Travel is more fun with kids

Boo at the Bay Area Zoos

 If you have children up to 9 years old, they will certainly enjoy the event Boo at the Zoos.  It is a special day when you can bring your little ones to the zoo and celebrate Halloween at the same time.

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.

Boo at the San Francisco Zoo 
Saturday October 30^th and Sunday 31^th. from 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 30^th and Sunday 31^th. from 10 am to 3 pm
Free with zoo entrance

This year’s festivities include a spooky scavenger hunt, Boo Choo-Choo train rides, and a cute costume parade. Children wear your Halloween costumes and receive a free rides ticket (excludes the Skyride). You will have fun trick-or-treating close to the animals and participate in the costume parade.

Boo at the Zoo is from 10:00am – 3:00pm, with the costume parade beginning at noon.

 

Copyright Oakland Zoo

Boo at the Sacramento Zoo

Saturday October 30^th and Sunday 31^th. from 4:30 pm to 8 pm 
Free with zoo entrance

 Kids can safely trick-or-treat around the lake at 17 different candy stations! Other activities include magic shows, costume dance party, ghoulish crafts, and lots of family fun! Visit the KVIE Kids booth and meet "Buddy" from Dinosaur Train. You can also ride the Spooky Train or Creepy Carousel for an additional fee. 

PLEASE NOTE: only the front half of the zoo will be open during Boo at the Zoo

Buy your tickets in advance, they sell out every year:
General tickets are $9, Sac Zoo members pay $5 and children under 2 are free.
Buy tickets online! or In person: 9 am to 4 pm daily at the Zoo
By phone: (916) 808-5888

 

Haunt at the Happy Hollow Park 
Sunday October 31
Free with zoo entrance

Trick-or-Treat inside the Park & Zoo and the History Park
Stations will be set-up throughout the Park & Zoo and at the houses in the History Park, providing a fun, safe and family friendly experience for all.
Admission includes trick-or-treating at Happy Hollow and the History Park, trolley car rides, games & crafts, puppet shows, play areas, and the Zoo!
Trick-or-Treating hours:
History Park 12:00 pm– 3:00 pm
Happy Hollow 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Costume Parade in Happy Hollow at 3:00 pm.
For more information, call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 408-794-6400.

Tips & Tricks for a successful visit without tears

- 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).

Related posts:

Halloween events happening inNorthern California, Southern California, Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts,  andPennsylvania.

Pumpkin Patches around the Bay
Halloween Events Around the Bay 
Joan’s Farm review
Petaluna Pumpkin Patch and its big maze review 
Getting scared at Wolcott's Haunted Graveyard in Santa Rosa 

Things To Do
San Francisco

Pumpkin Patch Review: Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and its amazing maze

Last Sunday, we went to the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. Their main attraction is a 4 acres maze so we definitely wanted to give it a try. We went with friends, a family of 4 with us with two children aged 12 and 6.

We started right away by the maze ($5 a person, under 6 are free) and armed with a postcard with the map of the maze ($1 the postcard), we headed inside. The kids were very enthusiastic and off they ran, without checking the map. We ended up lost with 4 whining kids. At that point, I was considered getting lost in the maze all alone. Wilhelm, my husband took the map, showed the kids how find out where we were (I asked a couple that seemed to know what they were doing... faster), he helped them get orientated, and check out for directions at each intersection. The kids finally took ownership and led us to the exit!

Keep in mind that you are very likely to stay 45 minutes in the maze trying to figure out your way out so bring food and drinks, you do not want to find yourself stuck with hungry and thirsty children.

Here we are happy again at the exit!

   

On site, you have food, drinks, a small petting area, a small maze for under 6 where the kids need to find the chickens (for real!). and inflatables. For the inflatables, the fee is 2 dollars for 5 minutes and the young kids had a blast. One would think that the two tweenagers would be bored to death but they ended up begging us to go in. After much refusal, we let them go and they had a blast. I will save them the embarrassment of a photo but let’s say that inflatables never get old!

          

They have pumpkins for sale. We did not buy ours there since we were planning on doing another pumpkin patch but they had a nice selection and an open field where you could pick your perfect one.

What we liked

- The maze is amazing. Buy the map, it will save you some headaches and whining. The  maze is well worth coming to that patch, it feels like an adventure. Let the kids some freedom in finding the path but do not hesitate to step up and guide so it does not end up being a bad experience.
- Our kids really enjoyed the other attractions and we thought it was well priced
- Covered snack area

What we did not like so much
- lots of open space between the  maze and the attractions/food that made it lack a little bit of soul.

What you need to know

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch
http://www.petalumapumpkinpatch.com
550 Stony Point Road, Petaluma – Google Maps
Free Parking – ATM on site
Open Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday and Saturday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Night Maze operates only on Friday and Saturday, the maze is not lit at night.

Related posts

Halloween events happening inNorthern California, Southern California, Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts,  and Pennsylvania.

Pumpkin Patches Around the Bay
Halloween Events Around the Bay 
Joan’s Farm review
Getting scared at Wolcott's Haunted Graveyard in Santa Rosa  
Boo at the zoos  

 

Things To Do
San Francisco

Pumpkin Patches in the San Francisco Bay Area

There are so many pumpkin patches to go to! It is hard to make a selection. Our family favorite with small children is Joan’s Farm in Livermore. You can read my review here.

Happy Pumpkin Picking!

 

PETALUMA

Adobe Pumpkin Farm, Petaluma 
Their 30-acre pumpkin farm features pumpkins, flowers, and vegetables, as well as a haunted Manor for 8+ , a haunted barn for 8 and under, and 6 acres of a corn maze where kids can play and enjoy the outdoors.

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze
They have the usual things you will find at a pumpkin patch + a night maze. The  maze is 4 acres so make sure your buy the postcard with the map printed on it or you will be in there for a long time! Read my review here.

SANTA ROSA
Muelrath Ranch
This is a very family friendly pumpkin farm with an underground dungeon and a small hay maze that you need to explore in the dark. You can ask for a flashlight for the little ones. These attractions are free. You can also send pumpkin flying for a dollar each.
Every Friday night from 5 pm to 9 pm in October (not on Oct 22nd), you can enjoy hot cider, drinks, hot dogs, and roast marshamallows on the fire as well as go on a hay ride. $10 per person. Call 707.585.2195 to book your spot.

SAN FRANCISCO
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch
Pick your pumpkin in the City. You will find pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn are in abundance. Come see the ghosts in their trees, the scarecrows in their patch, and crawl through their hay maze.

OAKLAND
Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch
They have been selling pumpkins at this location for 10 years! You will find over a dozen varieties of pumpkins and a haunted house.

CASTRO VALLEY
Moore’s Pumpkin Patch
This is ideal for little ones, children can enjoy carnival rides, slides, and carry their pumpkins with the help of red wagons.

FREMONT
Ardenwood Historic Farm
It’s harvest time on the farm! Bring your family and join your friends for some down home country fun. Harvest the Indian corn and popcorn. Take home a share of their colorful corn for your holiday table. Enjoy magic shows, cider pressing, old-time music and crafts. Visit the blacksmith, ride the train and tour the beautifully restored Patterson House. Please bring your own bags to take home your harvest.
FEE: $8 adults, $6 seniors (62+ yrs.), $5 children (4-17 yrs.), children 3 years and under are free.
Halloween Train
A slightly frightful train ride for families with children 12 years & under.
7-9:30pm on Friday & Saturday, October16, 22, 23, 29 & 30
7-9pm on Sunday, October 17 & 24.
Tickets: $6/adults, $4/children (3-12 yrs.)
Info & Group Reservations: (866) 417-7277

LIVERMORE
Joan’s Farm
Come choose your pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks, straw bales, squash, nuts, and more. Features a gift shop, gold panning, an Old West town, teepees, covered wagon, fort maze, school house, mercantile shoppe, animals, and more!

 

WATSONVILLE
Crystal Bay Farm
There are so many cool activities to do in this farm! Every Friday in October till October 29th, enjoy movies at the patch. You need to arrive by sunset to pick your seat. You can also have sleepovers at the patch on Friday Nights ($20 per person). On October 23rd, you can enjoy the 3rd annual art on the farm. On October 29th, you can even enjoy dinner on the farm ($40 per person)

MORGAN HILL
Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Patch, Morgan Hill
Families love to ride the two trains, shop in acres of gorgeous pumpkins, and visit the giant 4000-pumpkin pyramid. Take a tour on Pumpkin Pete’s Enchanted Hayride, enjoy a pony ride, and more!

HALF MOON BAY
Arata’s Pumpkin Patch
Arata's Pumpkin Patch is the oldest working pumpkin farm in San Mateo County. Pumpkins have been a way of life at the Arata Farm since 1932. They also feature a Scare Zone, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and a 2 acres maze, and lots more!

Have Fun Picking Your Pumpkin!

 

Related posts

Halloween events happening inNorthern California, Southern California, Florida, North Carolina, Massachusetts,  andPennsylvania.

Halloween Events Around the Bay
Joan’s Farm review
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch Review
Getting scared at Wolcott's Haunted Graveyard in Santa Rosa 
Boo at the zoos 

Things To Do
San Francisco

Time to get ready for the Renaissance Fair!

We visited the Renaissance Fair in Hollister last year and loved it (you can read all about it here). We are going back again this year and are trying out a theme day: Pirates! My children are very enthusiastic about going back and Thais is polishing her pirate outfit. They also can’t wait to see the Manly Men in Tights (not to be missed!)

The fair will open on September 18th and will close on October 17th.

On that opening week-end only, you buy one ticket and you get the second one for free. There is definitely no excuse not to go! Print the coupon to take advantage of the offer.

Also, this year, children under the age of 12 receive free entry.

They have Celtic Rock Concert every Saturday evening and themed week-ends

September 18-19: two-for-one week-end (buy one ticket get one free with coupon)
September 25-26: pirate invasion week-end
October 2 and 3: Bacchanal – Masquerade
October 9-10: Celtic week-end
October 16-17: Oktoberfest

What you need to know

Website: www.norcalrenfaire.com
Open Weekends Only - Sept 18th through October 17th from 10:00 am - 6:00pm

Adult Tickets are $25.00. You can get $5.00 off general admission (use the code "renaissance" when ordering online). Valid through thru Sept 16th

Children 6-12 are free
Week-end pass is $35
General Parking is $5.00

Location: Casa de Fruta - 10031 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, CA

Thais showing her toy corgi to the Queen

Related posts:
Nor Cal Renaissance Faire: you are not in California anymore

Things To Do
San Francisco

Family activities for Thanksgiving week-end in the San Francisco Bay Area

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy spending time with your family and friends.

Thursday will not be a good day to explore with all the cooking ahead and with everything closing early or closed.

Here are some tips to enjoy your Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the San Francisco Bay Area.

- Enjoy the beaches and parks. Spend some time outside and enjoy Nature.
Check the list of the California State Parks and the National Parks. My favorites: Muir Woods, Point Lobos, and Yosemite. If you going to Yosemite, read FriscoKids review on enjoying Yosemite in Winter with children.

- Attend a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony:
Friday November 27
Santa Rosa downtown at 6:00 pm
San Francisco Macy's Annual Tree Lighting at Union Square, 6:00pm
San Francisco Ghirardelli Square Christmas Tree, 5:30 pm
San Rafael Parade of Light and Winter wonderland all day event
Steinbeck Plaza Cannery Row in Monterey at 6:00 pm
Yountville Festival of Lights from 2 to 6 pm with the lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm

Saturday November 28
Jelly Belly Factory tree lighting ceremony from  5:30 to 8 pm,Fairfield

- Go to a museum, most of them will be open. Enjoy the Maurice Sendak Exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum. Read my review  here.

- See the Bubble Man make bubbles at the Marsh Theater in San Francisco. That’s a show that the whole family will enjoy.

- Find a fun event to do.I have made a special list of fun Holiday Events on Trekaroo.

If you are in San Francisco for the Thanksgiving Holiday, do not forget:

Till December 27th, 2009 - Holiday Carpool Parking 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Eight centrally-located garages are participating in the Holiday Carpool Parking program. Receive one hour free parking with three occupants per vehicle; receive two hours free parking with four or more occupants per vehicle. Employees at each garage will validate qualified carpool participants. The Civic Center garage, 355 McAllister St., is participating in the program on Saturday and Sunday only; other seven garages participating seven days a week include Ellis-O’Farrell, 123 O’Farrell St.; Fifth and Mission, 833 Mission St.; Sutter-Stockton, 444 Stockton St.; Union Square, 333 Post St.; Lombard Street, 2055 Lombard St.; Mission-Bartlett, 3255 21^st St./90 Bartlett St.; Vallejo Street, 766 Vallejo St. For information and maps, visit www.sfmta.com.

Till January 3rd, 2010 - Macy’s Holiday Windows Featuring SPCA Adoptable Pets
The windows of Macy’s on Union Square, Stockton and O’Farrell streets, will be unveiled at 5 p.m. Macy’s and the San Francisco SPCA continue their partnership on the famous holiday windows featuring animals hoping to spend the holiday season in a new home. Olivia and I will be volunteering our time for the SF SPCA Foster Program selling calendars at the Macy’s Holiday Windows.

Till January 4th, 2010 -Snow Village Display
Collector Len Connacher will showcase his Snow Village display of more than 3,000 handcrafted ceramic pieces in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. For information visit http://www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com.

Deck the Holidays
The Westin St. Francis will be transformed into a festive oasis, embellished with more than $40,000 in spectacular holiday decorations created by Joe Vincent Designs. For information visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

Sugar Castle
San Francisco’s largest Sugar Castle, created by Executive Pastry Chef, Jean-Francois Houdré, will be unveiled in the historic Main Lobby, Westin St. Francis. The 100 percent edible castle weighs more than 1,200 lbs. and features more than 20 grand circular towers, approximately 30 rooms, illuminated windows, and is surrounded by a quaint village and a running train. For information visit www.westinstfrancis.com.

Related posts:
List of holiday events in the Bay Area (on Trekaroo).

Egyptian exhibitions in San Francisco and the Bay Area

I still remember studying the Egyptian History in 6th grade in France and it started a life long love of the Egyptian culture. Egyptian artifacts and treasures can be found worldwide: the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum in London, the Scribe  and the Obelisk at the Concord Square in Paris, the Temple of Debod in Madrid, Spain etc. We are lucky to have some of them in the Bay Area. If you have a 6th grader who is studying Ancient Egypt History, it is even more important to visit one of these museums or exhibitions now. But whatever the age of your children is, I bet you they will be interested in that civilization..

So here is my list of Egyptian exhibitions/museums to see in the Bay Area:

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose
Tutankhamun and the golden age of the Pharaohs in San Francisco
Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine in San Francisco
The Lost Cities of North Africa in San Francisco
Cantor Museum in Stanford
Virtual Egyptian Museum

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, San Jose

This museum houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in the Western United States: 4000 pieces. You will see artifacts and learn about the burial practices, the mummies, the religion and the Gods, the kings and Pharaohs as well as the daily life of the Egyptians. They have a replica of King Tut's tumb that is really interesting and every artifact is clearly labeled and explained.

They offer MP3 audio tour so make sure that you download your tour before going to the museum. Download the entire audio tour here.

I visited it with my oldest daughters and two of her friends. We had a nice time but it is a far cry from the British Museum. If you have never visited a major Egyptian museum before, you will have a great time. Otherwise, it will be a nice stroll though times.

Tutankhamun and the golden age of the Pharaohs, de Young Museum, San Francisco
Till March 28, 2010

  
Coffinette for the viscera Mirror Case

You will see more than 100 artifacts from his tomb as well as artifacts that belonged to his family and ancestors. I loved seeing the King Tut exhibition when I was in London last year and I am thrilled that the exhibition is now in San Francisco. I will visit it with my oldest daughter’s core class on November 19th. Talk about an exciting nice field trip!

Know before you go:

- It is a great exhibition but you will not learn from it. You have to go there with your knowledge and admire. If you go with children, make sure that they know what to expect, that you know a minimum about Egypt and Tutankhamun to be able to answer their questions. You can borrow books from the library or rent DVDs that will help you get a better knowledge of Tutankhamun. You can also check the website of the Exhibition, it is full of information.

- The Gold Mask and the Mummy are not part of the exhibition, they are in Egypt and do not travel.

Gold Mask as it was found

- Do NOT take the audio tour, I did in London and I was disappointed. It was not informative at all.

- It is a timed entry exhibition, buy your tickets in advance. In my case, in London, I just showed up and got tickets right away, it was July but the exhibition had been going for a while so the rush was gone. But you can never know.

- My tips to get reduced price tickets: deYoung membership will give you access to a reduced price, Friday evening reservations and Borders cards holders. Click here for details. Costco sells some tickets in their stores. If you buy your tickets at www.ticketmaster.com/kingtut and are a Borders Rewards Member, you will save 20% with code TUTBB. IF you are not a member, you can still save 10% with the code TUTBOOKS.

- Be prepared for a shock at the gift shop, in London, they had everything made out with King Tut face on it: very tacky.

The photos are courtesy of the King Tut Exhibition organizers

Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine, California Legion of Honor, San Francisco
Till  August 15, 2010

From their website: It explores the modern scientific examination of mummies providing new insights into the conditions under which the Egyptians lived, bringing us closer to understanding who they were. The exhibition is a homecoming celebration marking the return of Irethorrou, the Fine Arts Museums’ mummy who has been on loan since 1944. CT-scans done by scientists at Stanford Medical School shed light on Irethorrou’s physical attributes and cause of death. The scans provide depth and scientific background to the exhibition and contribute to a three-dimensional “fly through” of the mummy and a forensic reconstruction of his head. The exhibition also includes a variety of ancient artifacts that date from approximately 664–525 B.C., the Late Period from the 26th Saite Dynasty.

‘Mysteries of Egypt’ Show at the Chabot Space and Science Center Planetarium, Oakland
From November 25th to January 4th

During 40 minutes, you will be able to admire the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and descend in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Click here for the showing times.
Thanks Citineraries for the tip!

The Lost Cities of North Africa, SF State University Museum
From November 2, 2009 to December 8, 2010
The Museum of Ancient Civilizations room 510 of the Humanities Building on Tapia Drive, cross-street Font Boulevard
Open Monday-Friday, 11am-4pm
Closed for Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving week.
Free Admission

The exhibition is organized by the SF State University Museum Studies Program and it will take you on a tour through ancient Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.
The exhibition features Roman pottery from Tunisia, and ceramic Roman lamps on loan from the California Academy of Sciences, black-and-white photographs from the 1930s, and selected objects from their Sutro Egyptian Collection including the mummies! 

They organize field trips for grades 3 to 8 and you can call them to arrange a field trip or tour at (415) 405-0599.

Cantor Museum, Stanford University

This is the little museum that could. I love it! It is perfect for families, it is small, full of interesting pieces, a nice gallery dedicated to the Stanford family and a fabulous collection of Rodin sculptures both indoor and outdoor. And it is free!

They have a small area dedicated to Egypt with a mummy that used to scare my daughters to death!

It is open Wednesday through Sunday, including Easter, July 4th, and New Year's Day,
It virtual Egyptian Museums closed Monday, Tuesday, Thanksgiving Day, December 23, 24, and 25

Virtual Egyptian Museum

The title says it all, it is a virtual museum created by the California Institute of World Archeology located in Santa Barbara, CA. It presents the Senusret Collection, a collection that can not be shown to the public in a building because of budget problems. You get to admire beautiful pieces from the comfort of your home and bored children can be as noisy and annoying as they want!

Related posts

Tips for a drama-free visit to any museum with your children
San Francisco: free days at the San Francisco museums in November

Things To Do
San Francisco

10 places to celebrate Halloween in the Bay Area

This year, Halloween falls on a Saturday so the whole family can spend the whole day in costume. Do not know where to go? Check out these events, they all happen on Halloween Day! I have classified them from ‘not so spooky’ to ‘kind of spooky’ to ‘definitely spooky!’

1 – Your local downtown area
Stroll down the main street of the city you leave. Stores are often nicely decorated and have treats for children who enter their store. It is a nice way to bond with your community and visit new stores! They usually start giving out candy around 3-4 pm so that’s pretty ideal for little ones.

2 - Not to Spooky Halloween at Habitot – Berkeley 
Join in costume for their scary science and frightful fun. They’ll explore the scientific and cultural phenomena behind Halloween, Dia de los Muertos, and a host of creeping, crawling and flapping creatures.
They will have  a haunted Victorian house on wheels and a Cemetery of Dead Science, as well as other friendly spooky creatures. Local artist Irma Ortiz will shape exquisite skulls from molten sugar and children will be able to decorate a sugar skull of their own.

3 - Munchkin Masquerade Parade at the Jelly Belly Factory – Fairfield
10 am – 12 pm
Join Mr. Jelly Belly and Kelly the Clown for a fun parade through the Jelly Belly Candy Factory! Parade starts promptly at 10:00am. Live entertainment and free face painting.

4 - Gardens Halloween Costume Walk – San Francisco
Children’s Garden, Rooftop, Yerba Buena Gardens, Fourth and Howard Streets
Noon–2 p.m.
Hosted by the Unique Derique and featuring live music, children under 10 and their families are invited to parade around in Halloween finery. The Costume Walk also features performances and interactive games for kids. 
 

5 - Family Halloween Fest a the Randall Museum – San Francisco 
10 AM - 2 PM
Come all dressed up and enjoy a day of family-friendly, non-scary, low-sugar, inexpensive Halloween fun! Don't miss Ghoulish Games, Live entertainment, Pumpkin Carving, Costume parade and enjoy delicious food from the Creepy Cafe

Admission is free ($3 donation for those who are able to afford it).
Activities: 50 cents.

6 - Wicked Celebration at the ZEUM – San Francisco 
With special appearances by Patty Duke and WICKED Cast Members 
Come dressed as Emerald City Citizens (Wear All Green!) for a special costume contest at 11am the Zeum Carousel. Come in your snazziest, most Oz-some garb for a chance to win FREE tickets with a peek at the real Emerald City costumes before the show!

7 - Sinister Science Saturday at the Chabot Space Center – Oakland
11am - 5pm
FREE with General Admission except for missions*
Drink some spooky punch and participate in hands-on activities. Enjoy guest appearances by costumed friends. Discovery lab activities for tots with costumes , spooky read-alongs and much more. Plus, fly a simulated space flight and experience some spooky space encounters in our Challenger Learning Center.

*Advanced registration required for Missions (1pm & 3pm)
$10 Guests / $5 Members
Call to register: (510) 336-7373

8- Coyote Point Slither and Squeak Halloween – San Mateo
10 am-3 pm
Discover the secrets of animals who slither, squeak, creep and crawl. Take a closer look at live animals as well as skeletons and skins. Pick out a pumpkin for your family and experiment with pumpkin science. Find out what other science tricks and treats the museum has up its sleeves and join them for a fun-filled family event.

9 -Monster Bash - Alameda
USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda
7:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
All ages are welcomed aboard this National Historic Landmark, the USS Hornet. Aptly nicknamed “The Gray Ghost,” the ship is the setting for a thrilling evening of dancing and haunted happenings. Elvira’s “Fright Simulator” will give party goers a good jolt. The family friendly event will feature live dance music from the ‘60s to the present by The Cocktail Monkeys, prizes for best costumes, a children’s area and haunted tours. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children up to age 17; $25 at the gangplank. Proceeds benefit preservation of the historic aircraft carrier. For information visit  or call 510-521-8448, ext. 282.

10 – Haunted Fox Hollow – Sunnyvale
Yukon Dr. between Cheyenne Dr. and Alberta Ave., Sunnyvale
Oct. 30-31, 2009, 6 pm-7:15 pm semi-scary; 7:30 pm-10 pm scarier
enjoy a two yard walk through haunt organized by a family. THey have been doing it for 5 years and it has been growing and growing… It is free but donations are welcomed and given to the local charities.

If you did not find something that you like, check out www.hauntedbay.com for more listings.

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 24^th and Sunday October 25^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.
Free wit zoo entrance

Boo at the Oakland Zoo

Saturday October 24^th ,Sunday October 25^th and Saturday, October 31st.

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

Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October, 31^st

4:30 pm to 8 pm
General Tickets: $9
Sac Zoo Members: $5

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.

Other activities include magic shows, kid's haunted house, food, music, spooky train, creepy carousel and lots of family fun!

Halloween Zoo Night at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo
Friday Octocter 30^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.

Joan’s Farm: fun and budget friendly pumpkin patch

We went to Joan’s Farm pumpkin patch farm in Livermore last Sunday. We always go pumpkin picking with the same family (who has a 11 years old boy and a 5 years old daughter) and we try a new patch every year. This year, we picked Joan’s Farm in Livermore for one main reason: they seemed very budget friendly. But would the kids have fun?

What we liked

• Lots of  free things to do: little farm museum, far west cabins all over the field to make you discover how people lived long ago, petting zoo, fort maze, riding on ‘fake’ animals, small slides, etc

• Paid activities were not expensive: 3 dollars for the corn maze, hay rides, or the little train. The pumpkins were not expensive either, we paid 8 dollars for ours, and it was not on the small side. They have some pony riding but I have to say that I did not check the price.
  
  

• Very safe environment: kids were roaming around and enjoying themselves.
• Separate area with smaller pumpkins for smaller children, it was very enjoyable for the children to hang out there.

• Snack bar, picnic area: no complains
• Tons of photos opportunities!
  

What we did not like so much

The tweenagers were expecting a haunted house and there was none.You can not have everything. I know my oldest daughter really enjoyed her day at the pumpkin patch, even without a haunted house. Of course, she did not want to have her photo taken with a pumpkin but well, I did anyway!

I would recommend going with toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary school children. Older children may find it a little bit childish.Nonetheless, it is a great budget friendly pumpkin patch where your children will have lots of fun!

Pumpkin Patch Information
Joan’s Farm
www.joansfarm.com
4351 Mines Road, Livermore, CA 94550
(925) 447-0794, (925) 449-6048, or (925) 980-7772

Pumpkin Patch is Open till  October 31 • Daily 9 – 6
Cash preferred
No dogs allowed

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Pumpkin Patches in the Bay Area

Every year, we enjoy going to a pumpkin patch and pick our own pumpkin. We made it a family tradition and we have been going with the same family for the last 9 years. We try a new pumpkin patch every year and we always have lots of fun. Feel free to check Haunted Bay if you do not find one that you like in my list.
Do not forget to check the ‘pumpkin patch at the pool’ at the end of that post.

Happy Pumpkin Picking!

San Francisco
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch
Pick your pumpkin in the City. You will find pumpkins of all sizes and shapes, gourds, corn stalks, and Indian corn are in abundance. Come see the ghosts in their trees, the scarecrows in their patch, and crawl through their hay maze.

East Bay

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch, Oakland
www.fpe.cc
They have been selling pumpkins at this location for 10 years! You will find over a dozen varieties of pumpkins and a haunted house.

Joan’s Farm, Livermore
Come choose your pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, corn stalks, straw bales, squash, nuts, and more. Features a gift shop, gold panning, an Old West town, teepees, covered wagon, fort maze, school house, mercantile shoppe, animals, and more!

Peninsula

Uesugi Farms Pumpkin Patch, Morgan Hill
Families love to ride the two trains, shop in acres of gorgeous pumpkins, and visit the giant 4000-pumpkin pyramid. Take a tour on Pumpkin Pete’s Enchanted Hayride, enjoy a pony ride, and more!

Arata’s Pumpkin Patch, Half Moon Bay
Arata's Pumpkin Patch is the oldest working pumpkin farm in San Mateo County. Pumpkins have been a way of life at the Arata Farm since 1932. They also feature a Scare Zone, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and maze, and lots more!

North Bay

Adobe Pumpkin Farm, Petaluma
www.adobepumpkinfarm.com
Enjoy a day at the farm picking pumpkin under the sun.

Adobe Pumpkin Farm, Petaluma
Their 30-acre pumpkin farm features pumpkins, flowers, and vegetables, as well as a haunted house and 6 acres of a corn maze where kids can play and enjoy the outdoors.

Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze
They have the usual things you will find at a pumpkin patch + a night maze.

For the swimmers or whoever wants to fish their pumpkin:

October 23, 2009 – 5 pm to 6:30 pm
Brentwood Aquatic Pumpkin Patch
195 Griffith Ln., Brentwood
Admission Fee is $15.48 dollars per person.
The Brentwood Family Aquatic Complex organizes an Aquatic Pumpkin Patch. The pumpkins will be ‘floating’ in 18 to 30 inches of water in an heated pool. After you get your pumpkin,  you can spend some time carving it up, and enjoy a variety of arts, crafts, music, and some exciting holiday games. It is open to children 3 and up.

October 23, 2009, 7 pm-8:30 pm
Floating Kid’s Pumpkin Patch
Hayward Plunge, 24176 Mission Blvd., Hayward
Admission is $5 per person

Join the Hayward Plunge staff for a kids day at an underwater pumpkin patch. Each participant will receive a receive a pumpkin. Limited to first 50 participants on day of event. For ages 7-14 years

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Harvest Festivals in the Bay Area