Have fun with your family with these April events taking place around the Bay Area. For even more items, visit our online calendar.
April 1
“Light Play Studio”
THROUGH APRIL 19. This limited Exploratorium tinkering experience allows visitors to leave their mark with UV chalk and markers, turn familiar shadows into strange creatures and landscapes, create colorful portraits with long exposure photography and more. 10am-5pm Tue.-Sat., 12-5pm Sun. Included with admission: $29.95-39.95.
Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero and Green Street, San Francisco
Return of Friday Nights at OMCA
THROUGH OCT. Friday Nights at Oakland Museum of California are back. After a seasonal pause, this free family-friendly event returns every Fri. with live music, dance, Off the Grid food trucks and more. 5-9m. FREE.
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland
April 4
Ballet of Lights: “Sleeping Beauty”
This beloved tale is brought to life through a unique ballet performance with classical dance, stunning choreography and glow-in-the-dark costumes. 4pm and 6pm. Tickets start at $69.
Brava Theater Center, 2789 24th St., San Francisco
wecallitexperiences.com/ballet/#city-selector
Teddy Bear Clinic
Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffy and play doctor alongside Cabrillo College nurses in training. Teddy bear clinics help children feel more comfortable in medical environments by reducing fear and anxiety through fun role play. 11am-4pm. Museum admission is $10.
The Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Ave., Capitola
April 11
SFJAZZ Family Matinee: Alphabet Rockers
SFJAZZ’s family matinee this month will feature local Grammy award-winning hip-hop children’s music group Alphabet Rockers. The series is designed to introduce children and families to jazz through live performances and audience participation. 11am. $10-20.
Miner Auditorium, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco
“Bohème Out of the Box”
THROUGH APRIL 26. San Francisco Opera is taking opera into Bay Area communities for the fourth season of “Bohème Out of the Box.” The very first opera presented by San Francisco Opera 103 years ago, “La Bohème”will be performed in a one-hour version on a converted shipping-container stage with piano accompaniment. Families with children can participate in free workshops before all shows. Performances are April 11-12 in San Francisco, April 18 in Emeryville, April 19 in Oakland, April 22 in Woodside and April 25-26 in Concord. Check website for location details. 1:30pm family workshop, 2pm performance. FREE (registration recommended).
Crane Cove Park, 18th Street and Illinois Street, San Francisco
April 12
“The Wizard of Oz on Ice”
This reimagined production pays homage to the beloved original story while delivering a fresh nexperience. It features original compositions by renowned Disney music producers and performances by world-champion ice skaters. 3pm. $60-90.
Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore
livermorearts.org/events/the-wizard-of-oz-on-ice
April 18
Earth Day Santa Cruz Festival
Enjoy live music from SambaDá, face painting, a photo booth, flower crown making, hands-on Earth Day activities and eco-friendly vendors. Kids can join the Passport Program, collecting stamps at eight booths and trading a completed passport for a scoop of ice cream or a cookie. 11:30am-4pm. FREE.
Downtown Santa Cruz, Cooper Street, Pacific Avenue and Abbott Square Market
Lowe’s Kids Club
Mini builders can design and build a terrarium at Lowe’s Kids Club monthly event at locations in the Bay Area. Registration recommended. Check online for the Lowe’s in your area. 10am-1pm. FREE.
lowes.com/events/register/terrarium
April 19
Santana Row Earth Day Celebration
In partnership with Open Space Authority, Santana Row will have lawn games, crafts, face painting, nature-themed music and other family-friendly activities. 11am-3pm. FREE.
377 Santana Row, San Jose
April 21
“Hadestown”
THROUGH APRIL 26. This Tony Award and Grammy Award-winning musical Intertwines two mythic tales, that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. Recommended for ages 8 and up (no children under 5 admitted). $64.35-216.45.
Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco
April 24
Dance Theatre of Harlem
ALSO ON APRIL 25. This multi-ethnic company performs a repertoire that includes treasured classics and innovative contemporary works that celebrate Black culture and empowerment through the arts for all. 7:30pm. $83-133.
Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
“Frozen”
THROUGH APRIL 26. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this Palo Alto Players production includes all the film’s beloved songs, along with new music written for the stage. Recommended for ages 4 and up (no children under 3 admitted). 7:30pm Fri. and Sat., 2pm Sun. $45-70.
Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto
April 26
Earth Day Marin
This community event features informative booths, music, fun activities, art, games and more. 12-3pm. FREE (online registration required).
Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley
eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-marin-2026-tickets-1977326511825?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
April 29
“Les Misérables”
THROUGH MAY 3. The Tony Award-winning musical returns to Broadway San Jose with famous songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and more. Recommended for ages 12 and up; under 5 not admitted. $68-344.
Center for the Performing Arts, 255 Almaden Blvd., San Jose
April 30
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” With Live Orchestra
THROUGH MAY 2. Watch the third film in Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning trilogy with the score performed live by the San Francisco Symphony and Chorus. 7:30pm Thu. and Fri., 2pm Sat. Tickets start at $275.
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor of Bay Area Parent.
