Coming Up: The Sound of Music Sing-Along

It's sing-along time! Get tickets for The Sound of Music sing-along in San Jose.
When: January 11 - 14, 2018
Tickets: Sound of Music sing-along
Where: 288 South 2nd Street, San Jose

Coming Up: Joy! A Holiday Show with Circus, Dance and Live Music

This holiday show looks like a lot of fun. It's called JOY!, a Holiday Show with Circus, Dance, and Live Music, and features Pickle Family Circus stars Pino and Razz (who are also Cirque du Soleil soloists Jeff Raz and Diane Wasnak). This new show follows last year’s Nutz RE-Mixed! and is set to the live music of award-winning a cappella group SoVoSó. The music accompanies "a magical madcap holiday circus featuring world-class acrobats, dancers, and circus artists in a zany holiday spectacular."

Photo by Jana Marcus, courtesy of JOY!

There's comedy, acrobatics, Mongolian backbending contortionists, hand-balancing from Xiaohong and Jennings, dancers and more.

When: November 24 – 26
Where: Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz

When: December 1 – 3
Where: Hammer Theatre, 101 Paseo De San Antonio, San Jose.

Tickets: $9.75 - $50, plus box office fees

Photo by Jana Marcus, courtesy of JOY!

Coming Up: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Children's Musical Theater San Jose is presenting the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Several casts (of 112 kids total - ages 14-20) will perform in this show

The Hunchback of Notre Dame is based on the Victor Hugo novel and the Disney animated film. It beginat the stately cathedral in 15th century Paris where Quasimodo, the lonely bell-ringer, is held captive in his tower. He's enchanted by the kind and beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda, but has two rivals for her attention—one of whom is his devious keeper, Frollo, who will stop at nothing to have what he wants. The show has a powerful Oscar-nominated score. The epic and unforgettable love story redefines what it means to be a hero.

When: July 28-August 6 (various times - including matinees)
Where: Montgomery Theater (271 Market Street - San Jose)
Tickets: $20-25

Easter Activities in the San Francisco Bay Area 2017

If you're looking for some fun things to do to celebrate Easter with the family in the San Francisco Bay Area, here's the place to start.

Please add your favorites in the comments section!

SAN FRANCISCO 
What: Spring Eggstravaganza (egg hunt, inflatables, carnival rides, entertainment, carnival rides, food for sale, rib cook-off)
Where: Sharon Meadow at Golden Gate Park
When: Saturday, April 15, 2017 from 11-3 Cost: $8/person (free 2 and under)

What: Union Street Easter Parade (and festival with face painting, climbing wall, activities, characters)
Where: Union Street in Cow Hollow, San Francisco
When: April 16, 2017 from 10-5, parade at 2
Cost: Free

More Fall Theater for Families

We recently posted some theater of interest to Bay Area families. We have more to add.

What: Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Where: Julia Morgan Theater, Berkeley
More info: "Based on the Oscar-winning animated film, celebrating its 25th anniversary this holiday season... the international smash-hit musical gets the Berkeley Playhouse makeover as Producing Artistic Director Kimberly Dooley helms this all new production featuring a diverse and multi-generational cast of more than thirty actors from across the Bay Area. Featuring some of Disney's most popular songs and characters, audiences young and old won't want to miss this magical musical adventure."
When: November 10 - December 23

What: Nutz Remixed
Where: Hammer Theater Center, San Jose
More info: The Nutcracker for the 21st century. "An exuberant re-staging of the treasured classic, The Nutcracker, this magical madcap retake features more than 30 world-class singers, dancers, and circus artists, ranging from Mexican Folklorico dancers to hip-hoppers, ballroom dancers, and gymnasts in a zany holiday spectacular."
When: November 18 - December 24

2016 Halloween Family-Friendly Events in the Bay Area

In case you weren't aware, Halloween is coming up! I wanted to add some more to this post but realize that I'm running out of time. So I'll add more as it comes in, but I wanted to make sure none of these events passed!

Here are some Halloween 2016 events for families in the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO
What: Stern Grove's Scaregrove
When: Friday, October 28 from 3-9
What: Haunted house, hay rides, arts and crafts, inflatables, carnival rides
Cost: $8/person - all inclusive (free ages 2 and under)
Who: the whole family

Fall Children's Theater in the Bay Area

We wanted to share some fall theater shows to take the kids to. We'll add more as we get them.

What: Peter and the Starcatcher (Berkeley Playhouse)
Where/When: September 22 - October 16
Tickets: here

What: The Jungle Book (Marin Theater Company)
When/Where: October 29-November 6
Tickets: Marin Theater Company

What: Seussical (Bay Area Children's Theater)
Where/When:
October 8 - November 6 - Berkeley (Freight and Salvage Coffeehouse)
November 12-13 - San Ramon (Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center)
November 19 - December 11 - San Francisco (Children's Creativity Museum Theater)
Tickets: here

What: A Christmas Carol (Bay Area Children's Theater)
Where/When: November 11-20 - San Jose (Montgomery Theater)
Tickets: here

What: Hairspray (Children’s Musical Theater San Jose)
Where/When: December 2-11 - San Jose (Montgomery Theater)
Tickets: here

Coming Up: Snow White on the Big Screen

Have you and the kids seen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the big screen? I didn't think so. It's coming to the Camera 12 Downtown this weekend. Costumes encouraged!

When: Friday, August 19 at 7 pm
Saturday, August 20 at 7 pm
Sunday, August 21 at 3 pm
Seating begins at 30 minutes prior to showtime. The event starts at the published start time and includes a 15-20 minute audience warm-up (no need to arrive early for the "pre-show").

Where: Camera Cinemas: Camera 12 Downtown (201 S Second St, San Jose)
Cost: $18. Discount for advance purchases: $15 + box office service fees. Discount for advance purchases for students, seniors: $12 + box office service fees.

Your reservation includes reserved seating (choose your own seats), a fun pack of props, a 15-20 minute pre-show including costume, trivia, and/or singing contests, and possibly on-screen lyrics (when available), free validated parking (when using the attached covered parking garage attached).

The movie is 83 minutes plus a 20 minute preshow

Coming Up: Doctor Noize Concerts - Free!

Check out these two free album release concerts which would be fun for the family.

Doctor Noize (Cory Cullinan) is from Los Altos, and uses electronic music and studio technology to create a fresh, modern pop style for kids. He'll be releasing his new kids' album Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony, which brings orchestra and musical theater to kids. During the concert, he'll debut several songs from the album.

He's a one-man-band playing an armada of instruments, with electronic music looping technology, and he records music live onstage. He sings and plays guitar, keyboard, saxophone, percussion and kazoo. During his shows, he brings kids onstage to solo on keyboard and drums and record their own vocals into loop recordings, using a Mac laptop and technology to build up songs for a big sound.

The album is a "screwball musical comedy" written by Cullinan, His upcoming children's musical, The Ballad of Phineas McBoof, was commissioned by Palo Alto Children's Theatre and will premiere there from November 3 - 13, 2016.

What: Doctor Noize Live! A Phineas McBoof Crashes the Symphony Album Release Party
Where: Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
When: Noon, Thursday, July 14
Cost: Free with paid museum admission

Where: Palo Alto Children's Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
When: Sunday, July 16 at 3
Cost: free

Coming Up: Frozen Singalong (Plus Mamma Mia and Sound of Music)

I know this is last minute, but if you are looking for something to do with the kids this weekend, and they love Frozen (who doesn't?), get your tickets to the Frozen Singalong at the Retrodome in San Jose. Seats are limited for the matinees, so hop on it!

While you're at it, consider getting a three-pack of tickets to other singalongs, including the Sound of Music and Mamma Mia.

Frozen Singalong: April 29-May 1
Mamma Mia: May 6-8 (a great Mother's Day outing!)
The Sound of Music: May 13-15

Where: Camera 12 Downtown, 201 South Second Street, San Jose
Tickets: $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Your reservation includes reserved seating, a fun pack of props, a 15 minute pre-show that includes contests, previews and/or trivia, on-screen lyrics and free validated parking when using the adjacent parking garages.

What to do during the holiday break in San Francisco Bay Area

Getting a little bored at home already? Have parents visiting and need an outing? Here are a few things to do!

SEE A PLAY

Lemony Snicket's The Lump of Coal is now playing at the Children's Creativity Museum Theater in San Francisco! It's a "hilarious and heartburning, uh, heartwarming holiday adventure of a lump of coal who wants to be an artist." It plays Saturdays and Sundays through January 3rd, 2016. The show is 60 minutes without intermission.

GO TO THE ZOO
San Francisco Zoo Lights go through January 3. "Come enjoy the Zoo under twinkling lights and experience the wonder of the holiday season. This year's Zoo Lights will include the brand new South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary, the Little Puffer Steam Train and the new Station Café."

GO ICE SKATING
Skate at several outdoor rinks, including the Union Square Ice Rink in San Francisco, Holiday Ice Rink at Embarcadero Center, Downtown San Jose Ice Rink,


CHECK OUT KIDS' MUSEUMS
The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose has an Adventures in Light: a Holiday Workshop through January 3. It includes ShadowDreamScape, combining light and movement in surprising ways. Night Light explores bioluminescence, and Through the Lens looks at the world of light and images. That's in addition to the other exhibits, which will keep you busy for hours.

The Lawrence Hall of Science sponsors Winter Weeks Visit every day through January 3, except December 24-25. You'll learn about space exploration in the Planetarium, engineer moving toys in the Ingenuity Lab, and meet real animals in the Animal Discovery Room.

BASS WORLD
Check out the new Bass World in San Jose. It's not just a store selling outdoorsy items, it's a destination. They have a bowling alley, restaurant, giant fish tank, activities, nature murals and a Santa Wonderland with a free photo through December 24.

What to do on December 25

If you're looking for ideas for what to do on Christmas Day in the San Francisco Bay Area, here are a few.

Head to the Contemporary Jewish Museum for their annual event. This is an admission-free, fun-for-all extravaganza with free performances by Alison Faith Levy and her Big Time Tot Rock Band. Explore the galleries, get creative in the Maker Art Lab Studio inspired by the exhibition NEAT: New Experiments in Art and Technology.

Where: 736 Mission Street, SF
When: 11-4
Cost: FREE!

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is open as well on December 25.
Where: 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way, SF
When:  7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free

Ice skating
Where: Union Square Ice Rink
When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - reserve tickets!
Where: Downtown San Jose Ice Rink
When: 2 p.m. to midnight

Other ideas? Check out Red Tricycle's list and search SFkids.org's calendar.

Don't miss these Halloween treats

In the spirit of Halloween (did you know it's coming up this weekend? My kids won't let me forget), I'm sharing some fun Halloween things for my readers in the Bay Area.

FREE IT'S-IT ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
Yes, free! How? Go to the IT’S-IT Factory Shop on Friday, October 30 - and wear a costume. They'll give you a free pumpkin IT’S-IT Ice Cream Sandwich. They're at 865 Burlway Road in Burlingame. You can see their sign from 101. They're open 10-6.

CANDY DELIVERY
Run out of candy or haven't yet bought yours? Get it delivered! The folks at SpoonRocket have you covered. They're offering three types of 40 ounce candy bags with contents that won't get you egged (Milky Way, Milky Way Midnight, Twix, 3 Musketeers and Snickers). And they'll deliver curbside within 15 minutes, good to know if you run out mid-trick or treat cycle. Delivery area is San Francisco and the East Bay. Each bag is $12.99, with a $2.50-$2.75 delivery fee, while supplies last. they'll deliver 8 a.m. through midnight in the East Bay, and and 8 a.m. until 9 p.m. in San Francisco through Saturday night. They deliver food too.

TOP TRICK OR TREAT NEIGHBORHOODS
Did you know that San Francisco and San Jose are the top two trick or treating cities in the U.S., according to Zillow? They break it down by individual neighborhood too, so check out their posting and see if your neighborhood is included (or alternately, find out where to bring the kids).

Looking for San Francisco Bay Area things to do on Halloween in 2015? Check out our posting!

Coming Up: Glass Pumpkin Patches in the Bay Area

Glass pumpkin by Upupa4me/Flickr.

I already have a full patch of glass pumpkins in my house (plus a glass-blown apple) but I'm always tempted to add more. Here are several places to get some pumpkins that won't rot!

Palo Alto
What: Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Where: Palo Alto Art Center (1313 Newell Road)
When: Exhibition: September 29-October 2 (10-7 or 10-5), Sales October 3-4 (10-5)
Details: After several days of previews, you can purchase pumpkins! This is the largest glass pumpkin patch in California, with more than 10,000 hand-blown pumpkins for sale by 29 artists.

San Jose
What: Glass Pumpkin Festival at Santana Row
Where: Santana Row Park, across from Left Bank Brasserie
When: Saturday and Sunday, October 10 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and October 11 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Details: Stroll through thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins crafted by BAGI (Bay Area Glass Institute) artists and renowned glass artisans from around the country. The pumpkins will be available in an assortment of colors, sizes and a range of prices.

Half Moon Bay
What: Hand blown art glass pumpkin patch
Where: La Nebbia Winery, 12341 San Mateo Road on Highway 92
When: October 10-11 (10-5)
Details: Hundreds of hand blown pumpkins by artist Douglass C. Brown

Coming Up: Superhero Training Academy

For your kids who aspire to be superheroes, there's the Superhero Training Academy this Saturday in Milpitas.

Event highlights include:
-Superhero Photo Meet and Greet
-Superhero Training Stations
-Arts and Crafts Stations
-Retailer Discounts
-Superhero Prize Pack Drawing

Where: Great Mall (entrance 2, 447 Great Mall Drive in Milpitas)
When: Saturday, September 19 at 1 p.m.
Fee: free with $5 Simon Kidgits Club membership (it lasts a year)
Sign up: at the Great Mall Guest Services desk

Coming Up: Superhero Day at Santana Row

Santana Row is hosting a Mommy & Me and Daddies Too, event called “Superhero Day!” This kids’ club features free entertainment, interactive games, hands-on activities and educational activities designed for parents and their preschool aged children. Dress as your favorite superhero and meet other superheroes. They'll have live musical performances by Andy Z, Silicon Valley Ballet School and Action Day Primary Plus. Plus, arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Meet at Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s to pick up your activity sheet.

When: Tuesday, September 8, 10 a.m. to noon,
Other kids' club activities are held on the second Tuesday of every month, May-December
Where: Park Valencia at Santana Row, San Jose

Coming Up: Barbie Rock 'N Royals Concert in Milpitas - Free

If your kids are into Barbie, head to the Great Mall in Milpitas this Sunday for a Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals Comes to Life interactive concert experience. The new Barbie movie Rock ‘N Royals debuts nationwide on September 8. The concert features live performances of songs from the movie, and you can meet Princess Courtney and Rockstar Erika. There will also be a sing-along with interactive karaoke, a Barbie photo-opp, and kids can play with the new Barbie in Rock ‘N Royals dolls and toys.

For more info available now To learn more about the movie or tour, visit their site BeSuper.com 

When: Sunday, August 30 from 12-6
noon - the activity area opens
1 and 4 - live concerts
6 - activity area closes
Where: Great Mall Grand Court, Entrance 2 (447 Great Mall Drive) Milpitas

Coming Up: Proud of my Family Weekend at Children's Discovery Museum

Children's Discovery Museum is hosting activities to celebrate Bay Area family diversity this weekend with activities throughout the museum. You and the kids can make rainbow friendship bracelets, explore what family means to you, learn the meanings of the colors in the rainbow flag, and more.

CDM representatives will also be at the Silicon Valley Pride Festival on Sunday, August 30 at Almaden Boulevard. Look for the Museum activity "Bubbles are Rainbows" between noon and 4 p.m. in the Family Garden area.

When: August 29-30
Where: Children's Discovery Museum, San Jose
Cost: free with admission

Coming Up: Hello Kitty Cafe truck Coming to Santana Row

In case you missed the last Hello Kitty Cafe truck at Santana Row in San Jose this spring, they're making a return appearance August 22-23 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. They'll be by Santana Row Park and Left Bank Brasserie. Expect lines.

The truck is selling Hello Kitty themed treats, which may include pettit fours, doughnuts, macaroons and some non-food items as well. You can see some of the cute offerings on their Instagram account. They're on tour to promote the first mainland Hello Kitty Cafe opening some time in the near future in Orange County. If you go, post a picture on Twitter and tag us @friscokids!
Photo courtesy of Porcupiny/Flickr

Coming Up: Ultimate Frisbee Championship Weekend

This weekend is the Championship Weekend for Ultimate Frisbee. If you want to show your child what Ultimate Frisbee is, this is a great opportunity. More than 5 million people played ultimate in 2013, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association. The biggest increase has been those starting to play in middle school and high school. It's a great non-contact alternative to other sports.

What will happen this weekend? The Bay Area Disc Association is hosting a youth clinic that will teach basic throwing and catching skills, and run through two short drills and hold a contest for prizes. And then there are the championship games, of course.

Where: Avaya Stadium, 1123 Coleman Ave., San Jose
When: August 8-9
The youth clinic is from 3-350 on August 8
Semifinal championship games will be played August 8 at 4 and 7 p.m. The final game will be played August 9 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: Range from $18 to $45, and a 16-and-under day pass is $12, available through Ticketmaster.