This post of November’s best activities for families is sponsored by Chabot Space & Science Center, one of our favorite museums to visit for STEM learning and hands-on activities. Purchase tickets to see the new Astrolight exhibit. Plan ahead for family-friendly events like First Friday: Nocturnal and Family Starlight Workshop.Â
What starts off with a candy hangover and ends up on Santa’s lap? Yes, November is here and it is bursting with family fun! Day by day…hooray, it is November!
Plan Ahead & Reserve Your Spot For:
- November and Thanksgiving Day Camps. Winter and Christmas Break Camps.
- Holiday magic like at Garden of D’Lights, ice skating time slots, or Glowfari.
- Parents’ night out so you can have a date night or do some holiday shopping.
- Matilda the Musical, A Year with Frog and Toad, Peppa Pig’s Adventure, and other shows.
- Holiday ballets and shows like The Nutcracker or Peter and The Wolf.

Week of Tuesday, November 1
11/1 Feliz DÃa de los Muertos. Get outside with Hikes for Tykes.
11/2 Cut out an elaborate design at a Papel Picado craft workshop.
11/3 You’ll never find all the gnomes in Oakland, but it is fun to try.
11/4 Spend First Friday at Chabot Space & Science Center to learn about nocturnal creatures.
11/5 March in the lantern parade at the Bay Area Kinderstube Lanternfest.
11/6 Bump, set, spike! Watch the Cal Women’s volleyball team play.

Week of Monday, November 7
11/7 Sketch, paint and make at MOCHA art workshops in the library.
11/8 It’s Election Day. Treat the family to pizza takeout after you cast your vote.
11/9 Keep your toddler entertained with all kinds of toys at Opal Staniek Tot Park.
11/10 Wander through the magical Blake Garden in Kensington.
11/11 It’s Veterans Day. Thank a veteran during your visit to USS Hornet.
11/12 Celebrate STEM at Tinker Faire. Register to join EBI’s Spanish Storytime.
11/13 Wander through the International Space Station in Richmond, CA.

Week of Monday, November 14
11/14 Visit the Japanese Tea Garden for a free hour; the fall colors should be amazing.
11/15 Reserve a space at Lindsay Wildlife Experiences’s Tiny Tuesday. It’s perfect for tots!
11/16 Hop, stomp, or scoot at Berkeley’s Together Wee Play Drop-In.
11/17 Ramble down the nature trail then listen to a story in Richmond. See more storytimes >
11/18 Visit the new Astrolight exhibit at Chabot to learn about the mysteries of light.
11/19 Glide around the Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Skating Rink (thru Jan 8)
11/20 Find joy on a carousel ride. There are so many choices in the East Bay.

Week of Monday, November 22
11/21 Register the family for a turkey trot.
11/22 Have a ball at the Pacific Pinball Museum.
11/23 Try one of 50 ideas for no school day. Tour a chocolate factory.
11/24 Happy Thanksgiving! Feed the ducks at Fernandez Park before your meal.
11/25 Take a mini road trip to Fremont and enjoy the Niles Festival of Lights Parade.
11/26 Â Attend a family workshop at Chabot all about the stars and then stay for complimentary viewing.
11/27 See gigantic paper lanterns at Oakland Zoo Glowfari (thru Jan. 29).

Week of Monday, November 28
11/28 Jump into tot public swim at Hayward Plunge.
11/29 Take a trip to Heather Farms Park—it’s next-level fun.
11/30 Make a mud pie at the children’s garden at SF Botanical Garden. Enter by 9 am for free admission.

We appreciate Chabot Space & Science Center for sponsoring our November list of great activities for families. Purchase tickets to see the new Astrolight exhibit. Plan ahead for family-friendly events like First Friday: Nocturnal and Family Starlight Workshop.