Your Weekend, Thoughtfully Curated
Flexible plans, creative workshops, and easy outings · Jan 23–25
Hi parents,
Late January weekends tend to feel a little quieter — fewer big, splashy events and more room to choose what actually fits your family’s energy. This weekend has a nice mix of flexible, all-weekend options you can drop into anytime, along with a handful of creative workshops and performances if you’re in the mood for something more structured.
Start with what’s happening all weekend, then scroll by day and see what works for you. Think of this guide as a menu, not a checklist — one outing is plenty, and none is okay too.
🌟 Happening all weekend (Jan 23–25)
Barnes & Noble Storytime
11:00 am (most locations) | 📍 Peninsula & Bay Area stores
A familiar weekend ritual with picture books, songs, and light participation for younger kids. Most locations host storytime late morning, making it an easy, low‑key stop before or after errands.
3–6 yrs | Free | Learn more
Randall Museum (FREE!)
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 San Francisco
A compact, hands‑on museum with live animals, a large model railroad, and rotating art and science activities. Easy to explore at your own pace and especially well‑suited for younger kids.
2–10 yrs | Free | Learn more
Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
10:00 am – 5:00 pm (timed entry) | 📍 Palo Alto
An approachable mix of hands‑on science exhibits and a small zoo, ideal for toddlers and early elementary kids. Highlights include the dinosaur garden and daily flamingo feedings.
0–8 yrs | $14 | Learn more
SF Zoo — Kids Free All January
9:30 am – 4:30 pm | 📍 San Francisco
Kids 11 and under receive free admission throughout January, making this an easy outdoor option for families. Wander the grounds, visit favorite animals, or stay as long (or as short) as works for you.
All ages | Kids free | Learn more
IlluminOdyssey (Final Weekend)
Evening time slots | 📍 San Mateo
An immersive exhibition exploring light, color, and shadow through interactive installations. Families can move at their own pace, making this a flexible and memorable evening outing before the exhibit closes.
All ages | Ticketed | Learn more
Jurassic Quest
12:00 pm, 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm | 📍 San Jose
A large‑scale dinosaur experience featuring life‑size animatronic dinos, fossil digs, and interactive zones. Best for families with dinosaur lovers looking for a bigger, more immersive outing.
All ages | Ticketed | Get details
Ferry there! Winter Fun for the whole family
Various routes & times | 📍 Bay Area ferry terminals
Make a Day of It: A simple way to turn getting around into part of the outing. The Bay Ferry connects different parts of the Bay and adds a slower, more playful rhythm to a weekend plan. Youth fares are discounted through Jan 31.
All ages | Youth $1, under 5 free | Get details
Friday, Jan 23
Glow (at Exploratorium)
10:00 am – 5:00 pm | 📍 San Francisco
A light‑focused exhibition where kids explore color, reflection, and perception through hands‑on, glowing installations. A good fit for older kids and mixed‑age siblings who enjoy open‑ended exploration.
5+ yrs | Ticketed | Learn more
High School Musical JR.
7:00 pm | 📍 Mustang Hall, San Carlos
A high‑energy Disney musical with familiar songs, upbeat choreography, and a family‑friendly runtime. Lively and feel‑good without being overwhelming for younger audiences.
5+ yrs | $15–$25 | Get details
Saturday, Jan 24
College of San Mateo Farmers’ Market
9:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 San Mateo
A relaxed outdoor market with local produce, baked goods, flowers, and prepared foods. Easy to wander with kids and simple to fit into the morning at your own pace.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Apple Kids Workshop: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness
12:30 – 1:30 pm | 📍 Apple Burlingame
A guided creative session where kids collaborate on a digital story centered on kindness and empathy. Structured but playful, with a clear start and finish.
6–10 yrs | Free | Learn more
Apple Art Lab for Kids: Drawing Emoji
12:30 – 1:30 pm | 📍 Apple Hillsdale
An art‑focused workshop where kids learn how illustrators design expressive emoji characters, then create their own using simple digital tools.
6–10 yrs | Free | Learn more
High School Musical JR.
1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | 📍 Mustang Hall, San Carlos
A high‑energy Disney musical with familiar songs, upbeat choreography, and a family‑friendly runtime. Lively and feel‑good without being overwhelming for younger audiences.
5+ yrs | $15–$25 | Get details
Learn to Play Chess for Kids
3:30 – 4:30 pm | 📍 Burlingame Public Library
An introductory chess workshop designed to help kids learn the basics of the game in a friendly, supportive setting. The focus is on strategy, problem-solving, and having fun rather than competition.
Grades 2–6 | Free | Learn more
Sunday, Jan 25
Makers & Minis — Creative Workshop
10:00 – 11:30 am | 📍 Burlingame
A cozy, small‑group crafting session for kids and their grown‑ups, designed for creativity and connection in a relaxed setting.
4–8 yrs | $50 per child | Get details
Family Studio: Watercolors!
10:00 am – 1:00 pm | 📍 SFMOMA, San Francisco
A free, drop‑in art‑making experience where families can explore watercolor techniques at their own pace. No museum admission required for this activity.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Apple Workshop: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth
10:30 – 11:30 am | 📍 Apple Burlingame
A creative workshop where kids explore storytelling through comics, combining drawing and narrative inspired by Planet Earth themes.
7–12 yrs | Free | Learn more
High School Musical JR. (Final Show)
1:00 pm | 📍 Mustang Hall, San Carlos
The final chance to catch this joyful, high-energy musical. A great matinee option that still leaves plenty of time for a relaxed afternoon afterward. Ideal for families who prefer daytime performances or are wrapping up the weekend with something fun but manageable.
5+ yrs | $15–$25 | Get details
Michaels Kids Club: Yarn Painting
2:00 – 4:00 pm | 📍 Michaels, San Mateo
A guided Kids Club craft where children use yarn and glue to create textured artwork. Materials are provided, and kids can work at their own pace.
All ages | Free | Learn more
Hope this helps take one thing off your plate this weekend. If you know another parent who’d enjoy this list, feel free to pass it along.
See you next week 💛
P.S. I’m working on a Spring & Summer Camp Guide and it’ll be landing in your inbox soon. If camps are already on your mind, stay tuned.