There are so many fun options in the East Bay this weekend; oh, to be a kid again. Here are a few of my top picks:

• The Bay Area International Film Festival is this weekend. Tickets still available for shows though some of the workshops are sold out.
• Explore the many FREE and cheap wonders of Tilden Park.
• The Albany Preschool has built an igloo entirely from milk jugs. The public is welcome to ooh and ahh.
• Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a lion dance.
• Dollar Day at Golden Gate Fields means its a small investment with potentially big payoff.
• Join a bird count with your kid around Lake Merritt. Fun for those kids who won't run in the lake. And who can count.

Thinking of a day trip? What about the San Jose Discovery Museum? Bring a change of clothes for the water zone.

{Many more options on our calendar}

[photo from albany preschool's prior igloos via albany patch]