• Reading to children is crucial to their development for so many reasons.  It promotes a lifelong love of reading for one.  It helps your child build a robust vocabulary for another.  In fact, your child may start school at a disadvantage if they are not read to at home.  What you read is also important.  Choosing age-appropriate books that challenge your child based on their developmental stage will help them with pre-literacy skills, as well as develop other skills like fine-motor, communication, and thinking skills.  These latter skills are cultivated by your child learning to turn a page, repeating sounds, pointing to objects on a page, and following a narrative. 

  Here are some age-based tips for selecting books, along with specific titles to consider for growing your child’s library.

  0-3 months

  Aim for books with simple illustrations and patterns.  Black and while illustrations or big, high-contrast pictures do a great job of capturing newborns’ attentions, which makes sense given that their vision is still developing.

• Look! Look! by Peter Linenthal

• 3-6 months

  Babies this age are seeing more colors and starting to develop motor skills.  Now is the perfect time to introduce books with more interactive features, such as different textures or lift-able flaps, so that your child remains engaged and can work on fine-motor skills.

•    Usborne That’s not my … series (e.g., That’s not my unicorn)
•   Dear Zoo: A Lift-the-Flap Book by Rod Campbell

• 6-12 months

  Babies at this stage are starting to learn words, especially words for everyday objects that they encounter.  Try reading books that feature only one or a few items.  This allows your child to hear you name something frequently.  Point to the pictures to reinforce vocabulary.

•   First 100 Words by Roger Priddy
•  Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? by Karen Katz

• 12-18 months
  

• Silly stories are great at this stage: if you are reading a book about animals, pick one that involves making animal noises so that the two of you can make them together, while having lots of fun in the process!  Don’t forget to encourage your child to actively participate by asking them to point to or name objects.

• Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You? by Dr. Seuss
• Moo, Baa, La La La! By Sandra Boynton

     18-24 months

Now is a good time to introduce books that teach your toddler numbers, ABCs, colors, and shapes.  Of course, make sure the books are enjoyable to you, too.  At this stage, your toddler may start asking for the same book over and over again!

• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault

Need to find an activity for the kids on July 4?  Here are some ideas!

Half Moon Bay Ol' Fashioned 4th of July Parade & Block Party - HMB, July 4

4th of July All-City Picnic - Santa Clara, July 4

Woodside Junior Rodeo - Woodside, July 4

Chalk Full of Fun - Redwood City, July 3-4

ExtraOrdinary! at the Exploratorium - SF, July 2-31

Kinetic Creations at CuriOdyssey - San Mateo, July 1-31

Marin County Fair – San Rafael, July 3-7

Chelle and Friends Concert – San Francisco, July 5

First Friday at San Mateo County History Museum – Redwood City, July 5

Telescope Viewing – Oakland, July 5, 16, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27

Boardwalk Movies on the Beach - Santa Cruz, July 5,12, 19, 26

San Carlos Music in the Park - San Carlos, July 5,12, 19, 26

Happy Birds - San Carlos, July 6

Library Day at the New Farm – San Francisco, July 6

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales – Santa Rosa, July 6

SJMade Summer Fair - Santa Clara, Jlu 6,7

California Classic Fan Fest – San Francisco, July 6, 7

Starlight Cinema - San Jose, July 6, 20

Summer Sleepovers at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, July 6,27

Silly Sunday Funday Show with Bay Area Improv – San Francisco, July 7, 14, 21, 29

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 9, 10

Bubble Wonder – San Carlos, July 10, 21

Insect Discovery Lab – Oakland, July 10, 15, 17, 20, 24, 25

A Peter Rabbit Tale – Palo Alto, July 10-28

Circus Bella in Lincoln Square Park – Oakland, July 11

Finding Nemo Jr. – Mountain View, July 11-14

Ka-Hon Kids Show – San Francisco, July 12

Dinosaurs Before Dark – Pleasanton, July 12

Summer Movie in the Park - Orinda, July 12

Millbrae Goes to the Movies - Millbrae, July 12

Circus Center Youth Circus Performance – San Francisco, July 12-14

Storytime with Anna – Palo Alto, July 12, 15

Family Movie Night at Mitchell Park - Palo Alto, July 12, 19

Foster City Summer Concerts - Foster City, July 12,19,26

Movies in the Park - Berkeley, July 12,26

Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, July 13

Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, July 13

Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, July 13

Pop-Up Chemistry – Redwood City, July 13

Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, July 13

Prescott Circus – Oakland, July 13

Mean Girls – Berkeley, July 13-21

Fun on the Farm – San Ramon, July 13, 20, 27

Niles Canyon Train Riders – Sunol, July 13, 14, 20, 21

Circus Bella at Salesforce Park – San Francisco, July 14

Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, July 14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, July 14, 28

Kids Air Faire – San Carlos, July 17

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band – Walnut Creek, July 18

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, July 18

Finding Nemo Jr by PYT – Mountain View, July 18-21

Family Campout – Redwood City, July 19

Circus Bella in Hayes Valley – San Francisco, July 20

The Movie Music of John Williams with the SF Symphony - Palo Alto, July 20

Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, July 20

Apollo 11 Splashdown Anniversary – Alameda, July 20

Kidstock Concert – Mountain View, July 20

Family Campout – Cupertino, July 20

Wildmind Animal Discoveries – Redwood City, July 20

Wet and Wild Day – Palo Alto, July 20

Beauty and The Beast – Santa Rosa, July 20-21

Fiesta Alameda – Alameda, July 21

Sunday Streets – San Francisco, July 21

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, July 21

Kids Rock – Redwood City, July 21

High School Musical – Pleasanton, July 25

Santa Clara County Fair – San Jose, July 25 – August 4

SpongeBob the Musical – San Carlo, July 26-28

Summer Stride – San Francisco, July 27

Coventry & Kaluza Performance – Redwood City, July 27

Play Your Way – San Jose, July 27

Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, July 28

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, July 29

Freaky Friday – Berkeley, July 25-August 3

On Sunday, June 23^rd from 10 am to 12 pm, the San Mateo Parents Club is hosting a Sip + Shop event at Byrd’s Filling Station.  Thank you to Bryd’s for supporting the SMPC’s efforts to learn about how we can start minimizing plastic waste in a practical way, and for providing these helpful tips below.  Be sure to drop by the store on June 23 if you have questions or want to check out their products!

Ever wondered what legacy you’re leaving for your children? If a plastic-free world is part of that answer, then you’ve come to the right place. 

We are Byrd’s Filling Station, a pioneering zero waste shop and refill station located in the heart of San Mateo that was founded by a fellow San Mateo parent, Laura Porter! 

Laura started the store after realizing that “our whole world is packed in plastic and that’s causing a huge problem that won’t go away any time soon.” As she learned of the harmful effects of plastic waste in the environment, she decided to change her family’s consumption habits through the inspiration of the Plastic Free July movement. Throughout her journey, she realized how difficult it was to transition to a plastic-free and zero waste lifestyle. This gave her the inspiration to identify resources to support her goal of reducing plastics in her life.  When she found how difficult those resources were to find locally, she created the store. 

So we at Byrd’s Filling Station want to share tips for a more sustainable way of life.  It isn’t crucial that you clean up every piece of plastic immediately, and we can all make big changes through lots of little steps.  Here's how to start your plastic-free journey: 

Step 1: Use Up Existing Products

Don’t throw away your current plastics. Use them up first, then dispose of them responsibly. It can be tempting to immediately throw away any plastics you have in your home when you start your journey, but you don’t necessarily have to! 

Throwing everything away would not only be wasteful, but it would cost you money you’ve already spent. So use up what you already have, remember to switch to plastic-free alternatives when you run out, refill what containers you can reuse, and properly dispose of your plastics in the recycling. 

Step 2: Recon Mission

We understand the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis and recognize the pivotal role that businesses play in driving meaningful change. That's why we are dedicated to providing a convenient and accessible way for consumers and businesses, alike, to ditch plastics and embrace a healthier lifestyle. With our carefully curated selection of plastic-free alternatives and refillable options, we aim to empower individuals to make impactful choices for the planet without sacrificing convenience. 

We highly recommend taking a first trip to our store just to browse our selection and determine what items you want to invest in and what products you’d like to start refilling. Before you dive right into the world of zero waste, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with your options. A great place to start is by reviewing our website filled with eco-friendly products, tips, and guides!

Step 3: Start Small

Replace one product at a time instead of replacing everything all at once. Making changes to your lifestyle will take time and if you start all at once you might feel overwhelmed. We have lots of recommendations in our store, so if you don’t know where you want to start, come give us a visit and we are more than happy to give you some advice! Our friendly staff can answer just about any question you throw our way.

Step 4: Refill Existing Containers

If you already have a spice container, why buy a totally new one instead of refilling into the existing one? There are so many things you can refill if you choose to shop with us ranging from soaps, grains, nuts, pastas, face care, dairy, and oils.

Our shopping model is a revitalization in how consumers approach grocery shopping. Going back to the way “it used to be” of buying what you need when you need it in your own containers. By offering a wide range of bulk goods and encouraging the use of reusable containers, we have effectively provided a sustainable alternative to the traditional, packaging-heavy shopping experience.

Step 5: Have Patience With Yourself! 

It may seem impossible to completely avoid plastic, but taking the time and effort to start is what is truly admirable. Even the people who live zero waste now started somewhere, so start today! We will be here to support you through your zero waste journey :)

Customers like Jennifer Dirking have already experienced the benefits of this innovative shopping model: "Grocery shopping simplified! We are so lucky to live near a deluxe bulk store, Byrd’s Filling Station in San Mateo, California. We can get groceries without paying for plastic packaging—much better for our health and the planet’s. I can break up with plastic overnight!”

Step 6: Spread The Word! 

Habits are hard to change, but we feel more motivated to change when we are doing it together. Encourage your family and friends to join in on your sustainable journey and bring them to the Byrd’s Filling Station store to learn more! You can also involve your kids in the process by having them come and refill their favorite snacks. If you teach your kids sustainable habits now, it’ll make it easier for them in the future!

Customer excitement and positive reactions to the store have been overwhelming since our opening. Many shoppers have expressed delight at the store's welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and extensive selection of eco-friendly products. Community members have found themselves inspired by the store's commitment to sustainability and feel empowered to make positive changes in their own lives. Whether it's the joy of discovering a new plastic-free alternative or the satisfaction of knowing they're supporting a local, woman-owned business, patrons consistently rave about their experiences at Byrd's Filling Station.

We at Byrd's Filling Station are poised to expand the stores influence and continue to serve as a beacon for sustainable living. We invite YOU, the parental community, to join in our mission to eliminate waste and make sustainable shopping accessible to all. Whether you're a seasoned environmental advocate or someone exploring eco-conscious living for the first time, we invite you to join our community and discover the joy of shopping with purpose. 

For more information about Byrd's Filling Station and its initiatives, please visit https://byrdsfillingstation.com/. 

Thank you to Byrd's Filling Station for preparing this blog post!

Contact Information:

Byrd's Filling Station at 219 South San Mateo Dr., San Mateo CA 94401

Email: info@byrdsfillingstation.com 

Phone: (650) 242-1976

Website: https://byrdsfillingstation.com/

FB/IG/TT: byrdsfillingstation

Like so many families in the Bay Area today, my husband and I are not from here. I joined the San Mateo Parents Club when my first son was born in 2017, and my first play date with him was holding his wee body in my arms at Fiero Coffee the day my mom flew home after her time here for postpartum support. I ended up volunteering as his playgroup coordinator, joining the Board, and as some of you know, served as President for a couple years. The parents and kids from my son’s and daughters’ play groups are still a huge part of our lives today.

This same desire to build community is what helped our family choose a parent-participation preschool, otherwise known as a co-op. I’m not going to lie, when I first heard the enthusiasm parents had for their co-op preschools, I was a bit skeptical. It sounded like a lot of work, and with a plan to have at least two or three children in quick succession, I didn’t know if a school that required my presence one morning a week would be the right fit. 

Then I went to an Open House at San Mateo Parents Nursery School and another parent from the SMPC was there, an Occupational Therapist whose perspectives on play-based, early childhood experiences and freedom of movement and choice mirrored my own as a Speech-Language Pathologist. Hearing her gush about the evidence-base behind the preschool was a good start, but it was the sincere joy and friendships I saw between the teachers, parents, and kids that moved my husband and I the most. 

As we left the event, I asked my husband what he thought, and he told me that community building through our preschool felt like the right choice. Both moms AND dads were involved in the Board and co-oping, and the teachers had all been parents whose children had attended as well. It seemed like SMPNS was more than just a preschool; it felt like an institution that we would be lucky to be a part of.

In 2023 I became President of the Board of SMPNS. The 2023-2024 school year also marked SMPNS’s 75th anniversary, and I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support alumni families have for the school. I was fortunate to meet former directors, teachers, and parents whose children are now parents of children who attend with my children, and the legacy of love, equality, and inclusion they all describe is part of the DNA of the program. 

In case you missed the SMPC Play Date SMPNS had the pleasure of hosting at the beginning of May, I’d love to take a moment to share a few of the key principles that guide SMPNS and have made it such a truly special program for the past 75 years. 

• Children are Free to Be – Children explore their autonomy through play at SMPNS. They are able to move from activity to activity as they choose. This is a foundational tenant of the program because it allows a child to deep-dive when they are curious or engaged in an activity and also navigate entering and exiting activities with peers. Developing independence in the preschool years includes learning to self-soothe, learning to separate, learning to serve themselves food, learning to take care of their bowel and bladder needs, and SMPNS has structured its program around meeting children where they are with the goal of supporting them as they develop these skills.

• Minimal structure: There are three core activities during a preschool morning: snack, story time, and show and tell. The rest of the morning is devoted to curated activities set up by teachers and facilitated by parents who co-op. The large group activities are when children develop their classroom expectations for kindergarten and participate in question and answer moments that also support cognitive-communication. Not all children thrive in an unstructured program, and that’s why children are also welcome to tour the school to see if they find the environment joyful or overwhelming. 

• Child-centered themes: Some children come to SMPNS already passionate about topics and activities, whether it be in the realm of non-fiction (rockets, fire trucks, trains, dinosaurs, bugs, languages, gemstones) or fiction (princesses, storytelling, art, playing house), and teachers have many of these topics and play schemas available daily.

  

• Holistic learning: Early literacy and spatial awareness activities, (e.g. magnetic tiles, puzzles), are available every day, but you’ll never find a worksheet. Children conduct experiments with objects and practice reading and writing through open-ended activities, in the form of a love note home or with an activity that appeals to their creative expression, without an emphasis on accuracy. There are also ample opportunities for fine-motor and gross-motor development, music & movement, and sensory exploration every day, which allow children to develop self-regulation skills and seek out activities that fill their own unique buckets. 

• Social-emotional development: SMPNS focuses on conflict resolution and helping children learn to navigate problem solving with the goals of independence and empathy. Children are guided to respect each other and collaborate with peers. Parents often say this is not only one of the best things they learn that supports their children at home, but many parents receive feedback from their child’s elementary school teachers about how self-aware of their feelings and needs their children are, and they are impressed by their independent ability to advocate for themselves and be kind to others. 

• Learning from others: Children learn from each other during show and tell and during unstructured play. Parents learn from teachers as they watch the teachers support a child whether he is struggling or excited and during several Parent Ed events during the year. Teachers learn from teachers as they attend conferences, are inspired by recent publications and activities, or share their unique gifts – whether it is making up songs, leaning into thirty years of stories to tell, or facilitating silkworms every year. Parents learn from children when they put aside their own desire to direct play and learn how to watch children engage with each other and discover the unique needs of their own little ones in the context of a broader community.

• Fresh eyes of a child: Children are respected for their curiosity about the world around them. Teachers understand that they are often showing them something they may have never known existed. One of our afternoon teachers is an arachnid hobbyist, and she takes every opportunity she can at storytime and through hands-on activities to pique their curiosity, amazement, and wonder about nature. 

These same curriculum choices are not unique to SMPNS; in fact, most parent-participation co-op nursery schools are play-based and follow these general philosophies. There are several such preschools in our area with varying levels of participation requirements and scheduling options. If you are interested in partnering in your child’s early education and would love to learn more, I highly encourage you to explore this unique model by visiting as many programs as you can to find the one that fits your family’s needs. Several co-op schools attend the SMPC preschool fair in the fall, which is a great opportunity to feel out a school’s vibe and meet the leadership team. 

I appreciate you taking the time to allow me to share the magic of SMPNS. We look forward to many more decades of playing, growing, learning, and loving together in San Mateo. 

Rachel Kammeyer - San Mateo Parents Nursery School President

SMPNS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-run organization. We provide flexible scheduling options (a.m. only/all-day programs) and accept children who are 2.5-5 years old in a mixed-age setting. Plan to skip TK? We’d love to support your child’s journey as a 4-5 year old!

• Jurassic Quest - Pleasanton, June 1-2
• Storytime Science for Kids – San Francisco, June 1, 2, 15, 16
• Dino Dental Lab Grand Opening – Santa Rosa, June 1
• Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest (Free) – Alameda, June 1
• Kid Makers: Juneteenth Celebration – Redwood City, June 1
• Proud of My Family – San Jose, June 1
• Coyote Creek Habitat Day (Free) – Morgan Hill, June 1
• San Mateo County Fair – San Mateo, June 1-9
• Fun on the Farm (Free) – San Ramon, June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• Telescope Viewing (Free) – Oakland, June 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29
• Bay Area Book Fest – Berkeley, June 1-2
• Child in the Wild (Free) – Santa Rosa, June 2
• Pride Day at MAH (Free) – Santa Cruz, June 2
• Rhythmallogy Concert (Free) – San Francisco, June 7
• First Friday at CuriOdyssey – San Mateo, June 7
• Free First Friday at San Mateo County History Museum (Free) – Redwood City, June 7
• Sesame Street Live – San Francisco, June 7-8
• CubaCaribe Dance Festival – San Francisco, June 7-9
• Family Art Making – San Francisco, June 8
• Cartooning for Kids – San Francisco, June 8
• Buggin’ Out with Eric – Santa Rosa, June 8
• Lectura Fest – Santa Rosa, June 8
• Family Nature Adventures: Birds – Oakland, June 8
• Cinderella Trail Run – Oakland, June 8
• Roundtable Reading – Berkeley, June 8
• Habitot Mobile Museum – Berkeley, June 8
• Bike Rodeo (Free) – Redwood City, June 8
• Second Saturdays at Gamble Garden (Free) – Palo Alto, June 8
• Dia de Portugal – San Jose, June 8
• Second Saturday on the Farm (Free) – Watsonville, June 8
• SF Zoo 95th Birthday Celebration – San Francisco, June 8-9
• Niles Canyon Train Rides – Sunol, June 8, 9, 15, 16
• Family Day at Marin MOCA – Novato, June 9
• Sunday Funday at Sonoma Botanical Garden – Glen Ellen, June 9
• Viva CalleSJ (Free) – San Jose, June 9
• Storytime with Anna (Free) – Palo Alto, June 9, 12
• Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, June 9, 23
• Insect Discovery Lab (Free) – Oakland, June 11, 25
• Pippi Longstocking – Palo Alto, June 12-30
• Solano County Fair – Vallejo, June 13-16
• Theater in the Park (Free) – Los Altos, June 14
• Rene Y Familia Concert (Free) – San Francisco, June 14
• CubaCaribe Dance Festival – San Francisco, June 14-16
• Alameda County Fair – Pleasanton, June 14 – July 7
• Open Cockpit Saturday – Santa Rosa, June 15
• Slumber with the Stars at Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland, June 15
• Fairy Fun Fair – Oakland, June 15
• Biggest Little Airshow – San Carlos, June 15
• Kidstock Concert – Mountain View, June 15
• Juneteenth Community Celebration – San Jose, June 15
• Native Plant and Pollinator Day – San Jose, June 15
• Juneteenth Celebration – Santa Cruz, June 15
• Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, June 15
• Music in the Park - San Carlos, June 14, 21, 28
• Juneteenth Concert – San Francisco, June 16
• Bike About the Zoo – San Francisco, June 16
• Open Cockpit Day – Oakland, June 16
• Kids Carnival at Hiller Aviation Museum – San Carlos, June 16
• Father’s Day BBQ at Roaring Camp – Felton, June 16
• Family Fun Night - Burlingame, June 18,25
• Juneteenth Community Celebration (Free) – San Jose, June 19
• Central Park Summer Music Concert - San Mateo, June 20, 29
• Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza (Free) – San Jose, June 20
• Theater in the Park (Free) – Palo Alto, Los Altos & Saratoga, June 21
• Make Music – San Jose, June 21
• Circus Bella (Free) – San Francisco, June 21, 22
• Seaside Story Hour (Free) – Redwood City, June 22
• Sunday Streets (Free) – San Francisco, June 23
• Cal Sailing Open House (Free) – Berkeley, June 23
• The Rhythms of Summer – Berkeley, June 23
• Simply Snakes – Walnut Creek, June 23
• Bubble Wonder – San Carlos, June 23
• Shoreline Lake Summer Sailstice Celebration – Mountain View, June 24
• Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, June 24
• Peter Pan by Broadway San Jose – San Jose, June 25-30
• Opera out of the Box – Albany, June 27
• The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by PYT – Mountain View, June 27-30
• Madagascar – San Jose, June 27-30
• Theater in the Park (Free) – Mountain View & Los Altos, June 28
• Calvin Kai Ku Kids Show (Free) – San Francisco, June 28
• Illustoria Day – San Francisco, June 29
• Snoopy in Orbit – Santa Rosa, June 29
• Happily Ever Laughter – Redwood City, June 29
• Earlybird Jazz for Kids – Stanford, June 29
• STEM Fair – Los Altos, June 29
• Stars and Strides Run – San Jose, June 29
• Family Fun Day (Free) – Santa Cruz, June 29
• Opera out of the Box – Union City, June 29
• Kids Rock (Free) – Redwood City, June 30

Now that the weather is warmer and rainy weekends are less likely, it is a great time to turn off the screens and spend more time outside.  Getting outside is a win-win for the whole family.  Young kids in particular are fascinated by the natural world – a toddler can spend an entire morning playing with mud and rocks, picking flowers and stomping on puddles, and listening to the sounds of birds and insects.  For the adults, getting outside and engaging in physical activity can improve both physical and mental health.  We are constantly facing stresses in life, whether it’s the unexpected or irregular (busy week at work, travel) or the daily challenges (long commutes, endless errands), and we all need a break from the chaos and overstimulation.  Going for a walk or hike is a way to get our blood pumping and soothe our minds.  

Looking for ideas of where to go?  Here are a few excellent options in the area where you and your family can enjoy nature together.

Edgewood Park & Natural Preserve

10 Old Stagecoach Rd., Redwood City, CA 94062

Edgewood Park is known for its wildflowers each spring.  But even in other seasons, this enormous park (467 acres) has a great selection of hiking trails, along with educational offerings and picnic areas.  The trail systems (10 miles total) can be found here: https://www.smcgov.org/parks/edgewood-park-trails. The Old Stage Road trail is a personal favorite:  the moment when you emerge from the dense shaded canopy and catch sight of the expansive rolling grasslands is dramatic and memorable.

Coyote Point Recreation Area

1701 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, CA 94401

If you have young kids, the main attraction in this area is CuriOdyssey, a science museum and zoo (fee required for admission).  Combine it with a brisk walk through the easy trails in the park areas, and you have an enjoyable way to spend the morning that both recharges the parents as well as stimulates (and then tires out) the kids!  The trail system includes:  a segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail, the Bluff Trail that takes you through an Eucalyptus grove, and the Promenade Trail that provides a calming view of the Bay and beach area.  Note that there is a vehicle entry fee to visit.

Filoli

86 Canada Road, Woodside, CA 94062

Filoli is an enormous and beautiful estate, with a 54,000+ square-foot historical mansion that is open for exploring, 16 acres of lush gardens to wander through, an orchard that is particularly fun to visit when apples are in season and absolutely everywhere, and a 1-mile Estate Trail that is perfect for a brisk stroll for those who desire to be active.  Special events take advantage of the seasons – such as Summer Nights when you can catch twilight garden views, and Holidays at Filoli when the house and gardens are bursting with holiday decorations.  No need to wait for a special event to go; on any ordinary day, it is easy to meander around the grounds, step back in time, and be lost in one’s thoughts.  Note that tickets are required to be purchased for entry.

Laurelwood/Sugarloaf Park

3471 Glendora Dr., San Mateo, CA 94403

This 225-acre green giant, the city's largest park, is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Hike or bike along serene trails that wind through diverse landscapes, eventually leading you to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. For a relaxing afternoon, sprawl out on a scenic picnic spot or enjoy quality family time at the playground.

Crystal Springs Regional Trail

950 Skyline Blvd., Burlingame, CA 94010

Lace up your walking shoes or hop on your bike for a scenic adventure on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. This paved pathway stretches 15.3 miles (with more to come!) from San Bruno to Woodside, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a family with young children, or an equestrian enjoying a leisurely ride, the Crystal Springs Trail caters to all ages and abilities. Walk alongside sparkling reservoirs, soak in stunning views, and breathe in the fresh air. 

*Please note that dogs and other pets are not allowed on the trail.

Burlingame to Redwood Shores Bay Trail 

This scenic 15-mile route offers continuous shoreline paths. Start in Burlingame at Anza Lagoon and keep your eyes peeled for airplanes landing at nearby SFO as you follow the trail through Coyote Point Recreation Area. In San Mateo, explore Ryder Park's tidal wetlands.

For furry friends, Seal Point Park boasts the biggest dog park in the city, offering a perfect break for your pup to run leash-free (remember to clean up after them!). Afterward, take in the expansive bay views and public art at Seal Point Park. Across an elegant 105-foot bicycle/pedestrian bridge over San Mateo Creek is the park. South of the park, the Bay Marshes boardwalk extends from the trail with views of the mudflats.

The trail then winds through Foster City, passing under the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge and offering glimpses of marshes and mudflats. In Redwood Shores, enjoy Island Park's tranquility and continue to the Redwood Shores Ecological Reserve.

A final tip to make it easier for you to enjoy the great outdoors:  Use your library card to borrow a California State Library Parks Pass and rent a backpack kit - check out the offerings here: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4786/State-Parks-Passes-and-Equipment

Mother’s Day Special Ceramic Workshop – Foster City, May 11-12

Mother's Day Selfie Experience at Jack London Square – Oakland, May 4

Almost Mother’s Day Kids Concert - Redwood City, May 11

Mother's Day Hats and High Tea – Berkeley, May 11

Mother's Day 2024 at the Exploratorium – SF, May 12

Mother's Day at the Ferry Building – SF, May 12

Champagne Brunch at Safari West – Santa Rosa, May 12

Mother's Day Signature Brunch Cruise - SF May 12

Second Sunday: Family – SF, May 12

Mother's Day Brunch at Seacliff Inn – Aptos, May 14

Mother's Day Brunch at Old Skool Cafe - San Francisco, May 12

83rd Annual Mother's Day Rose Show – SF, May 12

Union Square in Bloom: Mother's Day Celebration – SF, May 12

Mother's Day Sunset Cruise – Tiburon, May 12

Mother's Day Brunch at Roaring Camp – Felton, May 12

Mother's Day Brunch at the Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, May 12

A Pops Mom’s Concert at Golden Gate Park - SF, May 12

Wizard of Oz with SF Symphony – San Francisco, May 1

Hello from Japan at CDM – San Jose, May 1-31

Kids Night Out– Redwood City, May 3,10

The Crimson Pirate by Fantasy Forum – Walnut Creek, May 2-4

Free Telescope Viewing – Oakland, May 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31

Natural Science Days at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Pippin – San Jose, May 3-12

Friday Nights at OMCA – Oakland, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Penguins and Pajamas Sleepovers at Cal Academy – San Francisco, May 3, 24

de Youngsters Day Out – San Francisco, May 4

Free Community Day at SFMOMA – San Francisco, May 4

May Fete Parade and Fair – Palo Alto, May 4

Birding at Vasona – Los Gatos May 4

Tote Bag Painting Workshop! – Foster City, May 4

2024 Hike for Hope – Livermore, May 4

San Ramon Children’s Maker’s Market – San Ramon , May 4

Star Wars: Mystical Creatures! – Livermore, May 4

Veterinary Hospital Tours at the Oakland Zoo – Oakland, May 4, 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 29

2024 Japantown Children's Day Festival – SF, May 4

Family Day at Berkeley Public Library – Berkley, May 4

Film with Live Orchestra: Star Wars The Empire Strikes Back – SF, May 2-4

Free Comic Book Day 2024 – Various locations, May 4

Home Depot Kids Workshop – Various location bay area, May 4

Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style – SF – Now – Aug 11

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Hillsdale Mall – San Mateo, May 4

Big Art Weekend at Bay Area Discovery Museum – Sausalito, May 4-5

Gelato bar making & succulent planting La Scuola 5/5/2024 | Eataly – San Jose, May 5

Coastal Wildflower Day Festival – Half Moon Bay, May 5

Santa Cruz Mushroom Mountain Festival – Felton, May 4-5

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir All-Youth Spring Concert – Oakland, May 10

Winnie the Pooh by Pleasanton Youth Theater Company – Pleasanton, May 10, 11

The Stanford Powwow – Stanford, May 10-12

Family Day at Institute of Contemporary Art – San Francisco, May 11

Kids Night at the Museum – Santa Rosa, May 11

Roundtable Reading – Berkeley, May 11

Snake Storytime – Los Gatos, May 11

Second Sundays for Families with SFMOMA – San Francisco, May 12

Stanford Powwow – Stanford, May 12-14

Marine Science Sundays – Sausalito, May 12, 26

Zoo Kids – Oakland, May 11, 18

Parkfest - Castro Valley, May 11

Family Festival: Scout-O-Rama – San Jose, May 11

The Princess and the Pea – Mountain View, May 11-12

Mill Valley Music Festival – Mill Valley,  May 11-12

Kids Art Class at Magical Bridge Playground – Redwood City, May 11.25

BikeAbouts at the SF Zoo – SF, May 12

Second Sunday: Family – SF, May 12

83rd Annual Mother's Day Rose Show – SF, May 12

Youth Art Exhibition – San Francisco, May 14

Reading with Dogs at Pup Plaza – San Jose, May 16-19

The Marshmallow Incident – San Jose, May 17-26

Contra Costa County Fair – Antioch, May 16-19

Sundown Cinema – SF, May 17

San Carlos Hometown Days – San Carlos, May 17-19

Jurassic Quest – San Jose, May 17-27

Brunch for the Wild Bunch at Oakland Zoo – Oakland, May 18

Skyjam Family Festival – Richmond, May 18

Asian American and Pacific Islander Festival – San Jose, May 18

Seaside Storytime – Santa Cruz, May 18

Model Railroad Show – Walnut Creek, May 18-19

Cinderella by New Ballet – San Jose, May 18-19

Cal Sailing Open House – Berkeley, May 19

Woofstock 2024 – Novato, May 19

INSECTPALOOZA - The Art and Magical Science of Arthropods – Sf, May 19

The Reading Bug's First Annual AAPI Festival – San Carlos, May 18-19

33rd Bay Area KidFest – Concord, May 25-27

Encanto with SF Symphony – San Francisco, May 24, 25

Magic with Brian Scott – Dublin, May 25

Family Tour at de Young Museum – San Francisco, May 25

Art & Wind Festival – San Ramon, May 26, 27

Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, May 27

Family Art Making – San Francisco, May 28

National Library Week: First observed in 1958, this national celebration, sponsored by the American Library Association, occurs each April.  For 2024, National Library Week is April 7-13.

During this week, the San Mateo Public Library Foundation is spotlighting the programming that the San Mateo Public Library offers. Among the various activities, there are quite a few kid- and family-friendly ones. Any time during the week, go on a self-paced scavenger hunt that involves visiting all three branches of the San Mateo Public Library (with a chance to win gift cards for complete and accurate submissions). On April 7, you can take your pre-K and early elementary school children to a lively concert featuring the Grammy-winning music duo 123 Andrés. And on April 13, bring the whole family to check out all the library-related programming and performances at a festival in San Mateo’s Central Park. More details can be found here: https://www.sanmateocelebrates.com/2024-events

After the week is over, visit the San Mateo Public Library to take advantage of its regular offerings.  Did you know that you could:

·       Attend book clubs and other meetups, as well as storytimes (including baby, toddler, family, and many more)

·       Take your kids to watch movies (including after school movie clubs and Saturday morning cartoons)

·       Sign up for crafting and other classes (where you can learn how to make things such as miniature book charms and origami boxes)

·       Borrow a California State Parks Pass and equipment (backpack kit and child carrier backpack kit)

·       Get assistance with your computer or electronic device from Tech Help

·       Use or borrow various equipment, such as sewing machines, induction stove kits, portable photo studios, and lots more

·       Reserve museum passes through Discover and Go

All of this is available for free, as long as you have a library card!