all the fall fun and watch the family favorite animated special on our big outdoor movie screen. Activities, crafts and the trick or treat trail are all free. Snoopy’s Home Ice.
~ HOLIDAY Trick-or-Treat Downtown Novato, along Grant Avenue, 11 am–2 pm
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Bash at Bon Air Bon Air Center, 12-4pm, Greenbrae
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Owen Baker! Flynn, Inspired Silliness, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM Captain Jack Spareribs, Pirate of the Caribbean, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ THEATRE Hansel and Gretel, 2pm, Halloween costume parade at 1:30 pm prior to the matinee. Showcase Theater, San Rafael. Adults – $45 / $35, Children 15 and under – $15.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART 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. Amazing Architecture, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Frieze Frame: Storytelling in Art, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ COOKING Complimentary Technique Classes for Kids, Oh My! It’s Time for Pie, 10am-11am, WILLIAMS-SONOMA at the Village at Corte Madera. Space is limited, RSVP required, 924-6799.
~ EVENT Ocean Aglow: Family Night Hike & Campfire, 6-8:30pm, Join us for a night hike to Rodeo Beach in search of bioluminescent plankton twinkling in the sand. Gather ’round the campfire for quality time with friends and family, sing songs, and get silly as you roast s’mores by moonlight. $12/per person, pre-registration required. All ages are welcome. Baby carriers are recommended for children 4 and under.
~ FESTIVAL Bay Area Science Festival
~ HIKE Sanctuary Night Hike, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Experience some of Marin’s wildest nightlife! Visit our sanctuary after the sun goes down and learn how the animals of Richardson Bay have adapted to live in the dark. Examine skulls and bones, hike through the sanctuary with a naturalist, and if the clouds cooperate, check out the fall constellations. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $7. Advanced registration required: call 388-2524. Richardson Bay Audubon & Sanctuary, Tiburon.
~ HOLIDAY Harvest Festival and Halloween Mask Workshop, Make masks for the season using non-native materials found around the Headlands and sample heirloom apples. Reservations required, phone (415) 331-1540.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Carnival, 10am-2pm, ghost stories, pumpkin carving, Tim Cain, puppet show, costume paradigm face painting, free cake and ice cream for all! Rain coat drive, Marin County Mart.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Family Farm Day, 10am-2pm, $30/person; $95 families of 4 or more; age 2 and under free, Slide Ranch.
~ HOLIDAY Haunted House, 5-6pm (not scary), 6:30-7:30pm (semi-scary), 8-9pm (horrifying), $3 Tam Community Center: 203 Marin Avenue, Mill Valley, 388-6393.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Extravaganza Event! Duck Tape Pail or Tote 11am – Noon featuring Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail or tote while supplies last. FREE Face Painting Noon – 1:30pm while supplies last. Halloween Parade 1:30pm – 2pm. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 6-8pm.
~ HOLIDAY Sinister Science Halloween Party and Space Missions, Wear costumes, drink spooky punch, enjoy hands-on activities and special guest appearances. Discovery Lab activities for tots with spooky read-alongs. Plus, fly a simulated space flight mission in our Challenger Learning Center. Activities are Free with General Admission. Missions require a separate ticket. Space missions take off at 1pm and 3pm. $10 + General Admission/Members: $7. Register today (510) 336-7373.
~ HOLIDAY HallowScreen! 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, Celebrate Halloween weekend with our special selection of haunted cartoon shorts such as The Skeleton Dance, The Mad Doctor, Pluto’s Judgement Day, and more. You’ll have a “howling” good time. Costumes Welcome! Walt Disney Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree, Come in costume and enjoy a spooktacular extravaganza with Unlimited rides, Parades, Goody bags for kids, Treat stations for kids, Two jumpers, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, Arts & Crafts, Pirate school, Balloon twisting, Costumed fairytale characters, Clowns and magicians Children’s Fairyland 10am-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Family Halloween Fest, 10am-2pm, Randall Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Spooky Soiree, celebrate creativity at play with first ever, grown-ups only masquerade party in San Francisco.
~ HOLIDAY Haunted House, Novato Youth Center.
~ HOLIDAY Graveyard Stroll, 6-7:30pm, 18 Jeannette Prandi Way, San Rafael, Marin County Parks Field Office, 507-2816
~ HOLIDAY Trick or Treat Down 4th Street, San Rafael, 1-2:30pm.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Dance Party with Raytones, Put on your costume and join the coolest fun-time band for a Halloween dance party. The Raytones combine a mix of pop, funk, and rock & roll with playful lyrics about such things as wearing your favorite pjs and hula hoops. Ray the Rhino will be on hand to show you some cool dance moves. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 11am – 12pm
~ HOLIDAY School Fuel Haunted House, 5-7:30pm, NUSD administration building, Novato.
~ HOLIDAY The Halloween Cabaret Carnival! 10:30am, Freight and Salvage, Berkeley
~ HOLIDAY Supernatural Halloween Party, 6:30-9:30pm, California Academy of Sciences.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween at Deer Park, 10am, We’ll take a short hike in Deer Park, looking for signs of autumn. Have plants gone to seed? Which trees drop their leaves? Why are spiders so conspicuous this time of year? Bring a snack and then we’ll gather under the “Halloween” tree for a story.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Jamboree, Children’s Fairyland 10am-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Party! Wear your best costume to enter our costume contest and be prepared for a ‘scary’ story, as well as snacks and decorating masks that you get to take home! What a better way to get in the spirit of all hallows eve than that?, 3:00 – 6:00pm, Paxton Gate’s Curiosities For Kids.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Oakland.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 2:40, 4:00, 5:20 PM The Keith Show, Juggler, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ SCIENCE East Bay Discovery Day, Cal State East Bay, Hayward, 11am-4pm.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ WORKSHOP Adobe Brickmaking Workshop for Families, 9 am to Noon, Get ready to get your hands dirty! Learn the history of adobe, examine methods for adobe repair, and make adobe bricks at this hands-on workshop taught by the Presidio Trust’s adobe experts. There will also be a tour of the rehabilitation in progress at the Officers’ Club. Archaeology Lab, 49 Moraga Avenue (adjacent to the Officers’ Club) RSVP requested to rsvp@presidiotrust.gov
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drawing Inspiration, Do you doodle? Draw on your imagination and make your mark at the museum as we sketch, scribble, and squiggle our way through the wonderful world of drawing, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Crayola® Pumpkin Patch Event Celebrate Crayola® style! FREE Make-It Take-It. Ages 3 and up. While supplies last. Michaels, 400 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael 1-3pm.
~ EVENT Discovery Day Open House, the one day of the year when the public can visit and spend the day behind the scenes, meet our scientists and learn about their research in San Francisco Bay and beyond. Romberg Tiburon Center, 11am-4pm.
~ HOLIDAY Community Pumpkin Carving for Kids & Adults, Noon-5pm, FREE pumpkin carving at Studio 333, Sausalito.
~ HOLIDAY Haunted House, Novato Youth Center.
~ HOLIDAY Boo at the Zoo, San Francisco Zoo,10am-4pm.
~ HOLIDAY Boo at the Zoo, Oakland Zoo, 10am-3pm.
~ HOLIDAY HallowScreen! 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, Celebrate Halloween weekend with our special selection of haunted cartoon shorts such as The Skeleton Dance, The Mad Doctor, Pluto’s Judgement Day, and more. You’ll have a “howling” good time. Costumes Welcome! Walt Disney Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Spooktacular!, 1:00pm – 4:00pm, Calling all Ghosts, Ghouls, and Witches join us if you dare … for a Halloween scare! Come dressed in your best and surprise all the rest at The Walt Disney Family Museum’s frightfully fun event. Crafts, Costumes, Museum’s frightfully fun event. Crafts, Costumes, and games ghoulore will be everything we have in store. Walt Disney Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Trick-or-Treating at Town Center! 12-3pm
~ HOLIDAY Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree, Come in costume and enjoy a spooktacular extravaganza with Unlimited rides, Parades, Goody bags for kids, Treat stations for kids, Two jumpers, one for little kids and one for bigger kids, Arts & Crafts, Pirate school, Balloon twisting, Costumed fairytale characters, Clowns and magicians Children’s Fairyland 10am-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Halloween Haunts and Happenings, 12 – 4 pm, come dressed up in your Halloween costume and join us in a variety of spine-tingling activities. See tarantulas and blood-sucking leeches, watch spooky animated films, make sugar skulls and much more. Exploratorium.
~ HOLIDAY Spooktacular Twilight Tour, San Francisco Zoo, 5–9pm.
~ HOLIDAY Kids Cooking Class – Halloween, 10am. ITK Culinary.
~ HOLIDAY Gourmet Halloween Sweets Tour in the Ferry Building, 11am and 2pm. A special tour just for kids with 9 different gourmet sweets stops, from pumpkin whoopie pies to organic Halloween cupcakes. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $38 per child, $5 per participating adult.
~ HOLIDAY Yerba Buena Halloween Costume Walk, 12:00-1:30pm, featuring interactive performances and games for kids. Hosted by the Unique Derique, and featuring live music by Venezuelan Music Project and special guest Chiqui Boom, we invite children under ten and their adults to parade in their Halloween finery! Children’s Garden.
~ MUSIC Charity and the JAMband, Costume Parade at Concert Finale, 3:30pm.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Big Al Catraz, Magician
4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Merrie Mary, Juggler
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Owen Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 10:30am, Puss in Boots. What’s a kitten to do when the dogs bully her? Momma cat responds by telling the classic story of how a loyal cat with a taste for good footwear takes her human friend from rags to riches. Words and music by Tony Jonick. 10:30am, The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. 11:30am, Oakland.
~ STORYTIME Storytime with Christopher Smith Sunday, 11:00am Book Passage 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. Corte Madera.
~ THEATRE The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Saturdays 1pm, Sundays 1pm & 3:30pm, Young Performers Theatre.
~ THEATRE Hansel and Gretel, 2pm, Halloween costume parade at 1:30 pm prior to the matinee. Showcase Theater, San Rafael. Adults – $45 / $35, Children 15 and under – $15.
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ HOLIDAY Boo at the Zoo, San Francisco Zoo,10am-4pm.
~ HOLIDAY Boo at the Zoo, Oakland Zoo, 10am-3pm.
~ HOLIDAY Petaluma Downtown Merchant’s Trick or Treat Trail, 3-5pm.
~ HOLIDAY Sausalito Halloween Festivities, 5:45-8pm, Parade begins at the Fire Station 333 Johnson and Caledonia Street.
~ HOLIDAY Safe Trick or Treat Downtown Novato, 11am-2pm.
~ HOLIDAY Trick-or-Treating and Party, Homestead Valley, Mill Valley.
~ HOLIDAY HallowScreen! 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, Celebrate Halloween weekend with our special selection of haunted cartoon shorts such as The Skeleton Dance, The Mad Doctor, Pluto’s Judgement Day, and more. You’ll have a “howling” good time. Costumes Welcome! Walt Disney Museum.
~ PERFORMANCE PEIR 39, 12:00, 1:20, 2:40 PM Reed Kirkham Rahlmann, Geek Tricks, 4:00, 5:20, 6:30, 7:40, 8:50 PM Daniel DaVinci, The Juggling Genius
The Crush is on in Napa County and even though it is the busiest time of the year; it’s a great time to visit. As the grapes are being harvested, various wineries are hosting their own versions of The Blessing of the Grapes. This year they have had a late start because of the cool weather but between now and October is an exciting time of the year to visit. I have discovered some really fun ideas that you may not know about that the kids will really enjoy.
Napa has so many great wineries but one hidden gem I discovered is at Grgch Hills where you can Stomp Grapes - just like the famous I Love Lucy episode. Be sure to introduce your child to this amazing classic but wait until after they stomp – you don’t want to give them any ideas on grape antics before they go. Huge smile guaranteed.
Another great place is The Coppola Winery. They have a huge pool open 7 days a week during the month of September, and Friday-Sunday in October. They also have bocce courts and a teepee filled with books. Also through the month of October they have Family Eco-Tours on Sundays at 11:30am for kids aged 4-10 and their parents which explores the ecology of Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Hear how they farm sustainably, learn about their bees, owls, worms and all of the other creatures there, learn about the culinary garden…. walk, color and read a story in their teepee! $10 per child. Reservations required.
Besides the great properties for kids to run around outside, warm weather and amazing food options, the County of Napa offers many other fun experiences for families such as:
Harvest season is all about getting the grapes in so most wineries are not able to entertain. Crush time is work time, a chance to see trucks loaded with the bounty of the land, watch people picking the grapes, smell the fermentation of the grapes and getting them into vats. It’s a chance to observe Napa in action during this intense, busy and wonderful time.
What is your favorite family friendly winery?
This past summer I had the privilege to explore some of the most beautiful areas in the world and despite all the fantastic places I visited; I also live in the most beautiful place in the world. So I was excited to stumble across Capture California, a FREE game in which encourages you to experience some of the coolest parts of California, all while competing to win awesome prizes. It’s not too late to enter and goes through October 10, 2011.
Back in Marin, one of my favorite events in September is BLACKIE’S HAY DAY on Saturday September 24th. Blackie’s Hay Day is reminiscent of an old fashioned country fair with pony rides, relay races, toy tractors, jumpies, a climbing wall, live entertainment and more and it is a benefit for the Children’s Room at the Tiburon-Belvedere Library. 10am-3pm at Blackie’s Pasture. Entrance to Blackie’s Hay Day is $10 per person. Children under 2 are free!
Another one of my all-time favorite events is the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. It’s great fun especially for kids. This years entertainment for kids includes crafts, puppet shows, magic shows and more. September 24th & 25th, $10 General Admission, $5 Students and Seniors, Free for kids under 12 years.
Important notices:
September 2011
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~ DANCE Avance, sizzle, style and most of all swing!!! Come early for dance lessons. 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Jessie Square (near the Jewish Museum), San Francisco, FREE.
~ FILM So Dear to My Heart, Film of the month, 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The Walt Disney Museum.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Most machines have very simple concepts at their core. Build a working simple machine to discover the basics of engineering. Randall Museum, 10:30 & 11:30.
~ FILM Film Night in the Park, Young Frankenstein, San Anselmo.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ASTRONOMY Astronomy Day on Mt. Tam FREE public lecture “Extreme Astronomy: Eyeing the Cosmos through One Cubic Kilometer of Ice” by Dr. Kirill Filimonov of the UC Berkeley in the Mountain Theatre on Mt Tam at 8:30pm followed by telescope viewing in the Rock Spring Parking Lot, 455-5370.
~ CRAFT Saturdays are Special, Construct your own animal sculpture from our abundant wood scrap supply. Randall Museum, 1pm-4pm.
~ CRAFT ESPN College Game Day Board, 9am-Noon, In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron and an achievement pin. Designed for children ages 5-12. Any Home Depot store.
~ FESTIVAL Sausalito Art Festival, enjoy fabulous art and fun entertainment. If your an 80′s fan, Saturday’s line up includes The Human League, The Romantics, Men Without Hats, and more. 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.
~ FESTIVAL Gold Rush Days is a FREE, fun and exciting event for the whole family! Come on down and be transported back to the days of Gold and Glory alongside colorful characters from the 1850s. From musicians to melodramas, soldiers to saloons, you’ll experience it all at Gold Rush Days! 10am-5pm. (916) 808-7777.
~ FESTIVAL Scottish Highland Games, Alameda County Fairgrounds.
~ FESTIVAL Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood Historic Farm.
~ FILM Film Night in the Park, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, San Anselmo.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Oakland.
~ EVENT 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 “Sister Night & Sister Day” by Beth Norling. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 7:30pm.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drop-In Art-Making: Using inspiration from the CJM’s architecture, create an artwork piece combining old and new materials and images. 1-3 PM, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ DANCE Tango in the Square, Tangonero, Jewels in the Square, Union Square, 2-4pm.
~ EVENT Point Reyes National Seashore Sand Sculpture Contest, Drakes Beach, Point Reyes. All ages welcome at this free event. 9am-3:30pm.
~ FESTIVAL Sausalito Art Festival, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Musical entertainment: 11:00-11:45am, Lorin Rowan’s Caribbean Bleu, 12:30-1:45pm, Edgar Winter , 2:30-3:45pm, Montrose 4:30-6:00pm.
~ FESTIVAL Gold Rush Days is a FREE, fun and exciting event for the whole family! Come on down and be transported back to the days of Gold and Glory alongside colorful characters from the 1850s. From musicians to melodramas, soldiers to saloons, you’ll experience it all at Gold Rush Days! 10am-5pm. (916) 808-7777
~ FESTIVAL Scottish Highland Games, Alameda County Fairgrounds.
~ FESTIVAL Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood Historic Farm.
~ MUSEUM What’s the STORY? Explore art, create your own, travel to extraordinary worlds, get hands-on, discover special places, be inspired. That’s just a hint at the fun we have in store for you on Family, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ MUSIC Concerts-in-the-Park, Richard Olsen’s Big Band Swing and Rock n’ Roll, 4pm, Belvedere Park.
~ NATURE Children’s Program at Green Gulch, after a short talk, the children leave the zendo to participate in their own special programs. Activities include crafts, seasonal projects on the farm and garden, yoga, and ritual. The program is regularly held on the first Sunday of each month (except the first Sunday in December). Please check in before the program at the table near the southwest side entrance of the zendo.
~ PARADE Tiburon Belvedere Labor Day Parade, old-fashioned parade starts near the Tiburon Library at the corner of Tiburon Boulevard and Mar West Street and ends at Belvedere Park for the final Concert in the Park Event. Bring the family and enjoy the fun!
~ PARADE Founders Day, Once a year the sleepy little town of Tomales comes to life for a day of old-time fun! There is a parade at noon, book sale and raffles in the park, barbeque, and live music. What a great day to enjoy this historic, coastal community.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Oakland.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 2:30pm.
~ FESTIVAL/FUNDRAISER Soccerfest, Noon – 6pm, Mill Valley. Fun for the entire family, with soccer, jumpies, climbing walls and the world famous “Coaches Dunk Tank,” plus plenty of food and drink for the entire family. Admission is free, but we encourage a $5 per person ($20 max per family) contribution at the door to support player scholarships and field renovation projects.
~ FESTIVAL Sausalito Art Festival, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM, Musical entertainment: 11:30-12:30pm Wonderbread 5 , 1:00-2:00pm The Smithereens, 2:45-3:15pm Blue Sky Riders, 3:30-5:00pm Kenny Loggins.
~ FESTIVAL Gold Rush Days is a FREE, fun and exciting event for the whole family! Come on down and be transported back to the days of Gold and Glory alongside colorful characters from the 1850s. From musicians to melodramas, soldiers to saloons, you’ll experience it all at Gold Rush Days! 10am-5pm. (916) 808-7777.
~ FESTIVAL Historic Rail Fair, Ardenwood Historic Farm .
~ MUSIC Marin City Blues, Jazz and Soul Party in the Park, 12pm to 6 p.m. Rocky Graham Park, 100 block of Drake Ave., offering ethnic foods, arts and crafts and activities for kids. Entertainment line-up to be announced, Marin City 332-8316.
~ SPORTS Field of Dreams, Perfect your swing with pro coaches, take a turn at bat, practice your fast pitch, tour the dugout and locker rooms, and see your name in lights. For the younger fans, there are pictures with the Giant’s official mascot, Lou Seal, face painting, and more, plus food and drinks for everyone.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 2:30pm.
~ TOUR Angel Island United States Immigration Station Special Tour, Site will be open and tours available on a first come first serve basis.
See Ronnie’s Awesome Every List for lots of ideas and Storytime hours for the Fall 2011.
~ MUSIC Music Class at giggle! 11 am, giggle will host a special music class, designed for babies from birth to preschool age! Village at Corte Madera.
~ MUSIC The Kippy Marks Project, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Union Square Park, With his unforgettable compositions, which draw from Classical, Jazz, Blues, Dance and even Middle-Eastern and Eastern-European traditions.
~ MUSIC Crosscut, 6pm – 8pm, Union Square Park, plays a unique mix of blues, rock, and original music to create a sound that is all its own. Their musical influences include early Delta Blues, Memphis and Chicago Electric Blues, Soul from STAX and Motown, R&B, Rock, and a little bit of everything else.
~ LECTURE Mind-Body Skills and Self-Regulation: A Look at When, Why and How for Children and Adolescents, Mind-body skills and self-regulation can provide great benefit to children who suffer from headache or migraines, digestive upset, anxiety, procedure-related pain, chronic pain, bed-wetting or other chronic conditions. In this lecture, Dr. Becker will discuss how mind-body approaches can benefit children across different developmental stages, from infancy to the teen years. In addition to reviewing some of the latest research, he will provide tips on practical and day-to-day applications and will address the importance of adjusting the technique to the child’s needs. Topics will include: mindfulness, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis and meditation. 12pm-1pm, UCSF Osher Bldg., 1545 Divisadero St., 5th Floor @ Post St., San Francisco.
~ MUSIC San Francisco Symphony Concert in Civic Center Plaza, This free concert will feature musical surprises and celebratory treats, and activities. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m.
~ MUSIC Crystal Monee Hall, combines the sounds of folk, gospel, jazz and blues. 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm, Esplanade, Yerba Buena, San Francisco.
~ PUPPETS Puppet Art Theater with Three Billy Goats Gruff for ages 5 & up at 4pm. Enjoy the classic race of the Tortoise and the Hare and Three Billy Goats Gruff. Tiburon-Belvedere Library.
~ FILM Movie Night for Kids, Big Fat Liar, grades 3-5, 5:30-7:30pm, Suggested donation $10, Pizza and popcorn provided, Tiburon Belvedere Library.
~ MUSIC Jazz & Blues by the Bay, 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Michael Aragon Jazz and Blues Band, Gabrielson Park, Anchor and Bridgeway, Sausalito.
~ NATURE Nature for Kids Spiders! 10am-1pm, Spiders are everywhere, and this is the perfect time of year to see spiders of every shape, size, and color. We’ll learn how they hunt, how they make their webs, and how to identify many common species. Meet at the Lake Lagunitas parking area. Parking fee. David Herlocker will lead. David at (415) 893-9508 or dherlocker@co.marin.ca.us.
~ TOUR Shuttle Through Time, 10:45-11:30 am, Take the PresidiGo shuttle and travel through time as you hear stories spanning the centuries. Meet Ranger Jose Roldan at the Presidio Transit Center, corner of Graham Street and Lincoln Boulevard.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART 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. Sculpture Solutions, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Exploring Abstraction, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ COOKING Complimentary Technique Classes for Kids, Cookie Decorating, 10am-11am, WILLIAMS-SONOMA at the Village at Corte Madera. Space is limited, RSVP required, 924-6799.
~ CRAFT Make It @ MOCFA, 2-4pm; Create your own patchwork wrapping cloth inspired by Korean Bojagi: use fabric remnants to stitch into one-of-a-kind wraps and gifts. Demonstrations of simple wrapping techniques provided, complete with guides you can take home. $5 admission includes all materials, tips and tricks. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Museum of Craft and Folk Art is conveniently located in the Yerba Buena Museum District.
~ CRAFT Disney Discoveries, 1:00-3:00pm, Learning Center Art Studio, What is dear to your heart? Keep those memories for years to come. We will use a variety of materials to create and decorate your very own scrapbook!
~ CRAFT Saturdays are Special, Make and wear your own weird, wacky wire pin person. Randall Museum, 1pm-4pm.
~ EVENT Family Explorers Bay Sail, 9:30am-noon, Set sail for family adventure aboard the Schooner Seaward. Navigate the bay, hoist sails, and learn a bit about bay ecology during this 2.5 hour experience filled with breathtaking views and one-of-a-kind memories. $30/person, pre-registration required, All ages are welcome. Please arrive promplty at the beginning of the program. Sail departs from the Bay Model in Sausalito.
~ EVENT Chocolate Festival, Ghiradelli Square, San Francisco, Indulge in chocolate delicacies, sip wine and enjoy chocolate inspired family activities. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand. 12-5pm. Tickets must be purchased to taste chocolate; $20 gets you 15 samples.
~ FESTIVAL Autumn Moon Festival, San Francisco’s Chinatown, beginning with grand parade and opening ceremony at 11am at California and Grant. Featuring lion dancers, martial artists, acrobats dancers in ornate costume from the China Spirit and Flying Angels, the St. Mary’s Bell & Drum Corps and the Moon God and Goddess and more!
~ FESTIVAL Festa Coloniale Italiana, celebrating the rich Italian heritage in San Francisco. Family-fun event that is free and open to the public.
Photo by Patti Gray
~ FESTIVAL Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival & Renaissance Faire, Children will love traveling back in time and discovering old-fashioned games as well as listening to bards and admiring knights and ladies on horses. Plus, it’s farm – a young animal lovers’ paradise! 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.
~ FESTIVAL Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival, 11am-4pm, Prepare your taste buds for tomato inspired gourmet dishes and more than 170 varieties of heirloom tomatoes, artisan breads and cheeses, seminars on food and wine pairing, live music. $65 per person .
~ FESTIVAL Apple Festival, Garin Regional Park .
~ MUSIC Cajun Food and Zydeco Music, Ives Park in Sebastopol, 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.
~ NATURE Giants, Dragons and Slugs, 10:00 am, Meet the tallest species of tree in the world and search for inhabitants of an ancient forest including banana slugs, dragonflies, and woodpeckers. Meet at overflow parking lot at Muir Woods National Monument in Mill Valley. All programs are led in both English and Spanish, and are free to the general public. For more information/questions call (415) 453-1000 x17 or email juancarlos@wildcarebayarea.org.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Children’s Theatre Presents: The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. The production features traditional Kenyan songs and games. 12:30pm & 3pm, Buki the Clown and her way cool, magic show is here to make you laugh and giggle at her crazy antics!1:30pm & 2:30pm, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Create life of your own by planting your own seed and decorating your own pot. Randall Museum, 10:30 & 11:30.
~ SHOP Peace, Love, Swap, Maternity, baby, kid, teen clothing swap.
~ STORYTIME Flower Fables on Crissy Field, Using your coyote ears and hawk eyes, come on a short expedition to look for the birds and plants of Crissy Field. Hear their stories from long ago, full of adventure and suspense, while we have fun investigating the Crissy Field Marsh. Meet Park Ranger Fatima Colindres at the Beach Hut Café on Crissy Field’s East Beach, in the Presidio of San Francisco. 2-3pm, Free; geared toward ages 5 to 9, but all ages are welcome. For more information call (415) 561-4323.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 7:30pm.
~ VOLUNTEER Muir Beach Clean-Up, 10am-Noon
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drop-In Art-Making: In honor of the upcoming Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashana, make a kinetic mosaic that allows you to change and interchange your hopes and dreams for the coming year. 1-3 PM, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ AUTHOR Marsha Podd – Secrets of a Baby Nurse: How to Have a Happy, Healthy Baby 4pm
~ BLOCK PARTY Sunday Streets, Western Addition route, including North of Panhandle, Alamo Square and Fillmore and Japantown neighborhoods; a safe, fun, car-free place for people to get out and get active in San Francisco neighborhoods.
~ DANCE Tango in the Square, Tangonero, Jewels in the Square, Union Square, 2-4pm.
~ DRAMA Sunday Sampler, Berkeley Rep, Bring your family, bring a friend or treat yourself to the wide variety of programming offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, including acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning. 1pm.
~ FESTIVAL Ardenwood Shakespeare Festival & Renaissance Faire, Children will love traveling back in time and discovering old-fashioned games as well as listening to bards and admiring knights and ladies on horses. Plus, it’s farm – a young animal lovers’ paradise! 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.
~ FESTIVAL Autumn Moon Festival, San Francisco’s Chinatown, beginning with grand parade and opening ceremony at 11am at California and Grant. Featuring lion dancers, martial artists, acrobats dancers in ornate costume from the China Spirit and Flying Angels, the St. Mary’s Bell & Drum Corps and the Moon God and Goddess and more!
~ MUSEUM What’s the STORY? Jeanne Walker Harvey, author. Explore art, create your own, travel to extraordinary worlds, get hands-on, discover special places, be inspired. That’s just a hint at the fun we have in store for you on Family…San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ MUSIC Octopretzel@ 3pm; Charity and the JAMband @ 4pm The Park Chalet/Beach Chalet has been generously opening its lawn to us for four summers now, so we can serve up the families of San Francisco some handmade music and dance outside.
~ MUSIC San Francisco Opera at Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, FREE and open to the public.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Children’s Theatre Presents: The Five Heads. A magical bird that can make milk, an enchanted snake that can morph into human form, and a laughing forest are only some of the wonders in the fairytale world of this African Cinderella story. The production features traditional Kenyan songs and games. 12:30pm & 3pm, Buki the Clown and her way cool, magic show is here to make you laugh and giggle at her crazy antics!1:30pm & 2:30pm, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm Oakland.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 2:30pm. (*Family Day: pre-show activities for kids of all ages begin at 12:30 pm)
~ ZOO Oakland Zoo free to Grandparents.
~ FUNDRAISER Dance Palace Duck Derby, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at White House Pool, Point Reyes Station. Tickets are $5 each, or you can get a ‘quack Pack’- 5 ducks for 20 bucks. Don’t miss your chance to win big and benefit the Dance Palace at this fun- filled event. Get your tickets soon! Point Reyes Station.
~ NATURE Muir Woods after Hours, 5:30-7:30 pm, Explore the evening magic of Muir Woods, learning about the secret nightlife of an old-growth redwood forest. This special walk begins one hour before sunset and will conclude with the dark of night! Listen for owls, look for bats, and use our senses to guide us along the trails. Children under 8 not advised. This is an easy, two-mile walk on paved trail. Bring your flashlight, dress in layers, and wear good hiking shoes. Reservations required, phone 388-2596. Entrance fee applies.
~ ANIMAL Toddler Treks, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, for children 1 to 3 years of age. Learn about the Octopus 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. Academy of Science.
~ DANCE Afoutayi Dance Company, 6pm – 8pm, Union Square Park, Haitian Dance form has that has evolved into one of the most beautiful and unique dances in the world.
~ MUSIC My Peoples, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Union Square Park, reggae-rock band known for their high energy shows, and creating music that is gritty and fun, by blending the raw and soulful elements of reggae, rock, and hip hop.
~ MUSIC The Berkeley Old Time Music Festival, five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley.
~ READ Share A Book- Read to a Therapy Dog for Readers, 3pm, Tiburon Belvedere Library.
~ MUSIC The Berkeley Old Time Music Festival, five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley.
~ MUSIC The Berkeley Old Time Music Festival, five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley.
~ TOUR Shuttle Through Time, 10:45-11:30 am, Take the PresidiGo shuttle and travel through time as you hear stories spanning the centuries. Meet Ranger Jose Roldan at the Presidio Transit Center, corner of Graham Street and Lincoln Boulevard.
Saturday 9/17, International Coastal Clean-Up Day
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART 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. Magnificent Masks, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Dish It Up! (in the Porcelain Gallery), 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ COOKING Complimentary Technique Classes for Kids, Pizza, 10am-11am, WILLIAMS-SONOMA at the Village at Corte Madera. Space is limited, RSVP required, 924-6799.
~ CRAFT Saturdays are Special, Learn the art of bookbinding as you bind your own small book using found natural objects and other beautiful materials. Randall Museum, 1pm-4pm.
~ CRAFT Folktales Across the African Diaspora with Ayodele Nzinga 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Introducing a 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).
~ FESTIVAL Harvest Festival, Marin Country Mart, Larkspur, face painting, petting zoo, pony rides, apple pressing, butter making, pie contest with prizes, music from Tim Cain and more, 9am-2pm.
~ FESTIVAL San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival, Treasure Island, San Francisco. Free.
~ FESTIVAL Family Day Kite Festival, Watch spectacular kites flown high above the Marina Green, San Francisco, from the acrobatic kites of world champions to the hand-made entries of amateurs. Free kites will be provided to kids of all ages. 11am-6pm.
~ FESTIVAL Spice of Life Festival, Enjoy local food, wine, art, music, and creative hands-on activities for kids. 11am-7pm, Free Admission,
~ FESTIVAL Woofstock, 3 to 6pm, Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato. Join us for an afternoon of entertainment for the entire family (dogs, too!) featuring music by Petty Theft, Kids Zone with face painting and fun activities for younger attendees and more.
~ FESTIVAL Korean Culture Day, Enjoy FREE museum admission with the whole family celebrating the Korean moon festival of Chuseok. As a celebration of the good harvest on the autumn full moon day, people visit their hometowns and share a feast of traditional food with family and friends. This all-day family fun day offers docent tours, storytelling, food tasting, music and art. Korean music artist Kang Eun-il’s Haegum Plus performs their “New Traditional” fusion music for the first time in the Bay Area. Watch artists Shin Meekyung and Lee Kang Hyo demonstrate new and traditional forms of art making and create your own artworks to take home. Asian Art Museum.
~ FILM Donizetti’s Elixir of Love is a classic boy-meets-girl story with plenty of lighthearted comedy along the way! Naïve ice-cream seller Nemorino believes a love potion will help him win the heart of the beautiful Adina. Two fascinating strangers arrive to hinder and help our leading man in his quest. In this charming production, the story unfolds in a small Napa Valley town at the beginning of World War I. 11am-12:15pm, Smith Rafael Film Center, 1118 4th Street, San Rafael. Free!
~ FUNDRAISER Woofstock, a benefit concert for the Marin Humane Society. Don’t miss a fun afternoon of entertainment for the entire family (dogs, too!). 3-6pm, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato.
~ MUSIC Concert for Kids, Miss Kitty, Robin Sweeny Park. Bring your family, a blanket and enjoy FREE concerts, 10:30am.
~ MUSIC The Berkeley Old Time Music Festival, five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley.
~ MUSIC Bebop, Playin’ the Changes, fun and educational, Family Matinees provide a window into the exciting world of live jazz. Each one-hour matinee features live performance, audience participation, Q&A and amazing music. Marcus Shelby and his guests will highlight the works of Parker, Gillespie, Monk and others, demonstrating the visionary role bebop continues to play in jazz performance and composition. Herbst Theatre, San Francisco.
~ MUSIC Gamelan Sekar Jaya, enjoy the complex interlocking rhythms and virtuosic ensemble sensibility of Balinese gamelan, and the myriad expressions and delicate hand and eye motions of Balinese dance. 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm, Yerba Buena Gardens.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Children’s Theatre Presents: Tales from the Pearl of the Eastern Sea. A collection of stories from the Philippines tells of how the islands came to be, why mosquitos are like that, and how even the lowliest worm can become a prince if he takes good care of the world around him. 12:30pm & 3pm. Storyteller Kirk Waller will present a series of classic tales with an original flair. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ RUN Zero Breast Cancer Dipsea Hike/Run Lite on the beautiful Mill Valley & Mt. Tamalpais Trails. Check-in is at Old Mill Park in Mill Valley at 8:00 AM, with a 9:00 AM start.
~ SCAVENGER HUNT Nihon wo Arukou! (Let’s walk around Japan!) Japantown Scavenger Hunt! Japantown Peace Plaza Post & Buchanan Streets, The Japan Center Mall is a representation of Japan. The decorations or stores in J-town have their own meanings related to Japanese history and culture. Let’s discover a New Japan Town with your own eyes and feet by participating in a fun and educational scavenger hunt! Everyone who completes the journey will receive Silly Bandz! And the first 150 youth to complete the journey will also receive a $5 gift certificate to any merchant in the East and West Japan Center Malls. For Youth Aged 3-11 years old with Adult Supervision, 10am-1pm.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Chemistry never tasted so good! Make and take home your own edible chemistry experiment. Randall Museum, 10:30 & 11:30.
~ STORYTIME 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 “Sister Night & Sister Day” by Beth Norling. 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. 415-661-1316.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library
375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 7:30pm.
~ VOLUNTEER California Coastal Clean-up with Marin Parks and Open Space, 9am-12pm. Call Greg Reza at (415) 499-3778 to find a collection site in Marin or to become a Beach Captain. Participants are invited to a free BBQ at the Bay Model Visitor Center, at 2100 Bridgeway, Sausilito.
~ VOLUNTEER California Coastal Clean-Up Day volunteer opportunities with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
~ VOLUNTEER Coastal Clean-Up, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Richardson Bay Audubon Center & Sanctuary needs help with a beach trash clean-up and marine debris education. Help us reduce clean-up waste by bringing a bucket for collecting small trash items and work gloves. Bring your family and friends–all ages are encouraged to participate! Please bring a re-useable water bottle and be sure to wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.
~ VOLUNTEER The Marine Mammal Center’s Annual Coastal Cleanup Day, Fun Day activities for kids include, docent-Led tours at 11 am 1 pm and 3 pm, classroom programs for the family throughout the day, kids can fill complete a “passport” at various stations for a prize, activities include: making trash art mosaics (photos of mosaics created are taken home), coloring, explore marine mammal pelts and skulls plus more, sign our Pledge Wall and tell us “What you can do to help prevent ocean trash”
~ VOLUNTEER Coastal Clean-up Day, 9:30am-noon register, Celebrate the 27th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day with stewardship at Rodeo Lagoon. Show your community support for our shared natural resources by lending a hand, learn about the impacts of marine debris, and spend some quality time with your kids outdoors. FREE, registration appreciated but not required. All ages are welcome.
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drop-In Art-Making: Using inspiration from the CJM’s architecture, create an artwork piece combining old and new materials and images. 1-3 PM, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ ART Adventures in Architecture, join this interactive family tour that will explore Contemporary Jewish Museum redesigned historical building. This tour includes scavenger hunts, material investigations, and design challenges. 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
~ CRAFT Disney Discoveries, 1:00-3:00pm, Learning Center Art Studio, What is dear to your heart? Keep those memories for years to come. We will use a variety of materials to create and decorate your very own scrapbook!
~ DANCE Tango in the Square, Tangonero, Jewels in the Square, Union Square, 2-4pm.
~ EVENT Comedy Day 1 Stage, 5 Hours, 30+ Comedians, A Million Laughs! Organizers say “…it’d be rated PG-13. We ask our performers to “keep it clean,” but occasionally an “off-color” word or topic will pop up. So, please use discretion.” Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
~ FESTIVAL San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival, Treasure Island, San Francisco. Free.
~ FESTIVAL Family Day Kite Festival, Watch spectacular kites flown high above the Marina Green, San Francisco, from the acrobatic kites of world champions to the hand-made entries of amateurs. Free kites will be provided to kids of all ages. 11am-6pm.
~ HIKE Flora and Fauna of Whitehouse Pool, 10am-12pm, White House Pool lies on the banks of Lagunitas Creek and provides important habitat for salmon and other wildlife. Rangers will investigate this stretch of the Tomales Bay watershed to find native plants and animals. This walk is perfect for beginners. We welcome experienced birders and nature lovers to help spread enthusiasm for all things wild! Questions: Call (415) 507-4045.
~ HIKE Fall Walk on the Dipsea Ridge, 9a-12p, Enjoy the loveliest season in the Bay Area on a moderate/strenuous, three-mile (round-trip) walk from Muir Woods and back. We’ll ascend above the ancient coast redwood rainforest via the Ben Johnson Trail, and walk along the Deer Park Fire Road through groves of Douglas fir. At the top of the Dipsea Ridge, we’ll take in spectacular ocean views and listen for the haunting calls of birds across the coastal shrub land. Wear good hiking shoes, hat, and sunscreen. Bring water and a snack. Meet at the Muir Woods Visitor Center. Entry fees apply. Reservations required; please phone (415) 388-2596.
~ MUSIC The Berkeley Old Time Music Festival, five day music festival featuring performances by local and national acts, a rollicking square dance, open cabaret, and the illustrious stringband contest in venues throughout Berkeley.
~ MUSEUM What’s the STORY? Lynn Hazen, author. Explore art, create your own, travel to extraordinary worlds, get hands-on, discover special places, be inspired. That’s just a hint at the fun we have in store for you on Family… San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Children’s Theatre Presents: Tales from the Pearl of the Eastern Sea. A collection of stories from the Philippines tells of how the islands came to be, why mosquitos are like that, and how even the lowliest worm can become a prince if he takes good care of the world around him. 12:30pm & 3pm. Storyteller Kirk Waller will present a series of classic tales with an original flair. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.
~ THEATRE The Merry Wives of Windsor, Sir John Falstaff, tavern bad boy and knight of misrule inShakespeare’s history plays, meets his match when he tries to scam the housewives of suburban Windsor. 2pm, Old Mill Park – Behind Mill Valley Library, 375 Throckmorton Avenue. Free and family friendly.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 2:30pm.
Ronnie’s Awesome Every List has lots of ideas.
Check out Storytime hours for the Fall 2011.
~ AUTHOR Jackie Preiss Weitzman presents Superhero Joe. Joe is a boy with a super imagination. Armed with his cape of confidence (a blanket) and his shield of invincibility (a garbage can lid), Joe is ready to save the day. Robin Preiss Glasser presents a morning with Fancy Nancy! Join the illustrator of Fancy Nancy: Hair DOs and Hair Don’ts for a morning of fabulous fancy fun! Come in fancy dress! 10 am, Book Passage, Corte Madera.
~ EVENT Meet Chipper, author Stephanie Rach, will read stories from the series — playfully teaching kids good character a love and respect for nature. After story time, kids will engage in eco-educational crafts and activities. From making binoculars to caterpillars, we use items right out of the recycling bin to create nature crafts. Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera, 10:30am.
~ MUSIC Oscar Reynolds, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Union Square Park, promoting Bolivian music in Bolivia and around the world.
~ MUSIC Electric Shephard, 6pm – 8pm, Union Square Park, blending the best elements of psychedelic, blues, and trance – in addition to a hearty dose of indie-rock.
Thursday 9/22, First day of Autumn
~ AUTHOR Michael Chabon, Tickets $28 (includes signed book) Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon talks about The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man. Chabon snags his youngest audience yet with this first-person profile of a superhero who battles both bad guys and anger issues. Awesome Man zooms about in his stylin’ costume, decapitating a giant killer robot with the positronic rays that shoot out of his eyes, and schooling Professor Von Evil’s Antimatter Slimebo, 7pm Osher JCC, San Rafael.
~ ANIMALS Animalpaloza! 11am-5pm. Fort Mason Building D, Fleet Room, 38 Fort Mason. San Francisco Come to a wild celebration of animals that brings you closer to nature than ever before. Experience up-close, hands-on encounters with animals from around the world. Hold a beetle, stroke a millipede, hug a python, befriend a frog, pat a bat!
~ FILM Little Mermaid Sing-a-Long, Castro Theatre.
~ SPORTS Esurance Tennis Classic Kids Day, meet tennis legends Murphy Jensen, Gigi Fernandez, Amber Liu Chang and Ken Flach who will be on court to play with the kids. Also featuring the 10 and Under Tennis QuickStart Play Format – games, drills and prizes for all, ideal for kids between the ages of 6-10! The Club at Harbor Point, 475 E. Strawberry Dr., Mill Valley, 3:00 to 4:30 pm
~ TOUR Shuttle Through Time, 10:45-11:45 am, Take the PresidiGo shuttle and travel through time as you hear stories spanning the centuries. Meet Ranger Jose Roldan at the Presidio Transit Center, corner of Graham Street and Lincoln Boulevard.
Saturday 9/24, National Public Lands Day, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ANIMALS Pier Crabbing, 10-Noon, Come learn about crabbing in the San Francisco Bay. We’ll teach you how to use the nets, discuss bait and regulations, and let you try your luck on the Fort Point pier. Reservations are required; please phone (415) 556-1693.
~ ART 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. Surface Tension: Contemporary Prints from the Anderson Collection, 10:30am, deYoung Museum.
~ ART 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. Dutch and Flemish Masterworks from the Rose-Marie and Eijk van Otterloo Collection, 2:00pm, Legion of Honor.
~ ASTRONOMY Outer Space from Open Space, 7:30 – 9:30pm, After a short march up Mount Burdell, we’ll settle in to watch the evening sky explode into a stargazing adventure. We’ll pinpoint the major constellations and discuss the legends behind them while astronomer Larry Brodkin gives participants a deep view of the heavens with his 8” Meade Telescope. Wear warm, layered clothes and bring binoculars or a telescope, a flashlight, a blanket, and star charts. Meet at the San Andreas Trailhead. Questions: Call (415) 507-2816.
~ CRAFT Saturdays are Special, Turn 2D into 3D; fold, assemble and decorate your very own origami treasure box. Randall Museum, 1pm-4pm.
~ EVENT Blackie’s Hay Day is reminiscent of an old fashioned country fair with pony rides, relay races, toy tractors, jumpies, a climbing wall, live entertainment and more and it is a benefit for the Children’s Room at the Tiburon-Belvedere Library. 10am-3pm at Blackie’s Pasture. Entrance to Blackie’s Hay Day is $10 per person. Children under 2 are free!
~ EVENT Cirque de Sea, performances by the French acrobatic sailing couple, Franck Rabilier and Delphine Lechifflart. The duo will perform two free aerial acrobatic shows from their sailboat, La Loupiote, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at KKMI Marine Services, Sausalito.
~ FESTIVAL Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, 10AM – 6PM 10:30-12:30 Hands-On Craft Time with Tia, 12:30 Fratello Marionettes, 1:15 Georgia’s Stories – East of the Sun, West of the Moon, 2:00 Tinker’s Coin Puppets , 2:45 Magic Dan Chan, 3:30 The Gnome Show Puppets $10 General Admission, $5 Students and Seniors, Free for kids under 12 years.
~ FESTIVAL It Happens Community Fair, A day of family fun, food, live music, and adventure comes to the Marin County Fairgrounds Saturday, September 24th! Kids’ events, including a 1K Run, facepainting and more, plus a silent auction and CBS’ Jan Wahl as your host! 11am-3pm.
~ FESTIVAL Summerfest, The San Rafael City School Community has found a way to have fun and help save the critical school programs that our kids count on and deserve. Please join us for a day filled with family fun, games, and excitement.
~ FILM Little Mermaid Sing-a-Long, Castro Theatre.
~ MUSIC Patchwork Series featuring Octopretzel and Rude Dog Duo, $8.00 advance / $9.00 at Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. Their skilled musicianship and magical way with children guarantees a dance-able, sing-able and super fun experience for the whole family. Door open at 10am.
~ MUSIC Polk Street Blues Festival, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
~ MUSIC The Pedrito Martínez Group + The John Santos Sextet, Afro-Cuban band, Yerba Buena Gardens. 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm Free.
~ MUSIC Earle Fest, A Celebration of Americana Music, 12-7pm, Northern California‚s premier Americana music festival! Located on the beautiful grounds of the Earle Baum Center in Santa Rosa, EarleFest features a stellar lineup of national and regional Americana musician. All proceeds benefit the Earle Baum Center for the Visually Impaired.
~ NATURE Free day at Muir Woods.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Children’s Theatre Presents: Puss in Boots. What’s a kitten to do when the dogs bully her? Momma cat responds by telling the classic story of how a loyal cat with a taste for good footwear takes her human friend from rags to riches. 12:30pm & 3pm, 
Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Oakland.
~ SCIENCE Drop-In Science, Come and be amazed by the awesome unseen world of the insects all around us. Randall Museum, 10:30 & 11:30.
~ SHOP Marinwood Morning School’s Semi-Annual Children’s Toy & Clothing Sale, 10am-4pm.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 7:30pm.
Sunday 9/25, Yom Kippur, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ ANIMALS Hawk Talk and Banding Demos, get an up-close view of the fall raptor migration with the Golden Gate Raptor Observatory with a docent gives an hour-long talk about hawk monitoring and identification using photos and other props. A newly banded wild hawk is brought up and shown to the crowd and released. No registration necessary, meet on top of Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands at noon.
~ ART Drop-In Art-Making: In honor of the upcoming Jewish New Year holiday of Rosh Hashana, make a kinetic mosaic that allows you to change and interchange your hopes and dreams for the coming year. 1-3 PM, Contemporary Jewish Museum.
~ AUTHOR Jeanne Walker Harvey, talks about My Hands Sing The Blues. Artists and critics praise Romare Bearden’s collages for their visual metaphors honoring his past, African American culture, and the human experience. Using his painting, Watching the Good Trains Go By, Harvey describes the daily southern life that Bearden saw. Jeanne is a local author and the author of Astro, the Steller Sea Lion. 4 p.m. Book Passage, Corte Madera.
~ EVENT Great West End & Railroad Square Handcar Regatta & Exposition of Mechanical & Artistic Wonders! a splendid celebration of art, science and ingenuity, for the delight and edification of all who attend. 707-490-5039 11am-6pm. 94th Street, Santa Rosa, ty@handcarregatta.com.
~ EVENT Free For All, 11am-6pm, Join us for a full day of music, dance and theater throughout the UC Berkeley campus. Along with over 25 free performances to choose from in theaters, concert halls and out of doors, you can experiment and listen to demonstrations at the instrument petting zoo; meet the artists at CD signings, and more. Bring your friends and family for a transformative day of live performance, no tickets required!
~ EVENT Cirque de Sea, performances by the French acrobatic sailing couple, Franck Rabilier and Delphine Lechifflart. The duo will perform two free aerial acrobatic shows from their sailboat, La Loupiote, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at KKMI Marine Services, Sausalito.
~ FESTIVAL Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, 10:30-12:30 Hands-On Craft Time with Tia, 12:30 Fratello Marionettes, 1:15 Brian Scott’s Magic, 2:00 Sing with Dave Fromer, 2:45 Benny from the Magic Circus, 3:30 Nick Barone’s Puppets – Tales from the Enchanted Forest 10AM – 5PM $10 General Admission, $5 Students and Seniors, Free for kids under 12 years.
~ FESTIVAL Festival Guatemalteco, 10 am to 6 pm, Lagoon Park, San Rafael, All-day family festival featuring the finest bands from Guatemala. Fidel Fuñes (Marimba), Checha y Su India Maya (Marimba) , Grupo Rana (Merengue & Tropical), Grupo Fiesta (Tropical) , Ronald y Sus Bravos (Tropical), $25 Advance, $30 At the door, Children 11 and under – Free.
~ EVENT Biketoberfest, FREE!!! Bike expo, live music, cargo bike jubilee and more! FairAnselm Plaza 765 Center Blvd. Fairfax (Birthplace of the mountain bike!)
~ FESTIVAL San Anselmo’s Annual Country Fair Day & Parade, beginning with a Pancake Breakfast at the Downtown Fire Station (7-10:30AM), a Country Fair from 10am to 2pm (San Anselmo Avenue between Tamalpais and Tunstead Avenues), the Parade (begins at 11am and runs on “The Avenue” from Ross Ave. to Bridge Street). The event culminates with a Music and Food Festival in Creek Park (Noon to 4pm).
~ FESTIVAL Atlatl Competition and Flintknapping, enjoy paleolithic spear throwers and skilled knappers transform stone into functional tools as you watch. Coyote Hills Regional Park.
~ FILM Little Mermaid Sing-a-Long, Castro Theatre.
~ MUSEUM What’s the STORY? Bob Barner, author. Explore art, create your own, travel to extraordinary worlds, get hands-on, discover special places, be inspired. That’s just a hint at the fun we have in store for you on Family… San Francisco Museum of Modern Art 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
~ MUSIC Polk Street Blues Festival, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
~ MUSIC Moonalice, Pete Sears (Jefferson Starship), Barry Sless (Phil Lesh & Friends), Ann & Roger McNamee (Flying Other Bros.), and John Molo (Bruce Hornsby) conjure up a heady brew of roots, rock, R & B, and more! Jewels in the Square, Union Square, 6-8pm.
~ PERFORMANCE Children’s Fairyland, Children’s Theatre Presents: Puss in Boots. What’s a kitten to do when the dogs bully her? Momma cat responds by telling the classic story of how a loyal cat with a taste for good footwear takes her human friend from rags to riches. 12:30pm & 3pm, Owen Baker Flynn with his “World Premiere”, a lively show featuring juggling, fire eating and a multitude of surprises. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Puppet Show: Beauty and the Beast. This is the classic tale of a young woman who learns to love a beast, realizing that one should never judge a book by its cover. 11am, 2pm & 4pm, Oakland.
~ THEATRE Free Shakespeare in the Park, The Presidio’s Main Post Parade Ground Lawn (between Graham St & Keyes Ave). Cymbeline. Follow Princess Innogen on her search for reconciliation against the backdrop of a colorful and magical journey. Forbidden love, mistaken identities, banishment and a magic potion – Shakespeare combines multiple styles in this endlessly inventive fairy tale! 7:30pm.
Monday 9/26, Yom Kippur, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ EVENT Museum Mondays for Little Ones, Enjoy stories, movement games, and arts & crafts activities designed for children ages 1–5 and their caregivers. $5 per child; up to 2 adults per child are free before 11am.After 11am, regular Museum admission applies. Schultz Museum.
~ FILM August to June, asks us to reconsider how we achieve what we really value for our children and society. Filmed in Marin County, Q & A with Filmmakers, $10, Students (Under 18) $7, 7pm, Lark Theatre.
Tuesday 9/27, New Moon, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ ANIMAL Toddler Treks, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, for children 1 to 3 years of age. Learn about the Octopus 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.
~ AUTHOR Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson talk about The Bridge to Never Land. Aidan and Sarah Cooper discover a mysterious document in an antique English desk. Something about the document seems familiar to Sarah, and that night she realizes what it is—it involves Peter Pan! 10am, Book Passage, Corte Madera.
~ DANCE Swing in the Square with Rich & the Rhythm Roustabouts & The Rent Party, 6pm – 8pm, Union Square Park, free swing dance lessons, live music and Djs playing all sorts of swinging music from the 1930s thru the 1950s.
~ MUSIC Diego’s Umbrella, 12:30pm – 1:30pm, Union Square Park, Gypsy Rock with a mix of Eastern European tradition, pop sensibility and punk rock energy.
Wednesday 9/28, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ TOUR Historic Cruise, Picnic and Angel Island Tour, Cruise to Angel Island aboard the Presidential Yacht Potomac, tour the Immigration Station, and enjoy a delicious box lunch on the historic grounds of the “Ellis Island” of the West. Visit the Potomac site or call (510) 627-1215 for information, group tours and reservations.
Thursday 9/29, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ CIRCUS FREE Kids Circus and Juggle-a-thon, 2-5pm, UN Plaza, San Francisco, Clown Snot Bombs Secret Circus. There will be an after-school circus show and free instruction in the circus arts for children.
Friday 9/30, Banned Books Week at the Mill Valley Library
~ EVENT KidsFest at the Zoo, popular family event. Early Admission: 5pm, General Admission: 6pm. (415) 753-7173.
~ FESTIVAL Sonoma County Harvest Fair, Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa from 10 am–7 pm. Enjoy ferris wheel, merry-go-round, zipper, super slide, tea cups, games, pumpkin carving, grape stomp, continuous live jazz, an art show, crafters pavilion, farm animals to meet, and much more. Admission: Adults $8, children 7–12 $3 and children 6 and under free.
