February is extra sweet for children. Let’s celebrate Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month to make the month super special. Some kiddos even get a mid-winter school break!
We appreciate OMCA, Oakland Museum of California for sponsoring our February list of great activities for families. OMCA is a museum, garden, and community gathering space in the heart of Oakland. It offers something for everyone in your family—little learners can unleash their curiosity in OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace and all ages will enjoy the community events, including Lunar New Year.
Save the Date for These Exciting Community Events
- Feb. 1: Lunar New Year x Black History Month Celebration
- Feb. 2: First Sundays at OMCA
- Feb. 7: Opening of Ancestral Visions: An Installation by Chelsea Ryoko Wong
- Feb. 8: OMCA Lunar New Year Celebration
- Feb. 9: SFMOMA Free Family Day
- Feb. 11: Tiny Tuesday: Be My Valentine at Lindsay Wildlife Experience
- Feb. 15: San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade
- Feb. 16: Go Girls, Go Bears, Go Play! at Cal & Gospel at the Museum
- Feb. 17: Tilden Steam Trains Running (Holiday Hours)
- Feb. 22: Lunar New Year Parade in Oakland
- Feb. 23: Black Joy Parade and Celebration
Check our kid-friendly events calendar for something special every day >
Reserve Tickets to Shows & Performances
This month is filled with family-friendly shows. James and the Giant Peach in SF, Disney on Ice in Oakland, or a magical bubble-filled performance by The Amazing Bubble Man. See our full list of upcoming shows and performances for families >
Celebrate the Lunar New Year
It’s the Year of the Snake and the Bay Area is filled with Lunar New Year events. We’re big fans of OMCA’s Lunar New Year Celebration, especially because kids are free! Reserve tickets in advance. If you can push back bedtime, I recommend traveling into the city to watch the nighttime Lunar New Year Parade in San Francisco. It’s filled with beautiful floats, drums, light displays and firecrackers. 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. Learn musical traditions with Kalimba King. Join free storytimes at local library branches. Watch the celebratory Black Joy Parade through downtown Oakland. Or head to Children’s Fairyland for special celebrations every weekend throughout February. 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 Friday 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 or visit an East Bay museum. 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 – Sing songs at Itty Bitty Storytime in Richmond
- Wednesdays – Visit wildlife at Sulfur Creek Nature Center in Hayward
- 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. 1-2: Bank of America Free Museum Days
- Feb. 4: Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and First Sunday at OMCA (nearly free!)
- Feb. 6: de Young Museum in San Francisco
- Feb. 6: BAMPFA in Berkeley & SFMOMA in San Francisco
- Feb. 8: Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco
- Feb. 9: SFMOMA in San Francisco
- Feb. 11: San Francisco Botanical Garden
This helpful guide to February activities was sponsored by OMCA, Oakland Museum of California. Children under 12 years of age always receive free admission to OMCA, and youth ages 13–17 receive reduced ticket pricing. OMCA is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 am–5 pm.
Find more activities on our East Bay Families Events Calendar every day of the month.Â
