Travel is more fun with kids

Spring Events at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center in Fairfield

Jelly Belly Factory
Location 1 Jelly Belly Ln, Fairfield,CA
www.jellybelly.com
Tel: 1-800-9-JELLYBEAN (1-800-953-5592)

Free candy factory tours daily, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield. For more information (800) 953-5592 or visit www.JellyBelly.com.

Notice

Due to their annual inventory check/maintenance schedule, there will be no candy production in the factory on the following dates:
Thursday and Friday, March 29th and 30th
Monday, June 4th through Sunday, June 24th
Tours will still be conducted, but in a non-working factory. See the Weekend Tours section on the Factory Tours page for details.

 

Monday, February 20^th  

Cherry Sampling Day at Jelly Belly  - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

In honor of America’s first president, Jelly Belly hosts a Cherry Taste Off; Vote for your favorite cherry-inspired confection at our free sampling of Very Cherry Jelly Belly beans, Very Cherry soda, Very Cherry Chocolate Dips and hand-made cherry-flavored fudge from our Chocolate Shoppe. 

 

Monday, April 2^nd through Saturday April 7^{th -} Visit the Easter Bunny at Jelly Belly

Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturday 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

Create a special Easter memory at Jelly Belly Visitor Center with the Easter Bunny. Professional photos available for purchase or bring your own camera!

 

Saturday, April 7^th

Brunch with Mr. Jelly Belly and the Easter Bunnies - 10:00 a.m.

Join Mr. Jelly Belly, Wendell and Wendy Bunny for a private brunch at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center, with entertainment and Easter treats. $19.99 for children and adults ages 3+. Children ages 2 and under free. Tickets by advance purchase, reservations required at visit www.jellybelly.com.

 

Sunday, April 22^nd

Celebrate National Jelly Bean Day at Jelly Belly 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

 

Join us at the Visitor Center for National Jelly Bean Day! Learn fun facts about our Jelly Belly jelly beans and participate in jelly bean inspired activities.

Free Entrance Days in the US National Park in 2012

Make plans now to visit the national parks on these 2012 fee-free dates:

• January 14-16
  Martin Luther King Jr. weekend 
   
• April 21-29
  National Park Week
   
• June 9
  Get Outdoors Day
   
• September 29
  National Public Lands Day
  
  
• November 10-12
  Veterans Day weekend

Here is the list of the California Parks:

Cabrillo National Monument
Death Valley National Park
John Muir National Historic Site
Joshua Tree National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Sequoia National Park
Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park

Two silly girls enjoying Death Valley

Things To Do

Enjoy Filoli annual nine-day Holidays fundraising event.

From November 25 through December 3, 2011
Time:  Varies with each day and event, see www.filoli.org for complete details
Location:  86 Cañada Road, Woodside, CA  94062
Ticket Prices: Vary with each event.  
Tickets sell out early.  Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. 

 

A Bay Area favorite, Filoli’s spectacular nine-day Holiday Traditions fundraising event begins Friday evening, November 25, 2011.  Rooms throughout the first floor of the historic House are transformed into a unique holiday atmosphere that delights and inspires each visitor as he or she enjoys the beautiful merchandise of the Holiday Boutique, stunning decorations and festive music.  My husband and I went last year and shopping inside the wonderfully decorated rooms was truly special.

Photo by Cindy McArthur

The Saturday Evening Dinner Party, an elegant occasion of dining and dancing to live music in the Ballroom, is a memorable way to celebrate the season.  Buffet lunches and evening bistro dining are available at select times during the week with advance reservations. 

The youngest visitors will enjoy the new Children's Tea on December 3^rd, designed especially for children six to twelve years of age. 

This year’s theme is The Wise Old Owl.  With a natural, woodsy wonderland environment, the Holiday Boutique will provide a distinctive blend of design influences including animals, pinecones, cuckoo clocks and miniature lodges.  The Courtyard of the House will be recreated into a charming, rustic lodge woods.  Numerous local choral and performing groups and Bay Area musicians’ music will add to the ambiance of this one-of-a-kind event. 

 

Tickets: Beginning October 17, non-members may purchase tickets by mail, fax or by calling Filoli weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (650) 364-8300, ext. 508.  Go online to buy them at www.filoli.org. 

 

 

Things To Do
San Francisco

Free Entrance Days in the US National Park on November 11-13

On November 11,12, and 13, more than 100 national parks will get even more crowded than usual with the FEE FREE DAYS.

Here is the list of the California Parks:

Cabrillo National Monument
Death Valley National Park
John Muir National Historic Site
Joshua Tree National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Sequoia National Park
Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park

Two silly girls enjoying Death Valley

Things To Do

Do not miss the 7th Annual Circus for Arts in the Schools this Sunday in Alameda

The 7^th Annual Circus for Arts in the Schools is happening this Sunday, November 6^th at 1 pm and 4 pm at the Kofman Auditorium (2200 Central Avenue) in Alameda. The shows will once again feature former stars from Cirque du Soleil and the Pickle Family Circus, as well as other amazing acts from the circus world.

Mike Rosati Photography

 

Performances this year include Cirque du Soleil veterans: Jaron Hollander, who, with Slater Penney, just won "Best of Fringe" at this year's San Francisco Fringe Festival with their comedy duet "Submarine". Excepts from “Submarine”, called "inspired madcap physical comedy" by Rob Hurwitt of the Chronicle, will be in this year’s Circus for Arts. Marcie Brown, who played cello in "O", the most popular show in Las Vegas; Ben Johnson, who toured with Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus before joining Cirque du Soleil and Jeff Raz, who was the lead character in "Corteo" for over 500 performances in the U.S. and Japan. Circus for the Arts is the brainchild of Raz, whose youngest son attends fourth grade at Otis School.

Jeff Raz - Mike Rosati Photography

Also new this year are: the biggest band in Circus for Arts history lead by brilliant bandleader Johannes Mager; Matt White of 'Sweet Can', one of the hottest 'boutique' circuses in the Bay Area; Top stage clowns from the Medical Clown Project; Calvin Kai Ku's unique, daring and hilarious pole climbing act; A German Wheel act by Sabrina, graceful acrobatics from Paradizo Dance plus Brazilian martial arts with Capoiera Mandinga.

 

Mike Rosati Photography

 

Returning favorites include Bronkar Lee, a virtuoso beatbox/juggling act performed with charm and humor; Zaccho Youth Company, aerial dance directed by award winning choreographer Joanna Haigood; the amazing aerial duet Morgaine and Ryan, returning from a triumphant run at Disney World, young Cassie Weigel, star of Bay Area Children's Theater's "Circus Adventure" and a quartette of talented principals from Alameda public schools.

 Mike Rosati Photography

 

Thanks to the generosity of the performers, who donate their time and talent to put on the Circus, and to volunteers, who provide the administrative and organizational support, all proceeds from the Circus go directly to funding arts education. Over the years, the show has raised more than $130,000 for arts education in our public schools and brought a world class Circus to Alameda. In previous years, the Circus has funded a successful arts program at Paden, Otis and Washington Schools.

 

WHAT: 7^th Annual Circus for Arts in the Schools

WHERE: Kofman Auditorium, 2200 Central Avenue, Alameda

WHEN: Sunday, November 6, 2011 Two shows – 1pm and 4pm

COST: Adults - $15 ($18 at the door); Youth/Senior - $10

MORE INFO: www.circusforarts.org
Facebook Page: Circus for Arts in the Schools
Buy your tickets on Brown Paper: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/196860

 

Mike Rosati Photography

 

Halloween Fun

 

Enjoy some Halloween fun. Follow the links:

Pumpkin Patches in the San Francisco Bay Area

Review of Joan’s Farm in Livermore: a great pumpkin farm to bring the kids and spend the day.

Review of Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and its amazing maze
 

Lost in the maze…even with the map.

 

Getting scared at Wolcott's Haunted Graveyard in Santa Rosa

 

Boo at the zoos 

Lots of Halloween Happenings on Red Tricycle

Halloween events at US Theme Parks

Boo at the Bay Area Zoos

Bay Area zoos organize each year what they call ‘Boo at the Zoo’. It is a special day when you can bring your little ones to the zoo and celebrate Halloween at the same time. This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday so you could actually celebrate Halloween there. 
The good thing about this special outing is that it happens during daytime, so it is not too impressive for the little ones who can be afraid of the dark on Halloween night. It is safe and always little kids-appropriate. Finally, it is not your usual afternoon at the zoo outing,

Tips & Tricks

- No bulky costumes: they have to walk a lot,

- Do not forget your stroller,

- Do not forget to bring your member ID if you have a membership at another zoo or organization, you may save on the ticket price,

- These days are popular, the zoos are more crowded so plan on spending the day there. Bring a picnic basket, make it a all day fun at the zoo so you do not have to rush.

- Bring a change of clothes (even if you keep them in the trunk, your child may get tired of wearing their costumes).

 

Boo at the San Francisco Zoo
Saturday October 29^th and Sunday October 30^th
10 am to 4 pm  - Free with zoo entrance

Check out times at the entrance when chimps, gorillas, lions, and merkaats will be treated with pumpkins full of treats. Free trick-or-treat stations are all over the zoo so do not forget to bring your basket to carry your candy!

Venture into the Haunted Nature Trail located inside the Children’s Zoo where you can get up close and personal with a number of animals, such as snakes and owls.  Boo at the Zoo also features live entertainment, prizes, crafts and more.

The Zoo requests that trick-or-treaters not wear rubber masks as they may frighten the animals. 

Boo at the Oakland Zoo
Saturday October 29^th and Sunday October 30^th
10 am to 3 pm - Free with zoo entrance

Children who come in costume receive a free train ride. You will have fun trick-or-treating close to the animals and participate in the costume parade.

Boo at the Sacramento Zoo
Sunday October 30th and Monday October, 31^st
5 pm to 8 pm 

General Tickets: $10 
Sac Zoo Members: $8 

Acres of creepy, magic and spooky fun! Come dressed up and enjoy a safe and fun Halloween at the Sacramento Zoo. Bring your little ghouls to the Zoo for a spooky good time! Kids can safely trick-or-treat around Lake Victoria and enjoy entertainment, fun crafts, games and goodies. Appropriate for children under 10 years of age.

Happy Hollow Park
Sunday October 30
1 pm to 4 pm
$3 for members, $9 for reciprocical members, and $12 for non-members.

Trick-or-Treat stations throughout the zoo will provide safe family fun!

Halloween Zoo Night at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo 
Friday Octocter 28^th 
6 pm to 8 pm 
Dress up in your Halloween costume and join the zoo parade, meet some special guest animals visiting this night only, experience the Clean Green Energy Machines exhibit in glow-in-the-dark lights. Enjoy some delicious pizza. 
This is for members only, but you can always become a new member.

 

Free entrance at hundreds of museums nationwide on September 24th

On September 24th, enjoy free general admission for one person and a guest at hundred of museums all over the US.

You NEED to print the Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day admission card to receive two free entrances.Download the admission card.

Click here to find the list of the participating venues nationwide.

Read my tips for a drama-free visit to museums with children. 

Here is the list of the participant venues in the San Francisco Bay Area

Bedford Gallery Walnut Creek

Blackhawk Museum Danville

California Automobile Museum (formerly the Towe Auto Museum) Sacramento

California State Military Museum and Resource Center Sacramento

California State Railroad Museum Sacramento

Cartoon Art Museum of California San Francisco

Chabot Space & Science Center Oakland

Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco

Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education San Mateo

Crocker Art Museum Sacramento

Exploratorium San Francisco

Explorit Science Center Davis  

Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles Berkeley

Lindsay Wildlife Museum Walnut Creek

Monterey Museum of Art Monterey

Museum of Craft and Folk Art San Francisco

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) San Francisco

Sacramento Zoo Sacramento

San Mateo County History Museum Redwood City

SF Camerawork San Francisco

Sonoma County Museum Santa Rosa

Sonoma League for Historic Preservation Sonoma

Sun Gallery, Hayward Area Forum of the Arts Hayward

The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts Sacramento

Zeum: San Francisco's Children's Museum San Francisco

Enjoy your Saturday!

 

Free Entrance Days in the US National Parks - September 24

On September 24th, more than 100 national parks will get even more crowded than usual with the FEE FREE DAYS.

The last Fee Free Days in 2011 will happen on Veterans Day weekend: November 11-13th.

Here is the list of the California Parks:

Cabrillo National Monument
Death Valley National Park
John Muir National Historic Site
Joshua Tree National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lava Beds National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Sequoia National Park
Whiskeytown Unit National Recreation Area
Yosemite National Park

Two silly girls enjoying Death Valley

Travel Tips

Things To Do

Register now for the visit of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on October 15

The Open house for the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is on October 15th with two sessions: one in the morning from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm and a second in the afternoon from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

You have to register to that event to to gain access to the tour. You can only register up to 6 people.

 

 

You can not drive to the Lab and will have to take a shuttle. You will find all the information on the FAQ. Click here for the program.

Things To Do
San Francisco