Spring is finally in the air, and this year L.A. will be super blooming with special events, activities, and more to help you and your family enjoy the season. We’ve put together a list of our fun-filled favorites, making sure there’s something that everyone can do. Grab your planner and get ready to scroll through all the fantastic weekend outings March has to offer.
Super Blooms
Descanso Gardens
All these rains are most likely going to result in a spectacular show of flowers from the coast all the way to the desert. If you missed the flowers two years ago, now's your chance to see how amazing the mountains and hills look covered in a blanket of yellow, pink and red. Throughout Mar.
Check state park websites for up to date information as well as some of our favorite local botanical spots.
Every Mar., 40-50 whales pass by Dana Point each day, earning its reputation as the “Whale Capital of the West.” Take in the city’s annual Festival of Whales, which includes whale watching boat tours and a whole host of other activities for kids of all ages. Browse art shows featuring works from local award-winning artists and high school art students or watch the 4th annual Cardboard Classic & Dinghy Dash featuring a beach of captains racing in the harbor with nothing but a paddle and their cardboard ships.
Budding artists can help to paint a life-sized whale, and if you’re feeling lucky, compete in the Diamond Dig and to search for buried treasure ranging from toys and prizes to one beautiful piece of diamond jewelry. Don’t forget about the Festival of Whales Parade, which kicks off the whole event with sea-themed floats and more.
Good to Know:The festival encompasses two weekends, multiple locations and individual events. Be sure to plan your visit in advance with the help of the website. Mar. 2-3, Mar. 9-10. Event Details
Learn About Man's Best Friend
California Science Center
On Mar. 16, the new, highly anticipated and interactive science exhibition called Dogs! A Science Tail highlights the dynamic nature of the bond between humans and dogs finally opens! Explore the world, from a dog's point of view, through a variety of hands-on exhibits—from listening to sounds that only dogs can hear to better understanding how pets strengthen our communities.
Make sure to catch the daily, live demonstrations of dogs in various roles showing rescue, agility, sensory and service skills. Dog lovers will also have a chance to share personal stories and photos of their own precious pooches on a photo wall. AW!
Good to Know:Want to make a day of it? Purchase tickets to Superpower Dogs, a 3D IMAX. It’s a live-action family film about extraordinary real-life dogs who save lives, protect us from danger and make our world a better place. Opens Mar. 16. Event Details.
Send the whole family’s spirit soaring at the Festival of the Kite on the Redondo Beach Pier. Celebrating its 45th year, the longest-running kite festival in Southern California plays host to both expert kite flyers and novices alike. If your little one has ever asked you to fly a kite, this is the perfect place to do it while picking up some pro tips along the way. But getting your own kite airborne isn’t a must to enjoy the fun—get artistic creating your own kite or simply enjoy the view and the sand beneath your toes. Mar. 10. Event Details.
What kid hasn’t dreamed of finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Pack up your four-leaf clover hunters for a morning of St. Patrick’s Day fun in Malibu that includes a search for a pot of gold. This event will delight the littlest leprechauns who can take in a story, craft an art activity and nibble on snacks. There’s also a special surprise guest and giveaway planned. Two gold hunt times are available (10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.); sign-ups will be offered at the check-in booth at 9:45 a.m. Mar. 15. Event Details.
Flower Power
Descanso Gardens
Celebrate Cherry Blossom season at Descanso Gardens. Skip your morning treadmill and take the kids on a spring bloom walk where you can learn about cherry blossoms, flowering trees, and other seasonal favorites. Budding artists will be delighted to take in one of the origami hands-on demonstrations where they can even try their hand at it with the help of seasoned pros. Throughout Mar. Event details.
Good to Know: Before you go, check out our family guide to exploring Descanso Gardens.
With 24,000 participants, thousands of volunteers, hundreds of thousands of spectators (and numerous road closures), the Los Angeles Marathon is hard to miss. The scenic “Stadium to the Sea” course spans the city, starting at Dodger Stadium and finishes near the Santa Monica Pier.
While 26.2 miles isn't something to tackle on the fly, consider walking the kids down to the route to cheer on participants as they run. You might also be lucky enough to see one of the dozens of bands that play along the course, or lift your spirits at Cheer Alley, near Mile 18 and home to over 600 local cheerleaders encouraging runners to the finish line. Mar. 24.Event details.
Magical Tea Party
Meghan Rose
Imagine Queen Elizabeth meeting Harry Houdini and that, in a nutshell, is the best way to describe the Langham Hotel’s Imagine Tea. Aspiring mini magicians will enjoy close-up magic courtesy of famed Magic Castle junior performers as they sip on pink lemonade and fruit-infused caffeine-free tea while nibbling on tea sandwiches and whimsical desserts. Presented quarterly, this spellbinding tea party benefits local children’s non-profit organizations with The Langham Huntington, Pasadena donating a portion of each tea party’s proceeds to such charities. Mar. 3. Event Details.
Chow Down
Smorgasburg via flickr
If you haven't gone yet, no more excuses! Eat your way through downtown L.A.’s legendary Smorgasburg at ROW DTLA. Sample delicious delights from over 70 vendors including goa-taco, Amazebowls, Shrimp Daddy, Lobsterdamus, Big Mozz and more. Once your bellies are full, browse special popup vendors, experience unique shopping and take in all that this market has to offer. Every Sun. Event Details.
To see what Red Tricycle Editors are up to this weekend, follow us on Instagram!
Did you know that studies show that travel has a positive impact on your kids’ personal development? Expand your family’s horizons and make a real impact on your next family vacation. We suggest a trip to Washington D.C. where there’s something for everyone, whether you have a nature enthusiast or a history buff. Read on for five ways a family vacation to D.C. will educate, inform and create life-long memories for your entire crew.
For Your History Buff
Jomar on Unsplash
D.C. is one of the best places to inspire your kid's love of history. From the monuments to walking tours, the area has it all. Whatever your family indulges in during their visit, we know it'll make a life-long impact on the future generation of leaders.
An educational outing that also tires them out? It's a win-win on a walking tour of some of DC's most fun and popular sites. So lace up those walking shoes and take one of these seven family-friendly walking tours, which is a unique and personal way to get acquainted with the city.
Not sure about taking your kids to a museum? Think again. D.C. is full of family-friendly museum experiences that will influence how your kids see history, art and more. We found nine museum tours that will actually keep them engaged. Find the one best suited to your kiddo's interest by clicking here.
A trip to DC would be incomplete without checking out at least one monument. Get your kids excited about checking out monuments with our handy guide you can see here.
There are over 30 Marriott hotels in Greater Washington, D.C., all of which allow visitors to enjoy D.C. and Arlington, VA and the surrounding suburb cities during one trip. All hotels are located in prime locations near top attractions, or near convenient transportation such as Metro, Bike Share or Bird Scooters, so you can play all day and then have the best rest. Stay at any participating Marriott brand hotel in the Greater D.C. area to enjoy the beauty of the Capital City during this time of year. Bonus: Many of the Marriott brand hotels will be featuring complimentary kids meals with the purchase of an adult entree during the spring and summer months!
KIDS EAT FREE w/ purchase of adult entrée. Up to 4 kids, 12 years and younger. Use promo code ZJL.
Exhausted your home city's science museums and centers? Put on that lab coat because the D.C. area is home to some of the most memorable science experiences around. Perfect for curious kids looking to expand their scientific and inquisitive minds, here are three must-visit spots that your kids will be talking about for ages.
Designed to foster a love of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (aka STEM) learning, kiddos won’t know which Children’s Science Center Lab station to stop at first. At this Fairfax, Virginia hot spot, they’ll learn all about friction, drag, chemical reaction, wind energy—and they won’t have any idea they’re being schooled because it’s so much fun. For our full review of this scientific learning center for kids click here.
Think you have the next Edison, Graham Bell, or Tesla on your hands? Let them get their tinkering fix at Bethesda’s new KID Museum, a hot spot to be that works to foster curiosity and compassion while empowering young ones to create and imagine new ideas. The best part? The “museum” is 100 percent hands-on—visitors do everything from experiment with wind tunnels and build robots to program computer games and construct cardboard skyscrapers. Check out the full run-down of this amazing new spot here.
You may jump at a spider but your kiddo is all about everything insects. Inspire her love of the creepy crawlies at one of 10 (yes, you heard that right!) awesome places for insect lovers to visit. From a butterfly pavilion to a regional park to a real insect zoo, check out these 10 places where your kids can examine insects in their natural habitat. They'll be bugging out in all the best ways possible.
For the Creative
Hilary Riedemann
Whether it's banging on tupperware with your toddler or hosting afternoon craft sessions, you make it a point to feed your kid's creative outlet. Keep inspiring her artsy and creative side on your family vacation to D.C. Here are our top picks that'll make a huge impact on your child's creativity:
Creating art out of play-dough is one thing, but seeing sculptures in real life is another. Check out these sweet sculpture gardens that will inspire your kid's creative side. Bonus: they are all outdoors and the perfect way to get some fresh air and those little legs moving.
If you want to mix it up on your trip to D.C., do as the locals do with a drop-in art class. They'll get messy (not in your hotel room or home!) and the creative juices flowing. Here are our picks for the best drop-in art classes in the area.
There's a little bit of something for everyone at the National Gallery of Art. From adult-sized mobiles to the largest blue rooster you've ever seen (seriously), this spot is a must-visit for any local or tourist. You'll be colored impressed and your kids will be chatting about their visit to the National Gallery of Art for ages. Find our guide to this artsy hot spot here.
If your kiddo is all about the flora and fauna, get in touch with Mother Earth on your trip to D.C. The area has a wide a variety of nature-themed activities for all ages and stages. Here are our picks that will make a big impact on your nature-loving crew:
You don't have to book it to a National Park to take a memorable hike. There are tons of kid-friendly trails right in D.C. There's Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia, a 218 acre lake where you can rent rowboats and go fishing. Or, if waterfalls are more your thing, head to Great Falls Park, which offers up a special view of the Potomac River with its cascading waterfalls nestled in the forest. Click here for 5 more kid-friendly trails in and around D.C.
Spring and summer are the perfect seasons to pack a picnic and enjoy nature. From the US National Arboretum to Theodore Roosevelt Island, your kids have never picnicked like this before. Find out where to spread out your blanket and bask under the sun by clicking here.
Bonus: Get a unique, only-in-DC perspective of all of those Cherry Blossoms this spring by packing a picnic and paddling your way around the Tidal Basin. It's also a fun way to give your quads a workout as you and your energetic crew make your way around the Tidal Basin. Wave hello to Thomas Jefferson and soak up the sun whether you choose a two- or four-passenger regular boat or a two-person swan boat made for photo ops!
For a super memorable, nature-filled outing why not try your hand at fishing? From reservoirs to man-made lakes, the D.C. area is full of places to cast a line. Here are our top fishing holes any local or visitor must check out.
Sometimes it's the quiet, low-key moments that make the biggest impact on kids. Suburban neighborhoods and gardens around the beltway offer quiet strolls and blossom photo ops for families, minus the big crowds. Try the ancient art of Sumi-e brush painting at Green Spring Garden, or relax by the Japanese pagoda at Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens, home to 30 cherry trees. Other recommended blossom respites include the National Arboretum or theBishops Garden at the National Cathedral, and Bon Air Rose Park in Arlington, or Kenwood in Chevy Chase, where there is also a playground and small picnicking area.
If you love the fresh outdoors and are looking to soak up the sun while you chow down, the areas around D.C. and Arlington have loads of open air options for your fam. From pizza to pastelitos, below are some of the funnest and yummiest places to dine al fresco.
Millie’s Spring Valley The restaurantpays homage to the stress-free, beachy Nantucket vibe and their menu isfresh California baja-style. There’s plenty of room on the patio and, after dinner, kids will LOVE going to the ice cream window and getting their fave Gifford’s flavor with fun toppings.
Union Market Appease the whole family’s appetite for indie bites at the continuously expanding Union Market, where you can stroll the 100 (and counting) stalls of this hip food-lovers haven.
Los Tios Grill Bright, colorful umbrellas shield little ones from the squelching D.C. sun during the day, while the playground across the street is a great way to burn off some energy after the niños pequeños have scarfed down their delicious Tres Leches dessert.
2615 Mount Vernon Ave. (Alexandria, VA) Online: lostiosgrill.com
Vola’s Dockside Grill Located on the Waterfront in Old Town (just steps away from the Torpedo Factory Art Center), Vola’s offers seating next to the marina slips. Little ones will enjoy watching the boats come and go and seeing the airplanes make their decent into Reagan National.
101 N Union St. (Alexandria, VA) 703-935-8890 Online: volasdockside.com
Pavilion Cafe You’ll find this cafe nestled beside a reflecting pool in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. It’s a scenic spot to stop and enjoy a meal while visiting the Smithsonian Museums.
7th Street and Constitution Ave. 202-289-3360 Online: pavilioncafe.com
Zen Bistro & Wine Bar
They keep it simple and delish here—Asian tapas and sushi overlooking the plaza.
1301 South Joyce St. (Arlington, VA) Online: zen-bistro.com
Cactus Cantina The outdoor patio is the perfect place for your kids to nosh on chips while you sip on a frozen margarita! Before you leave, make a pit stop inside so the kids can check out the tortilla maker.
Bonus: The Cherry Blossoms Are Coming! And with them sprouts a whole host of special family-friendly happenings around Washington, D.C. and Arlington, VA. But, wait! Where did all of those trees come from? A gift to the district from the Mayor of Tokyo in 1912, roughly three thousand cherry treessurround the National Mall’s Tidal Basin,a gorgeous backdrop for your next family selfie. Coincidingwith the National Park Service’s peak bloom prediction, the month-longNational Cherry Blossom Festival opens Mar. 20.Celebrate the littlesakuras in your life with freedaily performances at the Tidal Basin plus an array of other awesome activities that will make a lifetime impact on your kids. Here are our picks.
Cherry Blossom Festival Opening Ceremony
S Pakhrin via flickr
Kick-off the 2019 National Cherry Blossom Festival at the historic Warner Theatre, where you can check out world-renowned performers celebrating springtime and the anniversary of the gift of trees from Japan to the United States. The event showcases great American and Japanese talent, including Ikuko Kawai Ensemble, Yusaku Mochizuki (Mochi), and The 6821 Quintet. This is an only-in-DC event so plan your trip around this can't-miss opening celebration.
From the National Museum of African American Culture and the Hirshhorn to the National Air and Space Museum and the National Portrait Gallery, it goes without saying that D.C. is a contender for the museum capital of the world (many of them are free). While you're in town visit as many as possible, or spend all day at one, learning about the world around you. During the Cherry Blossom Festival the Smithsonian American Art Museum will host a celebration of Japanese culture. A taiko drumming performance kicks off the day, followed by Japanese music and performances. Enjoy face painting, cherry blossom crafts, and a spring-themed scavenger hunt.
The National Cherry Blossom Parade, featuring performances, giant balloons, and maybe a famous face or two, marching down Constitution Ave.,marks the end of the Festival. Little ones will appreciate the up-close look at the decorated floats, marching bands, clowns, horses, antique cars, dance teams, and more! Other than grand stand seating which costs $20, the parade is free to attend.
You have one more chance to bid farewell to D.C.'s beloved Cherry Blossoms on Apr. 14. At the Anacostia River Fest, you can take a canoe out to explore the river, ride in a bike parade, or sit back and enjoy the park while listening to local musicians. The festival marks the (second) official closing of the 2018 National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Harness the wind on the Family Fieldat the Blossom Kite Festival where you will also find music and magic performances along with flying competitions for youths and adults, Rokkaku Battles, a Hot Tricks Showdown and more, featuringfliers from the United States and other countries. Pack your own kite, or make one at the festival!
The Cherry Blossom Festival coins a new word, Petalpalooza,a new-ish event at one of D.C.‘s growing outdoor venues, The Wharf. With kid –friendly activities like T-shirt painting, performances on multiple stages throughout the day, and wait for it—a roller rink with free skating, topped off by a fireworks display (at 8:30 p.m.), we say bring it on.
Ack! Not in town for Petalpalooza? Swing by The Wharf anyways! There's always something fun happening. Check out their calendar for details.
If you’ve lived in the D.C. metro area for two seconds, your family has probably dropped in on one or both of the most visited historic homes in the country–George Washington’s Mount Vernon, the original abode of the first President, and Pennsylvania Avenue’sThe White House, the home of every U.S. President since. Dig a little deeper by exploring the DMV homes and getting an up close look at some of lesser known (but just as significant) figures in history. These tours are super family friendly, featuring everything from a living history demonstrations and an oratorical contest just for kids.
Photo: Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site It took two generations to establish and restore this spot as a National Historic Site. Cedar Hill, the Northeast D.C. home where escaped slave turned preeminent orator and scholar,Frederick Douglass, lived his final years. Now serving as an educational center, Cedar Hill runs tours, and sponsors a children’s oratorical contest every Decemberfor kids in grades one through twelve. Other family-friendly events are offered throughout the year, including Douglass’s birthday celebration and a ceremony acknowledging the launch of a Frederick Douglass quarter by the U.S. Mint on April 4.
Gadsby’s Tavern The City of Alexandria, Virginia is a history buff’s dream hang-out, and a visit to the town’s historic Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, known also as a modern day restaurant,is one of the best examples of finding the past in the present. Serving up everything from period food to period dancing, Gadsby’salso hosts 18th Century birthday parties, andoffers a unique opportunity to students in grades four to six to act as volunteer junior docents; they’ll don periodgarb, give summertime tours on Sundays, and participate in special events.Click here for more information and to apply. The deadline is April 27!
Gunston Hall The former digs of Colonial Statesman George Mason, Gunston Hall offers an array of family friendly programs in Mason Neck, Virginia, where the town’s namesake served as the State’s first governor. April marks the start of the museum’s living history programs in which kids age 8 to 14 volunteer as Young Historic Interpreters. Get set also for an annual Kite Festival on April 1, and Summer Saturdays beginning in June all the way through August, featuring costumed interpreters and interactive programming just for kids and families.
Hillwood Museum and Gardens Learn about cereal heiress Marjorie Merriweather-Post, her incredible Russian and French decorative art collections, and not to mention her gardens where young garden party-goers are welcome throughout the year, particularly for elegant Family Fun Days appropriate for the season. April features the Fabergé Egg Festival and new in May is a Family Movie Night.Opportunities to tour the house with your toddler are also available as part of the Preschool Series.
President Lincoln’s Cottage Washington had Mount Vernon, and Jefferson Monticello, but Honest Abe had a more local escape from what he called the “iron cage” of the White House, though because of its proximity to a home for war wounded, Lincoln did not always find respite there. Now a museum, the Cottage offers regular tours, lectures, and a Family Day in September that makes use of the full grounds with Civil War encampments, and other activities. Museum staff also host teacher workshops andschool group programs,in addition toStudents Opposing Slavery, a worldwide program engaging teenagers around the issue of human trafficking.
140 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW (Petworth) Online: lincolncottage.org Photo: Outlands
Oatlands The Oatlands, once ran as a plantation in rural Leesburg, now works to educate visitors of all ages about all aspects of the historic home, and activities of its inhabitants, including what was believed to be up to 133 enslaved people just before the Civil War. See the Oatlands Special Events page, including a schedule of themed Afternoon Teas (think: Mother’s Day), a Strawberry Festival on May 21, and a special World War I and II weekend in July featuring children’s activities. Unique Summercamps for kids in grades three through eight, and even a paranomal investigations tour of the house are also part of the fun.
Tudor Place First opened to the public in 1983, this once Presidential granddaughter-owned estate in Georgetown is a landmark of urban conservation with over 400 trees on the property–several believed to have been planted by the original proprietors. Tudor Place offers year round tours and programming for Tudor Tots through school-aged kids, along with special events like Eggstravaganza or theFather’s Day Kite Flight on June 18. Enjoy a special once a year only free day at Tudor Place, the AnnualEarthday Plant Sale and Picnic on April 29.
Remember watching Mr. Banks belt out “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” at the end of Mary Poppins? Not only did it make you feel like everything was going to be A-okay with the Banks’ family, it also inspired you to get out there and enjoy a little high-flyin’ adventure of your own. Lucky for us, San Diego offers plenty of spots to go and fly that kite to the highest height. Read on to see where to catch some air.
Photo: Hilltop Park via Beth Shea
Hilltop Park Hilltop Park in San Diego is like the Emma Stone of parks — there’s nothing not to love. Nestled on the top of a mountain in Rancho Peñasquitos, this locale has a great open grass field for kite flying, a kid’s playground with sand, a covered seating area and amazing views of both the city and the ocean. So, grab that kite and head over to Hilltop Park. You’ll be glad you did!
9711 Oviedo Way
San Diego, Ca 92129
858-538-8198
Online: sandiego.gov
Mission Bay Don’t you love it when local spots make worldwide top ten lists? Well, that’s what happened when Mission Bay in San Diego topped USA Today’s list of Top Ten Places in the World to Fly a Kite. Nationally recognized, locally approved — spacious Mission Bay is a prime spot to let that kite soar! You and your little ones may run into a few other kite aficionados since the San Diego Kite Club meets here every second Saturday of the month. Also, if your kiddo’s legs are too tired from chasing kites, there are plenty of awesome bike paths throughout the park to check out afterwards.
Insider’s Tip: Mariners Point, Tecolote Shores North and Fiesta Island are all prime destinations for kite flying.
2688 East Mission Bay Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92109
619-221-8900
Online: sandiego.gov/
South Ponto Beach North County dwellers who don’t want to travel south for the day, get your kite flyin’ fix at South Ponto Beach in Carlsbad. The beach is just north of Leucadia, where the bluffs end and the open stretch of ocean begins. Families love spending the day at South Ponto Beach and it comes as no surprise. The waves are calm, there are tons of stones for skipping and the restrooms are clean and easily accessible. AND, that ocean breeze gives you just the right amount of lift off to get your kite flying through the sky.
Insider’s Tip: Parking is usually available on the street, but if you can’t find a spot there’s a parking lot at the south end. Cost is $15.
La Costa Ave., HWY 101
Carlsbad, Ca 92008
619-438-3143
Online: sandiegocoastlife.com
Photo: Kiwanis Club of Ocean Beach
Dusty Rhodes Park It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s a… sky full of kites! Home to the oldest children’s kite festival in the United States, Dusty Rhodes Park easily makes our list for top San Diego destinations to fly a kite. Every year, on the second Saturday of May (that’s May 13, 2017 this year!) crowds flock to the Ocean Beach park to not only fly kites but also to build and decorate them. The local event includes prizes, professional kite fliers and amazing kite demonstrations as well as games, carnival activities and live music. Whether you make it to the festival or just visit the park with your family, it’s sure to be a great place for your little ones to see their kite dance through the sky.
Sunset Cliffs Blvd. between W. Point Loma and Nimitz
San Diego, Ca
Online: oceanbeachsandiego.com
San Dieguito Park Up, up, and away! Any breezy day is a good day to head to San Dieguito Park and launch a kite with your little aviator. Just a short distance from Del Mar, the park gets a lovely ocean breeze and offers a variety of recreational activities in addition to spacious grounds for kite flying. Think about packing a family picnic to enjoy on the large open lawns lined with eucalyptus trees and a tranquil pond. San Dieguito Park is truly a local gem.
Insider’s Tip: Be sure to check out “activity hill.” It has rope bridges, hillside ladders and lookout stations.
1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. Del Mar, Ca92014
Online: SDparks.org
Where’s your favorite kite flying destination? Let us know in the comments below.
The days are getting hotter and the kids are itching to be done with school. Don’t let the panic set in! Mark your calendar and fill those summer days with some of the Bay Area’s best festivals and you will have some happy (and tired) kids! Check out our list below with ten of our favorites.
May
Kid Fest – Concord
Looking for a fun way to spend Memorial Day weekend? Head over to Concord where it’s Kid Fest time! Puppets, singers, martial artists and even your favorite TV characters will be there to entertain all weekend. Carnival rides will get you spinning. Come on Memorial Day and you can also check out Pet Fest!
Dates: May 23-25 Times: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Monday Cost: $6 with canned food donation, $7 without; kids under 2 and seniors 65+ are free
Mt. Diablo High School
2450 Grant St.
Concord, Ca Online:kidfestconcord.com
Photo: JAMband
June
JAMband Family Festival – San Francisco
Little rock stars will enjoy getting their groove on at JAMband – a family music festival that occurs throughout the summer in Golden Gate Park. Set up a picnic blanket with other families as Charity and the JAMband crank out tunes that will definitely get you dancing. Grab some grub from the nearby Park Chalet restaurant and make a night of it.
Dates: June 6, July 26, September 13 and October 25 Times: 3-5 p.m. Cost: free
Northern California Pirate Festival – Vallejo
Ahoy, me hearties! The place to be for all ye landlubbers this Father’s Day weekend is the Northern California Pirate Festival. Don your pirate gear and join your mateys for a weekend of cannon battles, swimming mermaids and nautically-inspired handcrafts. Young swabs can develop their pirate skills at the School of Piracy or search for booty in the treasure hunts.
Dates: June 20-21 Times: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: One-day admission is $10; kids 11 and under are free.
Woodies on the Wharf – Santa Cruz
If your little one has a retro fascination for cars covered in wood, then you must make the trek to Santa Cruz for Woodies on the Wharf. Each year, around 200 woodies of all kinds park on the wharf near the Santa Cruz Boardwalk for a day of fun. Music, woodie goodies and prize drawings are fun for the whole family. Woodies Café (a year-round restaurant located on the wharf) is a great option if you need to grab some grub while you are there. Remember to layer and bring the sunscreen as the day typically starts off cool and ends warm.
Pedalfest – Oakland
Bikes of all shapes and sizes are the highlight of this festival in Jack London Square. Kids can decorate their bikes and participate in the kids’ bicycle parade to kick off the festival. Cycling daredevils will please the crowds with their stunts. Or check out Whymcycles – an eclectic collection of bicycles made from recycled car parts, trampolines and more! The Exploratorium will have a hands-on exhibit where families can learn the science behind all things bicycle.
Berkeley Kite Festival – Berkeley
Let’s go fly a kite, up to the highest height! The Berkeley Kite Festival is the place to be for kite flyers in the Bay Area. Watch kite flying competitions, build your own kite or purchase one from one of the vendors on-site. Check out the amazing art of Kite Flying Ballet. Bounce houses, petting zoo, pony rides and face painting – all available in the Kid Zone. Admission is free but you’ll need to pay $15 for parking. Kids will love the candy drop where a kite drops candy from the sky—so cool!
Dates: July 25-26 Times: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: free; $15 parking includes free shuttle
Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose
Nothing screams summer like a trip to the county fair! The demolition derby is kid favorite or check out the 4-H animals including pigs, cows, sheep and goats. This fair is on the smaller and more manageable size (good for little ones who tend to complain about walking) but still has all of the carnival rides and funnel cakes that you could wish for.
Dates: July 30-August 2
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
344 Tully Rd
San Jose, Ca Online: thefair.org
Photo courtesy of Gravenstein Apple Fair
August
Monterey Scottish Games and Celtic Festival – Monterey
Kilts, Celts and kings! Celebrate all things Celtic at this fair in Monterey. Kids will love the sheep dog demonstrations and athletic competitions that likely involve throwing a large object as far as possible. Bagpipers and other musical entertainment keep the event lively.
Dates: August 1-2 Times: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Cost: Pre-sale tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, military and kids 9-15; kids under 9 are free.
Monterey County Fairgrounds
2004 Fairground Rd
Monterey, Ca Online:montereyscotgames.com
Gravenstein Apple Fair – Sebastopol
If you want to check out some music, local vendors and of course, apples, then head up to Sonoma County for the Gravenstein Apple Fair. This down home country fair is in its 42nd year and boasts sweet tasting fun for the whole family. Live music is a big draw as well the life-on-the-farm tent where you can learn about the history of apple farming in the area.
Dates: August 8-9 Times: Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cost: $15 adults 13 and over; $12 seniors and veterans; $10 kids 6-12; kids 5 and under are free.
Bricks by the Bay – San Jose
If your house is riddled with LEGO bricks as far as the eye can see, then you likely are living with a LEGO addict. LEGO fans of all ages will love the two ballrooms full of LEGO display at Bricks by the Bay. The public exhibit is a great opportunity to check out huge displays of national landmarks, superhero villages, train displays and more – all made out of LEGO bricks. Leave the strollers at home as they are not allowed in the exhibit area. This event is geared towards kids who can look but not touch.
Date: August 9 Times: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last admission at 3 p.m.) Cost: $11.95 in advance or $15 at the door
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, Ca Online:bricksbythebay.com
Which summer festival is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Is your kid a pizza snob who thinks all donuts are filled to order? Is one of your proudest achievements buying in Rockridge before it was cool? Then you are definitely an East Bay parent. Read on to find out what else sets your breed apart.
Photo courtesy of Oaklandish
1. Your kids’ Saturday lunches come from the fruit sample trays at the Grand Lake farmer’s market.
2. You’re still not quite sure if you’re allowed to say “hella” in front of the kids.
3. You created a spreadsheet comparing private schools on such metrics as meditation/yoga spaces, depth of emphasis on social justice, and vegan/gluten/dairy free/fair trade/organic meal options.
4. You panic when the menu at Boot and Shoe asks you not to use your cell phone—they can’t mean kids, right?
Photo courtesy of Fairyland
5. You’re more likely to leave your house key at home than your Fairyland Magic Key.
6. Your child has mastered Ms. Pac Man from half a dozen haircuts at Snips for Kids.
7. You have never looked away just a second too long, and in that moment your toddler put goose poop in their mouth. No, that has never ever happened to you.
9. You’ve screamed louder than your little one while careening down the concrete slide at Codornices Park.
10. Your kids think all donuts are filled to order.
11. The Berkeley Parents Network makes you nuts (how does a simple question about sleeping turn into a heated debate on breastfeeding, helicopter parenting and veganism??) but your kid wouldn’t have survived past two without them.
12. Eight times out of ten, Temescal Alley wins out over the park as a play date location.
13. Your kids make a wish every time they go through the Caldecott tunnel.
18.. You’ve tried to pay for coffee with a Thai Temple brunch token.
19. Your child knows what vegan soul food is, and they like it.
20. You’ve “staycationed” at the Claremont.
21. You’ve parked a mile away and hiked the whole fam over the University St. bridge for the annual Berkeley Kite Festival (or just sat in traffic for an hour and watched it from I-80).
