31 things to do with kids in December

So much fun all December long — find Santa, play in the snow, listen to stories, see lights, get crafty, head to the drive-in, take in a show, phew! We know the holidays can get expensive, so we tried to highlight some extra FREE events this month. For even more free and hecka cheap events for families, see this other list over here!

Weekend of December 1

12/1 Welcome December at MonkeyPalooza, a free toy store party with music & magic
12/2 Drink warm apple cider after playing in the SNOW in N. Berkeley

Week of Monday December 3

12/3 Mommy & Me Chanukah includes crafts, music, snacks, and shmoozing
12/4 Build a sleigh LEGO monthly mini model build (RSVP required)
12/5  Pack a lunch and plan to explore (for FREE) UC Botanical Gardens
12/6  Stroll around Montclair, watch tap dancing trees or ride the trolley
12/7 Tip Top Tots Sing-and-Dance Along for ages 2-7
12/8  Meet your friends for a Muppet Christmas Carol in Alameda
12/9 Visit with Santa then dance for Hanukkah

Week of Monday December 10

12/10  Enjoy the Rockin' Kids Singalong in Albany
12/11  Run through the lit up circle of holiday lights after dark
12/12  Baby & Me Playtime for ages 0 to 5 in Oakland
12/13 Head to Orinda for a FREE showing of A Christmas Story
12/14 Visit ZooLights, twinkling fun for all ages
12/15 Ride the Christmas Carousel in Tilden, mail a letter to Santa too
12/16 Start the day at Baby Rave dance party and end it at Pajama Play

Week of Monday December 17

12/17 Zone out while someone reads stories to your baby
12/18 Get fit with Stroller Strides – you AND baby
12/19 Come and make a snow globe at the Oakland library
12/20 Visit Fairyland for a special holiday Winterland
12/21 Make art together at BAMPFA Family Art Lab
12/22 Stop by the uWish Winter Wonderland for a photo with Black Santa (I think it is free)
12/23 Take the kids out for a beer – really!

Christmas lights on the Gondola Oakland ZooLights — Holiday lights on the Gondola at Oakland ZooLights, bring a sweater and a glowstick!

Week of Monday December 24

12/24  Walk down Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda
12/25  Visit the SF Botanical Gardens or the Contemporary Jewish Museum
12/26 Get your sillies out at a trampoline park
12/27 Bring some celery to the greedy goats at Little Farm
12/28 For $5 each plus the price of cookies, you can each play all the board games at Victory Point Cafe
12/29  School's out – bring your bike and ball to play at Thousand Oaks park
12/30 Bundle up warm to see a kid-friendly movie at the drive-in