February is extra sweet for children. To make February both special and busy, let’s celebrate Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Black History Month, and the Super Bowl all in just 28 days. Plus, some kiddos even get a mid-winter school break!
We appreciate the Children’s Theatre Association of San Francisco for sponsoring our February list of great activities for families. On February weekends, families can enjoy a lively 50-minute performance of Once Upon a Mattress, filled with singing and dancing in this musical comedy retelling of The Princess and the Pea, set in a kingdom where no one can marry until Prince Dauntless finds a bride.
Save the Date for These Exciting Community Events
- Weekends Jan 24-Feb 28: See Princess & the Pea reimagined
- Feb. 7: Lunar New Year x Black History Month Celebration
- Feb 7-8: Lunar New Year Weekend at Fairyland
- Feb 8: Super Bowl in the Bay Area with local events all week!
- Feb. 10: Tiny Tuesday: Be My Valentine at Lindsay Wildlife
- Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day with a Princess
- Feb. 18: Tilden Tots
- Feb. 19: Together Wee Move with the Story-Time Band
- Feb. 21: OMCA Lunar New Year Celebration
- Feb. 22: Black Joy Parade and Celebration
- Feb. 28: Lunar New Year Parade in Oakland
Check our kid-friendly events calendar for something special every day >
Reserve Tickets to Shows & Performances
This month is filled with family-friendly shows. The Children’s Theatre Association of San Francisco presents the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress. For a Valentine’s Day treat, enjoy Music for Families: Music of the Heart in San Francisco. See our full list of upcoming shows and performances for families >
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
It’s the Year of the Fire Horse and the Bay Area is filled with Lunar New Year events. Be sure to reserve tickets in advance for events that tend to book quickly, including OMCA’s Lunar New Year Celebration, the Exploratorium’s Year of the Horse Spring Festival, and the Asian Art Museum’s Lunar New Year festivities. While festive and free Lunar New Year events on Fourth Street Berkeley and at Jack London Square require no advance planning. Find more family-friendly Lunar New Year happenings >
Join Black History Month Events
There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month–from shopping at Black-owned businesses to joining community events. Enjoy storytimes, dance performances, and music workshops that highlight Black voices and experiences. Watch the celebratory Black Joy Parade through downtown Oakland, or head to Children’s Fairyland to honor the history, culture, and living legacy of Black cowboys. Find more community events to recognize Black History Month >
Attend at a Cal Sporting Event
Wear your gold and blue to a Cal sporting event. These games and matches make for exciting and manageable outings for sport-loving families. Tickets are affordable, or even free, depending on the sport. (While on campus, take a ride to the top of the Campanile, too! ) Take advantage of living near a college town and cheer for the Golden Bears at an upcoming athletic event; read all about tips for attending Cal sports with kids >
Where to Have a Snow Day
Do you want to build a snowman? Or maybe go skiing? However you enjoy it, I think winter is a bit more magical when there’s some snow involved. We rounded up several places that aren’t too far from the East Bay for families in search of a snow day >
Be Mine! Valentine’s Day Happenings
Crafts, special outings, family together-time: We love Valentine’s Day. It falls on a Saturday this year, which means you can celebrate all weekend long. And it’s the perfect excuse to go on a parent-kid coffee & donuts date. How do you spend Valentine’s Day? See more Valentine’s Day activities for families >
Spots to Move and Play
Looking to spend time out and about, but want to add a little something more than just a trip to the park? Hike, bike or scooter at these outdoor destinations that also happen to have a playground on site or along the way. Hike around Lake Temescal in Oakland, then visit two playgrounds. Bike along the Ohlone Greenway, and make a pit-stop at Centennial park in El Cerrito. Scooter along the Bay Trail and play at Davenport Mini Park near Emeryville Marina or Adventure Playground near Berkeley Marina. More ideas for where to spend time outside with little kids >
Favorite Free & Cheap Happenings
Need some planning inspiration? We’ve got you covered! We gathered up our favorite free and inexpensive winter activities in the East Bay, highlighting a few of our favorites are listed below to serve as a go-to, weekday itinerary when you’re in a pinch. Find more free & cheap events this month >
- Mondays – Hike to see ladybugs in Oakland Hills
- Tuesdays –Visit wildlife at Sulfur Creek Nature Center in Hayward
- Wednesdays – Rockin’ Tots at Rockin’ Jump in Concord
- Thursdays – Search for colors at Blake Garden in Kensington
- Fridays – Craft something new with Mocha at the Library
- Saturdays – Count airplanes at San Leandro’s Marina Park
- Sundays – See fish eat a snack at Crab Cove Visitor Center
Plus, plan an outing to one of the world-class museums in the Bay Area; take advantage of free admission on certain days. Learn more about ways to get into museums for free >
- Feb. 1: Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and First Sunday at OMCA (nearly free!)
- Feb. 3: de Young Museum and Conservatory of Flowers in San Francisco
- Feb. 5: BAMPFA in Berkeley
- Feb. 7-8: Bank of America Free Museum Days
- Feb. 10: San Francisco Botanical Garden
- Feb. 14: Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco
- Every Saturday: de Young Museum in San Francisco
This helpful guide to February activities is sponsored by The Children’s Theatre Association of San Francisco. Be sure to catch Once Upon a Mattress, a musical comedy retelling of The Princess and the Pea. Families will delight in the singing and dancing and enjoy a playful mix of classic fairy-tale elements and hilarious twists.
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Find more activities on our East Bay Families Events Calendar every day of the month.Â
