HackerMoms introduces their first HackerSprouts series called Toddler Tech. Aimed at kids age 2-5, this class is a mash-up of art & science designed to be fun for both kids and caregivers. Zetta Tech Science teaches making paper casts from recycled junk mail, adding to the Great Crayon-Smear Mosaic Tapestry, and participating in the Chalk-Art [...]
Ticket Alert (with giveaway!): Peter Pan Jr. at the Berkeley Playhouse
January 10, 2013 By 1 Comment
Closely matching the classic animated Disney version of Peter Pan, the Berkeley Playhouse production Peter Pan Jr will run January 19-21 and 25-27th. The show is a full-scale production with musical numbers such as “You Can Fly, You Can Fly, You Can Fly” and “It’s A Pirate’s Life For Me”. The program will last over [...]
Weekend Planner (January 12 + 13)
January 10, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The “artsy” in you need not starve: a family-friendly short film night at Sticky Art Lab on Friday. (Even meet the artists!) Take your baby out for a morning on the town: Rosa Parks School hosts a “Baby Bounce.” Book van available to check out books. Food trucks are still congregating on Saturdays in Alameda [...]
8 drop-in activities in the East Bay for $10 or less
January 7, 2013 By 2 Comments
I thought I’d pull together a short list of things you might do if you find yourself without an outing for the day.
Ticket Alert: Phineas and Ferb coming to Oakland’s Paramount Theater
December 20, 2012 By 4 Comments
Sunday, January 20th, two shows at the Paramount Theater in Oakland will bring popular Disney characters Phineas and Ferb to the stage in a live show for families. “Part action adventure, part rock concert,” read the marketing materials. Shows are at 2 pm and 5 pm. Kids under 2-years old do not need tickets. Discounted [...]
Weekend Planner (December 15 + 16)
December 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Visit a unique showcase of “creche” displays (nativity scenes) at The Cathedral of Christ the Light, happening all weekend. (Learn how to make your own on Saturday!) Burn off some holiday cookies at a festive 5k/10k run (and a free “kids dash”) that will have your feet jingling. Literally. Don’t forget your Santa hat! If [...]
Ticket Alert: Tales of Olympus
November 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Many of the shows in the Bay Area Children’s Theatre lineup are for the younger side. The show about Greek gods and goddesses is recommended for those age six and up. Let me get that out of the way to avoid a gaggle of frustrated toddlers and preschoolers eating goldfish crackers while their parents wish [...]
Reader tip: free open house at Oakland Museum of California
November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
This Sunday, Dec 2nd, the Oakland Museum of California is hosting an open house – free to the public from 12-4:00! You will be able to get a sneak peak at the new science wing slated to open in May 2013. Expect to catch an early preview of an animation station with an interactive exhibit [...]
See classic holiday movies on the big screen
November 23, 2012 By 2 Comments
For $5 per ticket you can see Miracle on 34th Street or Wizard of Oz with your kiddos on the big screen at the Paramount Theater in Oakland. Advance purchase recommended but probably not required. Dates are as follows: MIRACLE ON 34th STREET Friday, November 30 at 8PM THE WIZARD OF OZ Friday, December 28 [...]
Parents’ Guide to Oakland’s Jack London Square
November 19, 2012 By 5 Comments
I’m happy to introduce our newest contributor, Mandy, an Oakland mom to a busy toddler daughter that calls Jack London Square home. She was happy to share her favorite neighborhood spots and promises, “JLS is kid-friendly, and families live here too!” — thanks Mandy! Transportation The old Warehouse District is definitely an up and coming [...]
Ticket Alert: Mary Poppins the Musical
November 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Tickets are on sale now for Mary Poppins, the Broadway musical, in San Francisco. My mom took my children to this show in Los Angeles and they are still talking about it months later. At age 5, it was my daughter’s first performance of that length and scale. She loved it until the last ten [...]
Reader tip: Dance party class for 3YOs is starting at Luna
November 8, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The new Luna Dance Institute in West Berkeley (down the hill from Sketch toward the marina) is launching a new creative dance play class for three year olds. Class size limited to six families accepted on a first come-first served basis. Register with Erin at 510.883.1118 or elally@lunadanceinstitute.org, or online. For $68 for the series, [...]
4 ways to introduce Middle Eastern culture to your kids
November 6, 2012 By 2 Comments
Thanks to Stephanie Meade for this guest post. Stephanie is the founder and editor of InCultureParent.com. One of the things I love about the Bay Area is the wealth of opportunities to explore other cultures. With Day of the Dead just behind us and Diwali still to look forward to, there is always a fun [...]
New kid on the block: Stitch Sewing Lab
October 30, 2012 By 9 Comments
Stitch is everything you love about sewing with nothing that you don’t. I’m speaking to you as a wannabe crafter without much patience for figuring stuff out, cutting in a straight line, or follow-through. Be prepared, I’m going to gush about this adorable sewing room gone wild. It’s what my husband would call “a hacker [...]
Rookie Moms Challenge #41: Test drive some baby classes
October 18, 2012 By 1 Comment
Did you know that most baby and toddler music/movement classes will offer a free trial? They don’t usually shout it very loud once you and junior are clapping along in circle, but if you call ahead, you can often join a test class or negotiate a free preview. This is your 41st weekly challenge. Here [...]
Kickstart this: Hackermoms
October 16, 2012 By 1 Comment
If you are a crafty, makery kind of mama in the East Bay, you must check out the Hackermoms Kickstarter fundraiser as they try to raise money to build a workshop with tools and equipment, plus create a kids program and business incubator for moms inside it. I was blown away by Sho Sho’s story and [...]
Weekend Planner (October 13 + 14)
October 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
We’re sponsoring a face-painting table with Urban Sitter at Berkeley Open Streets and a kid craft room at the Mini Maker Faire — hope to see you at one or both! Indulge in the continued, heavenly weather by getting outdoors for a hike with other moms at Redwood Park. The Bites Off Broadway family-friendly food [...]
