This post is written and sponsored by HotelClub.com, offering hotel deals for more than 60,000 hotels in 134 countries.
It’s safe to assume that a metropolis as big and cosmopolitan as New York City has a host of places to coddle and pamper Fido and Kitty. New York after all, is the undisputed king of niche. Think about it. This is a city where dessert-themed nightclubs offer beer and cupcake pairing menus. A city where rice pudding shops offer home delivery until 10 p.m. A city where street vendors use Twitter to keep salivating devotees in the loop.
Just as New Yorkers love their food - and require incessant innovation, specialization and variety as a result - they also love their pets. Pet-friendly hotels in New York City then, are not so much an anomaly as a direct response to market demand.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
July 4th with kids in the San Francisco Bay Area
I can't believe Independence Day is coming up already! Here are some ideas for kid-friendly July 4th activities in the Bay Area.
Palo Alto Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off - with live music, line dancing, food vendors and kids' activities, you can plan an afternoon of fun. Free admission, and a nominal fee for "tasting kits" for the cook-off. The festival runs noon to 5 p.m., with the chili tastings starting at 1:30 p.m. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive.
Pier 39 in San Francisco is always good for a party. Head over there from 3 - 9:30 p.m. for free live music, street performers, and ultimately, the fireworks!
Palo Alto Summer Festival & Chili Cook-off - with live music, line dancing, food vendors and kids' activities, you can plan an afternoon of fun. Free admission, and a nominal fee for "tasting kits" for the cook-off. The festival runs noon to 5 p.m., with the chili tastings starting at 1:30 p.m. Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive.
Pier 39 in San Francisco is always good for a party. Head over there from 3 - 9:30 p.m. for free live music, street performers, and ultimately, the fireworks!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Coming Up: Paper Airplanes at Hiller
We've been making paper airplanes at home, lately, after getting the Klutz Book of Paper Airplanes (you scrapbooking moms will love the paper it includes).
Hiller Aviation Museum has a paper airplane making program coming up on June 30th, with John Collins, who has his own paper airplane book, the Gliding Flight. According to Hiller, Collins is a master paper airplane builder whose designs include a plane so light that simply holding it above your hand and walking makes it fly. He has planes that perform unique aerobatics and even planes that split in two when thrown in the air.
He'll do a 45-minute demonstrations at 1:30pm and 3:00pm. No reservations are required and the event is included with your museum admission.
John's books on building paper airplanes will be available at the event for sale, and he'll personalize it for you. No book purchase necessary to attend the event.
Where: Hiller Aviation Museum (601 Skyway Road, San Carlos)
When: June 30, 2010 - 1:30 and 3:30
Cost: Museum entrance is $11/adults, $7 ages 5-17, free with paid adult for ages 0-4. Save a dollar by getting a coupon here.
More info: Hiller or call (650) 654-0200
Hiller Aviation Museum has a paper airplane making program coming up on June 30th, with John Collins, who has his own paper airplane book, the Gliding Flight. According to Hiller, Collins is a master paper airplane builder whose designs include a plane so light that simply holding it above your hand and walking makes it fly. He has planes that perform unique aerobatics and even planes that split in two when thrown in the air.
He'll do a 45-minute demonstrations at 1:30pm and 3:00pm. No reservations are required and the event is included with your museum admission.
John's books on building paper airplanes will be available at the event for sale, and he'll personalize it for you. No book purchase necessary to attend the event.
Where: Hiller Aviation Museum (601 Skyway Road, San Carlos)
When: June 30, 2010 - 1:30 and 3:30
Cost: Museum entrance is $11/adults, $7 ages 5-17, free with paid adult for ages 0-4. Save a dollar by getting a coupon here.
More info: Hiller or call (650) 654-0200
Posted by
Debbie Abrams Kaplan
at
10:12 AM
Labels:
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Museum,
preschool,
Silicon Valley
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Coming Up: Friday Nights at Bay Area Discovery Museum
If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids on a Friday night, check out the Bay Area Discovery Museum's summer evening events.
In addition to the usual museum attractions, they'll have special performers baed on a theme (noted below). Bring a picnic dinner or buy one there.
Events will be on
June 25, July 23 and August 13 from 5-8 p.m.
Tickets: $5 for members, $8 general. This is a separate admission from the daily admission. Buy tickets here.
Friday, June 25 - sing along with family favorite Enzo Garcia from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Then join in the dancing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to the rhythms of Bahia Son, playing Cuban son, salsa and Latin jazz.
Friday, July 23 - Arrgh matey, it's the Bloody Scupper Plunder Club, here to sing songs of piracy and general mayhem at 6 p.m. Meet our own Dread Pyrate Gregory and swap tales of the sea all through the night.
Friday, August 13 - One last chance to see Living In Space before it blasts off! Celebrate space travel with a retro evening of fun featuring 60's grooves from DJ Mancub all evening long. The Short Attention Span Circus will delight with comedic juggling, magic, contortions and more all evening long.
As you might know, the Bay Area Discovery Museum has panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and is at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's one of my favorite kids' museums - great exhibits, great space, great view and a fabulous playground.
Where: Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito
In addition to the usual museum attractions, they'll have special performers baed on a theme (noted below). Bring a picnic dinner or buy one there.
Events will be on
June 25, July 23 and August 13 from 5-8 p.m.
Tickets: $5 for members, $8 general. This is a separate admission from the daily admission. Buy tickets here.
Friday, June 25 - sing along with family favorite Enzo Garcia from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Then join in the dancing from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to the rhythms of Bahia Son, playing Cuban son, salsa and Latin jazz.
Friday, July 23 - Arrgh matey, it's the Bloody Scupper Plunder Club, here to sing songs of piracy and general mayhem at 6 p.m. Meet our own Dread Pyrate Gregory and swap tales of the sea all through the night.
Friday, August 13 - One last chance to see Living In Space before it blasts off! Celebrate space travel with a retro evening of fun featuring 60's grooves from DJ Mancub all evening long. The Short Attention Span Circus will delight with comedic juggling, magic, contortions and more all evening long.
As you might know, the Bay Area Discovery Museum has panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and is at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's one of my favorite kids' museums - great exhibits, great space, great view and a fabulous playground.
Where: Fort Baker, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Day Trip: Bay Area Farm Tours
A question came up on one of the online groups I'm part of - what are great farm tours in the Bay Area? So I thought I'd list some here.
Of course you know about Harley Farms - I blogged about them recently. They're a goat farm in Pescadero, and they make their own goat cheese. You can read about Harley Farm here.
The tour is on Saturday, July 10 from 1:30-3:30. Pre-registration required and space is limited. The tour is at 1170 Walker Rd., Petaluma. It costs $20 for adults, $10 for kids over age two (younger than that are free).
A fun strawberry family event is coming up at Dolcini Red Hill Ranch. They'll have activities including berry picking, ice cream making, farm game playing, and shortcake eating. Feed the chickens and tour the vegetable fields. Additional strawberries, eggs, snacks, and veggies will be for sale at the farm stand.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. meeting at Dolcini Ranch, 6970 Point Reyes - Petaluma. RSVP required - space is limited. Cost is $25/adult, $12 for kids.
Toluma Farm in Tomales has monthly guided tours of their goat farm, the first Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m . to noon. The request you email them for reservations. You can also schedule group or school tours with them. For Sunday tours, email tours@tolumafarms.com (and use TOURS in the subject line). You can bring your own picnic and have lunch there.
McClelland Dairy in Sonoma County offers several tours a month, to their dairy farm. Learn more about their tours here. You can play with calves in the nursery, check out the milking parlor, breathe and milk a cow by hand. Cost is free under three, otherwise $7-10. Reservations recommended. Upcoming tours are June 26 and July 17 at 1 p.m.
Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo is a public/private venture between the local school district and a community-based nonprofit. They offer tons of tours and activities. The Loma Vista Farm is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the school year and follows the school calendar. Individuals or families can visit the farm unscheduled during these times. Contact them to schedule a visit for any organized group. Check the Loma Vista Farm Events schedule for occasional after-hours times. Call for summer hours (707) 556-8765..
You'll find lists of ongoing events at the Marin Agricultural Land Trust site, Om Organics, If you're a teacher wanting to take kids on a farm tour in Marin, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust can help you organize that and has a list of helpful education aids as well.
Find Frisco Kids on Facebook!
Of course you know about Harley Farms - I blogged about them recently. They're a goat farm in Pescadero, and they make their own goat cheese. You can read about Harley Farm here.
Marin Sun Farms offers free farm tours limited to 15 people. Kids must be at least 5 years old. They raise grass-fed animals and eggs.The next tour is Wednesday, July 21st at 10 a.m. in Point Reyes. Check their website, or contact them with questions at (415) 663-8997 x 201 or email david@marinsunfarms.com. They also offer escorted private farm tours starting at $750 for up to 25 visitors.
Tresch Dairy has almost 2,100 acres and 900 milking cows. You can tour it with Kathy Tresch, and you'll bottle-feed a calf, see cows being milked, churn and taste butter. You'll also take a hay ride to the heirloom apple orchard, taste Straus milk products and learn about sustainable agricultural methods and the important role farms play in preserving watersheds and wildlife habitat. It's a family-friendly tour.
The tour is on Saturday, July 10 from 1:30-3:30. Pre-registration required and space is limited. The tour is at 1170 Walker Rd., Petaluma. It costs $20 for adults, $10 for kids over age two (younger than that are free).
A fun strawberry family event is coming up at Dolcini Red Hill Ranch. They'll have activities including berry picking, ice cream making, farm game playing, and shortcake eating. Feed the chickens and tour the vegetable fields. Additional strawberries, eggs, snacks, and veggies will be for sale at the farm stand.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. meeting at Dolcini Ranch, 6970 Point Reyes - Petaluma. RSVP required - space is limited. Cost is $25/adult, $12 for kids.
Toluma Farm in Tomales has monthly guided tours of their goat farm, the first Sunday of each month, from 11 a.m . to noon. The request you email them for reservations. You can also schedule group or school tours with them. For Sunday tours, email tours@tolumafarms.com (and use TOURS in the subject line). You can bring your own picnic and have lunch there.
McClelland Dairy in Sonoma County offers several tours a month, to their dairy farm. Learn more about their tours here. You can play with calves in the nursery, check out the milking parlor, breathe and milk a cow by hand. Cost is free under three, otherwise $7-10. Reservations recommended. Upcoming tours are June 26 and July 17 at 1 p.m.
Loma Vista Farm in Vallejo is a public/private venture between the local school district and a community-based nonprofit. They offer tons of tours and activities. The Loma Vista Farm is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the school year and follows the school calendar. Individuals or families can visit the farm unscheduled during these times. Contact them to schedule a visit for any organized group. Check the Loma Vista Farm Events schedule for occasional after-hours times. Call for summer hours (707) 556-8765..
You'll find lists of ongoing events at the Marin Agricultural Land Trust site, Om Organics, If you're a teacher wanting to take kids on a farm tour in Marin, the Marin Agricultural Land Trust can help you organize that and has a list of helpful education aids as well.
Find Frisco Kids on Facebook!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Coming Up: Meet Juno and Watch Kids Perform at Zeum
If you want to make your child a star (or see someone's child become one), head to Zeum on June 25th for the National Juno Baby One For All Bus Tour and The Rising Stars Search (for children up to 8 years old).
They'll be doing their own version of Star Search/American Idol for kids - Juno Baby's Rising Stars Search where San Francisco will bring out its littlest stars to perform at Juno Baby's Rising Stars Search contest and the winner will be featured in an upcoming Juno Baby production. It doesn't matter what constitutes "performing" in this search - dancing, jumping, singing and banging things all work. It just has to be to their music.
There will also be fun activities such as Meet & Greet with the Juno character, face painting, adventures playing musical instruments, green screen photo opportunities and more surprises!
Juno's Baby's Grammy Award-winning series of DVDs, CDs are built around a child's developing mind.
Where: Zeum (Yerba Buena Center in SF)
Ages: AllCost: Zeum charges apply, but the event itself is free (Zeum charges $8/kid, $10/adult).
Friday, June 18, 2010
Coming Up: Lilith Music Festival - get Discount Ticket Codes here
If you're into live music and can find a sitter (or heck, bring the kids), get discounted tickets to the Lilith music festival in Mountain View now.
Travelzoo is offering tickets at 50% off when purchased in pairs. They also eliminated service fees (an added $10/ticket).
Ticket prices start at $18 (reg. $36) for the Monday, July 5 concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The Lilith concert features women in music, like Sarah McLachlan, Heart, The Bangles and many more.
The 2-for-1 offer is available on all ticket levels, and ends Tuesday, June 22.
For more info, check Travelzoo. You'll use the code TRAVEL.
Travelzoo is offering tickets at 50% off when purchased in pairs. They also eliminated service fees (an added $10/ticket).
Ticket prices start at $18 (reg. $36) for the Monday, July 5 concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre. The Lilith concert features women in music, like Sarah McLachlan, Heart, The Bangles and many more.
The 2-for-1 offer is available on all ticket levels, and ends Tuesday, June 22.
For more info, check Travelzoo. You'll use the code TRAVEL.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Coming Up: Sunday Streets
There's a popular San Francisco Sunday Streets this Sunday, June 20th in the Mission!
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Mission
Cost: free
Where: Mission
Cost: free
Future Sunday Streets:
July 11 - Mission
August 22 - Great Highway, Golden Gate Park
September 19 - Western Addition
October 24 - Civic Center, Tenderloin
July 11 - Mission
August 22 - Great Highway, Golden Gate Park
September 19 - Western Addition
October 24 - Civic Center, Tenderloin
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Coming Up: Stern Grove Kids Days - Free
Stern Grove Sundays were one of my favorite things to do before kids. We'd bring a blanket, picnic and the newspaper and grab our spot in the (hopefully) sunny area to await the fabulous free concerts. I know some people bring their kids to these events, but my kids aren't so good at sitting still in a crowded area and waiting for the show to start. It turns out there are activities for kids from noon to 1:00 for these Sunday concerts. Crafts, dance lessons, singing and hands-on music. Look at the Stern Grove Sunday schedule here, with kids activities included.
But there's also Stern Grove Kids Days. These are free workshops with dance, music, drumming and more. You just have to sign up ahead of time.
Look below for the schedule info:
African Drum and Dance Kids Day with Amadou Diawara
When: June 22, June 23, and June 24
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Presto! Interactive Opera Kids Day with Kristen Jones and Jennifer Ashworth
When: June 29, June 30, and July 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
World Dance Kids Day featuring Bomba dance with Shefali Shah and Hector Lugo, Salsa/Merengue with Mario Luis Alabi and Swing Dance with Hep Jen
When: July 13, July 14, and July 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
World Dance Kids Day with Stacey Blakeman of the San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education
When: August 3, August 4, and August 5
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Thanks to Linda for reminding me about these!
And don't forget to join Frisco Kids on Facebook for even more great info!
But there's also Stern Grove Kids Days. These are free workshops with dance, music, drumming and more. You just have to sign up ahead of time.
Look below for the schedule info:
African Drum and Dance Kids Day with Amadou Diawara
When: June 22, June 23, and June 24
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Presto! Interactive Opera Kids Day with Kristen Jones and Jennifer Ashworth
When: June 29, June 30, and July 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
World Dance Kids Day featuring Bomba dance with Shefali Shah and Hector Lugo, Salsa/Merengue with Mario Luis Alabi and Swing Dance with Hep Jen
When: July 13, July 14, and July 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
World Dance Kids Day with Stacey Blakeman of the San Francisco Ballet Center for Dance Education
When: August 3, August 4, and August 5
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard, San Francisco
Thanks to Linda for reminding me about these!
And don't forget to join Frisco Kids on Facebook for even more great info!
Deal of the Day: Coyote Point Museum - 4 tix for $10
We've spent a lot of time at Coyote Point Museum. We used to do the Toddler Tuesday programs - I'm not sure if they still run those. My daughter also did half-day camps there (and both kids went on field trips to Coyote Point).
Outside you'll find a small zoo with snakes, birds, a fox, skunk, and my favorite - otters. Check the times for otter feedings and outdoor animal shows. The gardens are beautiful and very peaceful. You'll also be in a county park, and there's plenty of hiking around there, plus two playgrounds. The closest one is near the marina (walk downhill toward the water from the museum). The other one, the Magic Mountain playground, is just inside the entrance. Read a review of Magic Mountain playground on Trekaroo.
You could easily spend the day or at least half a day there. Bring a lunch! Coyote Point is in San Mateo, close to Burlingame and not too far south of the airport. There is sometimes a $5 car admission fee, if the attendant happens to be at the booth (fee is waived for museum members).
Today and tomorrow, the Savvy Source is offering a deal for 4 tickets (2 adult, 2 kids) for only $10 (half-off). I think you have to use the entire coupon at once (you can't split it into two days with 1 adult/1 kid each time).
Find Frisco Kids on Facebook!
The enivronmental museum indoors has several floors of exhibits - with lots of room for the kids to run around. There's usually a changing exhibit, story time and animal shows. Check the schedule before you go.
You could easily spend the day or at least half a day there. Bring a lunch! Coyote Point is in San Mateo, close to Burlingame and not too far south of the airport. There is sometimes a $5 car admission fee, if the attendant happens to be at the booth (fee is waived for museum members).
Today and tomorrow, the Savvy Source is offering a deal for 4 tickets (2 adult, 2 kids) for only $10 (half-off). I think you have to use the entire coupon at once (you can't split it into two days with 1 adult/1 kid each time).
Find Frisco Kids on Facebook!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Coming Up: Sleepovers at the California Academy of Sciences
This sounds like fun! It's Night at the Museum - but without all the scary stuff.
Spend the night at the California Academy of Sciences - in the Penguins and Pajamas Academy. Here's what they say about the event:
"Doors will open at 6:30 pm, when sleepover guests are invited to come in and explore the Academy after it’s closed to the public. Participants can take in the evening songs of the rainforest birds, sing “twinkle twinkle” to a sea star at the Discovery Tidepool, and watch the fish cruise under the moonlight in the Philippine Coral Reef tank. Then, guests can catch a special penguin talk, and become stargazing gurus during an after-hours planetarium show.
Before bedtime, sleepover guests can grab a snack of cookies and milk and settle in for story time, featuring “Pierre the Penguin,” the true story of the Academy’s famous wetsuit-wearing penguin. When the lights go out, participants can unroll their sleeping bags in African Hall, next to the swaying kelp of the California Coast tank, or even at the Swamp window, face-to-face with Claude, the albino alligator. In the morning, it’s time to rise and shine, then head over to the Academy CafĂ© for breakfast before the sleepover event ends at 8:30 am."
The package includes parking at the music concourse garage, next day admission to the academy, breakfast, snacks and a special commemorative gift.
What: “Penguins and Pajamas” sleepover program
Who: Open to children ages 6 and over; an adult chaperone must accompany every group of up to five children.
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, 94118
When: 6:30pm – 8:30am starting on Friday, June 18, July 16, and August 13
Tickets: $119 ($99 for Academy members), at http://www.calacademy.org/.
Spend the night at the California Academy of Sciences - in the Penguins and Pajamas Academy. Here's what they say about the event:
"Doors will open at 6:30 pm, when sleepover guests are invited to come in and explore the Academy after it’s closed to the public. Participants can take in the evening songs of the rainforest birds, sing “twinkle twinkle” to a sea star at the Discovery Tidepool, and watch the fish cruise under the moonlight in the Philippine Coral Reef tank. Then, guests can catch a special penguin talk, and become stargazing gurus during an after-hours planetarium show.
Before bedtime, sleepover guests can grab a snack of cookies and milk and settle in for story time, featuring “Pierre the Penguin,” the true story of the Academy’s famous wetsuit-wearing penguin. When the lights go out, participants can unroll their sleeping bags in African Hall, next to the swaying kelp of the California Coast tank, or even at the Swamp window, face-to-face with Claude, the albino alligator. In the morning, it’s time to rise and shine, then head over to the Academy CafĂ© for breakfast before the sleepover event ends at 8:30 am."
The package includes parking at the music concourse garage, next day admission to the academy, breakfast, snacks and a special commemorative gift.
What: “Penguins and Pajamas” sleepover program
Who: Open to children ages 6 and over; an adult chaperone must accompany every group of up to five children.
Where: California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, 94118
When: 6:30pm – 8:30am starting on Friday, June 18, July 16, and August 13
Tickets: $119 ($99 for Academy members), at http://www.calacademy.org/.
Posted by
Debbie Abrams Kaplan
at
10:47 AM
Labels:
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Monday, June 14, 2010
Celebrate Father’s Day Outdoors Around the San Francisco Bay
This is a guest post by Laure Latham, author of the excellent family travel blog Frog Mom. She is currently hiking all around the Bay Area for her upcoming book "Best Hikes with Kids in the San Francisco Bay Area" (2011).
Want to make Dad feel extra special? Better than a gizmo, offer him a day out to remember and document it with all your media power or an entry in your kids’ journal. Father’s Day is usually blessed with true summer weather so all the more reason to go outdoors and enjoy the sun. The following hikes and events take place in wonderful parks that have unique characteristics – unique to the Bay Area that is.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve: Nature hike and wine tasting
June 19 - 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
A winery at the end of a trail? The fact is rare enough just to get mentioned, but even more interesting when you realize that the winery occupies the historic buildings of an old ranch in the Cupertino foothills. Closer than Napa with a nature component, Picchetti Open Space Preserve is also a great picnic spot for families as the picnic area is organized around a wide grassy area.
Want to make Dad feel extra special? Better than a gizmo, offer him a day out to remember and document it with all your media power or an entry in your kids’ journal. Father’s Day is usually blessed with true summer weather so all the more reason to go outdoors and enjoy the sun. The following hikes and events take place in wonderful parks that have unique characteristics – unique to the Bay Area that is.
Picchetti Ranch Open Space Preserve: Nature hike and wine tasting
June 19 - 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
A winery at the end of a trail? The fact is rare enough just to get mentioned, but even more interesting when you realize that the winery occupies the historic buildings of an old ranch in the Cupertino foothills. Closer than Napa with a nature component, Picchetti Open Space Preserve is also a great picnic spot for families as the picnic area is organized around a wide grassy area.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Coming Up: Kids World Events at Serramonte Center
Come to Serramonte Center for "KidsWorld," a free, fun and educational after school monthly program.
According to Serramonte, "KidsWorld events include festive, interactive performances with singing, dancing, games, crafts and fun learning opportunities. Each event teaches students a variety of topics including music, culture, art and even etiquette. The after school program also provides a place for kids to come and socialize in a fun, safe and educational environment. Each monthly event is themed and filled with arts and crafts activities, hands-on fun, festive music and more."
Here's the schedule:
Tuesday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. – Filipino Festival
Membership is free, and is good for discounts throughout the shopping center, entry into free monthly events and more.
The event is at the Serramonte Center, between the Elephant Bar and Starbucks (formerly the Mervyn's wing)
According to Serramonte, "KidsWorld events include festive, interactive performances with singing, dancing, games, crafts and fun learning opportunities. Each event teaches students a variety of topics including music, culture, art and even etiquette. The after school program also provides a place for kids to come and socialize in a fun, safe and educational environment. Each monthly event is themed and filled with arts and crafts activities, hands-on fun, festive music and more."
Here's the schedule:
Tuesday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. – Filipino Festival
Membership is free, and is good for discounts throughout the shopping center, entry into free monthly events and more.
The event is at the Serramonte Center, between the Elephant Bar and Starbucks (formerly the Mervyn's wing)
Friday, June 11, 2010
Caterpillar Cake
It's birthday cake time! This year my son had a bowling party. So it was obvious that the cake he'd request looked like...a caterpillar.
I looked at a lot of cakes online, and most caterpillar cakes were modeled after the Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. But given that my son is not in preschool, I thought these catepillar cakes looked too young for him. Besides, he wanted a blue caterpillar with yellow and white triangles.
So here's what I did. I made a a sheet cake and covered it with brown frosting. That was supposed to be like the dirt. Then I made a Bundt cake and carved it up, putting it in a curvy shape. Unfortunately the cake didn't sit flat, so I had to stick extra pieces of cake in between the slices, and sometimes prop it up on the bottom with more cake slivers.
I colored the face yellow and filled some Ziplock bags with other colors, cutting off a tiny tip of the corner. I used that corner to add the details - a cheap frosting tip! Because I wasn't able to make triangles, I did dots instead. I used leftover cake crums to create "dirt" on the cake.
As for the antennae, my mother-in-law came up with the brilliant idea of using candles (I got sparkler candles) for the antennae. We then added the rest of the sparkler candles as the fuzzy hair down the caterpillar's body. This impressed all the 6-7 year old boys at the party, which really is the entire point of the whole cake.
Interested in more cakes? See all the cakes on Frisco Kids (including Bakugan, slumber party, princess castle, aquarium fish, cars and race track cakes).
Join Frisco Kids on Facebook!
Deal of the Day: California Academy of Sciences Sleepover for $58
I've blogged before about sleeping over at the California Academy of Science. It sounds like a great program but it's pricey at $119 a person. Mamapedia is offering a deal - for $58 a person!
It's open to kids six and older for these dates: June 18, July 16 and August 13, 2010. Kids need an adult chaperone (at least one adult per five kids). It goes without saying (though I'll say it anyway), adults need to come with a kid. No solo adults!
The event includes: "Overnight immersion in the wonders of science and animal life," sleeping in the rainforest or aquarium exhibit, watching a show in the planetarium, an evening snack, breakfast, and a commemorative gift, and free parking below the museum.
The deal is good through the weekend, though only 100 tickets are available (and as of this posting, 6 of those slots were gone). Get the deal for the California Academy of Sciences sleepover here.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Free Movies at Regal Cinema this Summer
If you live in the outer parts of the Bay Area, you might be lucky enough to participate in Regal Cinema's free summer movie program. Every Tuesday and Wednesday starting June 15th (through August 18th), participating theaters will show a free family movie at 10 a.m. Seats are limited to what's in the theater, so get there on time (or early).
Movies include Surf's Up, Mall Cop, Stuart Little, Curious George, Monsters v. Aliens, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Night at the Museum, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Cities in the Bay Area with participating theaters include: Antioch, Dublin, Fairfield, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Sacramento, with lots more in the Central Valley and Southern California.
If the theaters aren't in your area, but you'll be traveling, be sure to check out the participating theaters nationwide - free movie on vacation!
Movies include Surf's Up, Mall Cop, Stuart Little, Curious George, Monsters v. Aliens, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Night at the Museum, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.
Cities in the Bay Area with participating theaters include: Antioch, Dublin, Fairfield, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Sacramento, with lots more in the Central Valley and Southern California.
If the theaters aren't in your area, but you'll be traveling, be sure to check out the participating theaters nationwide - free movie on vacation!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Coming Up: Baby Stuff Swap in San Rafael
A nonprofit organization, peace. love. swap. is hosting a kids' swap. No, don't swap your kids. Swap their stuff. Clothes, High chairs. Strollers. Come and bring your stuff. It's like a giant garage sale where everything is free! Bring/get stuff for ages 0-14, plus maternity clothes.
Anything not taken will be donated to charity afterwards.
What: peace. love. swap
Where: Gymworld. 3040 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA
When: June 13, 2010. Drop off between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The swap is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 (free for volunteers)
Sign up to volunteer and you can scout out the items before everyone else. And you can choose 5 items before everyone else comes in. To volunteer, you need to registerwith the organizer before that date. Email megfranz@peaceloveswap.com
If you don't have items to swap, you can still come and get stuff - you come 45 minutes after it starts (come at 11:45 a.m.)
Anything not taken will be donated to charity afterwards.
What: peace. love. swap
Where: Gymworld. 3040 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael, CA
When: June 13, 2010. Drop off between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. The swap is 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $5 (free for volunteers)
Sign up to volunteer and you can scout out the items before everyone else. And you can choose 5 items before everyone else comes in. To volunteer, you need to registerwith the organizer before that date. Email megfranz@peaceloveswap.com
If you don't have items to swap, you can still come and get stuff - you come 45 minutes after it starts (come at 11:45 a.m.)
Contest winner!
Congrats to Michelle for winning Allison Winn Scotch's book, The One That I Want from the Frisco Kids contest. The entries were thought provoking and Michelle's was chosen randomly.
Thanks to all who entered, and if you didn't win, you can still read the book!
Thanks to all who entered, and if you didn't win, you can still read the book!
Coming Up: San Mateo County Fair
The San Mateo County Fair is coming up - I love this fair! Greasy food, rides, animals galore, judged table settings, funky sales booths, demonstrations, 4-H kids, petting zoos and free concerts (with fair admission). What can be better than this?
When: Saturday June 12-Sunday June 20
Special days: (click here for the calendar of events/special days)
Monday, June 14 - Kids Day - kids 12 and under get in free (bring kids' books to donate)
Tuesday June 15 - Eddie Money performs!
Wednesday, June 16 - Free til 3:00
Friday June 18 - Rick Springfield performs! Free admission for military personnel with ID
Ticket deals: Costco (South SF and Mountain View) offer 57% off tickets (deal is for 2 tickets/2 carnival)until June 11. AAA offices sell 20% off admission tickets at their offices too. Or pre-buy tickets here for a discount.
When: Saturday June 12-Sunday June 20
Special days: (click here for the calendar of events/special days)
Monday, June 14 - Kids Day - kids 12 and under get in free (bring kids' books to donate)
Tuesday June 15 - Eddie Money performs!
Wednesday, June 16 - Free til 3:00
Friday June 18 - Rick Springfield performs! Free admission for military personnel with ID
Ticket deals: Costco (South SF and Mountain View) offer 57% off tickets (deal is for 2 tickets/2 carnival)until June 11. AAA offices sell 20% off admission tickets at their offices too. Or pre-buy tickets here for a discount.
Posted by
Debbie Abrams Kaplan
at
1:09 PM
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
SF Zoo Night at the Giants Game
If you love the zoo and baseball, make sure to get tickets for SF Zoo Night at the Giants Baseball game. As my son would say, the Giants are "versing" the Baltimore Orioles.
The game is Monday, June 14th at 7:15.
Ticket proceeds go to the San Francisco Zoo. All special ticket holders get a special edition "Pandoval" bobblehead, featuring Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval as his alter-ego, the Kung-Fu Panda. You'll also get free admission to the Giants County Fair in Parking Lot A, where you can visit the official SF Zoo Mobile! Come support the SF Zoo and get your hands on this one-of-a-kind bobblehead!
P.S. It's also Singles Night at the game, so make sure not to send your spouse alone with the kids. Not sure what kind of bobblehead the singles will get!
P.P.S. This is your last chance to win a signed copy of The One that I Want by Allison Winn Scotch. Details here.
The game is Monday, June 14th at 7:15.
Ticket proceeds go to the San Francisco Zoo. All special ticket holders get a special edition "Pandoval" bobblehead, featuring Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval as his alter-ego, the Kung-Fu Panda. You'll also get free admission to the Giants County Fair in Parking Lot A, where you can visit the official SF Zoo Mobile! Come support the SF Zoo and get your hands on this one-of-a-kind bobblehead!
P.S. It's also Singles Night at the game, so make sure not to send your spouse alone with the kids. Not sure what kind of bobblehead the singles will get!
P.P.S. This is your last chance to win a signed copy of The One that I Want by Allison Winn Scotch. Details here.
Ideas for Father's Day in the San Francisco Bay Area 2010
What to do for Father's Day in the San Francisco Bay Area this year?
The Contemporary Jewish Museum lets dads in for free on Father's Day. Kids are always free. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 1-3 pm. kids can make foil-engraved cards - drop in during that time. 736 Mission Street, SF (between 3rd and 4th)
Take in a recital to benefit the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Listen to soprano Angela Eden Moser and bass baritone, Paul Murray, Bay Area performers who will collaborate on of songs, arias and duets. Tiuckets ar $15 for the performance at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward. The concert starts at 3 p.m.
If Dad loves a good street fair, head to North Beach for its 56th annual street fair. It runs Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ahoy Maties! It's time for the 4th annual Pirate Festival in Vallejo! Entertaiment by Capt. Jack Spareribs, the Seadogs, Court of the Pirate Lords and more. You can take the ferry there!
Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland offers a Father's Day brunch at their Starlite Bistro on June 20th, followed by a solar car challenge. Brunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and costs $10-15 plus admission. The solar car challenge is $10/kid plus admission. You'll design, build and race a LEGO solar car!
Both the San Francisco and Oakland Zoos has special Father's Day activities. The SF Zoo has a Father's Day Bikeabout, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. You'll get a continental breakfast and early morning bike ride around the zoo. Costs vary. If you want, spend the night at the zoo June 19th, and you'll be there for the rideabout without having to make a separate trip. The overnight starts at 6 p.m., and ends at 10 the next morning. Costs: $90-100 a person. At the Oakland Zoo, Dad can get a free train ride.
Take a Father's Day cruise on the Presidential Yacht, the USS Potomoc out of Oakland. The 3 hour Bay cruise goes from Oakland to San Francisco, around Angel Island and Alcatraz. It includes lunch and wine. Adult tickets are $75, kids 2-12 cost $40.
Visit the San Mateo County Fair.
Dads get in free to the new Genghis Khan exhibit at the Tech Museum in San Jose on Sunday! Khan features more than 200 13th-century artifacts from his reign - never before seen outside Mongolia. Discover the innovation, technological mastery and culture of one of the world's greatest statesmen and most misunderstood conquerors in this one-of-a kind exhibition. If Dad brings kids with him, he gets in free and only has to pay for the kids. And kids under 3 are free (so Dad + 2 year old = free outing). The rest of the museum is free with Khan tickets.
Join Frisco Kids on Facebook.
The Contemporary Jewish Museum lets dads in for free on Father's Day. Kids are always free. Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. From 1-3 pm. kids can make foil-engraved cards - drop in during that time. 736 Mission Street, SF (between 3rd and 4th)
Take in a recital to benefit the Oakland East Bay Symphony. Listen to soprano Angela Eden Moser and bass baritone, Paul Murray, Bay Area performers who will collaborate on of songs, arias and duets. Tiuckets ar $15 for the performance at Eden United Church of Christ in Hayward. The concert starts at 3 p.m.
Also in Hawyard, take Dad camping June 19-20th. You'll get a BBQ, and have the chance to fish, camp, look for bugs, roast marshmallows, take hikes, learn about Shoreline habitat and more. Cost is $75 for adult/child combo ($10 per additional kid, and $25 per additional adult).
Ahoy Maties! It's time for the 4th annual Pirate Festival in Vallejo! Entertaiment by Capt. Jack Spareribs, the Seadogs, Court of the Pirate Lords and more. You can take the ferry there!
Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland offers a Father's Day brunch at their Starlite Bistro on June 20th, followed by a solar car challenge. Brunch is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and costs $10-15 plus admission. The solar car challenge is $10/kid plus admission. You'll design, build and race a LEGO solar car!
Both the San Francisco and Oakland Zoos has special Father's Day activities. The SF Zoo has a Father's Day Bikeabout, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. You'll get a continental breakfast and early morning bike ride around the zoo. Costs vary. If you want, spend the night at the zoo June 19th, and you'll be there for the rideabout without having to make a separate trip. The overnight starts at 6 p.m., and ends at 10 the next morning. Costs: $90-100 a person. At the Oakland Zoo, Dad can get a free train ride.
Take a Father's Day cruise on the Presidential Yacht, the USS Potomoc out of Oakland. The 3 hour Bay cruise goes from Oakland to San Francisco, around Angel Island and Alcatraz. It includes lunch and wine. Adult tickets are $75, kids 2-12 cost $40.
Visit the San Mateo County Fair.
Dads get in free to the new Genghis Khan exhibit at the Tech Museum in San Jose on Sunday! Khan features more than 200 13th-century artifacts from his reign - never before seen outside Mongolia. Discover the innovation, technological mastery and culture of one of the world's greatest statesmen and most misunderstood conquerors in this one-of-a kind exhibition. If Dad brings kids with him, he gets in free and only has to pay for the kids. And kids under 3 are free (so Dad + 2 year old = free outing). The rest of the museum is free with Khan tickets.
Join Frisco Kids on Facebook.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Deal of the Day - $20 for 4 Wax Museum Tickets
Last time I posted about a deal at the Fisherman's Wharf Wax Museum, people took notice. So here's another deal. Get 4 tickets to the Wax Museum for $20. Normally they run $14/adult.
Their claim to fame - it's one of the largest wax museums in the world, with 275 wax sculptures. A few of those are Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and Jesus (though someone would consider those last two one and the same). They also have King Tut, Martha Stewart, Oscar (the Academy Awards statue), Michael Jackson and Lance Armstrong. Plus Elvis and the Titanic duo - Kate and Leo
Check out the Wax Museum here.
Then if interested, get the deal here for the next three days. The tickets are good through the end of 2010.
Join Frisco Kids on Facebook.
Their claim to fame - it's one of the largest wax museums in the world, with 275 wax sculptures. A few of those are Barack Obama, Brad Pitt and Jesus (though someone would consider those last two one and the same). They also have King Tut, Martha Stewart, Oscar (the Academy Awards statue), Michael Jackson and Lance Armstrong. Plus Elvis and the Titanic duo - Kate and Leo
Check out the Wax Museum here.
Then if interested, get the deal here for the next three days. The tickets are good through the end of 2010.
Join Frisco Kids on Facebook.
You might win...Allison Winn Scotch's latest book
Don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of NYT best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch's newest book, The One that I Want, here on Frisco Kids. Read her Q&A and entry information here.
Watch a short TV interview with Allison, and hear more about the book here.
Watch a short TV interview with Allison, and hear more about the book here.
Last day to enter is June 8th...
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Coming Up: Kosher Gumbo Jam with Celeb Chef Joey Altman
Join celebrity chef Joey Altman (who hosts the James Beard Award-winning Bay Cafe and author of Without Reservations) along with fellow Bay Area musical chefs for a one-of-a-kind concert experience at the PJCC in Foster City. The band plays and cooks as the audience dances and eats. That's something I have to see!
Bring the family. You can buy dinner there (the J Cafe) or bring a picnic. And you'll get to eat some of the gumbo the chefs serve at the end of the show.
When: June 13th from 5-7 p.m.
Where: PJCC (800 Foster City Blvd, Foster City)
Tickets: $17 at the door. Pre-purchase for $12 (PJCC and temple members), $15 public
To get the temple member price of $12, call (650) 378-2702.
***Don't forget to enter to win a signed copy of NYT best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch's newest book, The One that I Want.***
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Coming Up: Family Sundays at SFMOMA
Coming up this month - free Sunday family tours and hands-on activities at SFMOMA. Kids 12 and under get in free (adults don't). Family tour (aimed at ages 4-11) starts at 1:00, with special programs starting at 2:00. Generally, the day (which runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes the tour, hands-on art creation and other programming like movies, book readings and more. You need to RSVP since space is limited.
Here's what's coming up:
June 6 & 20 - Focus on BLUR
According to SFMOMA: "What is it? It's playing with focus and light. It's using photography tricks to alter perception. It's the artist's visual truth. That's what. Picture Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and Sigmar Polke, for a start."
***Don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of NYT best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch's latest book, The One that I Want on Frisco Kids.****
Here's what's coming up:
June 6 & 20 - Focus on BLUR
According to SFMOMA: "What is it? It's playing with focus and light. It's using photography tricks to alter perception. It's the artist's visual truth. That's what. Picture Andy Warhol, Gerhard Richter, and Sigmar Polke, for a start."
***Don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of NYT best-selling author Allison Winn Scotch's latest book, The One that I Want on Frisco Kids.****
Posted by
Debbie Abrams Kaplan
at
12:41 PM
Labels:
coming up,
free,
Museum,
San Francisco
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Coming Up: Israel in the Gardens
Israel in the Gardens is such a fun festival. We always run into tons of people we know, and there is plenty to keep the kids busy. There's a kids' craft area with really fun (quality) crafts.
They do have food vendors, but the lines are always huge. So pack some food, and if the lines are reasonable, get in line. Plus there's music, craft vendors and lots of green space to soak up the sun when the weather is good. Take BART in, if you're not in San Francisco or Marin - the Montgomery station is only a few blocks away.
When: June 6, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Cost: Free
***Don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of The One that I Want - by NYT best-selling novelist Allison Winn Scotch.***
Frisco Kids is now on Facebook.
They do have food vendors, but the lines are always huge. So pack some food, and if the lines are reasonable, get in line. Plus there's music, craft vendors and lots of green space to soak up the sun when the weather is good. Take BART in, if you're not in San Francisco or Marin - the Montgomery station is only a few blocks away.
When: June 6, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Cost: Free
***Don't forget to enter the contest to win a copy of The One that I Want - by NYT best-selling novelist Allison Winn Scotch.***
Frisco Kids is now on Facebook.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Q&A with novelist Allison Winn Scotch - Book Giveaway!
One of the authors I adore these days is Allison Winn Scotch. Her third novel, The One that I Want, is coming out on June 1st (how timely!) and she kindly agreed to not only let me do a Q&A with her, but to give one Frisco Kids reader a signed copy! Read on at the bottom for how to win a copy of
For some background, Allison is the New York Times best-selling author of The Department of Lost and Found and Time of My Life, both of which I read and enjoyed. And Time of My Life is currently optioned for a movie by the Weinstein Company.
The One that I Want is about a 32 year old married woman, Tilly Farmer, who is a guidance counselor working on that baby thing with her hubby. She ends up at a fortune teller and gets more than she bargained for. Her life becomes a series of scarily accurate insights that cause her life to take an unexpected turn. Intrigued? So am I!
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