By Crystal Tilton, President & CEO of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce

On Sunday, August 2, a major fire tore through a residential complex in Foster City. Dozens of households were displaced, including older adults and families with children. Early reports indicated that approximately 51 units were affected, along with an unknown number of vehicles.

If you have been wondering what you can do, this guide provides a roundup of community-organized efforts underway now. Details are changing quickly, so please review dates and instructions carefully before donating or volunteering.

If You Were Displaced - or Know Someone Who Was

Emergency assistance and Red Cross support

The American Red Cross is coordinating emergency assistance and connecting affected households with available resources. Because intake locations and schedules may change and are being shared directly with affected residents, please contact the Red Cross for current information rather than arriving at a location without confirmation.

Red Cross contact: 1-800-RED-CROSS

Needs Request Form

Displaced residents can use the Chamber’s Needs Request Form to list clothing, furniture, household goods, school supplies, and other items they need. Organizers will compare those requests with community offers and coordinate matches when possible.

https://forms.gle/oSifdDhHmU5nQdjE9

Free gift cards from Chez Xue

Chez Xue has announced gift-card support for affected households. Residents should review the restaurant’s instructions and eligibility requirements directly, as deadlines and verification requirements may apply.

chezxue.com/fireresponse

Free clothing and essentials through the Hillsdale Community Closet

The Hillsdale High School Community Closet is offering clothing and essential items to displaced residents of all ages, including adults and families. Availability may change based on donations and demand.

Ways to Help This Week

1. Offer items - but keep them with you for now

Community members have generously offered furniture, clothing, household goods, toys, and other essentials. To keep the effort organized and avoid unnecessary storage or duplicate donations, please follow this process:

• Complete the donation offer form and list only items you can hold until a match is confirmed.
• If you already submitted items through the Foster City Buy Nothing donation form, do not enter the same items again. The lists are being coordinated, and duplicate entries slow the matching process.
• Keep all offered items at home until a volunteer contacts you with pickup, drop-off, or delivery instructions.

https://forms.gle/NqVFbdmupTZCHaCt9

2. Volunteer with matching, collection, and distribution

Volunteers may be needed to compare resident requests with available donations, contact donors, organize items by household, and assist with collection and distribution. Specific times and locations will be shared as plans are confirmed.

To volunteer, contact the Foster City Chamber of Commerce at info@fostercitychamber.com and include your availability and the type of help you can provide. You can also follow the Facebook page for the latest updates.

3. Donate clothing and essentials to the Hillsdale Community Closet

The Hillsdale High School Community Closet is a student-led effort addressing resource insecurity. It is supporting both back-to-school needs and fire-relief needs. Before making a trip, check its current schedule and most-needed-items list, as information may change.

Location: Hillsdale High School, Alameda parking lot entrance off Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo

Updates: @hhs_community_closet on Instagram

Commonly requested items: New or gently used clothing in all sizes, toiletries, hygiene products, new socks, new underwear, and school supplies

4. Give financial support

A GoFundMe has been established to support residents displaced by the fire. The Chamber is committed to ensuring that 100% of the funds raised directly benefit affected residents.

The Chamber met with the American Red Cross to discuss distribution options. The Red Cross generously offered to accept the donation, but it could not dedicate 100% of the funds exclusively to residents displaced by this specific incident. Because the Chamber made a direct commitment to donors, it is working with experienced nonprofit partners, including Samaritan House and St. Vincent de Paul, to identify the best organization to verify needs and administer assistance fairly. If necessary, the Foster City Chamber Foundation will oversee distribution directly to verified residents.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-foster-city-families-after-fire

5. Restaurant and business owners: donate gift cards

Businesses interested in donating gift cards can contact the Foster City Chamber of Commerce. Gift cards will be coordinated for distribution to verified affected residents. Chez Xue has also offered meals to local firefighters working the Sea Spray fire response.

Please note: Information is changing rapidly as response and recovery efforts continue. Please confirm current details before traveling to a site, dropping off donations, or sharing location information publicly.

Foster City and San Mateo have shown up with extraordinary generosity. Whether you can give an afternoon, a bag of clothing, a gift card, or a financial contribution, your support can make a meaningful difference for a family rebuilding after this fire.

Have an update or correction? Please contact the Foster City Chamber of Commerce so this guide can be revised as information changes.

Summer is sizzling out and pretty soon it will be back-to-school for many of us. We will see that dreaded influx of traffic on the streets and around schools in the morning and afternoon. It's important we remain calm, slow down, and remain focused while driving around the town.

Here's a pop quiz to test your knowledge of traffic safety - back-to-school edition:

1) What is the speed limit around most schools in the City of San Mateo?

a) 10 mph

b) 15 mph

c) 20 mph

d) 25 mph

2) How many feet must you park AWAY from the approach side of a crosswalk?

a) Not in the red paint only. It's fair game otherwise.

b) Not in the red paint. 10 feet if there's no red paint.

c) Not in the red paint. 15 feet if there's no red paint.

d) Not in the red paint. 20 feet if there's no red paint.

3) You're on a typical two way street in San Mateo. When is it legal to pass a stopped school bus flashing with red lights?

a) After all the children have safely crossed the street.

b) If you slow down and yield to any pedestrians.

c) As long as you are driving in the opposite direction of the bus.

d) Only after the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted.

4) What is the penalty if you fail to stop for a stopped school bus with flashing red lights?

a) 3 points

b) $1000 fine

c) suspension of driver's license for a year

d) a day in jail

5) Which of the following is a recommended practice for parents during morning drop-off?

a) Double-park briefly to let the child out quickly.

b) Have children exit the vehicle on the curbside only.

c) U-turn in the middle of the block after drop-off.

d) Let children out in the middle of the street if traffic is stopped.

Answers and explanations:

1) It's a trick question. It's both b) 15 mph and d) 25 mph. Within 500 feet of schools, the speed limit is 15 mph. Within 500-1,000 feet, the speed limit is 25 mph. Source: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4715/Slow-for-Students

2) This is in regards to California's AB413 Daylighting Law that has been in effect since Jan 1, 2025. The answer is d) Not in the red paint. 20 feet, if there's no red paint. 20 feet is about the length of 1 large car. The kicker is that the crosswalk doesn't have to be painted. Source: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4844/AB-413---Daylighting-Law

3) The answer is d) Only after the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm is retracted. You always stop for a school bus with flashing red lights! You are exempt from stopping if you are the oncoming traffic side with a physically divided barrier or multi-lane highways (2+ lanes in each direction). Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/

4) The penalty is hefty! The answer is both b) $1000 and c) suspension of driver's license for a year. Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/

5) Even when you're crunched for time, b) Have children exit the vehicle on the curbside only. Our priority should be the safety of the children over making that work meeting on time. Give yourself an extra 5 or 10 minutes. Source: https://cottagegrove.smfcsd.net/for-parents/drop-off-pick-up

Whether you're driving, walking, or biking, have a safe back-to-school return!

For a rundown of all the latest kid-friendly events on the Peninsula, check out Klabbit.

Space Week Festival – Oakland, August 1, 2

Summer Camp Night at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, August 1-2

Sundown Cinema: Barbie (Free) – San Francisco, August 2

Free First Sundays at NUMU (Free) – Los Gatos, August 2

Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, August 2, 16

Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, August 2, 30

Bubble Show with Mike the Bubble Man (Free) – Sausalito, August 5

Bubble Bonanza – San Carlos, August 5, 30

Big Bubble Show (Free) – South San Francisco, August 6

California Discovery Trail Experience at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, August 6

Eddie Madril (Free) – San Francisco, August 7

Magic Show with Perry Yan (Free) – South San Francisco, August 7

First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, August 7

Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, August 7

San Jose Giants Fireworks Night – San Jose, August 7, 14, 28

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, August 8

Summer Sleepover at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 8

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, August 8

2nd Saturdays on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, August 8

Caterpillar Puppets (Free) – San Francisco, August 14

Port of Oakland Harbor Tours (Free) – Oakland, August 14

Outdoor Movie Night: Hoppers (Free) – Hayward, August 14

Sunset Cinema: Superman (Free) – Santa Clara, August 14

KidStock (Free) – Mountain View, August 15

Junior Zookeeper Experience – Walnut Creek, August 16

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, August 19-23

Truckloads of Fun (Free) – Mill Valley, August 21

Brick Blast: LEGO Fan Collection – Santa Clara, August 22

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, August 23

My Neighbor Totoro – Berkeley, August 23

Puppet Fair Weekend at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, August 29, 30

Weekend Farm Tour – Los Altos Hills, August 29, 30

Little Treasures: Play, Shop, Swap – San Jose, August 30

Marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Fourth of July this year is extra special, and communities across the Peninsula are pulling out all the stops with patriotic parades, family festivals, live music, and spectacular evening shows. Check out some of the family-friendly events happening up and down the Peninsula on July 4.

Half Moon Bay Ol’‑Fashioned Fourth of July Parade & Festival

South San Francisco America 250 Parade & Picnic

Millbrae July 4th Beats, Brews, and Vines Foster City Fourth of July Celebration & Dog Parade

San Mateo – 4th in the Park

Redwood City's 4th of July Parade, Festival, Concert, & Fireworks

An Old-Fashioned Fourth at the San Mateo County History Museum Menlo Park Fourth of July Community Parade, Picnic & Circus Palo Alto 4th of July Chili Cook Off and Summer Festival

Mountain View Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular

For even more events and details, see: https://www.rwcpulse.com/ae/2026/06/25/americas-250th-birthday-a-guide-to-fourth-of-july-events-on-the-peninsula-and-beyond/

For a rundown of all the latest kid-friendly events on the Peninsula, check out Klabbit.

Animal Meet & Greet (Free) – Fremont, July 2
First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, July 3
Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, July 3
San Jose Giants Fireworks Night – San Jose, July 3,4
Circus Bella Circus in the Park (Free) – Menlo Park, July 4
California Classic Fan Fest – San Francisco, July 5
Storytime with Anna at the Foster Museum (Free) – Palo Alto, July 5, 19
Circus Bella Circus in the Park (Free) – Oakland, July 9
Animal Meet & Greet (Free) – Fremont, July 9
Mariachi San Francisco (Free) – San Francisco, July 10
Port of Oakland Harbor Tours (Free) – Oakland, July 10
Family Movie Night: Zootopia 2 (Free) – Palo Alto, July 10
Sunset Cinema: A Minecraft Movie (Free) – Santa Clara, July 10
Movie Night: Zootopia 2 (Free) – Saratoga, July 10
Boardwalk Summer Luau – Santa Cruz, July 10, 17, 31
Newsies the Musical by CMTSJ – San Jose, July 10-19
Big Bubble Show (Free) – South San Francisco, July 11
Library Day at the New Farm (Free) – South San Francisco, July 11
Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, July 11
Second Saturday at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, July 11
2nd Saturdays on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, July 11
Summer Camp Night at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, July 11-12
Junior Zookeeper Experience – Walnut Creek, July 12
Into the Woods by Youth Stage – Berkeley, July 11-19
Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, July 11, 18. 25
Golden Gate International Choral Festival – San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, July 13-18
Animal Puppet Show (Free) – Fremont, July 15
Wheels on the Bus – Palo Alto, July 15 – August 2
Circus Bella Circus in the Park (Free) – San Francisco, July 17, 18, 19
Toishan Lions Dance Troupe (Free) – San Francisco, July 17
Blankets & Blockbusters: GOAT (Free) – San Francisco, July 17
Summer Outdoor Movie Night: How To Train Your Dragon (Free) – Union City, July 17
Field Day + Movie Night (Free) – South San Francisco, July 17
Daisy the Clown (Free) – Fremont, July 17
Family Movie Night: GOAT (Free) – Palo Alto, July 17
Apollo 11 Splashdown – Alameda, July 18
Teddy Bear Picnic Day – Oakland, July 18
The Rhythm Builders: Fun with Drums (Free) – South San Francisco, July 18
Play Like a Miner (Free) – San Jose, July 18
Star Party – San Jose, July 18
Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, July 18, 19
Circus Bella (Free) – San Francisco, July 19
Sunday Streets – San Francisco, July 19
Mariachi Festival – Newark, July 19
Shiny Side Up Bicycle Show – San Jose, July 19
Michael Nguyen Magic Show (Free) – Albany, July 21
The Sound of Music by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, July 21-26
Unique Derique (Free) – Sunnyvale, July 23
A Year with Frog and Toad by PYT – Mountain View, July 23-26
Rene y Familia (Free) – San Francisco, July 24
San Jose Giants Fireworks Night – San Jose, July 24
Movie Nights in the Park: Elemental – San Jose, July 24
Uncle Jer’s Traveling Bee Show (Free) – South San Francisco, July 25
Circus Bella Circus in the Park(Free) – Burlingame, July 25
Little Explorers Petting Zoo (Free) – Fremont, July 25
Circus Bella Circus in the Park (Free) – San Francisco, July 26
Kids Air Fair – San Carlos, July 29
Puppet Show from Wylding Wood (Free) – Sunnyvale, July 30
Unique Derique (Free) – San Francisco, July 31
Giants Slumber Party – San Francisco, July 31
Family Movie Night: Hoppers (Free) – Palo Alto, July 31

There’s something magical about watching a toddler proudly hold a strawberry they picked themselves or seeing a preschooler discover that cherries really do grow on trees. Fruit picking is one of the Bay Area’s best family outings—combining fresh air, hands-on learning, and delicious snacks all in one adventure.

Whether you have a baby along for the ride or an energetic preschooler eager to fill a basket, there are plenty of family-friendly u-pick farms within a short drive of the Peninsula.

Why Fruit Picking Is Perfect for Young Children

Fruit picking naturally slows families down and encourages curiosity. Children can:

• Learn where food comes from
• Practice fine motor skills by picking fruit
• Explore nature and insects
• Enjoy sensory experiences through sights, smells, and textures
• Burn off energy outdoors

Bay Area Fruit Picking Destinations for Families

Brentwood: The Bay Area's U-Pick Capital

If you're looking for the largest concentration of u-pick farms, Brentwood is the place to go. Located about an hour from much of the Peninsula, it offers dozens of farms and orchards with fruit available from spring through fall. Brentwood is especially known for cherries, peaches, nectarines, apricots, and strawberries.

Family favorites include:

• Very Mulberry, the only u-pick mulberry farm
• Nunn Better Farms for cherries
• Dwelley Family Farms for cherries and seasonal produce
• G&S Farms, which often offers tractor rides during cherry season
• Diablo Cherries, where low-pruned trees make it easier for younger children to reach fruit
• Creswell Family Farms for strawberry picking
• The Urban Edge Farm offers a wide range of fruit including cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, pluots, nectarines, citrus, pomegranates, persimmons, and more
• Farmers Daughter has specialized in stone fruit for almost 40 years and grows many different varieties

And many more!

Coastside: Farms Just Across the Hills

Hop over on 92, then make your way down Highway 1. The coastal location keeps temperatures comfortable even during summer. The drive is part of the fun, with ocean views and plenty of opportunities to stop at beaches along the way.

• Blue House Farm (San Gregorio): Certified organic strawberries, available weekends 12-5 pm; open May–October. Offers a farm stand and kid-friendly layout.
• R&R Fresh Herbs (Pescadero): U-pick raspberries, blackberries, and olallieberries daily 10 AM–6 PM, with baskets priced per pound or basket.
• Swanton Berry Farm (Davenport): California’s first certified organic strawberry farm. U-pick strawberries open weekends 9 am - 6 pm, plus great farm stand.

• Webb Ranch (Portola Valley): U-pick berries until July/August. Small entrance fee, ages 2 and under free, check website or call for available days.

What Fruit Is in Season?

Early Summer (May – June)

• Apricots
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Cherries
• Mulberries*
• Nectarines
• Plums
• Strawberries

*Mulberries: These sweet, blackberry-like fruits grow on trees rather than bushes and are often easy for young children to reach. The berries can stain hands and clothing, so dress accordingly. Because mulberries are delicate and don't ship well, u-pick farms are one of the few places where families can enjoy them fresh.

Summer (June – August)

• Apricots (until July)
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Boysenberries and Olallieberries
• Nectarines
• Peaches
• Plums
• Pluots
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Fall (August – October)

• Apples
• Blackberries
• Grapes
• Nectarines
• Pears
• Persimmons
• Plums
• Pomegranates
• Raspberries
• Strawberries

Harvest timing varies each year depending on weather, so always check farm websites or social media before heading out.

Tips for Visiting with Littles

Go Early

Morning visits are cooler, less crowded, and often offer the best fruit selection. Many farms open by 8 or 9 a.m.

Things to Bring

• Sun hats
• Closed-toe shoes that are washable/can get dirty
• Sunscreen
• Light layers
• Extra clothes for messy little pickers
• Wet wipes
• Snacks and water
• Picnic blanket
• Extra water for washing just-picked fruit, like mulberries
• Cooler or insulated bag to keep picked fruit fresh, especially for delicate fruit like raspberries and mulberries or if you're going to be out for a while
• Containers or baskets 

Consider Using a Baby Carrier or a Wagon

Many orchards have uneven terrain. A carrier is often easier than a stroller for babies and younger toddlers, while a wagon will be helpful for carrying your 

Set Realistic Expectations

Your two-year-old may eat more strawberries than they place in the basket. Your four-year-old may spend more time chasing butterflies than picking fruit. That's perfectly normal.

The goal is family fun, not maximizing your harvest. 

Make Reservations if Needed

Some farms require reservations, so plan ahead before going.

Fruit Picking Etiquette

U-pick farms are working farms, and a little courtesy helps preserve the experience for everyone. Teach children to:

• Stay with an adult
• Pick gently
• Avoid climbing trees
• Respect farm rules
• Only sample fruit if permitted

Make It a Full-Day Adventure

You can combine fruit picking with:

• A picnic lunch
• A nearby playground stop
• Ice cream on the way home
• Baking together with the harvested fruit

Final Thoughts

Fruit picking offers something increasingly rare: a chance for children to slow down, connect with nature, and experience where their food comes from. Whether you're picking strawberries by the coast, gathering cherries in Brentwood, or searching for apples in the fall, these simple outings can become some of the most memorable family traditions.

So grab a sun hat, pack a few wipes, and head to the orchard. The sweetest memories may be the ones your kids pick themselves.

Summer is all about sunshine, splashing, and family fun, but if you have young children, water safety is a top priority. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in young children, and it can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water. The good news is that with the right precautions, water play can be both safe and enjoyable.

Water Safety Tips

Here are essential tips to help keep your little ones safe around pools, beaches, splash pads, and other water areas this summer:

1. Never Leave a Child Unattended Around Water

This is rule number one for a reason. Always maintain touch supervision—stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times. Even if they’re wearing floatation devices or are just playing on the steps, accidents can happen in seconds.

2. Install Barriers and Alarms

Pools should be completely enclosed with a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet high and has a self-latching gate. Pool alarms and door alarms that alert you when someone enters the area can provide an added layer of safety.

3. Avoid Distractions

It’s easy to get distracted by phones, conversations, or other children, but when your little one is near water, your full attention is the most important safety tool you have.

At parties or gatherings, consider assigning a "Water Watcher": a responsible adult whose only job is to supervise children in and around the water.

4. Skip the Floaties; Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets

Inflatable arm floaties or rings can give a false sense of security and aren’t reliable safety devices. If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, use a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

5. Teach Water Familiarity, Not Just Swimming Lessons

While formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, they are not a substitute for supervision. For young children, focus on water comfort and basic safety skills like floating, kicking, putting their face in the water, and safely entering and exiting the pool.

6. Empty Small Pools and Buckets When Not in Use

Even a few inches of water in a kiddie pool, bucket, or bathtub can pose a drowning risk. (And a breeding ground for mosquitoes!) Always drain and store small water containers when they’re not being actively supervised.

7. Learn CPR

In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be life-saving. Many local organizations and hospitals offer quick, affordable courses for parents and caregivers.

Peninsula Locations to Splash and Cool Off

Looking for ways to beat the heat while keeping safety in mind? Here are some family-friendly Peninsula destinations where young children can enjoy water play.

Parks and Outdoor Water Play

Parkside Aquatic Park (San Mateo)
This hidden gem features a sandy swimming lagoon with a roped-off swim area, a small playground, and beach-like surroundings. Parents should note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so close supervision is essential.

Coyote Point Recreation Area (San Mateo)
A longtime favorite for Peninsula families, Coyote Point combines the famous Magic Mountain Playground with shoreline access, picnic areas, and plenty of space to explore. It’s a great place for supervised water play and a full day outdoors.

Stafford Park (Redwood City)
Stafford Park features a large snail-shaped spray feature that is popular with toddlers and preschoolers. The park also offers separate play areas for toddlers and older children, plenty of open space, and shady areas.

Magical Bridge Playground in Red Morton Park (Redwood City)
This award-winning inclusive play space is designed for children of all ages and abilities. Young children especially love the sensory water-play features, interactive music installations, slides, swings, and imaginative play areas. 

Note: Ryder Park has been a popular splash-pad destination, featuring ground-level water sprays next to a playground and picnic area. However the splash pad is currently closed for filtration upgrades. The park is still a great destination for its playground and shoreline setting.

Public Pools with Kiddie or Shallow Pools

San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center (San Bruno)
One of the Peninsula's premier aquatic facilities, featuring family recreation swim opportunities and water-play amenities designed with children in mind.

Burlingame Aquatic Club (Burlingame)
A modern aquatic center offering recreation swim times and shallow-water areas suitable for younger swimmers building confidence in the water.

Burgess Pool (Menlo Park)
A favorite among local families, Burgess Pool offers family swim sessions and shallow-water areas, along with easy access to a playground and park, making it ideal for a summer outing.

Belle Haven Pool (Menlo Park)
This community pool provides a welcoming environment for children who are learning water skills and becoming comfortable in the pool.

Rinconada Pool (Palo Alto)
Recently renovated and family-friendly, Rinconada Pool offers recreation swim opportunities in their fantastic kids’ play pool, and is surrounded by a park and playgound.

Before You Go

Pool schedules, recreation swim hours, admission policies, and seasonal water features can change throughout the summer. Be sure to check each facility's website before visiting.

Final Thoughts
Water play is one of the joys of childhood, but it comes with serious responsibility. Whether you're spending the afternoon in a backyard kiddie pool, visiting a local aquatic center, or exploring one of the Peninsula's waterfront parks, active supervision is the key to keeping children safe. With the right safety measures in place, your family can enjoy a summer full of splashes, smiles, and peace of mind.

Stay safe, cool, and have a great summer!

For a rundown of all the latest kid-friendly events on the Peninsula, check out Klabbit.

Back to the Future by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, June 2-7

Free First Friday at the San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, June 5

Family Fun Day (Free) – Los Altos, June 6

Proud of My Family – San Jose, June 6

Mosaic Festival (Free) – San Jose, June 6

Ranch Day – Morgan Hill, June 7

Solano County Fair – Vallejo, June 11-14, 2026

BubbleFest – Oakland, June 13

Fiesta Cultural Street Fair (Free) – Walnut Creek, June 13

Native Plant and Pollinator Day (Free) – San Jose, June 13

2nd Saturdays on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, June 13

Family Day at SFMOMA (Free) – San Francisco, June 14

Viva Calle (Free) – San Jose, June 14

San Mateo County Fair – San Mateo, June 5-14

Juneteenth Freedom Day – Newark, June 18

Juneteenth Celebration – San Jose, June 19

Alameda County Fair – Pleasanton, June 19 – July 12

Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest – Alameda, June 20

Family Nature Adventures – Oakland, June 20

Vegetable Gardening for Kids – Palo Alto, June 20

North Beach Festival – San Francisco, June 20 & 21

Juneteenth Festival – Berkeley, June 21

Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, June 21

The Sound of Music by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, June 21-26

Pinocchio by CMTSJ – San Jose, June 24-28

Starlight Movies In The Park : The Aristocats (Free) – Alameda, June 26

Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, June 28

Sundays at Hagemann Ranch (Free) – Livermore, June 28

There’s something quietly magical about gardening with young children. It’s messy, unpredictable, occasionally chaotic—and completely worth it.

If you have a toddler or preschooler (ages 1–5), gardening won’t look like neat rows and carefully labeled beds. It will look like digging in the wrong place, overwatering, picking unripe tomatoes, and asking “why?” about everything. But that’s exactly the point.

Gardening becomes less about perfection and more about curiosity, connection, and small daily rituals that stick.

Why Garden with Young Kids?

At this age, children learn best by doing—and gardening is about as hands-on as it gets.

Digging, watering, and harvesting help build motor skills, patience, and focus, while also encouraging curiosity about how the natural world works. (Early Advantage Child Care)

It’s also a powerful way to:

• Encourage healthy eating (kids are far more likely to try what they grow)

• Build responsibility and confidence

• Spend meaningful time outdoors together

And perhaps most importantly: it slows everyone down.

What Gardening Looks Like with Ages 1–5

Let’s be honest—your role is part gardener, part supervisor, part narrator of what’s happening.

Here’s what tends to work:

1. Start small (smaller than you think)

A few pots, a raised bed, or even a single planter is enough. Young kids thrive with manageable, repeatable tasks.

You can also try a Kitchen Scrap Garden to keep materials simple.

2. Give them ownership

Let them pick one plant. Let them water it. Let them call it theirs. Kids are more engaged when they feel like co-creators, not assistants. (Tilth Alliance)

3. Choose sensory plants

Think:

Gardens that engage smell, touch, and taste hold their attention longer.

4. Expect (and allow) mess

Dirt will end up everywhere. Plants may get uprooted. Seeds may be dumped in one spot. That’s not failure—that’s learning.

5. Focus on quick wins

Young children don’t have a long timeline. Fast-growing plants keep them engaged and help them understand cause and effect.

6. Build it into your routine

Even 10 minutes—watering in the morning, checking for growth after daycare—creates consistency without pressure.

What to Plant in May (for San Mateo, Zone 10a)

May in coastal California is a transition month. The soil is warming, and it’s time to shift from cool-season crops to heat-loving plants. (The Tiny Life)

Here’s what works especially well right now—and what’s kid-friendly.

Easy, Kid-Friendly Edibles

Great for attention spans + easy harvesting:

These thrive when planted in late spring as temperatures rise. (The Tiny Life)

Heat-Loving Summer Crops

May is the time to plant crops that can handle warmer weather:

These plants are well-suited to the increasing heat typical of Zone 10 summers. (BloomingExpert)

Herbs (Perfect for Small Spaces + Kids)

Herbs are some of the best plants for young children:

They grow quickly, can be touched and smelled often, and are forgiving of imperfect care.

Flowers for Fun (and Pollinators)

Add color and excitement with:

Many of these tolerate heat well and grow quickly from seed. (NurturingPlants)

A Simple May Gardening Plan (with Kids)

If you’re starting from scratch, here’s an easy way to begin:

Week 1:
Set up a small bed or 3–5 containers. Let your child help fill with soil.

Week 2:
Plant:

Ongoing:

Final Thoughts: Let Go of Perfect

Your garden may not look like a magazine spread this year.

But your child might:

And that’s a different kind of success.

One that grows slowly – but lasts.

Reposted with minor edits from an SMPC blog post from April 28, 2025.