Here are this month’s top family activities around the Bay Area.
1
“Tiny Chef, Big Impact”
THROUGH SPRING. Tiny Chef, a stop-motion animation internet sensation, comes to the Academy of Sciences with a new planetarium show, exhibit and activations that put a comic spin on sustainability and protecting the environment. Included with admission of $49-55 adults, $45-49 ages 13-18, $39-45 ages 3-12, 2 and under FREE.
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco
“Traditions of the Winter Sky”
THROUGH FEB. 27. Learn Ohlone traditions for the sun, moon, planets and stars, and search the sky for what the Ohlone people and people of southern Africa call the sky’s backbone in this planetarium show. 11am and 3pm. $5 plus admission of $25, under 2 FREE.
Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
2
First Friday Nights
Every first Fri. night of the month, kids and parents can dance to hits and enjoy animal presentations and science activities. 5-8pm. $27.95 adults, $23.95 children, 17 months and under FREE.
CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo
Garden of D’Lights
THROUGH JAN. 11 (Fri.-Sun.). See the garden and plant collection transform into a dazzling waterwise wonderland illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, sculptures and lasers. 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30pm. $29 adults, $16 ages 5-17.
Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek
“Into the Woods”
THROUGH JAN. 17. Explore the darker side of happily ever after in this timeless tale in which beloved storybook characters collide,revealing that even the most familiar stories hold unexpected twists and profound lessons. $35 and up. 8pm.
San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post St., San Francisco
3
“Dog Man: The Musical”
ALSO JAN. 4. Based on the bestselling book series by Dav Pilkey, this musical follows the adventures of a hero with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman. 11am and 4pm Sat., 11am Sun. $25-68.
Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th St., Oakland
Family Astronomy
Discover the “new worlds of exoplanets” at Chabot’s Family Astronomy series with a presentation in the planetarium followed by hands-on activities and telescope viewings, plus complimentary hot cocoa and snacks. 6-8pm. $25 adults, $15 youth.
Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland
4
BayLUG Holiday Show
ALSO JAN. 10. Join the Bay Area LEGO Users Group for its annual display of LEGO creations, holiday trains and more. This year’s theme is “great American road trip.” 11am-3:30pm. $4 cash only, under 3 FREE.
Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
First Sundays at OMCA
Enjoy free general admission and discounted admission to special exhibits. Reserve timed tickets online. 11am-5pm. FREE.
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland
10
El Dia de los Tres Reyes Magos
Celebrate the Feast of the Three Kings, honoring the Epiphany and observed in many Spanish-speaking countries. The day is traditionally celebrated with family, food, gift-giving and a Rosca de Reyes (sweet bread or King’s Cake). 9:30am-4:30pm. Included with price of admission: $18, under 1 FREE.
Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
11
Second Sundays for Families
Visit SFMOMA’s Koret Education Center for free art making, books, blocks and more. Adult admission required to enter the museum but kids 18 and under are always FREE.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, 151 Third St., San Francisco
17
“The Addams Family”
THROUGH FEB. 1. Tri-Valley Theatre Company presents this zany musical about what happens when Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, falls for a normal boy. 7pm Sat., 1pm Sun. $45, $25 student.
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
Big Basin Redwoods Plant Walk
Learn about the native plants of Big Basin State Park on a gentle two-hour, 3-mile walk on a family-friendly trail. Register online. 10:45am. FREE; $10 parking fee.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, temporary visitor center, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek
18
Harlem Globetrotters
See the world-famous basketball team on its 100 Year Tour for gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks. (Also Jan. 15 in Santa Cruz and Jan. 17 in San Jose.) 3pm. $53 and up.
Chase Center, 300 16th St., San Francisco
23
Jurassic Quest
THROUGH JAN. 25. Dig for fossils, meet adorable baby dinos, ride life-sized giants and let creativity soar in LEGO-themed play zones. 12, 3 and 5pm. $25.85 and up.
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose
24
“Little Women: The Broadway Musical”
THROUGH FEB. 14. South Bay Musical Theatre presents a timeless story of sisterhood, ambition and love in this musical adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. 8pm. $38 and up adults, $30 children.
13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga
Weekend Farm Tour
Get up close with cows, pigs, chickens, goats and sheep, and learn what it takes to care for these farm animals. Spend time in the organic garden exploring the plants. 10am and 1pm. $18.
Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills
25
Marine Science Sunday
Learn the stories of marine mammals and efforts to ensure their health during interactive presentations featuring multimedia, pictures, video and more every second and fourth Sun. 10:30am, 12:30 and 2:30pm. FREE, reserve tickets in advance.
The Marine Mammal Center, 2000 Bunker Road, Fort Cronkhite, Sausalito
27
“The Wiz”
THROUGH FEB. 1. Ease on down the road with the new Broadway tour of this Tony-winning musical, a twist on “The Wizard of Oz” featuring a score packed with soul, gospel and funk. Family night on Jan. 28 will include free pre-show activities for children from 6-7:15pm. Recommended for ages 8 and up. $63.75 and up.
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
29
Oakland Museum White Elephant Sale
THROUGH FEB. 21 (select dates). Support the Oakland Museum by shopping at this popular rummage sale, with something for everyone in a warehouse as big as two football fields. 10am-2pm. $7.
333 Lancaster St., Oakland
31
Science Saturdays
Join in fun and interactive science lessons followed by hands-on activities every Sat. FREE with admission of $10.
Santa Cruz Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Ave C-10, Capitola
