Coming Up: Summer Resource Fair

Not sure of your summer plans? Check out the annual San Francisco Family Summer Resources Fair this Saturday, March 6th. They'll have hundeds exhibitors offering...family summer resources. Learn about camps, arts and crafts, activities, jobs (for teens), classes and sports. Last year there were free kid activities, a climbing wall and massages for the parents (yeah, good luck getting to the front of the line there!).

The event is free and is at the Concourse Exhibition Center at 8th and Brannon. 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For more info check sfkids.org.

SF Family Museums You May Not Know About

Of course the Exploratorium is well-known - for good reason. But if you’re looking for a lesser known family-friendly museum, here are three favorites.

The Randall Museum (199 Museum Way): This city-owned museum is perched atop a fabulous overlook of the city. Inside, though, the kids will have fun learning about the Bay Area ecosystem, making LEGO models strong enough to withstand an earthquake, and playing in the model caboose and Victorian house. Live animal exhibits plus animal feedings teach the kids about creatures they share the city with, like raccoons, coyotes, and skunks. Plus, every Saturday, you can watch the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club’s giant train set run in the museum basement. Getting there is half the fun. If driving, you wind through tiny streets, past fabulous out-of-the-way houses. Plus, there's parking (not a ton, so get there early)! If walking, you’ll get some exercise.

Zeum (221 Fourth Street): This high-tech museum is as much fun for the adults as for the kids. Here, you get to make things, like a stop-motion animation film with your own clay characters (you can even buy a copy of the film to take home). Zeum has a music studio for making your own videos, and a digital workshop too. During free art and science workshops, kids can create their own take-home projects, like photo frames and circuits to power up holiday icicle bulbs. Don’t forget to ride the carousel outside. It was built in 1906 and you’ll sit on hand-carved animals.

The Walt Disney Family Museum (104 Montgomery Street): This is probably San Francisco’s newest museum, open since October 2009. Rather than looking just at the famous characters, this Disney museum looks at Walt’s life, from the perspective of those who knew him best. You’ll also see Disney’s original Mickey Mouse sketches and his Oscar for Snow White. The youngest kids might get bored, but there are videos and interactive screens allowing you to pair music and characters, among other things.

It was with sadness I heard that La Bottega, an Italian boutique in Menlo Park, is closing. This store is owned by two lovely Italian women - one of whom I know personally. They're having a closing sale, and I encourage you to go. Everything is 25-60% off. They have beautiful handbags, pottery, linens, note cards, jewelry, gourmet foods, gifts etc. Even before the sale, their inventory included a wide range of prices - with some very affordable items.

I featured La Bottega in a story for Spaces Bay Area, and got to see the Allied Arts Guild for the first time when I visited there. It's one of the Bay Area's hidden gems. If you haven't been to the Allied Arts Guild, that's another good reason to go. It's a park-like setting, with flowers, greenery, hidden corners and Spanish architure. The other artisans there sell (and make) unique items. While you're there, stop for coffee or lunch at Cafe Primavera.

If you go, tell Susy at La Bottega that I sent you.

Pottery Barn Kids Focus Group

Pottery Barn Kids is recruiting for a focus group about toys. How fun is that? The pay is a $50 Pottery Barn Kids gift card.

They're looking for newborns through five year olds and the focus group will be a "play session." Too bad my kids are too old.

Where: San Francisco (151 Union Street, between Battery & Sansome).

When: Thursday, March 25

Playgroup 1: Boys and Girls, newborn - 2 years old Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM (Schedule to arrive 10 min earlier)

Playgroup 2: Boys and Girls, ages 3-5 years old. Time: 2:30 – 3:30 PM (Schedule to arrive 10 min earlier)

RSVP: To Fermina Phillips in pbk Brand Marketing at fphillips@wsgc.com. Specify which group and include your name, as well as the name(s) and age(s) of your child(ren). Only a small number of kids will be randomly chosen to participate. (They promise that personal information provided will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than communicating about Pottery Barn Kids market research opportunities)

Coming Up: SF Zoo Bunny Patch

My daughter can't get enough of bunnies - especially since we won't get her a bunny as a pet. So she will love the San Francisco's Zoo upcoming event - Big Bunny's Spring Fling.

Your kids will have fun at Big Bunny's Neighborhood, with "hare tales" at story time, bunny petting at the bunny patch*, crafts, music, puppet shows, photos with the Big Bunny. Plus they can plant and take home their own carrot seeds.

When: March 31-April 4, 2010
Where: SF Zoo - 1 Zoo Road, SF
Cost: free with paid admission. Plus, get one free child's admission (age 4-14) if the child brings a stuffed bunny.
RSVP: none

*Bunny patch is weather-dependent

Coming Up: Michael's Science Fair projects - free!

Michael's Arts & Crafts has a fun free family event this weekend. It's the Science Fair Make it-Take it. Use the periodic table to create 3-D molecule models using Crayola Model Magic. For kids ages 4 and over, you can also check out Scientific Explorer project demonstrations. This includes using a color mixing lab and growing colorful crystals.

When: Saturday, February 27th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Michael's - find location using the link at the top of the page
Cost: free

If you subscribe to Frisco Kids via email...Feedburner problem

Apparently the Feedburner service we use is having some major issues. My colleagues report that most of their subscribers have not been receiving their subscription emails the past few days, even though their email address remains on the official subscription list.

If you're a Frisco Kids email subscriber, can you please email me at blog@friscokids.net and say "received" if you're getting your emails from me? You may want to check the actual Frisco Kids site first so you can confirm if you've gotten everything posted in the past week.

Many thanks, and I'm hoping this Feedburner problem isn't affecting us.

Coming Up: SF Chamber Orchestra & Choir - Free

The San Francisco Chamber Orchestra is teaming up with the Piedmont East Bay Children's Choir for three free concerts this weekend. They're about an hour and good for the whole family.

When/where:
Saturday, February 27 at 2 p.m. - SF Conservatory of Music (Concert Hall, 50 Oak St, SF) Sunday, February 28 at noon - Julia Morgan Theater (2640 College Ave, Berkeley) Sunday, February 28 at 3 p.m. - Hilldale High School (315 Del Monte St, San Mateo)

Seeking Spirituality - Don't Miss these 3 SF Churches

Whether you're seeking enlightenment, or just great architecture, these three San Francisco churches fit the bill — no matter what your religion.

Grace Cathedral (1100 California Street): This Nob Hill church was founded during the gold rush in 1849. While the original building was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, this newer French Gothic masterpiece is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the U.S. The soaring interior is dotted with stained glass — more than 7,000 square feet of it — depicting at least 11,000 people including Albert Einstein and John Glenn. It’s a bit of a celebrity draw as well — Courteney Cox and David Arquette married here. While visiting, take a few meditative moments to walk the cathedral’s two labyrinths — one inside, one outside. The labryinths are something even the kids will enjoy.

Glide Memorial Church (333 Ellis Street): You won’t find the fanciest people at Glide. But you will find the heart of San Francisco here. This church is probably the most inclusive one in the city — reaching out to gays and lesbians, transgenders, the homeless, people of color, and the rest of the mix. Come for a service - the kids will love the lively and soulful Glide Ensemble, which raises your spirits with music. In addition, the church's extensive social service programs provide meals, beds, healthcare and other services to those in need.

Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption (1111 Gough Street): It’s got a long name, but we just know it as St. Mary Maytag. Look at the top and you’ll recognize a washing machine agitator - or so it seems. The outside walkways offer a lovely view of San Francisco. Inside, however, stained glass windows make up a ceiling cross, and on the wall is a haunting, large yellow stained glass window with Jesus’ silhouette. Don’t miss the organ, perched atop a concrete column. .

Coming Up: Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic - Lowebot

Lowe's has great clinics for kids to make things. And they're free. Coming up this weekend: make a Lowebot.

When: Saturday, February 27th from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Lowe's
RSVP: here
Cost: Free

Usability Study - looking for parents to test security software

I'm passing this along from a mom's list I'm on. It's a usabity study paying $75. I'm not sure in what city the study take place.

"BitDefender is looking for participants for a 1.5-hour usability test on security software. In particular, we are looking for participants who are parents (ideally), PC owners, and people who have purchased security software in the past. During the test, you will be interviewed about you purchasing and computer habits, and asked to interact with software prototypes and share your honest opinions – it’s totally painless, easy, and fun!

The tests will take place between the hours of 8AM-6PM on March 3-4, 2010, and participants will be compensated with a $75 VISA gift card for their time. If you are interested, or you know of someone who would be a candidate, please fill out the pre-qualification survey at the link below."

If you're interested in applying, click here. The link worked when I posted this. If it's no longer active, they probably filled the study.

See the Sea - 3 Bay Area Aquariums Worth the Trip

The big daddy of San Francisco aquariums is of course the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and it’s definitely worth a trip. But it’s a couple hours drive from the city, so if that’s not on your agenda for the day, here are three accessible places to take the family and see the sea (creatures):

Aquarium of the Bay – Located right inside the Pier 39 complex, this Fisherman’s Wharf aquarium is extremely convenient and substantial enough to give you your aquarium fix. Not to be missed are the two walk-through tunnels, 300 feet in length, from which you can watch sharks, bat rays, sea stars and more glide gently overhead. The Touch the Bay exhibit allows kids to come into contact with true marine animals like Leopard Sharks and Bat Rays – if you’ll let them! Alameda County residents can go next week for free!

The California Academy of Science – This renovated masterpiece reopened to much acclaim in 2008. The Steinhart Aquarium has some very impressive tanks that are home to 38,000 live animals, which you can view from multiple angles (including from above). In addition to Northern California animals, you’ll see a Philippine reef, an Amazon habitat, a swamp (with albino alligators!), and African penguins. Here's a review of the California Academy of Science.

The Marine Mammal Center – This isn’t an aquarium, and therefore rarely makes it onto the tourist list – all the more reason to visit! The center rehabilitates seals and sea lions, and welcomes visitors to see the work they do. Take a self-guided tour of the marine facility, including the newly rebuilt hospital, outdoor pools and exhibits. They’re busiest in the spring when it’s pupping season, so look for lots of cute elephant seal pups.

Photo copyright - Deborah Abrams Kaplan - all rights reserved. Photo taken at the California Academy of Sciences.

Coming Up: Sing-Along Annie at the Retro Dome

If you love Annie, embarass your kids and bring them to the sing-along Annie at the Retro Dome. Enter the singing contest, or the costume contest too!

When: February 26-28
Where: Retro Dome in San Jose

Coming Up: Free Pancake Day at IHOP

Don't forget - this Tuesday is IHOP free pancake day.

Gt a short stack (three pancakes) for free on Tuesday, February 23. All day! 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
They are raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, so get your free stack and make a donation. They're hoping to raise $1.75 million this year.

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind.

1,400 locations participate, so find an IHOP near you.

Coming Up: King Tut FREE this weekend

This weekend, see King Tut in San Francisco for free!

(Click here for King Tut in New York City discounts or info) (Click here for a review of NYC King Tut with Kids)

Saturday February 21 and Sunday, February 22nd is a free weekend sponsored by Target. In addition to free entrance to the King Tut exhibit, there are a bunch of fun, family-friendly activities included, like crafts, mummy movies, fortune tellers, belly dancers, sword dancers, music and tarot card readers. The rest of the museum is open for free as well.

There are a lot of details about tickets - which are timed and limited in number. Expect crowds. If you're serious about getting into the exhibit, arrive early and get your tickets first. You'll have to check backpacks, strollers etc. The deYoung website has all the details.

Here's my review of the King Tut exhibit.

Thanks to reader Sangeeta for calling this to my attention!

Green Home Makeover in Bay Area

It's not quite Earth Day yet (the 40th anniversary is coming up April 25th). To prepare, I thought alert you to a Green Home Makeover service offered in the Bay Area. This one has a special going on right now, so it's quite affordable.

During the Green Home Makeover, you'll get personal recommendations based on your home and family life, to help you make more sustainable choices. They'll focus on energy conservation, recycling, energy efficient lighting, waster reduction, indoor air quality, water purity and emergency preparedness.

Use it as a way to make small life changes to save you money and help the planet. Plus you'll be teaching your kids some lessons.

The normal cost for the service is $99. The special rate right now is $29. Use the code WFM2010. If you're interested you can start making an appointment here.

I have no affiliation with the company (CA Green Solutions), nor have I tried the service. I learned of it through a working mom's network in the Bay Area. The company is owned by two local moms, who also sell green products.

What easy solutions do you have for making your home more green?

Restaurant.com coupon codes good through 2/21/10

This is the weekly posting with Restaurant.com coupon codes. I use the site frequently to save on meals when we eat out. They normally offer $25 gift certificates for $10, which is a good deal. But they usually run additional specials, like this week's - $25 gift certificates for $3.

Here's how it works. Go to their website, restaurant.com and search for restauants. Find ones you want and add them to your cart. This week, use the code ENJOY to get the discount, which shows up when you check out. Pay with a credit card and print out the certificates (or keep them online and print them out when you want to use them). They're good for a year.

Small print: The certificates have some restrictions - listed before you purchase (like maybe dining on Sunday to Thursday or buying at least 2 entrees), but if you find a restaurant you like or want to try - it's a great deal. The sale is good through February 21, 2010 at midnight PST. Restaurant.com is a Frisco Kids affiliate, which means if you purchase using my link, I'll theoretically get a small commission. If I earn enough over time to warrant them paying out. At $3 a coupon, that probably won't happen, so I see it as just a service to my readers! I've been using them for over a year myself, so it's something I'm comfortable sharing with you.

Get 'Yer Tickets - Mary Sheedy Kurcinka Speaks...

Do you have a spirited child? If you know what I'm talking about, you've heard of (or read) Mary Sheedy Kurcinka's book, Raising your Spirited Child. She's also written Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles; and Sleepless in America: Is Your Child Misbehaving or Missing Sleep?)

The author is speaking at a number of Bay Area events hosted by the Parent's Place March 22-25.

Here's a list:

Santa Rosa - PRESENTATION March 22, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

What: "Discovering Who Has Come to Live with You: Discipline Strategies That Fit Each Child."

Where: The Glaser Center, 547 Mendocino Avenue.

Cost: $15 in advance/$20 at door. Free to families formed by adoption if preregistered at 707-303-1509. Book signing to follow.

Info: call 707-571-2048 for information. Register.

Marin - PRESENTATION March 23, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

What: "Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles: Secrets to Effective Discipline."

Where: Lark Theater, 549 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur.

Cost: $15 in advance/$20 at door. Book signing to follow.

Info: Call 415-491-7959 for information. Register.

Palo Alto - WORKSHOP for teachers and therapists, March 24, 2:00 - 5:00 pm.

What: "Challenging Child Behaviors: Helping All Children Be Successful."

Where: JFCS Palo Alto, Koret Family Resource Center, 200 Channing Avenue.

Cost: $150/$175 for CEU credits ($250 for both workshops).

Info: Call 650-688-3040 for information. Register.

San Mateo - WORKSHOP for parents and professionals, March 25, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm.

What: "Discipline Strategies That Fit Each Child's Temperament."

Where: JFCS San Mateo, Eleanor Haas Koshland Center, 2001 Winward Way.

Cost: $150/$175 for CEU credits ($250 for both workshops).

Info: Call 650-931-1840 for information. Register.

Redwood City - PRESENTATION March 25, 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

What: "Kids, Parents, and Power Struggles: Secrets to Effective Discipline."

Where: Sequoia High School auditorium, 1202 Brewster Avenue.

Cost: $15 in advance/$20 at door. Book signing to follow.

Info: Call 650-688-3040 for information. Register.

Coming Up: Lunar New Year at SF Zoo - Red Panda Acrobats

Celebrate the Lunar New Year (Year of the Tiger) at the San Francisco Zoo on February 21st, with lots of fun for the kids. The Red Panda Acrobats will perform - I've seen them before, and it's a great show.

On the schedule:
--interactive culturally-themed family entertainment, presented by Panda Express.
--Red Panda Acrobats and the Chung Ngai Dance Troupe will perform amazing contortions, traditional lion and folk dancing, as well as Chinese yo-yo tricks.
--Chung Ngai Dance Troupe will give kids and adults a chance to learn a few yo-yo tricks of their own and teach everyone how to do the famous lion dance.
--crafts
--self-guided Zodiac tour through the Zoo. The scavenger hunt adventure will lead guests to the animals found on the Chinese calendar.
--See the zoo's tigers – Padang, Leanne and Tony

When: Sunday, February 21 from 10 a.m . to 3 p.m.
Where: SF Zoo -Playfield Promenade
Cost: Free with admission. BUT if you were born in the Year of the Tiger (1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010) you get in for FREE

Coming Up: Pickles & Preserves - Cooking Workshop for Kids

If your kid loves to cook, this should be a fun class. The PJCC in Foster City is offering a food workshop for kids ages 5-10. They can learn how to make jams, and to make their own pickles. Kid will learn canning techniques and get to take home a couple jars of preserves.

The workshop is part of the PJCC's Jewish Ethics, Food & the Enivornment program. to check out other offerings for adults and families, click here.

For the Pickles & Preserves program, here are details:
When: Sunday, February 21st from 3-4:30
Cost: $18-22
Register: here or call 650-378-2702

Coming Up: Free Screening of UP

It's free movie night for the family! My kids love this one, and it's fun for the parents too.

The movie, you ask? Up - and it's on Friday, February 19th at Serramonte Shopping Center.

Date: February 19th
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Serramonte Shopping Center, Daly City
Cost: Free

Thank you to Bay Area on the Cheap for the tip!

Coming Up: Curling lessons for FREE

With the Olympics starting tonight, it would be fun to try your own Olympic sports this weekend.

The Oakland Ice Center is hosting a free Learn-to-Curl event for families on Sunday, February 14th from 10:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m. Only 20 people are allowed at the lesson, so if you can go, sign up ASAP (below).

If you haven't seen curling, you're in for a treat. You push a 42 pound stone along the ice, sweeping the ice in front of it as you move it toward the target. This class is aimed at kids age 9 and up.

Learn-to-Curl clinics are regularly hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Curling Club, but this will be smaller to help the kids learn, and is the only free class hosted in Oakland. (Parents wanting to try one that night can go from 9:15-11:30 p.m. the previous night - 2/13/10 - cost is $15/person)

For other curling clinics, check out this link for the Learn-to-Curl classes. They run $15/person.

Where: Oakland Ice Center - ½ block from 19th street BART station. 519 19th Street in Oakland
When: Sunday, February 14th from 10:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
RSVP: only open to 20 people - so reserve ASAP. You need to reserve online. The website is a little confusing, so follow these instructions:
Click here
Select Season: Winter 2010
Select Level - Give Curling a Try - it's at the bottom and you have to scroll all the way down.
You'll then have to log in to the system.

Let me know how it goes!

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year to you! This holiday has been a big deal in San Francisco ever since the gold rush in 1847 started bringing Chinese immigrants into California in large numbers, and is a great cultural event to bring your little ones to. Lots of colorful costumes, firecrackers and yummy food to boot! Although the actualy Chinese New Year is on Valentine’s Day this year, most of the festivities take place on February 27th. Here’s how to get the most out of the celebration:

Chinese New Year’s Parade – Yesterday I posted about this fabulous parade. Did you know that the idea of a Chinese New Year’s parade was actually concieved in San Francisco during the 1860’s? Before then, parades in honor of the holiday didn’t exist in China or anywhere else. Now the city’s is one of the largest of its kind worldwide. Attend the parade to see dragons, dancers and firecrackers exploding over the streets. While the most scenic place to watch is in the heart of Chinatown, it can get pretty crowded, so you might be better off watching from the starting point at Second and Market.

Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt – A great way to see the parade from a different perspective, this scavenger hunt tests your knowledge of San Francisco, your ability to work as a team, and your ingenuity passing back and forth through the parade route as you work to gather clues. This hugely popular treasure hunt is difficult but fun – and there’s no need to be a local. But don't bring young kids. Contestants meet at Justin Herman Plaza, outside the Hyatt Regency, and the hunt begins just before the parade (giving you more than four hours to complete it). If you don’t come with your own team, you can always join a team of four to nine players when you arrive.

Chinese Dim Sum – And of course – what’s a holiday without a festive meal? Chinatown is always a good choice of yummy grub, although it’s probably best to avoid it while the parade is still on. Clement Street in San Francisco’s inner Richmond district (my old hood) has plenty of restaurants that are popular with us locals. Try take-out dim sum from Clement Restaurant at 621 Clement Street. They’re known for their barbecued pork buns, and the lines out the door. For sit-down dim sum, try the House of Banquet at 939 Clement.

Photo by SuperWebDeveloper/Flicker

Coming Up: Chinese New Year Parade 2010

Despite the saying, not everyone loves a parade. The Chinese New Year Parade is an exception. Big dragons. Dancers. Drums. Firecrackers. Cute kids dressed up. Lots of music. This is a great parade for the kids to watch.

The Chinese New Year Parade takes place Saturday, February 27th starting at 5:15. You can find the parade route here. As you might imagine it can get very crowded in Chinatown. If you're claustrophobic or want to able to make a quick exit with the kids, I recommend heading to a less populous spot. While not as scenic, we go to the starting area on Market Street and Second. Not only does the parade start more quickly for us (so we can head home earlier), but there are less people. And a McDonald's near by. Hey - not my idea, but it gets the kids to stop complaining while we wait. There's a Boudin's too - that's where I go.

The parade is sponsored by Southwest Airlines - which is funny because they don't even fly to China.

Photo by Global Jet

Coing Up: Free Pancake Day at IHOP 2010

Ah, IHOP. My dad's favorite restaurant. And it's offering a short stack (three pancakes) for free on Tuesday, February 23. All day! 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

They are raising money for the Children's Miracle Network, so get your free stack and make a donation. They're hoping to raise $1.75 million this year.

According to the Children's Miracle Network, Pancake Day is also Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. They say National Pancake Day dates back several centuries to when the English prepped for fasting during Lent. Strict rules prohibited the eating of all dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were made to use up the supply of eggs, milk, butter and other dairy products… hence the name Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday."

Children's Miracle Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Each year the 170 Children's Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind.

This is IHOP's 5th International Pancake Day, and 1,400 locations will participate. Find an IHOP near you.

Restaurant.com coupon codes good through 2/14/10

This is the weekly posting with Restaurant.com coupon codes. I use the site frequently to save on meals when we eat out. They normally offer $25 gift certificates for $10, which is a good deal. But they usually run additional specials, like this week's - $25 gift certificates for $2.

Here's how it works. Go to their website, restaurant.com and search for restauants. Find ones you want and add them to your cart. This week, use the code HEART to get the discount, which shows up when you check out. Pay with a credit card and print out the certificates (or keep them online and print them out when you want to use them). They're good for a year. This week you also get a $15 FTD reward with purchase.

Small print: The certificates have some restrictions - listed before you purchase (like maybe dining on Sunday to Thursday or buying at least 2 entrees), but if you find a restaurant you like or want to try - it's a great deal. The sale is good through February 14, 2010 at midnight PST.

Restaurant.com is a Frisco Kids affiliate, which means if you purchase using my link, I'll theoretically get a small commission. If I earn enough over time to warrant them paying out. At $4 a coupon, that probably won't happen, so I see it as just a service to my readers! I've been using them for over a year myself, so it's something I'm comfortable sharing with you.

Coming Up: Ramona Quimby at the Zeum Theater

If your kids (or you!) are a Ramona Quimby fan, you'll want to check out Ramona Quimby at the Zeum Theater. It's put on by the Active Arts Theater for Young Audiences’ show and runs February 13th-21st.

Tickets are $14-18. You can get them here or by calling (510) 296-4433.

Anyone going to the show gets 25% off Zeum's general admission tickets with the ticket stub.

Valentine's Day with Kids in San Francisco Bay Area

Here are some lovey happenings you can do with your kids this Valentine's Day.

Habitot: Bring art supplies to make Valentines and receive a free adult admission during Habitot’s Week of Valentines. Young kids can make heart-themed art for their loved ones at different interactive stations. Come during regular hours (Monday-Thursday 9:30-12:30; Friday-Sunday 9:30-4:30) to share the love. Free adult admission with art supply donation; otherwise, regular admission rates apply ($8.50 per person). Habitot is in Berkeley.

Laurel Street Arts - you and your kids can paint your own heart shaped vases, boxes and more. An afternoon of fun! Laurel Street Arts is in San Carlos. If you can't make it there, other paint-your-own pottery places probably have some fun stuff too. Here are their weekly specials: half price studio fee for kids all day Monday. Two people can paint for one studio fee all day Thursday, (kids and/or adults). All day Sunday, two adults and two kids can paint for only $14 plus the cost of the pottery.

Children's Fairyland - February 13-14th, Children's Fairyland has a number of fun programs. Check out shows like Buki the Clown, the Frog Prince puppet show, crafts and animal of the day.

Foster City Library - make handmade valentines on February 12th, at 4 p.m. Kids over age 3 are welcome.

Michael's Arts & Crafts - has many Valentine's crafts scheduled this month. Low cost.

San Francisco Zoo - February 13-14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids ages 4-14 bringing Valentine's Day cards for the animals get in free. Plus you can watch the animals will get love-themed treats.

Kids Night Out - put the kids with Habitot, the Exploratorium and Tree Frog Treks so you can enjoy a Valentine's Day out with your honey.

Coming Up: Lowe's Build and Grow Clinic - jewelry organizer

Lowe's has great clinics for kids to make things. And they're free. Coming up this weekend: make a jewelry organizer.

When: Saturday, February 13th from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Lowe's
RSVP: here
Cost: Free

Free Admission to the Aquarium of the Bay

If you haven't yet visited the Aquarium of the Bay, now's the time.

Next Monday to Thursday, February 8-11th, San Mateo residents can get into the Aquarium of the Bay for free!

They offer the same deal for residents of Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties the week after, February 16-18.

And again, for Alameda county residents February 22-26th.

The Aquarium has a lot of fun exhibits, but is small enough to be manageable with young kids. They have two 300 foot tunnels to go through, so you'll be surrounded by sharks, anchovies, star fish and the likes. They have a touch area, with rays and sharks, and crafts too.

Tickets are normally $16 for adults and $8 for kids, so this is quite a deal!

Three Ways to Entertain the Kids at SFO

Air travel certainly has its challenges these days – and even more so when you’re traveling with young children. Here are three ways to entertain the kids at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) if bad weather or tarmac delays extend your layover a little longer than expected:

1. Ride the rail – The monorail, that is. From your perch high above the ground, you can enjoy a scenic ride as SFO’s AirTrain takes you to each of the terminals, the car rental, parking garage and BART station. You’ll get an eagle eye view of Highway 101 plus some airplanes, while zipping along like the Jetsons. The kids will love the E ticket ride, with its large window (including the window seat on each end) and poles to hang onto. You’ll love a few minutes of peace and quiet. Some of my friends actually take their kids to the airport JUST to kill time on the monorail. It's free, as long as you find some parking (or take BART).

2. Visualize art – Did you know SFO has an art museum? That’s right – the airport features approximately twenty different galleries throughout the terminals displaying a rotating schedule of art, history, science and cultural exhibitions. Some of the current exhibits are pinball machines, Chinese jades, ancient Mediterranean pottery, airplane models, animals of the rain forest and coral reef, slot machines and more. You don’t need a boarding pass to see all the exhibits – some are waiting for you in baggage claim or the entrance lobbies. The San Francisco Arts Commission also features some permanent installations you’ll grow to recognize (and perhaps love) as a frequent traveler through this airport.

3. Hands-on Science – Terminal 3, also known as the United Terminal, houses a small play area designed by the Exploratorium called Kid’s Spot II. It features a small tunnel for kids to crawl through, two Turbulent Orbs (they look like colored dish soap in a glass ball) and a tornado apparatus. The best part is that the Bay Area’s own Peet’s Coffee is just across the way, so you can sip your java while the kids play.

Photo by DefeatEd2k4/Flickr

Coming Up: Home Depot Kids' Workshop - Racecar

Home Depot offers some fun workshops for kids to make their own projects. Coming up? A car display.

When: Saturday, February 6, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Home Depot

Cost: Free

RSVP: none

Denny's Free Grand Slam this Tuesday

Last year at the Superbowl, Denny's announced they'd give away free Grand Slams. The response was phenomenal.

They're doing it again - and you heard it first - before the Big Game!!!

This year, head to Denny's on Tuesday, February 9th, 2010 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. for your free Grand Slam. Find a Dennys near you.

Valentine's Day - Parents' Night Out

Two local kid museums are hosting parents' night out so you can spend a kid-free evening with your honey.

Where: Habitot in Berkeley
When: Sunday, February 14 from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
What: They'll take kids ages 2-7. While there, the kids will make Valentine’s cards in the Art Studio and play in the museum. Pizza is included. .
Cost: $30 for the first kid, $20 per sibling.
RSVP: Lydia at (510) 647-1111 x 14

Where: Exploratorium in SF
When: Saturday, February 13 from 5:30-10:00 pm.
What: Members only. Kids 5 and older. Group games, museum exploration and special activities.
Cost: $40 for the first kid. $25 per sibling (up to 4 per family). Optional pizza dinner $5 more.
RSVP: download registration form here.

Three Ethnic Shopping Areas to Browse in San Francisco

It’s always fun to poke around shopping districts like Union Square and the Marina, but to get a better flavor of San Francisco’s diversity, you’ll want to head to the ethnic neighborhoods.

The Mission – If you’re looking for Latin culture, the Mission district is the place to be. Bordered by Portrero Hill, the Castro and Noe Valley, this area is known for its food, music, funky shopping and colorful murals depicting the life and history of the people living here. The district is home to Mission Dolores, the oldest building in the city, finished in 1791. As for window shopping, walk Valencia Street and get the most bang for your buck. While everyone has their favorite burrito spots, we go to Taqueria Cancun on Mission Street, which sports picnic style tables and multicolor paper cutouts hanging from the ceiling.

Chinatown – This is an easy walk when staying in the well-traveled downtown areas. Close to Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and North Beach. Enter through the Dragon Gate on Grant Avenue. While many of the stores cater to tourists, selling everything from jade statues to coin purses, the more interesting stores are the ones catering to locals. Here you can find loose tea, hand-made kites, instruments, dried herbs and fruit stands. If you get hungry, you’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from, in addition to Chinese bakeries selling egg-custard tarts and pork buns.

North Beach – In this Italian neighborhood, you’ll probably spend more time shopping for food and cappuccino than anything else. Pasta, pizza and pastries are the three “p” things here. You won’t want to miss City Lights Bookstore – not only a fabulous independent place, but a favorite of the 60’s beatniks. Revel in the retro in North Beach, shopping for clothing at Old Vogue on Grant Street. And then shop for music at 101 Music, where you can go back in time flipping through a huge collection of albums and CDs.

Photo by Franco Folini/Flickr

Coming Up: SF Giants FanFest on Saturday - Free

This Saturday, San Francisco Giants should head to AT&T Park to meet meet past and present ball players, get dugout tours and do lots of fun activities.

This is the 17th annual FanFest, and admission is free! Check out the player autograph booths, clubhouse and dugout tours, and activities. The FanFest is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a list of participating Giants players, click here.

Coming Up: the Macaroons Kids' Concert this Sunday

This weekend, check out the Macarrons, the Jdub Kid’s band. With songs and melodies, they'll answer important questions what’s inside a mezuzah? What should you do if you drop your matzoh ball on the ground? Who’s the man we love to boo?

The concert is sponsored by the PJ Library and other organizations. Read more about the concert here.

When: Sunday, February 7th. Doors open 11 a.m., show is at 11:30 a.m.
Where: Café du Nord, 2170 Market Street, San Francisco
Cost: $10 per person or special family pack of 4 tickets: $20 (enter access code pjsf)/ Infants in arms FREE
Included: FREE juice boxes for kids, Kids menu available. PJ Library members and non-members welcome.
RSVP: to vivienb@sfjcf.org and buy tickets here

Three Kid-Friendly Burger Joints in San Francisco

A busy day of sightseeing is enough to make anyone hungry, and when traveling with kids, what food makes everyone happy? Pizza!

Oops - that's another post. I meant burgers and fries. And not that double arches kind. Go for a Bay Area chain instead. Here are three great burger joints to help you refuel after a long day of exploring the city:

Mel’s Drive-In – If you’ve seen American Graffiti, you’ve seen Mel’s. While no longer a drive-in, this 50’s diner retains its period charm with the help of cheeky waitresses, burgers and shakes. Kids get their burgers delivered in paper cars – which they notoriously drive around the table and then take home, ketchup stains and all. You’ll find four Mel’s locations in the City. When seeing the museums downtown, try the one at 4th and Mission.

Taylor’s Refresher – Order your food at the counter and then find a spot at high tables with swiveling stools. Here you’ll find a range of items, including quality Niman Ranch beef burgers, topped with your choice of bacon, blue cheese, onion rings, and even guacamole. As for fries, go crazy. The sweet potato fries and garlic fries are scrumptious. Plus you can quench your thirst with wine, local Anchor Steam beer or root beer floats. It's at the Ferry Plaza.

Max’s Opera Cafe – A singing wait staff and extremely large portions make this place an all-around winner. Work up an appetite checking out the dessert case when you enter – then use the proverbial carrot (cake) to get the kids to eat a decent meal. The kids’ menu also offers a sundae, complete with gummy worms. Delicious! 601 Van Ness Avenue.

Restaurant.com coupon codes good through 2/8/10

I'm going to start posting weekly coupon codes for Restaurant.com. I use them all the time to save $25 off meals when we eat out. I'll also have the weekly special listed on the top right side of my website, so you don't have to search the site for the deal.

They normally offer $25 gift certificates for $10, which is a good deal. But they usually run additional specials, like this week's - $25 gift certificates for $4.

Here's how it works. Go to their website, restaurant.com and search for restauants. Find ones you want and add them to your cart. This week, use the code BLOOM to get the discount, which shows up when you check out. Pay with a credit card and print out the certificates (or keep them online and print them out when you want to use them). They're good for a year.

Small print: The certificates have some restrictions - listed before you purchase (like maybe dining on Sunday to Thursday or buying at least 2 entrees), but if you find a restaurant you like or want to try - it's a great deal. The sale is good through February 8, 2010 at midnight PST. This week you also get a $15 FTD reward with purchase.

Restaurant.com is a Frisco Kids affiliate, which means if you purchase using my link, I'll theoretically get a small commission. If I earn enough over time to warrant them paying out. At $4 a coupon, that probably won't happen, so I see it as just a service to my readers! I've been using them for over a year myself, so it's something I'm comfortable sharing with you.

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:

February 7 & 21 - License to Steal
According to SFMOMA: "Clever artists—Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, and Sherrie Levine spring to mind—purposely seek out treasures that are there for the taking (in) and reinvent these works as their very own."

March 7 & 21 - Might as well JUMP
According to SFMOMA: "Art is active! Dance through space and time. Groove to the beat. Be the star of your own kinetic art show as you investigate the media of visual freestylers like Pipilotti Rist, Christian Marclay, and Bruce Nauman"

April 4 & 18 - Less is Best
According to SFMOMA: "Appreciate the choice of a small gesture, the art of taking away. Minimalism aptly demonstrates that less can be more. The short list? Sol LeWitt, Ed Ruscha, and Robert Ryman."

May 2 - The Joy of Junk
According to SFMOMA: "Any artist knows that someone's junk is another's treasure. Collect all you can. Spiff it up. Anything can be art, according to junk connoisseur Robert Rauschenberg."

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."