This Week’s Bedbug

June 15th – June 21st

Every week we publish a list of things to do with kids in the Peninsula.  From the standard to the unusual, they’ll all get you out and about, instead of stuck at home picking Play-Doh out of the carpet.  Check back every week for a Friday to Friday list. Got something worth writing about – an event, an activity, a concert, a roller derby, a frog jumping contest, a tattoo exhibition, a good place for whale watching? Write me.

Toddler Tuesdays at Coyote Point

Coyote Point is already very kid focused, but on selected Tuesdays, Copyot Point puts together a special program just for toddlers.  “Toddler Tuesday is an interactive discovery program for toddlers and their caregivers. Exploration, experimentation and observation activities, along with live animal presentations and story time are exclusive to Toddler Tuesday participants. Each month has a different theme.”  The museum itself is great to explore with little kids who aren’t quite ready for the larger museums and zoos.  Coyote Point is also home to a fantastic park, so once you’re done at the museum, you might trundle over there to the park nearby filled with dragon play structures.  

Where: Coyote Point Museum, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, (650) 342-7755, directions here.
When: June 16th 10am.
Bring: Stroller, it’s not a huge museum, but there is some walking.  Snacks.  There is no food here except for a vending machine. $5 per child’s ticket.
Tips: Check out the Magic Mountain Playground nearby, a park based on a dragon and castle theme.  It’s at 1701 Coyote Point Dr.  It’s close but not quite walking distance.  Bring jackets, it can be very windy.

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Movies on the Square in Redwood City:  Mama Mia!

This summer be sure to check out the movies on the square events in the courthouse square in Redwood City.  This week it’s Mama Mia! the big screen version of the ABBA themed musical.  The younger kids might not be interested, but my seven year old knows ALL the songs by heart.  Yes, at an approximately 8:45pm showing (sundown), it’s a late night for some kids, but what the hell, school’s out.  If you can’t make this one, check out the whole schedule.  Don’t forget to bring munchies, blankets, jackets and folding chairs if you’ve got them.

Where: The Courthouse Square in Redwood City, 2200 Broadway Street, Redwood City
When: Thursday, June 18th, sundown – about 8:45pm.  Come early for best seating.
Bring: Blankets and pillows in case the kids want to snuggle up.  Snacks.
Tips: Be sure to put down the rest of the movie dates on your calendar.  For the younger kids, Kung Fu Panda is coming up on July 23rd.

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Berry Season Starts:  Webb Ranch in Portola Valley (3 weeks only!)

U-Pick berry season kicks off this weekend coming up at Webb Ranch in Portola Valley.  I did this last year with the kids and though it was a monstrously hot day, the kids still had fun berry picking.  Berry picking is just three weekends only, so don’t think you have all summer to take advantage of this local treat.  Before this, my kids thought that berries grew at Safeway.  Well, not really, but you get the idea.  Kids under 5 are free as are seniors.  Anyone in the middle is $5.   No reservation is needed and berries are pesticide and herbicide free.  On offer this year:  blackberries, loganberries, and raspberries.  Berries are $3 a pound.

Where: Webb Ranch in Portola Valley, 2687 Alpine Road, Portola Valley.  Directions here.
When: Friday – Sunday, June 19th-21st, 8:30 – 2:00pm
Bring: Hats and sunscreen.  There’s no shade here and out in the field it can get roasting.  Cash for berries and if you’re particular about their clothing staying clean – dress them in clothes that can get stained without you fretting.
Tips: Bring a camera and stop to take a few shots of the kids picking berries.

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Northern California Pirate Festival in Vallejo

I’ve never been to this festival, but it’s hard to believe something called the Northern California Pirate Festival could fail.  I mean, it has Pirate and Festival in the title.  It’s also free.  According to the website:  “Whether you love nautical music, swordfighting, sailing, cannon-battles, theater, maritime crafts, food and drink, or just shopping fer’ pirate booty…there’s something here for YOU!“  They also suggest coming in costume.  What, you have no pirate costume?  Liar.  Or rather, Liarrrr.

Where:  The Vallejo Waterfront, a few short steps west of the Vallejo Ferry Terminal.  Directions here.
When: Saturday and Sunday, June 20th and 21st.
Bring: Cash since pirates don’t take credit.  Sunscreen, hats in case it’s hot.  And your costume of course.

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Vertical Challenge at Hiller

Hiller is one of my favorite places to take kids – there’s pretty much something for every age and a pretty mean gift shop.  They run lots of special events throughout the year, my favorite being the model train exhibit which the kids go crazy for.  This weekend is the Vertical Challenge, “… a unique event that allows visitors to see first hand helicopter operations. The show is devoted to demonstrating to the public of how helicopters affect our daily lives from traffic and news reports to its unique life saving ability, to the National Defense of our Country. “  If that doesn’t get you going, keep this in mind – last year I watched a helicopter drop a Pontiac from the sky.  Like you don’t want to see that.

Where: Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, 601 Skyway Road.  Off the Holly Street exit from 101.  Directions here.
When: Saturday June 20th, 9am – 5pm
Bring: Binoculars and sunscreen. I got very burned last year.  It’s often windy at this airport so you don’t realize you’re getting burned.  Cash for food etc.  A stroller, there can be a lot of standing looking up at the sky and kids can only do this so long.
Tips: If you’re planning on bringing a camera, check out these tips for taking photos at an airshow; link provided by Hiller.

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Wild Brew Yonder at Hiller

This falls into the category of WGASF (worth getting a sitter for).  Friday the 19th, from 6-9pm at Hiller.  “Sample beer from the top microbreweries in the Bay Area while enjoying a BBQ dinner and watching the best helicopter performers in the world.  This is a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else.”   Between this and the Vertical Challenge, you could spend the weekend at Hiller and never get bored.

Where: Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, 601 Skyway Road.  Off the Holly Street exit from 101.  Directions here.
When: Friday June 19th, 6 – 9pm
Bring: Layers.  It can get quite breezy at the San Carlos Airport, dress accordingly.
Tips: Tickets often sell out for this event.  Buy early.

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Mark your calendar for…

1. The Silicon Valley Roller Girls Exhibition Bout: While the rest of the parents are taking their kids to dreary soccer matches, you can be toting yours to see a roller derby.  This one’s free, so why not.  I went to the Mayday Massacre bout in May and there were quite a few kids there.  Check calendar for more info.