Family Events

County Fairs - summertime means county fair time! Many county fairs have special kids free days or family discount days. Bring the grand parents on "seniors free" day.

County Library Events - check out your local or county library for free kids and family events. Most libraries have free story time for toddlers and pre-schoolers (sometimes including crafts).

Movies in the Park - contact your local chamber of commerce or visitor bureau to see if your community has movie nights in a local park. Get together with some neighbors to picnic, play board games, then sit back and watch a great family flick. Usually minimal fee or free.

Family Fun

The Kidz Page - FREE online games, learning, puzzles, coloring pages, clip art, toys and movies, and more...

FamilyFun - FREE online arts and crafts, party planning, recipes, games, family travel ideas, and more...

For Northern California Families . . .

Golden Gate Park (larger than New York's Central Park) - home of the California Academy of Sciences, Conservatory of Flowers, and the M.H. de Young Museum. There are many FREE things to do and see (including real Buffalo!). Bring your roller skates, bicycle, or prepare a picnic. Walk through the rose garden or Japanese Tea Garden. Rent a paddle boat at Stowe Lake or watch the model boats at Spreckles Lake. Don't miss the children's playground and carousel. San Francisco weather is diverse - dress in layers.

Exploratorium - Housed within the walls of San Francisco's landmark Palace of Fine Arts, the Exploratorium is a collage of hundreds of interactive exhibits in the areas of science, art, and human perception. The Exploratorium provides access to, and information about, science, nature, art, and technology. FREE ADMISSION on the first Wednesday of each month (groups of 10 or more must make reservations).

San Francisco Zoo - Kids under 2 allways FREE. First Wednesday of each month, FREE for everyone (public transportation encouraged, since parking is tight on these Wednesdays).

Lavender Bee Farm - Take a guided tour of a three acre Petaluma farm and learn about cultivating lavender and the fine art of beekeeping. Sample honey, lavender tea and lemonade. Meet Mel the camel, Lamar the llama, horses and chickens. Visit the lavender shop...you may even see some bees at work! Cost: $5.00 per person, children under 12 FREE!

Mrs. Grossman's Stickers - Visit the oldest and largest sticker factory in the USA - you'll see stickers printed before your very eyes...you may even meet the company mascot, Angus, an Austrailian Shepherd! Petaluma factory tours for $3.00 per person (includes free stickers too!). Facility includes: museum, gift shop, restaurant, and more! All ages welcome. Call 800-429-4549 in advance for tour reservations and hours of operation.