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Health & Fitness

Ronnie's Awesome List – December 2011/January 2012

For the latest information please visit us at Marinhood, The Ultimate Kids Events Round-Up In Marin And Beyond.

Enjoy more non-holiday related events from "Ronnie's Awesome List." And for the latest information please visit us at Marinhood, The Ultimate Kids Events Round-Up In Marin And Beyond.

OTHER EVENTS

Fri. 12/2 Special Storytime, 11:30 a.m. Join KQED and the Bay Area Discovery Museum and meet PBS Kids Mr. Steve and Miss Rosa for a special singing and storytime appearance. Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Find out what's happening in Mill Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fri. 12/2 Spaghetti Bingo, 6:15 p.m., $7 (includes dinner and 9 bingo cards), great family event. Tam Community Center, Mill Valley.

Sat. 12/3 ‘Til Dawn will be performing at noon for the Corte Madera Library 40th Birthday celebration.

Find out what's happening in Mill Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sat. 12/3 Rubinoos, that power pop group, whose hit song “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” rocketed them to the top of the pop charts. Dance to clever originals loaded with kid appeal, including “The Peanut Butter Song” as well as classics like “Witch Doctor,” Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Sat. 12/3 Making Snowman Napkin HoldersStart the holiday season with a fun, family project. Children can build and paint a Snowman Napkin Holder, 9am-noon, any Home Depot store.

Sat. 12/3 Art Explorers’ Maharaja Family Tour, Join a docent on a search for power symbols in the special exhibition Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts and engage your kids in looking at and talking about art. Suggested for families with children ages 5-7. Asian Art Museum.

Sat. 12/3 Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony, Each concert includes great symphonic music, informative talks, musical demonstrations, and free musical materials for use at home. Child-friendly start and end times make it easy for children to experience and enjoy classical music!

Sat. 12/3 Lollipop 5K Run, Golden Gate Park.

Sat. 12/3 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Masters of Venice: Renaissance Painters of Passion and Power from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, 10:30 a.m., deYoung Museum.

Sat. 12/3 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please Sit Down! (Chairs and Decorative Arts), 2:00 p.m., Legion of Honor.

Sat. 12/3 Broom Bust at Old St. Hillary’s, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Once again the Broom Busters of Old St. Hilary’s host this annual party. After the work, volunteers will be served lunch while Naturalist David Herlocker describes the wildlife that benefits from our habitat restoration work. Meet at the Tiburon Peninsula Club parking lot (1600 Mar West St, Tiburon).

Sat. 12/3 Children’s Storytime and Family Walk, 10:30 AM, San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Join a docent-led Family Walk following Children’s Storytime in the Library, featured book “Night Tree” by Ted Rand. Kids and their families can dig into great garden stories, then venture out on a special tour of the Botanical Garden. Storytime begins at 10:30am and the Family Walk follows at 11 a.m., (415) 661-1316.

Sat/Sun 12/3-12/4 Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit with shows at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus” at 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Oakland.

Sun. Carmen for Families, two-hour version of this season’s exciting production, telling the classic story of love, jealousy, betrayal and death. Opera newcomers will thrill to the captivating music of this beloved work, featuring the alluring Gypsy girl Carmen, the Spanish soldier who loves her and her brave bullfighter who wins her heart. This opera is recommended for ages 10 and up due to the mature nature of the characters and story of Carmen. Also included is a Pre-Opera Talk and workshop after. San Francisco Opera.

Sun. 12/4 Presidio Nature Play Days, Flowers, pine cones, leaves, stones, branches, bark, and other wonders of nature are the inspiration and the materials for this day of spontaneous collaborative artistic expression. Join in, get creative, and have fun while appreciating and honoring nature. Bring snacks or a picnic lunch! Meet at Rob Hill Campground. RSVP to nature@presidiotrust.gov.

Sun. 12/4 Winter Wonderland, 9 a.m.-noon, Discover the wonder of an old-growth redwood forest in winter on this leisurely walk on the Fern Creek and Alice Eastwood trails. Look for salmon, mushroom displays, winter wildflowers, waterfalls, and more! Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes as the trails are steep and may be muddy. Bring water and a snack. Entry fees apply. Muir Woods. For information and reservations, call (415) 388-2596.

Sun. 12/4 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15pm, Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/4 Daniel DaVinci Juggling Genius and his famous Comedy Juggling show, Osher Marin, 200 North San Pedro Road, San Rafael, 1–2 p.m.

Sun. 12/4 Magician Timothy James, Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, SF. All shows Sundays 11 a.m.–noon.

Sun. 12/4 Le Jazz Hot, 11 a.m., Herbst Theatre, $10 Children/$15 Adults. Le Jazz Hot is the new quartet of the Hot Club of San Francisco, still continuing their tradition of fine French Gypsy Swing played on stringed instruments. They will join San Francisco Performances for a special holiday concert of the songs of 1930s Paris—a festive foray into jazz for the whole family!

Sun. 12/4 Fred Anderson, Fringe Festival Winner! Prop Comic and Juggler, The Berkeley JCC Theater, 1414 Walnut Street (between Vine and Rose), 1– 2 p.m.

Sun. 12/4 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3 p.m., Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/4 Read to Bumps – Have you ever read to a dog? Call 485-3322 to schedule your appointment with Bumps the Reading Education Assistance Dog today, 2-4 p.m., San Rafael Public Library.

Mon 12/5 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.

Mon. 12/5 Feisty 3′s & 4′s, This workshop, presenting a developmental approach to understanding your child, includes discipline strategies appropriate to his or her development. $35, 6:30–8:30 pm. Parents Place.

Tues. 12/6 A Family Quiltmaking Workshop with Victoria Gonzalez will be held in the meeting room Tuesday, December 6 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. For school-age children. Call (415) 924-6382 to sign up. Corte Madera Library

Tues. 12/6 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Look Who’s Roaring, 10–10:50 a.m. OR 12–12:50 p.m., The word dinosaur comes from the Greek “terrible lizard.” But were they really so terrible? Explore some of the most famous creatures that ever roamed the Earth, and learn about few of the many species of dinosaurs that we know. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Fri. 12/9 Raise the Youth holiday celebration and fundraiser benefitting Marin Youth Performers. This family-friendly event will feature youth performance showcase including highlights from this past year’s musical theatre productions and advanced teen musical ensembles, 7-10 p.m., $60 General Admission, $15 Students, (415) 383.9600, 142 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley.

Sat. 12/10 Total Lunar Eclipse. The eclipse will be visible throughout most of Europe, eastern Africa, Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, and the North America.

Sat. 12/10 Nature for Kids at Verissimo Hills Open Space, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. This walk will take us up an oak covered hill that overlooks Stafford Lake. We’ll look for interesting mushrooms, salamanders and lots of creatures that live among the new green grass and the wet leaves that cover the forest floor. Call (415) 893-9508 or e-mail: dherlocker@marincounty.org.

Sat. 12/10 Manga Drawing Workshop with Chiyoko Wong, 2 p.m., ages 9 to 13. Corte Madera Library.

Sat. 12/10 Alphabet RockersShout it out with the Alphabet Rockers. Featuring hip grooves, rocking guitar lines and tight rhymes, this is music that you can enjoy no matter what your age. Every catchy and clever song in this genre-hopping show introduces preschool concepts from counting money to naming the colors of the rainbow. Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Sat. 12/10 Greening of the Headlands, 12:30-3 p.m., For centuries, people listened to music and decorated their homes with greenery during winter’s dark days. Join us and return to those simpler days by making ornaments in an atmosphere laced with music and friendship. Materials provided. Meet artist Katrina Wagner at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. Reservations required, phone (415) 331-1540.

Sat. 12/10 Make It @ MOCFA, 2-4 p.m., Get your hands dirty! Inspired by the ceramic artwork in the exhibition we will create one-of-a-kind sculptural cubes and bricks using texturing tools and clay. Your works of art will be perfect as paperweights, bookends, and for holiday gift giving. $5 for admission and all materials, ages 5 and up.

Sat. 12/10 Drop-In Science, Discover the amazing dynamics of bee communities here at the Randall!  Get hands-on in extracting honey from our own combs and even take some home to enjoy!, 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Randall Museum.

Sat. 12/10 Exploring Devil’s Gulch, 10 am. Walk along a creek, step inside an old growth redwood tree, discover ancient trap door spiders, hike to a waterfall, and perhaps even spy a bobcat. All these natural wonders and more are right in our backyard and can be found in Devil’s Gulch. Join WildCare naturalists on an easy four mile round trip hike. The trailhead is located on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, one mile past the picnic area in Samuel P. Taylor State Park.

Sat. 12/10 Peter and the Wolf Delight your children with our annual presentation of Peter and the Wolf including festive holiday songs- perfect for music lovers of all ages. The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra is joined by a special guest narrator, who narrates Prokofiev’s charming tale. 1 & 4 p.m. Davies Symphony Hall.

Sat. 12/10 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Good Enough to Eat (A Look at Food in Art), 10:30 a.m., de Young Museum.

Sat. 12/10 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Please Sit Down! (Chairs and Decorative Arts), 2 p.m., Legion of Honor.

Sat/Sun 12/10-12/22 Emil of Lonneberga, Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse in Berkeley, 2 p.m., Once you meet Emil you’ll never forget him. Puppets add to the delight of this laugh-filled world premiere about a clever, five-year-old Swedish lad who just can’t keep out of trouble. Bay Area Children’s Theatre is thrilled to bring the beloved Emil stories by the author of Pippi Longstocking to the English-speaking stage.

Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 Children’s Fairyland, The Velveteen Rabbit. 11 a.m., 2 p.m., & 4 p.m. Blake Maxam, “The Wizard of Ahhhhs”, astounds and amazes children of all ages with his magic show. 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.  Oakland.

Sat/Sun 12/10-12/11 The DC Dancers, ranging in age between 3 and 21, will dance to holiday favorites, ballet and jazz tunes. 1:30 p.m., Children’s Fairyland, Oakland.

Sun. 12/11 Comedy Illusionist Brian Scott and his amazing sleight-of-hand! The Randall Museum Theatre, 199 Museum Way @ Roosevelt Way, SF, 11 a.m.–noon

Sun. 12/11 Preschool Gallery Tour: The World of Light, 9-11 a.m., featuring the music of Charity Kahn (of Charity and the JAMband) Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/11 Magic Class, Each class covers different tricks and skills with San Francisco’s very own Chin-Chin who has been performing magic since the age of 7. 2:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/11 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3 p.m., Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/11 Preschool Gallery Hour: The World of Light, 9-11 a.m. If it’s the second Sunday of the month, it’s Preschool Gallery Hour when the Museum opens early just for preschoolers and their families. Explore the exhibition Houdini: Art and Magicwith loads of interactive activities, make magical shadow puppets, and move to the musical groove with Charity Kahn, of the JAMband! Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Mon. 12/12 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.

Tues. 12/13 Toddler Treks – Penguins, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.

Tues. 12/13 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Paleontologist Puzzle, 10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. OR 12–12:50 p.m. There are special scientists who study dinosaurs and the remains we find of those early animals. Practice some tricks of the trade and prepare for a paleontology adventure. Not only will our Tykes work with some fossils of dinosaurs, but also other prehistoric creatures. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Sat. 12/17 Winter Solstace Night Walk, What is Winter Solstice? Come and find out on this family-friendly storytelling evening walk that starts at Rob Hill and ends with a campfire in the Rob Hill Campground. You’ll hear stories from many cultures about the ways people have welcomed back the sun. Meet at Rob Hill Campground, Presidio, Free. All ages. Space is limited, registration required at (415) 561-4323.

Sat. 12/17 Explorables: Science You Can Play With, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., activities focus on experimenting with everyday materials, discovery and toy-making. Exploratorium.

Sat. 12/17 Afternoon Art, Make a wish that your wish doll will carry throughout the year. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Randall Museum.

Sat. 12/17 Children’s Storytime and Family Walk, 10:30 a.m., San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Join a docent-led Family Walk following Children’s Storytime in the Library, featured book “Night Tree” by Ted Rand. Kids and their families can dig into great garden stories, then venture out on a special tour of the Botanical Garden. Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m. and the Family Walk follows at 11 a.m., (415) 661-1316.

Sat. 12/17 Drop-In Science, Let’s make snow for San Francisco!  Learn about crystal formation and make your own crystal covered snowflake decoration just in time for winter!, 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Randall Museum.

Sat. 12/17 Paper Fun with the Toy-Maker, 10 a.m.–noon for parents and children, Marilyn Scott-Waters will take simple paper and show how cutting, pasting, and folding creates simply delightful toys. Join Marilyn as she teaches you how to make a koi kite, paper butterfly, miniature fairy book, cornucopia, and a coupon folder holder! She demonstrates tips, tricks, and more.

Sat. 12/17 Dancing the Diaspora with Ayodele Kinchen, 2–4 p.m., new interactive program series for children and their families of storytelling, performance and crafts from Africa, North America, South America and the Caribbean, Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD.)

Sat. 12/17 Afternoon Art, Transform a small plain box into a beautiful keepsake perfect for holding jewelry or other precious items. 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Randall Museum.

Sun. 12/18 Tam Jam X-Fest, 2-10 p.m., music and more fun in this all day rock & roll festival featuring local student bands from around Marin. Tam Valley Community Center, 203 Marin Ave. at Tennessee Valley Road, Mill Valley, Tickets call (415) 388-6393.

Sun. 12/18 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15pm, Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 12/18 Drop-In Art-Making: Magic Boxes, 1-3 p.m. Houdini used trunks, both to store his magic possessions and as a prop for performances. Take a peek at the original trunk he used for his metamorphosis act in Houdini: Art and Magic then create your own multi-compartment box as a special keepsake. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Mon. 2/19 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.

Mon. 12/19 Winter Break Film Festival, "Cars 2," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Tues. 12/20 Winter Break Film Festival, "Balto," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Tues. 12/20 Sing Along with Pierina Dell’Avo (Ages 3-7) – Small and tall are invited to come and sing delightful and original songs by Pierina Dell’Avo. Feel shy about singing?  You can join in with the fun movements, 3:30 p.m. San Rafael Public Library.

Tues. 12/20 Tyke Explorers Workshop, DINOSAUR DAYS, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, What happened to the dinosaurs? Learn about one of the leading theories that was discovered by scientists from right here the Bay Area. By taking part in a dramatic play, our little Tyke explorers will discover why scientists think the dinosaurs went extinct. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Tues. 12/20 Ghirardelli Day, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Celebrate the sights, smells, and tastes of the holiday season with Ghirardelli Chocolate Company! Meet Steve Genzoli, VP of Chocolate Development at Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, and learn about the art and science of chocolate – from bean to bar. Savor complimentary samples from Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop. Visit the Naturalist Center for more sweet science! Explore a cocoa pod up close, test your knowledge with the Chocolate Mystery Box, and browse chocolate-themed books. Check out the activity tables with chocolate-themed crafts for kids! Explore the Academy’s spice forest, and learn more about the ingredients in your favorite holiday treats. Academy of Science.

Wed. 12/21 Winter Craft for Tweens (Grades 6-8) – Come make a set of marble magnets for yourself or to give as a gift. Bring your own images to personalize your magnets. After the craft, we will enjoy cupcakes and hot cider! No reservations, free,  2:30 p.m. San Rafael Public Library.

Wed. 12/21 Winter Solstice in Muir Woods, Celebrate the longest night of the year and a full moon with the tallest trees on earth! This outdoor program is suitable for all ages and will begin at the Muir Woods Visitor Center. Activities and events include the making of solstice crowns; a stage performance of songs, stories, and puppetry; and walking the trails of Muir Woods lit by luminary. No reservations required. Free. Daytime activities between 3–5 p.m., evening 5:30–8 p.m. This evening can be dark and chilly; we ask visitors to bring a flashlight and to dress warmly (layers/blankets).

Wed. 12/21 Nature for Kids at Devil’s Gulch, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We’ll start this walk looking for salmon in the rushing creek. Afterwards, we might head up to Stairstep Falls, or we could decide to follow the main canyon through forests and open meadows looking for winter wildlife. Call (415) 893-9527 on the morning of the walk to hear a recorded message if cancelled. Meet at the parking area across from Devil’s Gulch: Follow Sir Francis Drake Boulevard west 1 mile past the entrance to Samuel P. Taylor State Park.

Thur. 12/22 Winter Break Film Festival, "Mr. Popper’s Penguins," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Fri. 12/23 Winter Break Film Festival, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" & "Frosty the Snowman," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Sat. 12/24 Afternoon Art, Join our annual holiday tradition of free-form painting to music. Paint large! Paint wild! Paint free! 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Randall Museum.

Sun. 12/25 Drop-In Art-Making: Magical Spinning Tops, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In honor of Chanakuh and Houdini: Art and Magic, create spinning tops that display magical colors as they spin. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Mon. 12/26 Museum Mondays, enjoy stories, movement games, crafts and more. Schultz Museum.

12/26, 12/27 & 12/30 Drop-In Art-Making: Pocket-Sized Amazements, 1-3 p.m. Create small-scale magical objects that will surprise and amuse. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

12/26-1/1 Grandparents’ Week, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For this week only, when grandparents visit Fairyland with their grandchildren, grandparents get in for free.

12/26-27, 12/29-30 School’s Out Family Magic Show, Dan Chan the Magic Man, Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Tues. 12/27 Winter Break Film Festival, "Kung Fu Panda 2," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Wed. 12/28 Poetry Palooza (Grades 2-4) – Join us for an afternoon of creative fun.  We provide journals , pencils, writing games, cookies and apple cider. No experience necessary!  No reservations.  Free, 2:30 p.m. San Rafael Public Library.

Wed. 12/28 Game & Puzzle Day! Family fun for everyone. (All ages, no-sign-up needed, Creekside Room.) Put away your Wii and come to the cozy Creekside Room for old fashioned board and card games, big puzzles, and family fun. Sip warm apple cider and listen to seasonal tunes while you play. Families welcome! Mill Valley Library.

Wed. 12/28 Toddler Treks – Penguins, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.

Thur. 12/29 Winter Break Film Festival, "The Muppet Movie (1979)," 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Thur. 12/29 Family Fun Activity: Dance, 1–3 p.m.; suggested for families with children ages 11-15. Hip hop, funk, and reggae songs are the soundtracks for Bhangra, a type of popular dance combining Punjabi folk traditions with Western pop music. Learn to dance like a Bollywood star in this workshop for tweens. Asian Art Museum.

Thur/Fri 12/29-30 Mochitsuki Workshops, watch Mr. Yamada transform hot cooked rice into mochi.  Participants will then have the opportunity to make their own mochi balls to take home, 3–6:30 p.m., Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California.

Fri. 12/30 Winter Break Film Festival, Cartoon Day, 2:30–4:30 p.m. Films TBA, Free family movies and fresh popcorn. All ages, no sign-up needed, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Fri/Sat 12/30-12/31 Children’s Fairyland, Snow Queen performs “Tales from Winter Wonderland”, a magical music and storytelling performance, 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m., Oakland.

Wed. 1/4 Toddler Treks, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.

Sat. 1/7 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30 a.m., deYoung Museum.

Sat. 1/7 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2 p.m. Legion of Honor.

Sun. 1/8 Magic Class, Each class covers different tricks and skills with San Francisco’s very own Chin-Chin who has been performing magic since the age of 7. 2–3:15 p.m.3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 1/8 Family Gallery Tours, 12:30-1:15 p.m. Experience the magic of Houdini as a family during interactive gallery tours specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on, experiential activities woven throughout, Houdini and his legacy will come to life. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 1/8 Boswick the Clown and his Circus of Comedy! 1–2 p.m., Marin JCC, San Rafael.

Sun. 1/8 – Mochitsuki! Mochi Pounding Ceremony, Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai! Join this venerable San Francisco institution as they present the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi (sweet delectable rice cakes) pounding with music, dance, and costumes. Afterwards, listen to Japanese New Year stories told by the museum’s animated storytellers, and finally, drawomikuji, written fortunes about the upcoming year, or make a rabbit carrying pouch (inro) modeled after the cuddly creatures found in the galleries, Asian Art Museum.

Sun. 1/8 Nature for Kids at Mount Burdell, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mount Burdell Preserve, We’ll take a winter walk at this beautiful preserve looking for cold weather critters. If we’re feeling adventurous, we might even head up to Hidden Lake to see if we can find newts and frogs. (415) 893-9508 or e-mail: dherlocker@marincounty.org.

Sun. 1/8 Drop-In Art-Making: Muniz-Inspired Collages, 1-3 p.m., hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Celebrate the art of everyday objects and the genius of Vik Muniz—a featured artist in the Houdini exhibition —as you create truly uncommon collages composed of thoroughly common materials. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 1/8 Preschool Gallery Hour, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. If it’s the second Sunday of the month, it’s Preschool Gallery Hour when the Museum opens early just for preschoolers and their families. Explore the exhibition Houdini with loads of interactive activities, get hands on with art, and enjoy a show by musical guest Alison Faith Levy. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 1/8 Ace Miles, The Comedy Pirate Returns! stars as hilarious Captain Jack Spareribs! Berkeley JCC Theater, 1–2 p.m.

Sun. 1/8 Sunday Sample, Bring your family, bring a friend or treat yourself to the wide variety of programming offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, including acting, improvisation, stage combat and clowning.

Tues. 1/10 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Lumos, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Shadow puppets are great… but how do they work? Unravel the mysteries behind day and night – light and dark. Also, discover the magic behind rainbows and their connection to the light that we see. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Sat. 1/14 Manga Drawing Workshop with Chiyoko Wong, 2 p.m., ages 9 to 13. Corte Madera Library.

Sat. 1/14 Youth Winter Bird Count, Children of all ages and their families are invited to participate FREE, give aspiring young birders an opportunity to work in small teams with experienced birders while participating in real citizen science. Participants will learn to use binoculars and scopes, record scientific data, identify a variety of local birds with the help of expert birders, enter data into a shared database, present bird data to other participating teams. Richardson Bay Audubon Center.

Sat. 1/14 Mochitsuki! Mochi Pounding Ceremony, Noon to 1:00 p.m., Samsung Hall, Hands–on activity, 1-4 p.m., Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai! Join this venerable San Francisco institution as they present the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi (delectably sweet rice cakes) pounding with music, dance and costumes. Afterward, stick around and make an art project inspired by the New Year, listen to storytelling or join an Art Explorers’ Family Tour. Asian Art Museum.

Sun. 1/15 Meet tennis star and legend, Billie Jean King, who won a record 20 titles at Wimbledon during her tennis career. Ms. King was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Ms. King will answer questions and sign books.

Sun. 1/15 Drop-In Art-Making: Muniz-Inspired Collages, 1-3pm, hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Celebrate the art of everyday objects and the genius of Vik Muniz—a featured artist in the Houdini exhibition —as you create truly uncommon collages composed of thoroughly common materials. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Mon. 1/16 MLK Day of Service with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

Mon. 1/16 Drop-In Art-Making: Dream Jars, 1-3 p.m., hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. During this special holiday drop-in, honor the memory and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. by creating your own dream jar, the perfect space to hold your dreams, hopes, and New Year wishes. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Tues. 1/17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Create a self-portrait to add to our Freedom Bus. Listen to a special storytime with books about Dr. King’s life and the values he advocated. Quotes from his writing and speeches will be mounted throughout the Museum to help your family think about how to celebrate this important holiday. Come honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with SoVoSó. Be uplifted by this amazing a cappella ensemble’s unique, rhythmic mix of jazz, gospel, world and R & B music. Discovery Museum.

Tues. 1/17 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Start Your Engines, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Tykes will get an early introduction to the laws of motion through directed “play” with toy cars and marble tracks. Learn about the basics of gravity, motion and friction, as well as some building basics. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Tues. 1/17 Anniversary of the Sea Lions’ Arrival at PIER 39The sea lions anniversary is always a special event for PIER 39 as these playful mammals entertain and delight both our guests and the PIER 39 staff year-round.

Wed. 1/18 Toddler Treks, This is a caregiver/child participatory program, designed especially for children 1 to 3 years of age. Each month we will learn about a different animal that shares our world – all can be found in the Bay Area or the Academy. We will use props and our imagination to “trek” together to the place each animal calls home. California Academy of Science.

Sat. 1/21 BAEER Fair (Bay Area Environmental Education Resource), Marin Civic Center located in San Rafael, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sat. 1/21 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30 a.m., deYoung Museum.

Sat. 1/21 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2 p.m., Legion of Honor.

Sat. 1/21 Family Bingo, 7-8:30pm, Belvedere Community Center.

Sat. 1/21 Chinese New Year, Ring in the Year of the Dragon with crafts and hands-on traditional Chinese activities. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Sat/Sun 1/21-22 Peking Acrobats, gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers transform 2,000-year-old athletic disciplines into a family-friendly kaleidoscope of eye-popping wonder, Zellerbach Playhouse, Berkeley.

Sun. 1/22 Drop-In Art-Making: Stained Glass Explorations, 1-3 p.m., hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Be inspired by the majesty of Congregation Sherith Israel’s stained glass window featured in the exhibition, California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, and create your own color-saturated works of art. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Sun. 1/22 RoCo Dance On Stage, Children’s Program, 6:30 p.m. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, San Rafael.

Sun. 1/22 The Greg Frisbee Show, Escape Artistry, Magic and Juggling, Randall Museum Theatre, 11 am – Noon.

Sun. 1/22 The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Fairy Tales, Poor Jack. He’s got to save himself from the terrible Giant, but a host of familiar fairy tale characters – and one very annoying Stinky Cheese Man – keep messing up his plans. Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, this show for kids four years and up is delightfully deconstructive. With Cinderella rebuffing Rumpelstiltskin and Goldilocks meeting the Three Elephants, nothing is quite the same as you remember it. 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. JCCSF, 3200 California St. San Francisco.

Tues. 1/24 Tyke Explorers Workshop, World of Physics, Magnet Mayhem, Ages 2 1/2 – 5 years, Why do magnets attract some things and not others? Our Tyke explorers will explore different types of magnets to observe and understand why magnets work they way they do. Hands-on exploration will help to demystify the magic of magnets. Chabot Space & Science Center.

Fri. 1/27 Nature for Kids at Cascade Canyon, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., By now the creek should be rushing, and the waterfall might be going full blast. We’ll search for insects, amphibians and anything else we can find in this beautiful canyon. (415) 893-9508 or e-mail: dherlocker@marincounty.org.

Sat. 1/28 Music for Families with the San Francisco Symphony, Each concert includes great symphonic music, informative talks, musical demonstrations, and free musical materials for use at home. Child-friendly start and end times make it easy for children to experience and enjoy classical music!

Sat. 1/28 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 10:30 a.m., deYoung Museum.

Sat. 1/28 Doing and Viewing Art (ages 4-12). Family tours are followed by related hands-on art projects led by professional artists. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult, 2 p.m. Legion of Honor.

Sun. 1/29 Mill Valley/Sausalito Path Cleanup, 10 a.m. – noon. Join us to clean a litter hot spot and remove invasive weeds from the sensitive tidal wetlands surrounding this very popular multi-use path. The area is home to endangered species, which are threatened by accumulations of trash and weeds that crowd out native vegetation. The work involves easy to moderate activity on flat ground and is suitable for all ages. Bring water; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Rain may cancel. Meet at the parking lot underneath Hwy 101 in Mill Valley, next to the offices at 100 Shoreline Hwy.

Sun. 1/29 Drop-In Art-Making: Stained Glass Explorations, 1-3 p.m., hands-on fun inspires children to learn more about the art on display in the galleries, architecture, holidays and traditions. Be inspired by the majesty of Congregation Sherith Israel’s stained glass window featured in the exhibition, California Dreaming: Jewish Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present, and create your own color-saturated works of art. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

WILDLIFE VIEWING:

Salmon
Elephant Seals – December 15 through March 31
Whales - mid-January through mid-March. Late April and early May to see moms and calfs.
Birds
Butterflies
Tule Elk

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