Ready, Set, Road Trip! Family Fun Before the Holidays
Travel-friendly tips and cozy Peninsula events to enjoy before Thanksgiving.
Hi Parents,
We’re officially two weeks out from Thanksgiving, and if your family’s anything like mine, that means we’re already thinking about travel, snacks, and how to keep the kids happy on the road.
A friend recently told me about this pocket clipboard with storage, and it’s been such a win. I filled it with Crayola clickable pens (no caps = no mess) and a few coloring sheets I printed online — boom, one hour of car peace achieved! The girls love it so much, it’s already stashed in the backseat waiting for our next drive.
Whether you’re planning a big trip or just mini adventures around the Bay, this weekend’s guide has plenty of ideas to enjoy before the holiday bustle begins… from local fairs and park days to hands-on creative workshops.
Travel-Ready Pocket Tip: for Tiny Travelers
We’re getting road-trip ready at our house, and I’ve found one small thing that makes a big difference. A friend shared this clever Pocket Clipboard with Storage, and it’s now a permanent fixture in our car.
Here’s what’s inside ours:
🖍️ Crayola clickable pens – no caps, no mess, and easy for little hands.
📄 Printable coloring sheets – I grab a few online each week (animals, holidays, or whatever the kids are into).
💌 Surprise addition – a sticker sheet, maze, or small puzzle adds a bit of excitement mid-drive.
It’s not just about keeping them busy; it’s about turning travel time into a calm, creative pocket of connection. Bonus: my girls already ask if we can “drive somewhere” just so they can use it.
Some other road‑trip wins for us have been simple games and easy activities like these:
Red Car, Blue Car: Each kid picks a color and searches for 5 cars in that shade. Whoever wins gets to choose the next song (which also helps reduce the number of times we play Golden on repeat!).
Word Memory: We take turns building a chain of words. Our 3‑year‑old doesn’t always last long, but watching her try so hard to remember the sequence is pure joy… and it keeps the whole family invested.
Surprise Bag: I prep a small grab‑bag with dollar‑store finds or clearance goodies from Michaels (all under $5). Because everything is “new,” it holds their attention no matter their age. Think picture cards or a mini book for non‑readers, a fidget toy, a small notebook with stickers, or simple snacks like Goldfish crackers or Z‑bars.
Waiting for big sister’s dance class = built-in Crafternoon.
Weekend Happenings (Nov 14–16)
Zoppé Italian Family Circus
Fri–Sun, Nov 14–16 | Various showtimes | 📍 Redwood City
Step into a charming one-ring circus filled with acrobatics, clowning, and family fun under the big top. Buy tickets ahead of time as they tend to sell out fast.
All ages | $18–$32 | Tickets & Info
Safeway Holiday Ice Rink at Union Square
Fri–Sun, Nov 14–16 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | 📍 Union Square, San Francisco
Lace up for outdoor holiday skating under the sparkling Union Square tree lights — a beloved city tradition!
All ages | $22 general, $17 kids | More Information
IlluminOdyssey – Light & Color Exhibit at CuriOdyssey
Sat–Sun, Nov 15–16 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 📍 CuriOdyssey, San Mateo
Explore a hands-on light and color wonderland as this popular winter exhibit returns for the season.
All ages | $23.95 youth, $27.95 adults | More Information
Friday, November 14
San Mateo on Ice
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | 📍 Central Park, San Mateo
Starts Nov 14 and runs through Jan 11, 2026. Enjoy outdoor skating under the lights at San Mateo’s Central Park — complete with music, twinkling trees, and a festive winter vibe. Free Community Skate day on Nov 18th.
All ages | $15–$20 including skate rental | More Information
The Sound of Music — Pied Piper Players
7:00 PM | 📍 Bayside Performing Arts Center, San Mateo
Join the Pied Piper Players for a heartwarming performance of the beloved Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, filled with timeless songs and family spirit.
All ages | $20–$28 | Tickets & Info
Saturday, November 15
MVPNS Touch-A-Truck Community Event
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 📍 Mountain View Parent Nursery School, Los Altos
Climb, explore, and honk the horns of fire trucks, delivery vans, and more… plus food trucks and local heroes.
All ages | $10–12 | Event Info
Andy Z Live Concert (Kids Music)
11:00 AM | 📍 Redwood Shores Library, Redwood City
Join Andy Z for a fun, high-energy morning of music where little ones can sing, dance, and move along. The award-winning children’s performer blends music, storytelling, and playful puppets into an engaging show. A joyful, family-friendly concert that keeps kids captivated.
All ages | Free | Event Info
Free Art Project at Magical Bridge Playground
1:30 – 3:30 PM | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Redwood City
Drop in for a free, child-minded art project at the Kindness Corner (to the right of the main entrance). Projects are first-come, first-served and designed for all abilities.
All ages | Free | Event Info
Popovich Comedy Pet Theater
4:00 PM & 6:00 PM | 📍 Oshman Family JCC, Palo Alto
A hilarious mix of circus acts and performing pets — all rescued and trained to amaze audiences of all ages. Hurry, limited seats left.
All ages | $43–$64 | Tickets & Info
Sunday, November 16
Magical Music & Motion: Noorani Dance
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 📍 Magical Bridge Playground, Redwood City
Enjoy a vibrant, family-friendly Kathak performance led by acclaimed artist Farah Yasmeen Shaikh, blending expressive movement and storytelling to spark curiosity in young audiences.
All ages | Free | Event Info
Native American Drumming and Dance
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM | 📍 Portola Valley Library, Portola Valley
Feel the rhythm of traditional drumming and dance in this engaging cultural presentation by local Urban Indian performers. All ages welcome to participate!
All ages | Free | Event Info
Shrek The Musical (Youth Theater)
1:00 PM | 📍 Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
Follow Shrek, Donkey, and Fiona on a fairy-tale adventure filled with laughter, music, and heart.
Ages 5+ | $28–$32 | Tickets & Info
🎨 Featured: Makers & Minis
A Cozy “Crafternoon” for Kids & Parents
Trying something new this season! 🎨
I’ve been dreaming of creating a little space where kids and their grown-ups can slow down, make something together, and reconnect through creativity.
So I’m launching Makers & Minis — a cozy crafternoon where we gather around a table, craft with our hands, and make something joyful (and a little messy!) to take home.
Our first sessions are all about holiday keepsakes — handmade clay ornaments and glowing tissue-paper lanterns.
📅 Nov 30 & Dec 7 | 📍 Burlingame
Ages 4–8 | $45 per child (grown-up included) | Sign Up Here
The mess stays back; the memories go home with you.
Until next week!
Hope your week ahead is full of smooth drives, simple joys, and maybe a moment of quiet before the holiday chaos begins. And if you found this helpful, feel free to forward it to another parent who might love a little road‑trip inspiration this week. 💛
Akriti