Summer is officially here. ☀️

The San Mateo County Fair opened its gates, outdoor movie nights are back, and the Peninsula is starting to slip into that long-day, sunscreen-in-the-car rhythm again.

This weekend can be as full or as simple as you want it to be. A fair day, a pollinator party, bubbles at an aviation museum, or just one good outing before heading home for popsicles and pajamas.

Either way, the season has started. You made it.

Opening Weekend Pick

San Mateo County Fair “In Bloom”
Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County Event Center
The Peninsula’s biggest summer tradition is back. Carnival rides, Fair Farm animals, live music, maker exhibits, and enough fair food to fully commit to summer mode. Saturday brings Family Pride Day, while Sunday celebrates Asian Cultural Day with performances, art, and food from across the Bay Area.
All ages | $21 adults / $16 youth online, under 5 free | Get tickets

Happening All Weekend

Union Street Festival
Saturday–Sunday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm | 📍 Union Street, San Francisco
Cow Hollow turns into one giant neighborhood block party this weekend with local artists, live music, food vendors, family activities, and plenty of spots to wander with a snack in hand. Sunday’s annual Waiters Race is especially fun to catch with kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Friday, June 5

Family Movie Night: Dogman
7:30 pm (at sunset) | 📍 Mitchell Park, Palo Alto
Palo Alto’s outdoor movie series returns for summer with a relaxed evening under the sky. Bring blankets, easy dinner, and let the kids run around before the movie starts. A simple Friday night that feels very June.
Best for ages 10+ | Free | Learn more

Saturday, June 6

Family Fun Day: Summer Kickoff
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Los Altos Community Center
A cheerful mix of crafts, games, scavenger hunts, and low-pressure family activities hosted by Los Altos Parks & Recreation and the library team. Easy to drop into for an hour or stay longer, depending on your family’s energy.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Juneteenth on the Waterfront
11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Ferry Building Front Plaza, San Francisco
An early Juneteenth celebration filled with Black-owned small businesses, local food, music, crafts, and community gathering along the waterfront. Easy to pair with ferry watching, playground time, or a slow Embarcadero walk afterward.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Magical Bridge Community Partner Day
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Palo Alto
A full day of inclusive performances, music, art activities, and community partners filling the playground with energy and movement. You could stop by for an hour or easily spend most of the afternoon here.
All ages and abilities | Free | Learn more

Burlingame Library Summer Reading Kickoff
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm | 📍 Burlingame Main Library, Burlingame
The library kicks off summer reading season with outdoor activities, books, and a festive start to the long reading days ahead. A nice hyperlocal option if you want something easy and close to home.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sunday, June 7

Bubble Bonanza at Hiller Aviation Museum
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Kids can experiment with giant bubbles, bubble shapes, and floating science stations before heading inside to explore aircraft and aviation exhibits. One of those outings that quietly burns a full morning in the best way.
Best for ages 2–10 | Included with museum admission | Get details

Storytime with Anna at The Foster Museum
10:30 am – 11:30 am | 📍 The Foster Museum, Palo Alto
A gentle morning of songs, movement, storytelling, and simple crafts inside one of Palo Alto’s most underrated museums. This week’s theme centers around helping others, with cardboard tube puppet-making for little hands.
Best for ages 0–6 | Free | Register

Magical Music & Motion: Fun with Fernside Dragons
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Redwood City
Inflatable dragons, music, dancing, and performers take over one of the Peninsula’s most joyful playgrounds. The kind of event that feels delightfully random and surprisingly memorable once you’re there.
All ages and abilities | Free | Learn more

Pollinator Day at Presidio Tunnel Tops
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 📍 Field Station at Presidio Tunnel Tops, San Francisco
Celebrate California’s native pollinators with scavenger hunts, art stations, community science activities, and nature observation overlooking the Bay. No formal schedule, just a beautiful space to explore at your own pace.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Little Joy

If your weekend ends without making it to a single official event, that still counts.

June is carrying a lot right now. School winding down, calendars filling up, summer logistics beginning to creep in. Sometimes the best part of the weekend is just letting the kids stay outside a little longer after dinner.

Summer has a way of filling itself up quickly. But this weekend felt like a gentle start with fairs opening, music outside again, bubbles floating through museum courtyards, and families slowly returning to parks and plazas after a long school year rhythm.

Thanks for spending part of your weekend with us.

Warmly,
Akriti

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Something about late May gives you permission to loosen the schedule a little.

To stay out longer. To wander a farmers’ market without rushing. To let the kids pick the activity instead of optimizing the day.

This weekend has a little bit of everything: a 75-year-old community festival in Redwood City, coastside artist studios open to the public, free telescope nights, handmade markets, and one very good excuse to finally revisit CuriOdyssey.

You definitely don’t need to do it all.

But this is one of those weekends where the Bay Area really shows off.

Happening All Weekend

St. Pius Festival: Home on the Ranch
Friday, 6:00 pm – Sunday | 📍 St. Pius Catholic Church, Redwood City
A longtime Redwood City favorite celebrating its 75th year with carnival rides, live music, food booths, games, and full neighborhood festival energy. Easy to pop into for an hour, and equally easy to stay much longer than planned.
All ages | Free entry, ride tickets available | Learn more

CoCA Spring Open Studios
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Multiple studios from Montara to Half Moon Bay
A self guided coastside art crawl where families can step inside real artist studios and watch painters, ceramicists, and sculptors at work. Makes for a beautiful slow day along Highway 1.
All ages | Free | Learn more

CuriOdyssey
Open daily, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Coyote Point, San Mateo
One of the Peninsula’s most reliable family outings. Meet river otters, bobcats, foxes, and raptors, then move through hands on science exhibits designed for curious kids who like to touch everything.
Best for toddlers – age 12 | Adults $29.95, Children $24.95, parking extra | Get details

Friday, May 29

Theo Baker: How to Rule the World
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm | 📍 Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park
Stanford student journalist Theo Baker discusses the investigation that exposed misconduct by Stanford’s president. A fascinating conversation for teens interested in journalism, media, and power.
Best for ages 12+ | From $11.49 | Get tickets

Redwood Symphony: A Little Night Music
7:30 pm | 📍 Cañada College Main Theater, Redwood City
The West Coast premiere of a new full orchestra arrangement of Sondheim’s beloved musical. Kids under 18 attend free with a paying adult, which makes this a surprisingly accessible family theater night.
Best for ages 10+ | Adults $45, kids under 18 free with adult | Get tickets

Friday Night Stargazing
9:00 pm – 11:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
A free observatory night where families can look through a massive telescope at planets, moons, and distant star clusters. Check weather conditions before heading out.
Best for ages 8+ | Free | Learn more

Saturday, May 30

Peninsula Farmers Markets
8:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Multiple Peninsula locations
Saturday market options include Foster City, Millbrae, College of San Mateo, Redwood City, and Half Moon Bay. Peak strawberry season is officially here.
All ages | Free to browse | See markets

Solar Viewing at Foothill Observatory
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
A daytime astronomy session where kids can safely observe sunspots and solar activity through filtered telescopes with volunteers explaining what they’re seeing.
Best for ages 6+ | Free | Learn more

Lakeshore Learning Free Kids Craft
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Lakeshore Learning stores, Bay Area
This week’s free drop-in activity is a butterfly bookmark craft using markers and nature-inspired materials. Good for younger kids and an easy addition between larger weekend plans.
Best for ages 3–8 | Free | Find your store

Kevin Wilson with Kate Folk
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 📍 Kepler’s Books, Menlo Park
Kevin Wilson discusses his new novel, Run for the Hills, a funny and heartfelt road trip story about unexpected siblings searching for their father across America.
Best for teens + parents | Tickets required | Get tickets

Sunday, May 31

Sunday Farmers Markets
9:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Burlingame, San Carlos, Belmont, Menlo Park + more
Sunday market season is in full swing with fresh fruit, flowers, pastries, and live music across the Peninsula. An easy way to fill a morning without overplanning.
All ages | Free to browse | See markets

Patchwork Show Makers Market
11:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
One of the Peninsula’s best craft markets returns with handmade ceramics, jewelry, art, clothing, small batch food vendors, and live music throughout downtown.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Wishing your family a weekend with a little breathing room in it, whether that looks like a coastside drive, strawberries at the market, or an unexpectedly good afternoon somewhere you almost skipped.

See you out there,
Akriti

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Memorial Day weekend always feels a little softer around the edges. A little less rush, a little more wandering.

This is the kind of weekend for tidepool mornings, farmers market snacks that somehow become lunch, and finding one good thing to anchor the day around. There are brain dissections in a park (yes, really), shadow puppet shows, beach cleanups, live music by the coast, and plenty of low-effort outings if your family energy is somewhere between “let’s do everything” and “please no complicated logistics.”

As usual, use this as a menu, not a plan.

Happening All Weekend

Breakwater Barbecue 6th Anniversary Festival
Friday–Monday, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm | 📍 Breakwater BBQ, El Granada
Six years on the Coastside, celebrated with live music all four days. Think smoked meats, local acts, ocean breezes, and picnic-table energy, the kind of place that turns a holiday lunch into a real memory. Worth the drive if you’re headed to Half Moon Bay anyway.
All ages | Free entry (food & drinks for purchase) | Learn more

The Three Little Pigs
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 am & 12:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, Palo Alto
Storyteller style theater for your youngest, simple sets, lots of wiggles, and a 55-minute runtime that’s just right. Two performances each day. All attendees need a ticket, even babies, so book ahead.
Best for ages 2–6 | ~$15/ticket | Get tickets

CuriOdyssey Museum & Zoo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
Open all weekend, and Memorial Day Monday too. Get up close with otters, bobcats, eagles, foxes, and native California wildlife, then explore interactive science stations along the bay.
Best for ages 2–12 | Adults $24.95, Kids $19.95 (+ $6 Parking fee) | Get tickets

Today at Apple: Kids Workshops
11:00 am daily | 📍 Apple Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto
Free drop-in sessions Saturday and Sunday, Making a Theme Song, Code Your First App, Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth, and more. Popular with the 6–12 crowd, so arrive a few minutes early.
Best for ages 6–12 | Free | Learn more

Saturday, May 23

Free Go Kart Racing + Shadow Puppet Theater
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | 📍 Scaffold Play Lab, Palo Alto
Two events for the price of zero. Older kids build, test, and race real go karts while exploring engineering concepts. Younger ones step into an ocean themed shadow puppet show, with performances at 10:15 am and 11:30 am.
Ages 4–11 | Free | Get tickets

College of San Mateo Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 College of San Mateo, San Mateo
A Peninsula stalwart with hilltop views, fresh produce, seafood, artisan bread, and food trucks. Wide open space and usually live music make this one of the best slow Saturday morning options.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Coastside Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay
A farmer run market in a seaside setting that makes it one of the most scenic on the Bay Area circuit. Peak May picks include strawberries, artichokes, snap peas, and early stone fruit.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Dunes Beach Cleanup with Sea Hugger
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Dunes Beach, Half Moon Bay
A monthly volunteer cleanup that Sea Hugger makes genuinely family friendly. Kids learn ocean stewardship the best way, by doing something about it. Bring reusable gloves if you have them.
All ages | Free | Register

Saturday Storytime at Barnes & Noble
11:00 am | 📍 Barnes & Noble Hillsdale, San Mateo
A weekly drop in for little readers with storytime, crafts, and snacks in a welcoming bookstore setting. Easy, no fuss, and a nice anchor for a slower Saturday morning.
Best for ages 2–8 | Free | Learn more

Sunday, May 24

BioCompass Kids: Brainstorm Expedition
9:30 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Beresford Park, San Mateo
Don’t skip this one. Real neuroscientists set up an outdoor pop up lab where kids can hold brain specimens, play neuron games, run experiments, and compete at brain trivia with prizes.
All ages | Free (RSVP appreciated) | Register

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Tidepool Exploring
From 8:00 am | 📍 Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Moss Beach
One of the most magical free nature spots on the California coast. At low tide, kids can spot sea stars, crabs, anemones, octopuses, and more in the protected reef.
Best for ages 5+ | Free | Get details

Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Park Rd at Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
A Sunday morning stroll on Burlingame Avenue is quietly one of the Peninsula’s best simple pleasures. Seasonal produce, flowers, and local treats, best paired with breakfast nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Menlo Park Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Chestnut St, Menlo Park
A year-round Sunday market in a beautiful neighborhood setting with fresh fish, produce, cheese, flowers, and artisan goods. Consistently one of the Peninsula’s most reliable markets.
All ages | Free | Learn more

A Few Parent Pocket Guide Picks

• If you only choose one nature outing this weekend, make it the Fitzgerald tidepools. Kids remember that kind of thing for years.

• The BioCompass brain event feels like one of those wonderfully random Bay Area experiences that could either become a core memory or a future science obsession.

• Memorial Day weekends can get crowded fast. Earlier mornings will almost always feel calmer.

Wishing you a weekend with at least one truly easy moment in it.

See you out there,
Akriti

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This weekend feels Peninsula in the best way.

San Carlos Hometown Days runs from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon with parades, rides, pancake breakfasts, and the kind of old-school community energy that feels harder to find. Around it, the rest of the calendar fills in beautifully. Baby Prom in Palo Alto. Stargazing in Los Altos Hills. Samba at Magical Bridge Playground. A nature hike at Edgewood with local families.

And if you want to make a day of San Francisco, Laurie Berkner is at the Palace of Fine Arts on Saturday morning.

There’s a little something for every age and every energy level this weekend.

Happening All Weekend

San Carlos Hometown Days

Friday, May 15, 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday, May 17, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
📍 Burton Park & Downtown San Carlos

One of the Peninsula’s most beloved community festivals returns for three full days of rides, live music, food vendors, local artisans, and warm neighborhood energy. Saturday brings the parade through downtown while Sunday starts with a family fun run and pancake breakfast before the festival continues through the afternoon.
All ages | Free entry; rides, food, and fun run registration extra | Get details

Friday, May 15

Dragons Love Tacos

Multiple showings | 📍 Center for the Performing Arts, Mountain View
The wildly popular picture book comes to life on stage with silly humor, bright visuals, and just enough chaos to keep preschoolers completely locked in. A sweet first theater experience.
All ages | Tickets required | Get tickets

Friday Night Stargazing

9:00 pm – 11:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
Free public stargazing through a real observatory telescope. Planets, star clusters, and night sky views that feel genuinely magical for curious school-age kids.
Ages 6+ | Free; parking $3 | Get details

Saturday, May 16

College of San Mateo Farmers Market

9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Galileo Parking Lot, 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd., San Mateo
A dependable Peninsula favorite for fresh produce, flowers, and local vendors. Stroller-friendly, easygoing, and a nice slower-paced alternative if the parade crowds feel like too much.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

San Carlos Hometown Days Parade

9:45 am | 📍 Downtown San Carlos
School bands, floats, dancers, and community groups take over downtown before the festival opens. Loud, joyful, and old-school in the best possible way.
All ages | Free | Get details

Solar Viewing at Foothill Observatory

10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Foothill College Observatory, Los Altos Hills
Safely observe the sun through professional solar telescopes and spot sunspots, flares, and solar activity in real time. A surprisingly cool STEM outing.
All ages | Free; parking $3 | Get details

Baby Prom

10:30 am – 11:00 am | 📍 Children’s Library, Palo Alto
Music, dancing, sensory play, and tiny formal outfits for the under-two crowd. This one is exactly as adorable as it sounds.
Ages 0–2 | Free | Learn more

Laurie Berkner: The Greatest Hits Solo Tour

11:00 am | 📍 Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
The queen of children’s music performs all the classics live, including “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Victor Vito.” Expect lots of dancing, singing, and deeply enthusiastic kids.
Ages 2–8 | Tickets required | Get tickets

Also in SF on Saturday: de Youngsters Day Out at the de Young Museum with free family art-making and performances, plus the Songkran Southeast Asian New Year Festival at Civic Center. Both are worth the trip if you’re already making a city day of it.

South Bay AANHPI Festival

11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 History Park, San Jose
A vibrant celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage with cultural performances, food trucks, games, crafts, and community booths throughout History Park.
All ages | Free; parking $10 | Learn more

Sunday, May 17

House of Samba Kids at Magical Bridge Playground

11:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Redwood City
Live samba music and movement at one of the Peninsula’s most loved inclusive playgrounds. Easy, joyful Sunday energy.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Children’s Business Fair

11:30 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Young entrepreneurs run their own booths and businesses for the day. Quietly inspiring for creative and business-minded elementary-age kids.
All ages | Free to attend | Learn more

Little Explorers Nature Club: Edgewood Hike

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 📍 Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve, Redwood City
A relaxed, kid-friendly Peninsula hike designed more for connection than cardio. Kids can explore trails at their own pace while parents actually get to finish conversations. This month’s hike includes local nature docents helping guide the group and teach kids about local flora and fauna.
All ages | $15 per parent; kids free | Get details

Super Family Sunday

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, Palo Alto
A quieter evening at the museum created specifically for families with children with disabilities and learning differences. Thoughtful, welcoming, and free with registration.
All ages | Free; registration required | Register

Parade in the morning, samba in the afternoon, stars on Friday night. This is a Peninsula weekend doing what it does best.

However much of it you catch, we hope it feels like a breath of fresh air this weekend. See you out there.

— Akriti

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This week got away from me a little. The kind of week where the cup is full enough that things start gently spilling over the edges.

So this guide is arriving on a Friday morning instead of Thursday night, but honestly, that feels fitting for a Mother’s Day weekend issue. A reminder that most of us are carrying a lot right now.

Inside: Powwow drumming under the trees at Stanford, kids painting a real airplane, a waterfront drone show, garden mornings, concerts, crafts, and a few genuinely lovely ways to spend time together without overcomplicating the weekend.

Use this as a menu, not a plan.

Happening All Weekend

55th Annual Stanford Powwow
Fri May 8: booths from 5:00 pm, intertribal dancing 7:00–11:00 pm | Sat May 9: Grand Entries at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm | Sun May 10: 11:00 am–6:00 pm, Grand Entry at 1:00 pm | 📍 Eucalyptus Grove, Stanford
One of the largest student run Powwows in the country returns for its 55th year on Mother’s Day weekend. Three days of intertribal dancing, drum competitions, Native art vendors, traditional food, and Tiny Tots categories that younger kids love watching. Sunday’s Mother & Daughter Honor Song makes for a genuinely moving close.
All ages welcome | Free admission; parking pass may apply | Learn more

Friday, May 8

Disney’s Frozen
7:30 pm | 📍 Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
Palo Alto Players brings Frozen to the stage for its final weekend. Big songs, full community cast, and all the Elsa energy your household can handle. Best for kids ready for a full musical with an intermission.
Recommended ages 4+; no children under 3 | From $20 | Get tickets

Saturday, May 9

San Francisco Bike Rodeo for Kids
Sessions begin at 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, and 10:30 am | 📍 Stonestown Galleria, San Francisco
Kids get helmet checks, bike inspections, hand signal practice, and a short neighborhood ride with volunteers and mechanics on site. A surprisingly fun confidence builder for newer riders.
Ages 5–17 | Free; registration required | Register

“Almost” Mother’s Day Kids’ Concert
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 Courthouse Square, Redwood City
Andy Z and the Andyland Band bring their high energy kindie rock show to the square, along with inflatable play areas and Mother’s Day craft stations. Easy to pair with the History Museum event right next door.
Best for ages 2–10 | Free | Learn more

Family Past Times: Celebrating Moms and Migratory Birds
10:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
Bird themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and hands on activities take over the courthouse in honor of World Migratory Bird Day. A sweet add on if you’re already at Courthouse Square.
All ages | Free | Learn more

May Second Saturday at Gamble Garden
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Mother’s Day crafts, guided garden walks, storytime, scavenger hunts, and one of the prettiest gardens on the Peninsula fully in bloom for May. Calm and easy in the best way.
All ages | Free; timed registration recommended | Learn more

10th Hungarian Heritage Festival
12:00 pm–10:00 pm | 📍 Twin Pines Park, Belmont
This beloved Peninsula festival celebrates its tenth year with folk dance, live music, traditional food, puppet shows, children’s crafts, and a large cultural marketplace. Festive without feeling overwhelming.
All ages | Adults $20; ages 6–17 $5; under 5 free | Learn more

Hiller Aviation Museum: Starlab Planetarium
Museum 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Starlab shows at 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Explore cockpits, helicopters, and flight simulators before stepping inside the inflatable Starlab dome for a constellation show. One of those outings that works surprisingly well across age ranges.
Starlab best for ages 5+; museum all ages | Museum admission + $5 Starlab add on | Get tickets

Disney’s Frozen: Relaxed Performance
2:00 pm | 📍 Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
This relaxed performance welcomes audience movement, noise, and flexibility, with adjusted lighting and lower sensory pressure. One of the most thoughtful theater options around for families who need it.
Recommended ages 4+; no children under 3 | From $20 | Get tickets

Rock on Water + Drone Show
Concert 6:30 pm–8:30 pm; drone show begins at 8:30 pm | 📍 Port of Redwood City, Redwood City
A waterfront Rolling Stones tribute concert turns into a 400 drone light show over the harbor after sunset. There are glow activities and kid zones before the show starts, so arriving early helps.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sunday, May 10 | Mother’s Day

Hiller Aviation Museum: Paint A Plane
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Kids get to help paint a real airplane before exploring the museum’s cockpits and helicopters. Pair it with the San Carlos Farmers’ Market on Laurel Street for a very easy Mother’s Day morning.
Best for ages 3–12 | Museum admission | Learn more

Downtown San Mateo Mother’s Day Pop Up
12:00 pm–2:00 pm | 📍 B Street, San Mateo
Live jazz and free family photos bring a little extra energy to downtown San Mateo for Mother’s Day afternoon. A nice low key option if you want something simple after brunch.
All ages | Free | Get details

Disney’s Frozen: Final Performance
2:00 pm | 📍 Lucie Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
The final performance of the run. Good for families who’ve been meaning to make it happen all spring and finally have the weekend for it.
Recommended ages 4+; no children under 3 | From $20 | Get tickets

Whether this weekend finds you at a Powwow, watching drones over the water, or simply standing beside your child while they paint a real airplane, we hope it gives you a few moments that feel genuinely good.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the parents doing this alongside their kids.

See you next week,
Akriti

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May is finally here, and it arrives in style. This weekend is all about community, parades, festivals, and free events that feel genuinely warm rather than obligatory.

Hidden Villa is shearing its sheep on Saturday, and yes, you can watch and help card the wool. Japantown is celebrating Children’s Day. And somewhere in SF, kids are solving Alice in Wonderland math puzzles in a park on a Sunday.

A little magic for every kind of family.

Happening all weekend

Bank of America Museums on Us
Saturday–Sunday museum hours | 📍 de Young Museum & Legion of Honor, San Francisco
Free general admission for Bank of America cardholders this weekend. Two of SF’s most iconic museums, with plenty of space to wander and explore at your own pace.
All ages | Free (cardholders) | Learn more

Friday, May 1

Free First Fridays, AAPI Heritage Month
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
A free museum day with a special AAPI Heritage Month theme. Includes a simple hands-on craft for kids and a docent-led tour in a beautiful historic courthouse setting.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Saturday, May 2

Sheep Shearing & Fiber Arts Festival
9:30 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Hidden Villa, Los Altos Hills
Watch sheep shearing up close, then follow the journey from raw wool to finished fabric through interactive stations. Add music, food, and open space for kids to roam.
All ages | $30 (kids under 4 free) | Get details

102nd Annual May Fete Parade & Fair
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 University Ave to Heritage Park, Palo Alto
A long-running Peninsula tradition with marching groups, music, and community spirit. Follow the parade to the fair for games, food, and an easygoing afternoon.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Free Comic Book Day
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County Libraries (multiple locations)
Free comics for all ages while supplies last, from superheroes to manga. Some branches add small activities, making it an easy and low-effort stop with kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Japantown Children’s Day Festival
11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Sutter Street, San Francisco
A lively outdoor celebration with games, crafts, performances, and a festive atmosphere. Easy to wander through, especially if you’re already in the city.
All ages | Free | Learn more

AAPI Heritage Celebration
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | 📍 Central Park, San Mateo
Live performances, cultural showcases, and food in a relaxed park setting. It feels more like a neighborhood gathering than a formal event, which works well with kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sunday, May 3

Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am – 1:30 pm | 📍 Park Rd & Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
A relaxed Sunday farmers market with fresh produce, baked goods, and space to wander. Pair it with a stroll down Burlingame Ave or an easy brunch nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Plant Sale & Craft Fair
10:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo Garden Center, San Mateo
Browse plants and local vendors while kids explore a small gardening table and activities. Live music in the background makes this feel easy and festive.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Go-Kart Build & Drive Open House
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Scaffold Play Lab, Palo Alto
Kids design, build, and test their own go-karts in a hands-on setup. A great fit for kids who like tinkering, building, and figuring things out.
Ages 6–11 | Free | Get details

Alice in Wonderland Math Quest
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 Salesforce Park, San Francisco
A playful outdoor puzzle experience where families follow clues and solve challenges across the park. It feels more like a game than a math activity.
Ages 5–12 | Free (RSVP) | Get details

Gifted, Mother’s Day Pop-Up by Masala on Mind
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 📍 Laurel Street, San Carlos
A cozy, thoughtfully curated pop-up with chai, snacks, and small brands. A nice pre–Mother’s Day stop to browse, pick something up, or just slow down for a bit.
All ages | RSVP required | Get details

This weekend leans joyful in a very Bay Area way, parades, nature, hands-on play, and small moments in between.

If something works for your family, pass this along to another parent who’d appreciate it.

Akriti

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Cherry blossom season has one more weekend left in it, and this might be the one to catch it.

Cupertino’s festival is in full swing, Half Moon Bay fills with dream machines, and across the Bay, there’s music, books, and just enough going on to make the weekend feel full without needing a plan.

Pick one thing. Let the rest be a bonus.

Happening All Weekend

42nd Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Memorial Park, Cupertino
A Bay Area favorite with performances, crafts, food, and a lively KidZone. Don’t miss the free kimono try-on inside the Quinlan Center.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Gamble Garden 40th Annual Spring Tour & Marketplace
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Runs Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25
Tour four private Palo Alto gardens at your own pace, with docents at each stop. Back at Gamble Garden, expect music, demos, and a lively plant sale.
All ages (kids 12 & under free) | Marketplace only: $10/adult; Full garden tour: $45–$55/adult | Get tickets

Pete the Cat the Musical
10:00 am & 2:00 pm | 📍 Children’s Creativity Museum (Creativity Theater), San Francisco
Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26
A high-energy, interactive show with songs, dancing, and a playful story that keeps kids engaged. Book ahead for the best seats.
Ages 2–10 | From $20 | Get tickets

Friday, April 24

Bay Area Dance Week Kickoff, “One Dance”
noon | 📍 Jesse Square, San Francisco
A joyful, all-ages flash dance in the plaza led by Rhythm & Motion. Easy-to-follow moves and a short Soul Line Dance class make it fun for kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Saturday, April 25

Generations Day, San Mateo Public Library
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo Public Library, San Mateo
A full day of free programming with story time, live music, a cooking demo, and a community cake-cutting. Drop in anytime.
All ages | Free, no registration needed | Learn more

Love Our Earth Festival
noon – 3:00 pm | 📍 Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School, East Palo Alto
A hands-on Earth Month celebration with crafts, screenprinting, live entertainment, and food trucks. Bring a shirt to print.
All ages | Free | Register

Hansel & Gretel, Peninsula Youth Theatre
11:30 am & 1:30 pm | 📍 MVCPA SecondStage, Mountain View
A modern, one-hour take on the classic fairytale with no intermission. Each show ends with a cast talk-back that kids enjoy.
All ages | $20/person (includes $2 facility fee) | Get tickets

Music@Menlo: Carnival of the Animals
4:00 pm | 📍 The Center for Performing Arts at Menlo-Atherton, Atherton
A lively afternoon of music featuring new and classic pieces inspired by animals. Short, vivid performances keep kids engaged.
All ages | $20–$80 | Get tickets

Sunday, April 26

Family Storytime, Rinconada Library
11:00 am – 11:30 am | 📍 Rinconada Library (Children’s Library), Palo Alto
A cozy storytime with songs, rhymes, and picture books for little ones. A gentle, no-registration start to Sunday.
Ages 0–5 | Free | Learn more

32nd Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 Half Moon Bay Airport, Half Moon Bay
Over 2,000 vehicles take over the airfield, from classic cars to aircraft. A large kids zone, live music, and food make it a full outing.
All ages | Paid admission (see website for pricing) | Get details

Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Parque Niños Unidos, San Francisco (Mission District)
A beloved Mission festival with performances, crafts, and free books for kids. Sensory-friendly time starts in the morning.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Downtown San Mateo Boba Day
noon – 3:00 pm | 📍 B Street between 1st and 3rd Aves, Downtown San Mateo
Downtown fills with boba specials, booths, and family activities. Stop by the live judging or just wander and sample.
All ages | Free to attend | Get details

Spring shows up all at once this time of year, blossoms, festivals, open parks, everything competing for your attention.

You don’t have to do it all. Pick what feels easy, and let that be enough.

If you find something you love, tell us. We’re always looking for the next good weekend plan.

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April 22 is Earth Day, but honestly, this whole weekend feels like the celebration. From a coastal cleanup and EcoFest in Pacifica to nature walks through the Palo Alto Baylands to free art-making and ecology booths across the Peninsula, the Bay Area is pulling us outside this weekend.

Layer that with the final weekend of the Cherry Blossom Festival and a few playful surprises — Bug Day, a circus show, a sensory-friendly concert, and you’ve got more than enough.

Pick two things. Leave room to wander.

Happening all weekend

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 18–19, 11:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Japantown, San Francisco
A Bay Area classic that truly works for families — cultural performances, food booths, and plenty of room to wander between it all. Final weekend energy builds toward Sunday’s Grand Parade.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Pete the Cat the Musical
April 18–19, 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | 📍 Children’s Creativity Museum, San Francisco
A groovy classroom-to-Paris musical with live music and audience participation throughout. A fun pick for younger kids who like a little movement with their theater.
Best for ages 2–8 | $25 children / $35 adults | Get details

EarthFest Weekend at SF Zoo
April 18–19, 11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, San Francisco
A pop-up EarthFest village, conservation booths, and live music layered into a zoo day. Good for families already planning a longer SF outing.
All ages | Free with zoo admission | Learn more

Friday, April 17

Circus Bella: Bella!
7:30 pm–9:30 pm | 📍 Club Fugazi, San Francisco
A playful evening of acrobatics, aerial feats, storytelling, and live music inside historic Club Fugazi. A special-feeling Friday night outing if your kids can stay up for it.
Best for ages 6+ | Ticketed | Get details

Saturday, April 18

Millbrae Farmers’ Market
8:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 200 Block of Broadway, Millbrae
A low-effort morning with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and an easy downtown stroll. Great when you want out of the house without overcommitting.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Redwood City Kiwanis Farmers’ Market
8:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 500 Block of Arguello St, Redwood City
Seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, and a relaxed neighborhood feel. A simple Saturday anchor if you want to keep the rest of the day flexible.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Bug Day at Randall Museum
10:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 Randall Museum, San Francisco
Touch live insects, race pollinator relays, build bug-themed projects, and if you’re brave, try an edible bug. Costumes encouraged.
Best for ages 3–12 | Free | Learn more

Creativity Festival at Yerba Buena Gardens
10:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
An outdoor block party with puppet-making, LEGO printmaking, circus performances, and a chance to meet the Pete the Cat cast. Food trucks on-site too.
All ages | Free | Learn more

EcoCenter Earth Day Celebration + Baylands Nature Walks
10:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 EcoCenter at Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Alto
Earth Day art-making with food-based dyes and recycled materials, plus guided walks through the Baylands marsh. Register ahead for the walks if that’s your main draw.
Art activities: all ages | Nature walks: ages 6+ | Free | Get details

Earth Day EcoFest
10:30 am–1:30 pm | 📍 Pacifica State Beach, Pacifica
Optional morning beach cleanup, then hands-on booths, marine robotics demos, a creek tour, and live music right by the water. Earth Day in the best possible setting.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Earth Day Festival — Mountain View
11:00 am–3:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Plaza, Mountain View
Live insects, rescue birds, a rock climbing wall, bike rodeo, music, and easy eco-themed activities in one place. A very solid all-ages pick.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sensory Friendly Family Concert
2:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
Open seating, fidget toys, and no sudden loud sounds make this an especially welcoming concert format. A gentle option for kids who do better in flexible spaces.
Best for ages 2–10 | Free | Learn more

Sunday, April 19

San Carlos Earth Day Celebration
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Wheeler Plaza Parking Lot, San Carlos
A relaxed downtown setup with sustainability booths, eco-tips, community exhibits, and student art on display. Easy to pair with a coffee or brunch stop nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Menlo Park Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Chestnut St between Santa Cruz & Menlo Aves, Menlo Park
Fresh produce, flowers, and local goods right in the heart of downtown. A reliable Sunday morning reset kind of outing.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Art for All Family Day — Stanford
10:00 am–12:00 pm or 1:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Cantor Arts Center & Anderson Collection, Stanford
Clay bowls, fabric weaving, watercolors, gallery storytimes, and a scavenger hunt across Stanford’s museums. Register for one session and settle in.
All ages | Free | Register

Cherry Blossom Grand Parade
1:00 pm–3:00 pm | 📍 Civic Center Plaza to Japantown, San Francisco
Taiko drummers, traditional dancers, floats, and martial arts groups wind through the city in the festival’s biggest finale moment. Go early for a good viewing spot.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Earth Day Festival — Palo Alto
1:00 pm–4:00 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
Sustainability booths, a kids’ raffle, and an Earth Day story time in the sculpture garden. Bonus points if you bike over — repair stations will be there too.
Best for ages 3–12 | Free | Learn more

Wishing you some sweet fresh air this weekend, whether that’s the scent of cherry blossoms in Japantown, salt air off the Pacifica coast, or the unmistakable smell of live insects at the Randall Museum. Earth Day starts here. We’ll see you outside.

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This weekend has that good April energy: enough going on to feel festive, but still plenty of room to keep things simple.

There are blossoms in full swing, garden mornings, music by the water, and one of those rare Bay Area days where you can get on a sailboat without planning much at all.

If you’re only picking one thing this weekend, make it Sunday’s sailboats or a wander through the Cherry Blossom Festival. Everything else can flex around that.

Use this as a menu, not a plan.

Happening all weekend

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
11:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Japantown, San Francisco
A Bay Area classic that truly works for families — performances, food, and plenty to explore without needing a strict plan. Easy to dip in and out.
All ages | Free | Get details

Filoli Spring Bloom
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Peak spring at Filoli — tulips, daffodils, and wide open space for kids to roam. Feels calm, beautiful, and worth the short drive.
All ages | Admission required | Learn more

Friday, April 10

Between the Lines Jr. Opening Night
7:00 pm | 📍 1635 Park Ave, San Jose
Teen and tween performers bring this heartfelt musical to life — a story of a girl who falls in love with a character in her favorite book and finds the courage to chase her dreams. A warm, engaging Friday night outing for older kids.
Best for ages 10–15 | Tickets from $22 (Youth) / $30 (Adult) | Get details

Saturday, April 11

Redwood City Farmers Market
8:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 500 Arguello St, Redwood City
A dependable Saturday staple — fruit, flowers, breakfast, and enough energy to feel like an outing without overthinking it.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Pinstripes Kids Club — Spring Crafts & Face Painting
9:30 am | 📍 36 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo
Pinstripes’ monthly kids club leans into spring this time — colorful crafts and festive face painting, plus a free brunch voucher to use the same day. An easy, contained way to start Saturday.
Best for ages 3–10 | $5/child | Get details

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
A relaxed Earth Month morning with garden exploration and kid-friendly activities. One of those low-effort outings that feels quietly rewarding.
All ages | Free | Get details

Bohème Out of the Box
2:00 pm | 📍 701 Illinois St, San Francisco
Free outdoor opera by the water. Bring snacks, layers, and let kids move around while you enjoy the music. Surprisingly doable with a family.
All ages | Free | Get details

Sunday, April 12

Sail-a-Dinghy Day ⭐
10:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 3160 N Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View
Free skippered sailboat rides — one of those rare, memorable Bay Area experiences that feels special without much effort. Expect lines, but worth it.
All ages | Free | Get details

Downtown San Mateo Farmers Market
9:00 am–2:00 pm | 📍 200 W 3rd Ave, San Mateo
An easy Sunday plan — breakfast, produce, and a relaxed downtown stroll. Good when you want to get out without committing your whole day.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Free Live Music at Golden Gate Park Bandshell
12:00 pm–4:00 pm | 📍 Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
An easy, linger-worthy afternoon — live music, open space, and a great excuse to spread a picnic blanket. Live music runs throughout the afternoon with a mix of performances that make it easy to drop in, stay as long as you like, and let kids move around freely.
All ages | Free | Get details

A quick note

If the weekend starts to feel full, pick one thing and let that be enough.

That’s usually when it turns into a good one.

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There’s something about Easter weekend that feels like the real start of spring around here. The eggs are hidden, the bounce houses are inflated, and the Peninsula is blooming — literally. Filoli’s 130,000 bulbs are doing their thing, the Coastside Farmers’ Market is opening for the season, and San Mateo’s Eggstravaganza is back for year forty-nine.

Whether your crew is into sensory-friendly hunts, helicopter-arriving bunnies, or just a quiet morning at the farmers’ market, this weekend has room for all of it.

Friday, April 3

FREE First Fridays at San Mateo County History Museum
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
Free admission all day with a kids’ craft at 11:00 am and a docent-led tour at 2:00 pm. A beautiful, easy outing — the stained glass dome and historic exhibits make this feel special without needing much planning.
All ages (best for 3+) | Free | Learn more

Adaptive EGGventure Hunt
4:30 pm | 📍 Twin Pines Park Meadow, Belmont
A sensory-friendly egg hunt with 2,000 eggs spread across an open meadow, including light-up and chirping eggs. Designed to feel calm, inclusive, and welcoming. Bring your own basket and arrive a little early.
All ages | Free | Learn more

First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey
5:00 pm – 8:00 pm | 📍 CuriOdyssey, Coyote Point, San Mateo
Earth Month–themed evening with live music, food trucks, hands-on science, and animal encounters. A relaxed, slightly festive Friday night that works well for mixed ages and lets you ease into the weekend.
All ages | Included with admission; members free | Learn more

Saturday, April 4

Coastside Farmers’ Market — Opening Day
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Shoreline Station, Half Moon Bay
Opening day for the season with fresh produce, local seafood, baked goods, and ocean air. An easy, open-ended morning where you can linger, snack, and let kids roam a bit without a fixed plan.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

49th Annual Eggstravaganza
9:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Central Park, San Mateo
A long-running Peninsula favorite with age-divided egg hunts, live entertainment, bunny photos, food trucks, and a costume parade. Big, lively, and well-run — reserve your free wristbands ahead.
Best for ages 0–11 | Free | Get details

Menlo Park Spring Festival & Egg Hunt
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Burgess Park, Menlo Park
Petting zoo, jumpers, crafts, bunny photos, and a sensory-friendly egg hunt option. A mix of structured activities and free-play zones, making it easy to stay longer or leave when kids are done.
Best for ages 0–12 | Free (+$5 non-res egg hunt) | Get details

Belmont Egg Adventure Hunt
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Twin Pines Park, Belmont
18,000 eggs across age-divided areas plus golden egg prizes, bunny photos, refreshments, and a family photo booth. One of the bigger hunts, with enough space for kids to move comfortably.
Best for ages 3–10 | Free | Learn more

Hiller Aviation Museum: Easter Bunny Arrives by Helicopter!
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Watch the Easter Bunny arrive by helicopter at 11:00 am, then stay for face painting, bounce houses, and egg collecting. A high-energy, uniquely memorable experience that feels very Peninsula.
Best for ages 2–12 | Included with admission | Get details

Lemos Farm Easter Egg Hunt
10:00 am (check-in 9:30 am) | 📍 Lemos Farm, Half Moon Bay
Egg hunt plus unlimited pony rides, train rides, petting zoo, bounce houses, Tractor Town, and more. A full, immersive farm day — ideal if you want one outing to fill most of the day.
Best for ages 2–10 | $17–$37 | Get details

Burlingame Library Mandarin Storytime
11:00 am | 📍 Burlingame Public Library, Burlingame
Bilingual Mandarin storytime led by educator Jamie Gao. A calm, engaging session for kids and caregivers curious about language, culture, and storytelling — a nice reset between busier plans.
Best for ages 2–8 | Free | Learn more

Filoli Spring Garden Visit — Peak Bloom
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Filoli House & Garden, Woodside
Over 130,000 tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths across a 16-acre estate. Kids can explore garden paths and open spaces while adults take in one of the most beautiful spring settings nearby. Book ahead.
All ages | Admission required | Get details

Spring Fling at Salesforce Park
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Salesforce Park, San Francisco
Rooftop park celebration with egg hunts by age group, live music, crafts, and room to run. A slightly different city experience that still feels open, green, and surprisingly kid-friendly.
All ages | Free | Get details

Sunday, April 5

San Mateo Downtown Farmers’ Market
9:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 222 E. 4th Ave, San Mateo
A relaxed Easter morning option with fresh produce, flowers, pastries, and prepared foods. Easy to pair with other plans or enjoy as a slow start before the rest of the day unfolds.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 1451 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
Interactive science exhibits, animal encounters, and flamingo feedings throughout the day. Timed entry keeps it manageable, making this a reliable, engaging outing for younger kids.
Best for ages 1–12 | $14/person | Get details

Sports Basement Easter Bunny Hunt
10:00 am – 6:00 pm | 📍 Sports Basement, Redwood City
A simple indoor scavenger hunt — find five hidden bunnies and collect small prizes. Low effort, free, and a nice add-on if you’re already in the area or need something flexible.
Best for ages 2–10 | Free | Learn more

Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt at Fort Mason Farmers’ Market
11:00 am – 11:30 am | 📍 Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
A quick, cheerful egg hunt woven into the farmers’ market. Short and sweet, with the option to stay for pastries, bay views, and a longer Sunday wander afterward.
Best for ages 2–10 | Free | Learn more

Happening All Weekend

LaunderLand Circus
Sat: 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Sun: 2:00 pm | 📍 Creativity Theater, San Francisco
A playful, immersive circus with giant puppets, aerial acts, and surreal storytelling. Feels like a live animated film — engaging for kids while still being genuinely fun and surprising for adults.
Best for ages 4+ | From $33.85 | Get details

Happy Easter, whether your weekend is full or slow, that counts. Enjoy the blooms, the chocolate, and each other.

— Akriti

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There’s a certain kind of weekend when everything arrives at once - Easter, Eid, and that first real stretch of spring.

Parks feel greener. Festivals feel louder. Kids are fully in it.

Whether you’re chasing eggs in San Mateo, building birdhouses in Palo Alto, or watching a circus unfold inside a laundromat, this weekend gives you a lot to choose from.

Pick one thing. Or let the day surprise you.

Happening All Weekend

Big Art Weekend — Bay Area Discovery Museum ⭐
9:00 am – 4:00 pm (Sat & Sun) | 📍 Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito
An outdoor art takeover with cardboard builds, spray art, glowing globes, and a foam party. The whole museum becomes one big creative playground — messy, joyful, and worth packing extra clothes. Foam party sessions run at 11 am and 2 pm both days.
Ages 0–8 | $30, Members $10 | Get tickets

The Ugly Duckling — Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
Sat & Sun showtimes | 📍 Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, Palo Alto
A gentle, 55-minute intro to theater with storytelling, simple costumes, and space for wiggly kids. Based on the beloved tale, the show invites participation; ideal for a first-ever theater outing. Saturday runs at 10 am and noon; Sunday adds a 2 pm matinee.
Ages 2–6 | $17 | Get tickets

Renegade Craft Fair — Fort Mason Center
11:00 am – 5:00 pm (Sat & Sun) | 📍 Fort Mason Center, San Francisco
250+ makers, food trucks, and music by the bay. Browse ceramics, textiles, handmade jewelry, and bath products in a bright, airy pavilion. Easy to stroll while kids soak in the creative buzz, and there's always something good to eat outside.
All ages | Free ($5 suggested) | Learn more

Friday, March 27

365 Night Market — Spring in Full Bloom
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm | 📍 Grand Century Mall, San Jose
A lively night market with 50+ vendors serving global street food, plus lion dances, live music, face painting, and lantern-lit walkways. The neon-lit outdoor corridors keep kids entertained at every turn — a great way to kick off the weekend.
Best for 4+ | Free (food extra) | Learn more

Saturday, March 28

Around the World in a Day Festival ⭐
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Lucie Stern Community Center, Palo Alto
The second annual celebration of cultural pride and global traditions with performances, hands-on activities, and exhibits from communities around the world. A warm, easy way to introduce kids to different cultures right in the neighborhood.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Free Kids Music Festival — Golden Gate Park
10:30 am – 1:30 pm | 📍 Bandshell, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Charity and the JAMBand kicks off at 10:30, followed by Teacher Barb and Friends at 12:30 - both playing high-energy kids' music under the iconic golden dome. Pack a picnic, grab a spot on the lawn, and let them dance it out.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Canvas Church Easter Egg Hunt — Presidio ⭐
10:00 am – 12:30 pm | 📍 Presidio, San Francisco
8,000 eggs, a petting zoo, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and a special appearance by the SF Bubble Man. The hunt starts at 10:30 am sharp in one of the most beautiful settings in the city. Arrive early - it fills fast.
Ages 2–12 | Free | Register

Tenderloin Eid Street Fair
11:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 150 Golden Gate Ave, San Francisco
A vibrant Eid al-Fitr celebration with a colorful bazaar, global street food, live music, cultural performances, and a full kids zone with bounce houses and crafts. Open to all.
All ages | Free | Learn more

SF Chocolate Salon — Golden Gate Park
11:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 County Fair Building, San Francisco
The 20th annual artisan chocolate festival — all tastings and demos included with entry. West Coast chocolatiers bring their finest, and kids can sample their way through an entire world of handmade chocolate. Sweet tooth not optional.
All ages | $25 | Get tickets

Spring Eggstravaganza — History San José
11:00 am | 📍 History Park, San Jose
Ticketed egg hunts throughout the day, crafts celebrating spring traditions from around the world, interactive storytime, face painting, and photos with the Easter Bunny. BAGI also runs a special fused glass egg ornament workshop on-site.
Ages 2–12 | $5–$13 | Get tickets

LaunderLand Circus — Children’s Creativity Museum ⭐
2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | 📍 Creativity Theater, San Francisco
A whimsical circus set inside a magical laundromat where the machines come alive — giant puppets, aerial acrobatics, juggling, unicycles, and nonstop comedy. Parents and kids are equally wide-eyed. Also performs on Sunday at 2 pm.
Ages 4+ | $30–$60 | Get tickets

Sunday, March 29

California Ave Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 California Ave, Palo Alto
One of the Peninsula's best Sunday markets — fresh produce, artisan bread, flowers, hot bánh mì, Indian naan, and live music. The kind of relaxed morning energy that makes you want to linger. Open every week, rain or shine.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Easter Egg Hunt with Fifty Hills — Beresford Park ⭐
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | 📍 Beresford Park, San Mateo
Over 10,000 eggs are hidden throughout beautiful Beresford Park — a beloved neighborhood tradition that draws families from across San Mateo. One of the Peninsula's biggest hunts, and completely free.
Ages 2–12 | Free | Register

Prank Box Workshop — Cubberley Community Center
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 📍 Cubberley Community Center, Palo Alto
Build a spring-loaded prank box hiding a spider inside — perfectly silly Sunday afternoon making with artist Darryl Dieckman. Expect giggles, a few screams, and a take-home creation guaranteed to surprise someone at home.
Ages 7–14 | Free (register) | Register

Spin Me a Shadow — Oshman Family JCC
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | 📍 Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto
Master puppeteer Daniel Barash of Firelight Shadow Theater brings folktales to life through the ancient art of shadow puppetry - stories, wisdom, and songs flickering on a backlit screen. A calm, enchanting way to close the weekend.
Ages 5+ | $18 | Get tickets

Coming Up (Plan Ahead)

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover — Cal Academy
Sat–Sun overnight | 📍 California Academy of Sciences, SF
Sleep near the penguins, explore the museum after hours, and watch a private planetarium show. An unforgettable overnight — tickets sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
Ages 6+ | $121 | Learn more

MJ The Musical — Orpheum Theatre
Through April 5 | 📍 San Francisco
A high-energy Broadway production with iconic music, extraordinary choreography, and dazzling production values. A treat for older kids and the whole family.
Ages 8+ | From $49 | Get tickets

SF Ballet: Don Quixote — Final Weekend
Through March 29 | 📍 SF Opera House
Bold costumes, flamenco influences, and world-class dancing. One last chance to catch this vibrant production this season.
Ages 8+ | From $30 | Get tickets

However you spend it - paint-covered hands, egg hunts, or a little bit of magic in unexpected places - I hope this weekend feels easy and full.

If this helped, share it with a parent who could use a plan.

See you next week.

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March 20 is the vernal equinox and for once, the calendar actually cooperates. The Bay Lights come home to the Bay Bridge Friday evening in a moment the Bay Area has been waiting three years for. Saturday brings Holi at Ryan Park and a Nowruz celebration in Belmont, both free and full of community warmth. By Sunday, it settles into art tables and wildflowers and a quiet kind of joy. A spring weekend done right.

Happening All Weekend

Belmont Handcrafted Originals Art Fair
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Carlmont Village Shopping Center, Belmont
Over 20 artists line Belmont’s covered walk with ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and textiles. Easy to browse with kids and a lovely place to pick up something handmade.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Bay Lights — Nightly Viewing
Dusk until dawn | 📍 San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge
The Bay Lights are back nightly. Any Embarcadero walk - Pier 14, Rincon Park, Ferry Building - turns quietly magical. No planning needed.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Friday, March 20

Nowruz at San Francisco City Hall
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | 📍 North Light Court, SF City Hall, San Francisco
Celebrate Persian New Year with performances, a Haft-Seen display, tea, and Persian ice cream inside City Hall.
All ages | Free | Learn more

The Bay Lights Grand Re-Lighting Block Party
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | 📍 Pier 14, The Embarcadero, San Francisco
After three years off, the Bay Bridge lights up again tonight. Free waterfront block party with art, music, and a community countdown to illumination at sundown (~7:30 pm). Bring layers and the kids.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Saturday, March 21 — First Day of Spring

San Mateo Certified Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 College of San Mateo (Galileo Parking Lot), San Mateo
One of the Peninsula's largest year-round markets — organic produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, flowers, and easy parking. A solid Saturday morning anchor.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Free Kid-Friendly Wildflower Hike at Edgewood Park ⚠️
10:00 am – 11:30 am | 📍 Bill & Jean Lane Education Center, Redwood City
A docent-led 1.5-mile hike through San Mateo County's only natural preserve - wildflowers, insects, wildlife at a gentle kid-friendly pace. ⚠️ Sold out on Eventbrite, but drop-in spots sometimes open. Arrive 10 min early.
Ages 3–10 | Free | Register

Bay Area Garden Railroad at Hiller Aviation Museum
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Live steam locomotives on a waist-high outdoor track — butane-powered miniature engines that actually puff steam. Reliably stops kids in their tracks. Included with museum admission.
Ages 3–12 | $14–$16 (museum admission) | Get calendar

Foster City Holi — Festival of Colors
11:00 am – 3:30 pm | 📍 Leo J. Ryan Park, Foster City
BayBasi's annual Holi celebration. DJ beats, dhol drumming, food trucks, and the joyful spring tradition of tossing colored powder. Food-safe colors available for purchase on-site; no outside colors.
All ages | Free entry (colors for purchase) | https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/holi-festival-colors-hosted-baybasi-inc

3rd Turkic Nowruz Spring Festival
12:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 📍 Twin Pines Community Center, Belmont
Eight communities celebrate spring with live performances, traditional crafts, a "Spring Passport" game for kids, food, and a torch lighting ceremony. A rare multicultural gathering right on the Peninsula.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sunday, March 22

Menlo Park Certified Farmers Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Chestnut St. (at Santa Cruz Ave), Menlo Park
A Sunday institution since 1992 - organic produce, Half Moon Bay fish, mushrooms, honey, flowers, and nuts. One of those markets that hasn't changed in the best way.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Storytime with Anna at The Foster Museum
10:30 am – 11:30 am | 📍 The Foster Museum, Palo Alto
Theme: "Flower Talk — how flowers use color to communicate." Egg carton wreaths, movement, songs, a gallery tour, and a scavenger hunt. Walk-ins welcome; registration suggested.
Ages 2–8 | Free | Learn more

Bubble Bonanza at Hiller Aviation Museum
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Hiller Aviation Museum, San Carlos
Hands-on bubble play and experiments — giant bubbles, shapes, and lots of joyful mess.
Ages 3–10 | $14–$16 (museum admission) | Get tickets

Frozen Jr. — Sunday Matinee
1:00 pm | 📍 McKinley Theater, Redwood City
Roy Cloud School students perform Disney's Frozen - beloved songs, magic, and real Peninsula heart. The 1 pm matinee is ideal for younger kids who can't do evening shows.
Ages 4–12 | Tickets required | Get tickets

Spring Family Day at Palo Alto Art Center
2:00 pm – 4:30 pm | 📍 Palo Alto Art Center, Palo Alto
Hands-on art stations (tulips, sun catchers, lanterns, mini succulents to take home), a story time at 2:30 pm, and a Mosaic America performance at 4:00 pm. One of the best free family afternoons of the month.
All ages | Free | Register

Spring finally arrived when it said it would. Whether your weekend is all color powder and Bay Bridge lights or a slow Sunday with paper flowers and flamingos, I hope it feels like the season it is. Thanks for reading and if you spot something good for next week, just hit reply.

— Akriti

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March 14 is Pi Day, which in San Francisco means a brass band parade around the Pi Shrine and a free slice of pie. The city’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade rolls down Market Street the same day. And in San Jose, hundreds of Aztec dancers open a three-day New Year ceremony.

There’s a lot happening this weekend.
You don’t have to do it all.

Pick your one big thing and let the rest unfold.

Happening All Weekend

SFMOMA — $15 Discounted Admission
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 151 3rd St, San Francisco
SFMOMA is currently offering $15 general admission through April 17, with the major reinstallation “Reimagined: The Fisher Collection at 10” on view across multiple floors. Kids under 18 are always free, making this one of the most accessible museum days in the city.
All ages (under 18 free) | $15 adults | Learn more

The Eyes & The Impossible (Final Weekend)
Fri 7:00 pm | Sat 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Sun 2:00 pm | 📍 450 Florida St, San Francisco
Word for Word brings Dave Eggers’ Newbery Medal–winning novel to the stage. Johannes, a fast and loyal dog, watches over the animals of a beloved seaside park. Quiet, thoughtful theater that sparks imagination and a love of storytelling.
Best for ages 8+ | $35 child / $55 adult | Get tickets

28th Annual Azteca Mexica New Year Festival
All day Fri–Sun | 📍 647 S King Rd, San Jose
Hundreds of Aztec dancers from across the US and Mexico gather for a three-day New Year ceremony with traditional dance, food vendors, and cultural arts. A vibrant and deeply meaningful cultural celebration.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Friday, March 13

Royal Ball
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | 📍 850 Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
Burlingame’s beloved annual tradition returns with dancing, crafts, and a horse-drawn carriage ride through Washington Park. Kids can meet a special guest and enjoy an evening that feels straight out of a storybook.
Best for ages 3–10 | Tickets required | Get tickets

Filoli Irish Night with Devil’s Orchard
7:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend with live Celtic and Scandinavian folk music inside Filoli’s historic ballroom. A beautiful evening performance surrounded by murals inspired by the Bourn family’s Irish estate.
Best for ages 10+ and parents | $55–$85 | Get tickets

Saturday, March 14

Gamble Garden Second Saturday: Camellia Celebration
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Explore Gamble Garden’s camellia collection during this free family morning. Includes guided tours, a scavenger hunt, tea tasting, tissue-paper flower crafts, and live music.
All ages | Free (register in advance) | Register

Pi (π) Day at the Exploratorium
11:00 am – 4:30 pm | 📍 Pier 15, San Francisco
Celebrate the Exploratorium’s favorite holiday with a Pi Parade, brass band procession around the Pi Shrine, and a free slice of pie. Math-inspired exhibits and playful activities run throughout the day.
All ages | Free with admission ($29.95 youth / $39.95 adult) | Learn more

SF St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
Parade 11:30 am | Festival 11:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 Market St & Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
One of the West Coast’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with marching bands, Irish dancers, and more than 100 floats along Market Street. The festival at Civic Center follows with music, food, and youth sports demos.
All ages | Free | Learn more

SF Giants FanFest — Oracle Park Open House
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm | 📍 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco
A free open house inside Oracle Park where families can play catch on the field, explore the clubhouse and dugout, and meet Giants alumni. A dream day for young baseball fans.
All ages | Free (RSVP required) | Get tickets

SFJAZZ Family Matinee: Stella Swings Ella
11:00 am | 📍 201 Franklin St, San Francisco
Bay Area musician Stella Heath brings Ella Fitzgerald’s music to life with a lively full band. The room fills with clapping, singing, and dancing — a joyful first concert experience for kids.
Best for ages 3–12 | $10–$20 | Get tickets

Penguins + Pajamas Sleepover at Cal Academy
6:00 pm Sat – 8:00 am Sun | 📍 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco
Spend the night exploring the aquarium, rainforest dome, and planetarium after hours. Includes storytime, milk and cookies, and sleeping among the exhibits.
Best for ages 6–17 with adult | $99–$119 | Get tickets

Sunday, March 15

Hiller Aviation Museum: St. Patrick’s Celebration + Paint‑A‑Plane
10:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos
Paint a model plane green, hunt for hidden leprechauns through the gallery, and explore open‑cockpit aircraft. Face painting, bounce house, and treats are all included with admission.
All ages | Museum admission ($22 adults / $14 youth 5–17) | Learn more

Mid‑Peninsula Camp & School Fair
11:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 3115 Del Monte St, San Mateo
More than 50 camps, schools, sports, arts, and STEM programs gather under one roof. Kids can enjoy craft activities while parents explore summer planning options.
All ages | Free admission | Learn more

Newsies — Peninsula Youth Theatre
12:00 pm | 📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
Peninsula Youth Theatre’s MainStage production brings the 1899 newsboys’ strike to life with energetic choreography and a talented young cast.
Best for ages 6+ | From $50 | Get tickets

Golden Gate Park Roller Disco Party
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm | 📍 JFK Promenade, San Francisco
Outdoor roller skating with a live DJ in Golden Gate Park. Bring your own skates and join families and skaters of all levels for a joyful Sunday afternoon.
All ages | Free | Learn more

🌿 Spring tip: Filoli’s gardens in Woodside are currently bursting with tulips, daffodils, and blossoming trees — a gorgeous detour any day of the weekend. General admission required; check filoli.org for hours.

This weekend has a lot of noise in it - parade drums, Pi Shrine processions, Aztec ceremony, little kids hunting leprechauns through an aviation museum.

I hope you find one moment that makes it worth stepping out the door.

Happy St. Patrick’s weekend from Parent Pocket Guide, and if you know a family who’d love this guide, pass it along.

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This weekend is one of those rare ones where the calendar practically sparkles. The Chinese New Year Parade lights up San Francisco Saturday night — all 288 feet of golden dragon. Holi celebrations are popping up across the Peninsula and South Bay in a burst of color. And if you’d rather keep things quiet, the wildflowers at Edgewood are just starting to show off.

Festive or mellow. You get to choose.

Happening All Weekend

Bouquets to Art at the de Young & Legion of Honor
9:30 am – 5:15 pm | 📍 de Young Museum & Legion of Honor, San Francisco
Over 120 floral designers have created stunning living sculptures that complement the art and architecture of both museums. This beloved annual exhibition closes Sunday, so this is your last chance to wander through. Bay Area residents get free Saturday admission to the de Young.
All ages (kids 17 and under free) | Museum admission | Learn more

Chinatown Community Street Fair
Saturday & Sunday | 📍 Grant Avenue (California to Broadway), San Francisco
Over 120 booths of food, art, and crafts fill the heart of Chinatown across both days. Watch Chinese folk dancing, opera, drumming, and browse stalls with the kids. A vibrant, bustling weekend in one of SF’s most iconic neighborhoods.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Friday, March 6

Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum
10:00 am – 4:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo County History Museum, Redwood City
Explore this gorgeous 1910 courthouse‑turned‑museum for free. At 11:00 am, preschoolers can enjoy “Playing in the Past” with crafts and a story. At 2:00 pm, older kids and adults can join a free docent‑led tour of the exhibits.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Kids Culture Club: Holi Sand Art at Foster City Library
3:30 – 4:30 pm | 📍 Foster City Library, Foster City
Celebrate the Festival of Colors with a colorful sand art craft at the library. A gentle intro to Holi traditions — perfect for little hands and curious minds.
Ages 5–10 | Free | Learn more

First Friday Nights at CuriOdyssey (Pi Day Edition)
5:00 – 8:00 pm | 📍 CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
This month’s First Friday is all about Pi. Follow the Pi Day Scavenger Hunt, add a digit to the community Pi Wall, meet Aragon High School’s robotics team, and catch a math game demo with a Riot Games developer. Food trucks on‑site.
All ages | Museum admission | Learn more

Saturday, March 7

Free Spring Wildflower Hike at Edgewood Park
9:00 am – 12:00 pm | 📍 Edgewood Park, Redwood City
Spring is peak wildflower season at Edgewood. Join expert docents on a free 3‑mile hike through serpentine grasslands bursting with early blooms. Sturdy shoes and water recommended.
Best for ages 8+ | Free (registration required) | Get details

Celebrating Spring at Filoli (Chinese Floralia)
10:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 Filoli Historic House & Garden, Woodside
The Northern California Hanfu Association fills Filoli’s spring gardens with pop‑up performances celebrating the Chinese flower festival. Traditional music, stunning Hanfu fashion, and photo vignettes among 130,000 blooming bulbs. Performances at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Kids can explore the Discovery Den and Nature Playspace too.
All ages | Garden admission | Learn more

AIA Holi Fest — Festival of Colors
11:00 am – 6:00 pm | 📍 Discovery Meadow, San Jose
One of the Bay Area’s largest Holi celebrations. Expect Bollywood music, DJs, organic color throwing, South Asian food vendors, and plenty of space for kids to run around. Festive, vibrant, and worth the drive if you’re looking for a full Holi celebration.
All ages | Tickets from ~$13 | Get tickets

Family Art Making at the de Young Museum
11:00 am – 3:00 pm | 📍 de Young Museum, San Francisco
Drop in to this free art‑making table led by professional teaching artists. This week’s project is inspired by Bouquets to Art. No ticket needed for the art table, and Bay Area residents get free Saturday museum admission.
All ages | Free | Learn more

De Anza College Planetarium Shows
2:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:00 pm | 📍 Fujitsu Planetarium, Cupertino
Triple header under the dome. “The Little Star That Could” at 2:00 pm is perfect for young stargazers. “Magic Tree House” at 3:30 pm works for elementary‑age kids. Each show includes a live tour of the night sky.
Ages vary by show (2:00 pm: ages 4+) | Tickets vary | Get tickets

San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
5:15 – 8:00 pm | 📍 Market Street to Kearny & Jackson, San Francisco
The largest Lunar New Year celebration outside of Asia. A 288‑foot Golden Dragon, illuminated floats, lion dancers, firecrackers, costumed school groups, and marching bands wind through downtown. The parade is loud, joyful, and absolutely worth the crowds.
All ages | Free (bleacher seats from $48) | Learn more

Sunday, March 8

San Carlos Farmers Market + Public Safety Fair
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Laurel Street & Wheeler Parking Plaza, San Carlos
Double the fun at the Sunday market this week. Alongside the usual fresh produce and local goods, the Public Safety Fair lets kids climb on firetrucks, peek inside patrol cars, and learn about disaster preparedness.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Free Kid‑Friendly Nature Hike at Edgewood Park
10:00 – 11:30 am | 📍 Edgewood Park, Redwood City
A docent‑led hike designed for families with young children. Use your senses to explore plants and animals along a 1.5‑mile trail at a kid‑friendly pace. Builds confidence in nature and creates shared family memories.
Best for ages 3–8 with parents | Free (registration required) | Get details

Marine Science Sunday: Amazing Migrations
10:30 am, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm | 📍 The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito
Learn about gray whales and elephant seals that migrate along the California coast in this interactive program. Visit the hospital to see marine mammal patients being rehabilitated and meet a local artist joining this month’s science‑meets‑art programming. Arrive 30 minutes early — seating is limited.
Best for ages 7+ | General admission required | Register

K‑12 Neurodiversity Resources & Strengths Fair
12:00 – 3:00 pm | 📍 Los Altos Community Center, Los Altos
A one‑of‑a‑kind event for families of neurodivergent and twice‑exceptional kids. Meet 40+ strengths‑based organizations, hear keynote speaker Amanda Morin, and let kids explore hands‑on stations for tinkering, drawing, and building. If this is your world, this is your event.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Holi: Festival of Colors at Brisbane Community Park
2:00 – 2:30 pm | 📍 Brisbane Community Park, Brisbane
Hear the story behind Holi, the joyful Festival of Colors, before heading outside for a playful color‑throwing celebration. Bring a towel and clothes you don’t mind getting colorful.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Whether you’re chasing a golden dragon through the streets of Chinatown, tossing colored powder in Brisbane, or quietly counting wildflowers at Edgewood — this weekend has room for all of it.

Enjoy the first real taste of spring with your people.

If this newsletter helped you plan your weekend, share it with a parent friend who could use a little less scrolling and a little more doing.

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There’s a particular kind of weekend that feels full but in a good way.

Lion dances echoing through libraries. Lanterns strung across city streets. Farmers’ markets are settling back into their rhythm. And just enough early spring light to make you want to stay outside a little longer.

You don’t need to do everything. Pick one celebration. One walk. One storytime. Let the rest go.

Here’s what’s worth knowing about.

Happening All Weekend

Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance!
Showtimes vary | 📍 Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland
Mickey, Moana, Elsa, Simba, Ariel, and friends take the ice in this high‑energy show packed with skating, lights, and familiar songs. Great for families wanting a big, memorable outing.
All ages | Tickets vary | Get details

The Eyes & The Impossible
Showtimes vary | 📍 Z Space, 450 Florida St, San Francisco
A magical stage adaptation of Dave Eggers’ Newbery Medal–winning book about Johannes, a dog who watches over a seaside park. A thoughtful introduction to live theater for older kids.
Best for ages 8+ | Tickets vary | Learn more

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Showtimes vary | 📍 Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St, San Jose
A funny, heartfelt musical about a group of quirky kids competing in a spelling bee. The matinees are especially family-friendly.
Best for ages 8+ | Tickets vary | Learn more

Friday, February 27

West Coast Lion Dance — Lunar New Year Celebration
10:30 am | 📍 Foster City Library, 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd, Foster City
A bilingual Mandarin storytime leads into a dazzling lion dance performance. A joyful and accessible way to experience Lunar New Year traditions.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Portola Lunar New Year Celebration
4:00–5:30 pm | 📍 2565 San Bruno Ave, San Francisco
A neighborhood celebration with lion dance, crafts, games, and community booths. Festive and welcoming, with multilingual support.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Sunset Night Market — Lunar New Year Edition
5:00–10:00 pm | 📍 Irving St (20th–25th Ave), San Francisco
Food vendors, live performances, crafts, martial arts demos, and plenty of night‑market energy. Come early with younger kids or stay later with the big ones.
All ages | Free admission | Learn more

Saturday, February 28

Millbrae Farmers Market
8:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 238 Broadway, Millbrae
An easy Saturday morning stop for produce, baked goods, and flowers. Pair it with a stroll downtown.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

College of San Mateo Farmers Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 1700 W. Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo
One of the Peninsula’s larger markets, with plenty of space for kids to wander while you shop.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Lunar New Year Family Day at Filoli
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Lion dances, hands‑on activities, festive games, and cultural performances set against beautiful gardens. Make a day of it — wander the grounds and explore the Discovery Den.
All ages | Free with general admission | Learn more

Mountain View Lunar New Year Celebration
10:00 am – 2:00 pm | 📍 201 S. Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View
Live performances, cultural displays, interactive activities, and food trucks. A lively Peninsula option if you want something local and festive.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Seaside Story Hour with Marine Science Institute
11:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 399 Marine Pkwy, Redwood City
Ocean-themed stories and the chance to touch live marine animals. Arrive early — space is limited.
Best for ages 3–10 | Free | Learn more

Mr. Boom Boom’s African Drum Circle
2:30–3:30 pm | 📍 270 Forest Ave, Palo Alto
An energetic, hands‑on drumming experience where kids can step into the rhythm. Part of local Black History Month programming.
All ages | Free | Learn more

de Young Museum — Free Saturday for Bay Area Residents
9:30 am–5:15 pm | 📍 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, San Francisco
Free general admission to the permanent collection (advance reservation required). Saturdays often include family art‑making and sketching.
All ages | Free with reservation + ID | Learn more

Sunday, March 1

Chinatown YMCA Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk
8:00 am | 📍 Grant Ave & Sacramento St, San Francisco
A long‑standing community tradition winding through Chinatown’s historic streets. The 5K works well for families; the 10K is for runners.
All ages (5K family-friendly) | Registration required | Learn more

Storytime with Anna
10:30–11:30 am | 📍 940 Commercial St, Palo Alto
A nature‑themed story, songs, movement, and a simple art activity. A sweet Sunday rhythm for little ones.
Best for ages 2–7 | Free | Learn more

KQED Handmade Home Market
11:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 1 Ferry Building, San Francisco
Plants, pottery, linens, and thoughtful goods from Bay Area makers. Browse the Grand Hall while kids enjoy the waterfront setting.
All ages | Free or paid ticket option | Learn more

Head West Marketplace — Season Opener
11:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 1 Ferry Building (Back Plaza), San Francisco
Handmade ceramics, vintage finds, jewelry, and local brands outdoors by the Bay. Easy to pair with the Handmade Home Market for a full afternoon.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Burlingame Fresh Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 Park Rd at Burlingame Ave, Burlingame
A neighborhood favorite for produce, flowers, and pastries. Grab coffee, let the kids sample fruit, and ease into Sunday.
All ages | Free entry

If You Want Something Simple

A family hike at Mori Point (Pacifica) or Edgewood Park (Redwood City).
A museum day at Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo.
A slow wander through a farmers’ market and nearby playground.

Sometimes one small outing is enough.

Have a wonderful weekend — whether it’s colorful and celebratory, or quiet and close to home.

If this guide helps even a little with the planning, I’m glad you’re here.

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Late February always feels like a quiet reset. The excitement of January has settled. Spring hasn’t quite arrived. We’re back to regular mornings and familiar rhythms.

This weekend doesn’t need to be big.

A show. A farmers’ market. A nature walk. Something steady and simple that gets everyone out for a bit and home before anyone melts down.

Here’s what’s worth knowing about around the Peninsula.

🌿 Happening All Weekend

Goodnight Moon: The Musical
Times vary | 📍 1305 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto
The beloved bedtime story comes to life on stage. Short, gentle, and perfect for younger kids who are ready for their first live performance.
Best for 3–8 yrs | $17+ | Get details

Filoli — Woodland Creatures Weekend
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Storytelling, crafts, and guided nature walks across the 654-acre estate. A beautiful blend of fresh air and hands-on learning.
All ages | Included with admission | Learn more

CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 1651 Coyote Point Dr, San Mateo
Rescued bobcats, river otters, and hands-on science exhibits. Pair it with the nearby playground for an easy half-day outing.
Best for 1–10 yrs | $21–$26 (+ parking) | Learn more

Disney on Ice: Let’s Dance!
Showtimes vary | 📍 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose
Big music, familiar characters, and plenty of sparkle. Multiple daytime shows make it easier with younger kids.
All ages | From $20 | Get tickets

Friday

Hiller Aviation Museum — Starlight Nights
5:00 – 7:00 pm | 📍 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos
After-hours aviation exploration with planetarium shows and telescopes (weather permitting). A fun STEM-forward Friday night.
Best for 4+ | Included with admission | Learn more

Saturday

College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo
One of the Peninsula’s best Saturday markets. Wide-open layout, easy parking, great pastries.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more

Hiller Aviation Museum — Daily Activities + Special Talk
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos
Flight simulators, drones, invention lab, plus a special 11 am aviation history talk. Great for mixed-age siblings.
Best for 3–12 yrs | $14–$22 | Learn more

Midpeninsula Regional Open Space — Plants of Alpine Pond Walk
1:00 pm | 📍 Skyline Ridge Preserve, Woodside area
A gentle 1-mile guided loop around Alpine Pond. Stroller-friendly and a good way to spot early signs of spring.
All ages | Free (reservation required) | Get details

Fujitsu Planetarium — Magic Tree House Show
2:00 pm | 📍 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino
Take the kids on an out-of-this-world adventure at one of the largest school planetariums west of the Rockies. Today’s featured show is Magic Tree House — a fulldome experience perfect for young explorers. Laser music shows follow in the evening.
Best for ages 4–10 | Tickets ~$6–$10 | Learn more

Sunday

California Avenue Farmers’ Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 California Ave & El Camino, Palo Alto
Live music, prepared food stalls, and a lively community feel. An easy Sunday ritual.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more

San Jose Lunar New Year — Tết Festival (Final Weekend)
11:00 am – 10:00 pm | 📍 2200 Eastridge Loop, San Jose
Lion dances, cultural performances, carnival rides, and dozens of food vendors. A festive way to celebrate Lunar New Year.
All ages | Free admission | Learn more

A Small Reminder

If this season has felt full, choose one thing.

A market. A short hike. A show.

Sometimes getting back to rhythm is just stepping outside for a few hours — and coming home feeling like you did enough.

Have a steady weekend.
— Akriti

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Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it doesn’t have to mean big plans or pink everything. Sometimes it’s just about doing something small, together — especially when your family includes a mix of kids, moods, and schedules.

This guide leans family-first, with ideas that work for mixed ages and different energy levels. Pick one thing, pick none at all — either way, you’re doing it right.

💌 Small Ways to Mark Valentine’s (All Ages, No Prep)

A few simple ideas if you want to acknowledge the day without adding anything new to your to-do list:

• A shared treat stop after whatever you’re already doing — hot chocolate, donuts, or a favorite bakery you all agree on.

• A family walk or drive with no destination, just time together (bonus if everyone gets to pick one song).

• A cozy night in — movie, board game, or cards — something everyone can tolerate, not necessarily love.

Small moments count. Especially the ones that feel easy.

💖 Happening All Weekend

Hidden Villa Self-Guided Farm Visit
Dawn–dusk | 📍 26870 Moody Rd, Los Altos Hills
A peaceful farm stroll with goats, chickens, gardens, and wide-open trails. Easy to explore at your own pace — stay 30 minutes or make it a longer wander.
All ages | Free (parking reservations encouraged) | Learn more

Walt Disney Family Museum — “Happiest Place on Earth” Exhibition
10:00 am–5:30 pm | 📍 104 Montgomery St, Presidio of San Francisco
Explore Walt Disney’s life through immersive galleries, original sketches, and a stunning miniature Disneyland model. A good mix of history, creativity, and nostalgia for all ages.
All ages | $25 adults, $15 youth (6–17), free under 5 | Learn more

Napa Lighted Art Festival (Final Weekend)
6:00–10:00 pm (Fri–Sat), 6:00–9:00 pm (Sun) | 📍 Downtown Napa
Fifteen glowing, interactive light installations line a walkable downtown route. A memorable after-dark outing if you’re up for the drive.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Friday

LOVE IS LOVE — Valentine’s Dance Spectacular
8:00–10:00 pm | 📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
A sweeping celebration of love through ballet, folklórico, contemporary, and cultural dance. A beautiful evening out for older kids and teens.
All ages (great for 5+) | $58.50–$85.50 | Get details

Saturday — Valentine’s Day (Feb 14)

San Mateo Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo
A spacious Saturday staple with fresh produce, prepared foods, and room for strollers and wandering little legs.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more

Millbrae Lunar New Year Festival
10:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 Broadway & Victoria Ave, Millbrae
Lion dances, multicultural performances, food vendors, and a lively kids’ area make this a festive Peninsula tradition. Also runs Sunday.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair
10:00 am–6:00 pm | 📍 Grant Ave, Chinatown, San Francisco
Flowers, cultural performances, magicians, and interactive art installations line the streets. A vibrant city outing.
All ages | Free | Learn more

February Second Saturday at Gamble Garden — Lunar New Year
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto
Lion dance, scavenger hunts, storytime, and crafts in a beautiful garden setting. Pre-registration recommended.
All ages | Free (registration requested) | Learn more

Penguin Valentines at Cal Academy
10:30 am & 3:00 pm | 📍 55 Music Concourse Dr, San Francisco
Watch penguins receive red felt hearts for nesting season — a charming Valentine’s tradition. Included with museum admission.
All ages | Included with admission | Learn more

Martina the Beautiful Cockroach — Peninsula Youth Theatre
11:30 am & 1:30 pm | 📍 500 Castro St, Mountain View
A lively bilingual production based on the beloved children’s book, followed by a talkback with the cast.
All ages | $17 | Learn more

SF Symphony: Music for Families — “Music of the Heart”
2:00 pm | 📍 201 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
An interactive family concert featuring Tchaikovsky, Puccini, and more — a thoughtful introduction to live classical music.
Best for ages 5–12 | $19.50–$89 | Get details

Kids’ Night Out at Hiller Aviation Museum
5:00–9:00 pm | 📍 601 Skyway Rd, San Carlos
A Valentine’s-themed evening of crafts, games, and museum exploration — perfect if parents are planning their own night out.
Ages 5–10 | See website for pricing | Learn more

Vitamin String Quartet — Billie Eilish, Bridgerton & Beyond
8:00 pm | 📍 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park
Pop hits reimagined through strings in an intimate theater setting. A polished evening out for tweens, teens, and parents.
Best for ages 10+ | ~$150 | Learn more

Sunday

California Avenue Farmers’ Market
9:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 California Ave, Palo Alto
Fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and live music — an easy Sunday stroll.
All ages | Free to browse | Learn more

Storytime at The Foster Museum — “Mae Among the Stars”
10:30–11:30 am | 📍 940 Commercial St, Palo Alto
Crafts and imaginative play lead into a nature-themed story, followed by a gallery scavenger hunt.
Best for ages 2–6 | Free (registration suggested) | Learn more

Bark at SPARK: Puppy Love!
11:00 am–5:00 pm | 📍 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, San Francisco
A lively outdoor gathering with pet vendors, costume contests, and kid-friendly crafts — fun even if you’re just watching the pups.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Stories in Bloom at Filoli — “The Accidental Vineyard”
2:00–3:00 pm | 📍 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside
Author talk in a beautiful garden setting — pair with a stroll through Filoli’s winter grounds for a slower Sunday outing.
Best for ages 10+ | Free with admission | Learn more

Coming Up Later This Month

Once Upon a Mattress — Youth Edition
February 28 | 📍 99 Moraga Ave, San Francisco
A 50-minute musical retelling of The Princess and the Pea, with cast photos afterward. A sweet option to mark on your calendar.
Best for ages 3–10 | $15 child, $20 general | Learn more

Until Next Week

However this weekend unfolds — busy, slow, heart-shaped, or completely ordinary — I hope you find a small pocket of time together.

If this guide helped you narrow things down, feel free to share it with another parent who might appreciate having the legwork done.

Wishing you a warm (and manageable) Valentine’s weekend 💛

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February is here, and this weekend brings a noticeable shift in energy. Between First Friday favorites, Lunar New Year celebrations, and Super Bowl–adjacent buzz, there’s plenty happening if your crew is ready to get out and move around. Consider this a menu of ideas — not a checklist.

Friday, February 6

Free First Friday at San Mateo County History Museum
10:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Redwood City
Free admission all day, plus special programming: 11:00 am Playing in the Past (craft + storytime for little ones) and a 2:00 pm free general museum tour. Easy to drop in for an hour or stay longer.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Game Day Hype: Big Game Fans Party (xTool)
12:00–4:00 pm | 📍 Mountain View
The warm-up day of this two-day fan party, with interactive demos, free merch, and a lively tailgate-style atmosphere inside the xTool US Office.
All ages (best for older kids & teens) | Free (RSVP required) | Learn more

Super Bowl Experience Presented by Jersey Mike’s
All day (timed entry) | 📍 Moscone Center, San Francisco
The official NFL Super Bowl Experience with interactive football skills zones, exhibits, photo ops, and fan activities as part of Super Bowl LX festivities. Expect crowds.
Kids 12 and under are free | $70 | Get details

Game On! Chili Tasting & Football Fan Celebration
5:00–8:00 pm | 📍 Redwood City
A neighborhood-style chili tasting with football-themed fun and Super Bowl weekend energy is happening at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space. Casual, social, and easy to pop into.
All ages | $7.50 | Get details

First Friday at CuriOdyssey
5:00–8:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo
After-hours museum fun with hands-on science exhibits, live animals, music, and food trucks. A lively, after-hours way to kick off the weekend.
Ages 3–12 | Admission required | Get details

Saturday, February 7

NFL Play Football Family Festival
10:00 am–1:00 pm | 📍 Kathleen MacDonald High School, San Jose
Run, throw, and play at this family-friendly football festival hosted by the NFL and 49ers Foundation, with skills stations and games for kids.
Ages 6–15 | Free with registration | Get details

Flying Football Fun Fest
10:00 am–12:00 pm | 📍 San Carlos
A high-energy football-themed event at the Hiller Aviation Museum, featuring hands-on games, STEM-inspired activities, and plenty of space to move. Museum exhibits are open during the event.
Ages 5–14 | Included with museum admission | Learn more

Very First Concert – San Francisco
11:00 am & 11:45 am | 📍 San Francisco
Short, interactive classical music concerts designed for young listeners, with musicians encouraging movement and participation.
Ages 2–8 | Free | Learn more

Game Day Hype: Big Game Fans Party (xTool)
11:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 Mountain View
The main event day of this two-day fan party, with expanded activities, demos, and Super Bowl fan energy throughout the xTool US Office.
All ages (best for older kids & teens) | Free | Learn more

Very First Concert – Palo Alto
2:00 pm & 2:45 pm | 📍 Palo Alto
A playful, welcoming concert experience for first-time concertgoers, where kids can move, respond, and enjoy live music up close.
Ages 2–8 | Free | Learn more

James Henry Percussionist
2:00–3:00 pm | 📍 Redwood City
A lively, interactive percussion performance at the city library that invites kids to clap, move, and play along — great for burning off some afternoon energy.
Ages 3–12 | Free | Learn more

Planetarium Shows
Showtimes throughout the day | 📍 Cupertino
Kid-friendly planetarium shows exploring space, stars, and science under the dome at the De Anza College Planetarium. Easy to fit into a South Bay day out.
Ages 6+ | Ticketed | Learn more

Sunday, February 8

Lunar New Year at Children’s Discovery Museum
10:00 am–4:00 pm | 📍 San Jose
Lion dances, hands-on crafts, and cultural performances woven throughout the Children’s Discovery Museum, with plenty of time to move between exhibits and live programming.
Ages 2–10 | Museum admission required | Learn more

Lunar New Year Celebration – Belmont
2:00–5:00 pm | 📍 Belmont
A city-hosted Lunar New Year celebration with performances, crafts, music, and cultural activities at the Twin Pines Senior & Community Center.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Heads-up for Super Bowl weekend

Super Bowl LX takes place on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium. Expect heavier traffic across the Peninsula, South Bay, and San Francisco — especially midday Sunday. Staying closer to home is a perfectly valid move this weekend.

Thanks for reading and if this guide helped you narrow things down, feel free to pass it along to another family who might appreciate it.

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It’s a slower weekend on the Peninsula. There aren’t a ton of big events on the calendar — but there are enough good reasons to get out of the house if you feel like it. Think solid, dependable ideas rather than a packed schedule.

And if staying in sounds better, that counts too. I’m planning a full day of crafting at home: some glue, colored paper, googly eyes, maybe a few feathers — enough materials to let your child run with their imagination while you sip something warm nearby. Pro tip: I cover our table with kraft paper. That way, if a small voice suggests coloring on the table… you know the drill.

Use this guide as a menu, not a plan.

Events & Ideas

Solid options if you want to get out — mix and match based on energy.

🧩 Indoor Energy Burn

(Cozy evenings, no weather math)

Kiddo Adventure
San Mateo
A reliable favorite for climbing, jumping, and getting big energy out when it’s chilly outside. Easy to do for an hour without committing to a full outing.
Ages 2–8 | $20 per kid ($5 per adult) | Learn more

Safari Run
San Mateo
Slides, obstacle courses, and open play zones designed for full-body movement. A good reset if kids need to move before bedtime.
Ages 2–7 | Membership based | Learn more

Bounce Place at Tanforan (Sky Zone)
San Bruno
Wall-to-wall bouncing that kids love — especially good for older siblings who need a bigger energy outlet.
Ages 5+ | $15 per kid | Learn more

📚 Library Love

(Structured play + grown-up breathing room)

Redwood City Public Library — LEGO Robotics League
Friday · 1:00–4:00pm | 📍 Redwood City
Hands-on LEGO building with a robotics twist. Kids get to tinker and build while adults enjoy a quieter corner nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more

Redwood City Public Library — Art of Calligraphy
Friday · 1:00–2:30pm | 📍 Redwood City
A quiet, meditative introduction to calligraphy focused on form, rhythm, and the beauty of hand lettering. A lovely slow counterpoint to a busy week.
Ages 8+ | Free, Registration required | Learn more

Palo Alto City Library — Puzzle Weekend Kickoff
Saturday & Sunday · 2:30–4:00pm | 📍 Palo Alto
The 5th annual puzzle weekend begins with collaborative puzzling and drop-in fun. A relaxed, screen-free way to spend time together.
All ages | Free | Learn more

🎨 Creative & Community (One for the grown-ups)

Brisbane Artists’ Evening Sharing
Friday · 7:30–9:30pm | 📍 Brisbane
A relaxed evening of local artists sharing works in progress, ideas, and creative process. A nice option if you’re carving out a rare grown-up night or trading childcare with a friend.
Adults | Free | Learn more

🌿 Outdoors That Always Work

(Fresh air, no reservations)

Magical Mountain Playground (Coyote Point Recreation Area)
San Mateo
A well-loved playground tucked inside Coyote Point — big slides, climbing structures, and plenty of space to run before or after a bay walk. Easy to pair with fresh air and open space.
All ages | Free, $6 parking fee | Learn more

Magical Bridge Playground
Redwood City
A spacious, thoughtfully designed playground with room to roam, spin, and explore. Easy to pair with a walk or a coffee stop nearby.
All ages | Free | Learn more

🧠 Indoor–Outdoor Combos

(Move + explore)

CuriOdyssey
San Mateo
Hands-on science exhibits, live animals, and outdoor exploration spaces. Works well whether you stay for an hour or an afternoon.
Ages 3–10 | $17.95 per kid, $22.95 per adult | Learn more

Hiller Aviation Museum
San Carlos
Wide open hangars, real planes, and lots of room to wander. A solid choice for kids who like movement with purpose.
Ages 4–12 | $16 per kid, $24 per adult | Learn more

🥕 A Weekend Staple

Pick one, get groceries done, and let the kids get their wiggles out.

San Mateo Farmers’ Market (College of San Mateo)
Saturday morning | 📍 San Mateo
A great way to knock out groceries while kids roam, snack, and get their sillies out. Lively without being overwhelming.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

Palo Alto Farmers’ Market (California Ave)
Sunday morning | 📍 Palo Alto
One of the most vibrant Peninsula markets — great prepared food, music, and plenty of space for kids to move while you shop.
All ages | Free entry | Learn more

✨ Optional: If you’re up for a short city trip

Asian Art Museum — Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday & Sunday · 11:30am & 2:30pm | 📍 San Francisco
A festive afternoon with lion dancing and cultural performances. Worth the trip if you’re already feeling adventurous. Sunday will be free admission.
All ages | Free First Sundays | Get details

Wishing you a weekend that feels just right — whether that means getting out for a bit or staying in and making a mess at the craft table.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to pass this along to another parent who might appreciate a few solid ideas.

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And if summer planning is already hovering in the back of your mind, I put together a Summer Camps Guide with programs across the Peninsula, SF, and South Bay. It’s designed to help narrow things down without overwhelm, in case you missed it.

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If spring or summer planning is starting to float around in your head — or sit heavily on your to-do list — this guide is here to help you get oriented without the overwhelm.

This is a well-curated starting point, organized by location and camp type, so you can quickly find options that work for your child’s age, interests, and your family’s schedule. It’s not meant to be exhaustive — think of it as a trusted short list you can return to.

To make this easier to scan, here’s a quick way to think about age fit as you browse:

• Ages 3–5: Creative & Movement camps, Community (Parks & Rec) programs, shorter half-day options

• Ages 6–8: STEM & Curiosity camps, nature-based programs, themed weekly camps

• Ages 9–12+: Advanced STEM, theatre & performance camps, coding and robotics programs

If you’re planning for spring break, a handful of these camps also run shorter spring sessions — especially Galileo, Steve & Kate’s Camp, some Parks & Recreation programs, and museum-based camps. Details vary by location.

✨ Parent Pocket Guide Top Picks

These camps consistently come up in parent conversations for their programming quality, flexibility, or ability to work well for multiple ages. If you’re not sure where to start, begin here.

Galileo Camps
A reliable favorite for themed weekly STEAM camps, with locations across SF, the Peninsula, and the South Bay. Easy to mix and match weeks, with extended care and many neighborhood locations.

Steve & Kate’s Camp
The most flexible option on this list. No weekly commitment, kids choose their activities daily, and unused days are refunded — especially helpful for families with travel or changing plans.

Hidden Villa
A beloved Bay Area classic for kids who thrive outdoors. Farm life, hiking, and nature-based play in a setting that feels truly special.

Exploratorium Camp Explorations
Hands-on science and tinkering rooted in the Exploratorium’s playful, inquiry-driven approach. Best for kids who like open-ended projects and learning through experimentation rather than worksheets.

TechKnowHow
A strong pick for kids who love building, coding, and problem-solving. Structured weekly camps focused on robotics, engineering, and beginner-friendly coding, with locations across SF, the Peninsula, and the South Bay.

📍 San Francisco

🔬 STEM & Curiosity

Mad Science – San Francisco Camps
Hands-on science experiments with themed weekly sessions. Good fit for kids who like clear structure and big “wow” moments.
Ages 5–12 | $400–$550 per week
Learn more

Exploratorium Camp Explorations
Inquiry-based science and tinkering inspired by the museum’s exhibits. A great fit for curious kids who enjoy experimenting, building, and figuring out how things work.
Ages 7–12 | $550–$750 per week
Learn more

Bay Area Discovery Museum – Summer Camps
Play-based STEAM exploration across the museum’s playful, waterfront campus. Great for younger elementary kids who like to learn through movement and making.
Ages 3–8 | ~$620–$675 per week
Learn more

🧩 Flexible / Drop‑In

Steve & Kate’s Camp – San Francisco
Highly flexible, pay‑as‑you‑go camp where kids choose activities daily.
Ages 4–12 | ~$140 per day
Learn more

🏫 Community Camps

JCCSF Summer Camps
A wide range of themed camps from arts and sports to theater and outdoor adventures. Well-run, multi-age programs with extended care options in the heart of San Francisco.
Ages 5–13 | ~$650–$750 per week
Learn more

YMCA of San Francisco Camps
Community-centered camps with swimming, sports, and arts at YMCA locations across San Francisco.
Ages 4–12 | $300–$500 per week
Learn more

📍 SF Peninsula

🎨 Creative & Movement

West Coast Dance Conservatory – Dance Camps
Weekly dance camps that make it easy to plan around travel or mix with other camps.
Classes blend technique, creative movement, and performance elements.
Ages 3+ | $400–$700 per week
Learn more

Accel Gymnastics – Summer Camps
Structured, high-energy gymnastics camps with flexible weekly enrollment.
Days are fast-paced, with plenty of time on apparatus and skill progression.
Ages 3–12 | $350–$600 per week
Learn more

Evolution Tennis Camps
Skill‑based tennis instruction with half‑ and full‑day options. Registration begins in February.
Ages 5–14 | $300–$600 per week
Learn more

888 Table Tennis (Rollins Rd)
Half‑ and full‑day table tennis camps for a range of ages. A quieter, skill-focused environment that appeals to kids who enjoy precision and focus.
Ages 6–16 | $300–$650 per week
Learn more

Legarza Sports Camps
High-energy sports camps focused on confidence, teamwork, and skill-building.
Games and drills emphasize effort and growth over competition.
Ages 4–12 | $400–$650 per week
Learn more

🔬 STEM & Curiosity

Galileo Camps
Themed weekly camps blending STEM, art, and outdoor play. Easy to mix and match weeks. Projects change weekly, keeping the experience fresh even across multiple sessions.
Ages 4–11 | $650–$750 per week
Learn more

CuriOdyssey – Day Camps
Nature, animals, and science exploration in an outdoor museum setting. Campers spend much of the day outside, learning through observation and hands-on activities.
Ages 4–10 | $500–$700 per week
Learn more

Hiller Aviation Museum – Aviation & STEM Camps
Flight, engineering, and aviation-themed camps are hosted at the museum. A fun blend of history, mechanics, and hands-on building projects.
Ages 6–13 | $500–$750 per week
Learn more

TechKnowHow Camps
Coding, robotics, and engineering challenges in a classroom setting. Camps are structured and skill-focused, with clear projects and takeaways.
Ages 7–12 | $500–$700 per week
Learn more

🧩 Flexible / Drop‑In

Steve & Kate’s Camp – Peninsula Locations
Highly flexible, pay‑as‑you‑go camp option for shifting schedules.
Ages 4–12 | ~$140 per day
Learn more

🏫 Community Camps

Burlingame Parks & Recreation
A dependable option for shorter weeks and familiar community settings. Full 2026 camp details (ages, pricing, and schedules) are available in the Parks & Rec catalog, with registration opening in February.
Ages 3–12 | $150–$400 per week
Learn more

San Mateo Parks & Recreation
Affordable community camps with themed weeks, typically released later in the season. Summer 2026 details have not been published yet — check the Parks & Rec site for updates as registration opens.
Ages 4–12 | $150–$400 per week
Learn more

Redwood City Parks & Recreation
Arts, sports, and enrichment camps close to home. Summer 2026 details are typically released in late February or early March — check the Parks & Rec site for updates.
Ages vary | $150–$450 per week
Learn more

Camp Carey
A beloved traditional day camp with themed weekly sessions that blend creative play, outdoor time, and enrichment activities. Spots tend to fill quickly.
Ages: Rising K–5 (CIT options for older kids) | ~$650–$700 per week
Learn more

Avid4 Adventure
Outdoor adventure camps focused on biking, kayaking, hiking, and exploration, with a strong emphasis on independence and confidence. Most days are spent outside, rain or shine.
Ages 6–14 | ~$500–$800 per week
Learn more

Grupology
Creative, enrichment-focused camps with rotating themes are offered during school breaks and summer. Activities often blend art, movement, and collaborative projects in small-group settings.
Ages vary | ~$350–$600 per week
Learn more

Marvegos – Summer Art Camps
Studio-based art camps focused on drawing, painting, and mixed-media exploration, with locations in both San Mateo and the South Bay. Works well as a half-day option or paired with a morning camp.
Ages 6–12 | $250–$400 per week
Learn more

📍 South Bay

🎨 Creative & Movement

Palo Alto Children’s Theatre – Summer Camps
Performance-based camps where kids rehearse throughout the week and end with a short production. A strong option for kids who enjoy being on stage and working toward a shared goal.
Ages 4–13 | $600–$850 per week
Learn more

Tiffany’s Dance Academy – Summer Dance Camps
Dance camps offering ballet, jazz, hip hop, and creative movement in a supportive studio setting. A good option for kids who enjoy expressive movement while building technique and confidence.
Ages 4–12 | ~$400–$700 per week
Learn more

🔬 STEM & Curiosity

Hidden Villa – Summer Camps
Immersive outdoor camps focused on nature, farming, and ecology. While technically located in Los Altos Hills, it’s a popular choice for South Bay families seeking a nature‑forward camp experience.
Ages 4–13 | $450–$700 per week
Learn more

Destination Science Camps
Science‑themed camps with clear weekly topics and hands‑on experiments. A structured option that works well for kids who like predictable routines and focused projects. Registration begins in February.
Ages 5–12 | $400–$600 per week
Learn more

TechKnowHow Camps
Coding, robotics, and engineering challenges in a classroom setting. Camps are skill‑focused, with defined projects and clear takeaways.
Ages 7–12 | $500–$700 per week
Learn more

🧩 Flexible / Drop‑In

Steve & Kate’s Camp – South Bay Locations
Flexible camp option that works well around travel weeks and changing schedules. Kids choose activities daily, with no long‑term commitment required.
Ages 4–12 | ~$140 per day
Learn more

🏫 Community Camps

Palo Alto Parks & Recreation
Wide range of arts, sports, and enrichment camps offered across the city. Programs vary by location and tend to fill quickly once registration opens.
Ages vary | $150–$450 per week
Learn more

Mountain View Parks & Recreation
Community‑based camps with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. A dependable option for families looking to fill multiple summer weeks close to home. Registration begins in March.
Ages vary | $150–$400 per week
Learn more

Sunnyvale Community Services Camps
City-run camps offering a mix of arts, sports, STEM, and recreation across Sunnyvale community centers and schools. Programs are organized by age group, with half-day and full-day options depending on the session.
Ages vary | $150–$400 per week
Learn more

Marvegos – Summer Art Camps
Studio-based art camps focused on drawing, painting, and mixed-media exploration, with locations in both San Mateo and the South Bay. Works well as a half-day option or paired with a morning camp.
Ages 6–12 | $250–$400 per week
Learn more

If this guide helped narrow things down, consider bookmarking it — many of these programs open registration over the next few weeks, and details tend to roll out gradually.

I’ll keep sharing local happenings in the weekly guides, and we’ll revisit camps again as summer gets closer.

If you know another parent who’s starting to think about summer camps, feel free to forward this along.

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