What’s Happening Around the Peninsula This Weekend
A quiet January weekend with a few thoughtful ways to get out — if you feel like it.
Hi parents,
This is a quieter January weekend on the Peninsula — fewer events, more breathing room. If you’re looking for something simple to do, here are a few things worth knowing about. And if you end up doing just one thing (or none at all), that’s more than enough.
Think of this list as a source of ideas, not a checklist. A calm weekend counts too.
🎨 Make Something (Kids & Grown-ups)
Makers & Minis - Creative Workshop (Hosted by me)
Sun, Jan 18 · 10:00–11:30am | Burlingame
A cozy, hands-on crafting session for kids and their grown-ups. Intentionally small and slow-paced, this workshop creates space for creativity, connection, and calm. Perfect if you’re craving something meaningful without the rush of a packed schedule.
Ages 4–8 (grown-up stays) | Paid | Register here
Adult Makers: Watercolor Landscape (In‑Person)
Sat, Jan 17 · 10:30 am–12:00 pm | Redwood City Library
Create a colorful landscape in this step‑by‑step guided watercolor workshop led by artist Elizabeth Jiménez Montelongo. Designed for beginners and the watercolor-curious, this session uses simple materials (all provided) and invites you to slow down and enjoy the process. Space is limited.
Ages 13+ | Free (registration required) | Details & registration
🚶 Neighborhood & Community
Downtown San Mateo Walking Tour (with San Mateo Forward)
Sat, Jan 17 · 2:00–4:00 pm | Downtown San Mateo
A guided walking tour exploring downtown San Mateo’s history, local businesses, and what’s ahead for the neighborhood. Easy to enjoy with curious older kids and a nice way to see familiar streets with fresh eyes.
Ages 8+ | Free (registration required) | Event details
🎩 A Little Magic
Mike the Magician - Library Show
Sat, Jan 17 · 11:00 am–12:00 pm | Redwood Shores Branch Library
A lively, engaging magic show hosted by the Redwood Shores Library. Playful enough for kids and clever enough for adults — an easy win for families looking for something special without a big commitment.
Elementary-age kids and up | Free | Event details
🧑🎤 For Teens & Tweens
Teen Makers: Stories and Snapshots - Microfiction & Photography
Sat, Jan 17 · 2:00–3:00 pm | Redwood City Library
Join 2024–2025 Burlingame–Hillsborough Youth Poet Laureate Sierra Elman for a one‑time makerspace workshop where teens explore, read, and write short fiction inspired by creative photographs. A thoughtful, expressive session blending writing and visual storytelling.
Grades 6–12 | Free | Event details
🌿 If You Just Want Fresh Air
Magical Bridge Playground
Daylight hours | Redwood City & Palo Alto
An inclusive, beautifully designed playground with something for everyone — swings, climbing structures, sensory elements, and wide open space to move. Great for mixed‑age siblings and an easy, low‑planning outing.
All ages | Free | Park Location
Magic Mountain Playground
Daylight hours | Coyote Point Recreation Area - San Mateo
One of the Peninsula’s most-loved playgrounds, Magic Mountain features tall slides, climbing structures, and plenty of space for big movement. Easy to pair with a bay walk or open-field roaming.
All ages | Free | Park Location
Leo J. Ryan Park Playground
Daylight hours | Foster City
A spacious playground set along the Foster City lagoon, with plenty of room for kids to play while grown‑ups enjoy a walk, coffee, or stroller loop. Easy to turn into a longer, relaxed outing.
All ages | Free | Park Location
📚 Keep It Simple
A Library Stop (Any Branch)
Open hours | Your nearest library
Even without a special program, libraries are one of the best winter weekend resets - warm spaces, great books, and a calm place to land with kids.
Quiet weekends have their own kind of magic.
See you next week 🤍
— Akriti
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