Classes

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Pomp, splendor, floats, and lots of green. There are children’s activities and traditional Irish food and crafts at the after-parade party at City Hall.

When: Sat., 3/13, 11:30am-5pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Parade begins Second Street (at Market Street) and winds to City Hall on Grove Street (at Larkin Street) in San Francisco; sfstpatricksdayparade.com.

Shiv Sounds with Ryth EM

Shiv and Em play kid-friendly music in the Tim Burton-ish atmosphere of this curious shop for kids.

When: Sat., 3/13, 2-4pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids, 766 Valencia Street (at 19th Street), San Francisco; 415-728-8466; paxtongate.com.

Journaling Birds & Wildlife

Learn how to draw nature in the raw at this two-hour program with naturalist and artist Jack Muir Laws focusing on drawing birds and other wildlife.

When: Sat., 3/13, 10am-noon; Age 9+; $25 per participant (advance phone registration required).

Where: Richardson Bay Center & Sanctuary, 376 Greenwood Beach Road (at Tiburon Boulevard), Tiburon, 415-388-2524; tiburonaudubon.org.

Fantastic Fridays: Fun with Food

Use this excuse to tour the fancy new Crissy Field Center, where toddlers and their caregivers rustle up some healthy snacks and learn more about healthy eating.

When: Fri., 3/12, 10am-11:30am; Age 1-5; $15.

Where: Crissy Field Center, 1199 East Beach (at Mason Street), San Francisco; 415-561-7752; parksconservancy.org.

Panicking about where you’re going to stash your child for the upcoming spring and summer breaks? You oughtta be. Most of the more popular camps in the Bay Area fill up in March. But this year you have some inside information that you didn’t find on the playground: Sign Up for Camp.

Launched by a team of Bay Area parents who’ve been through the camp process themselves and know how confusing it is, signupforcamp.com is a directory of local camps that’s searchable by ZIP code, date, or age. Need a camp from June 14th to 18th for your Pre-K kid? Sign Up for Camp has 147 of them, each with the camp’s hours, cost, dates, and contact information in a helpful grid that makes it oh-so-easy to compare. So much easier than Googling and making phone calls, particularly since many camps barely have a website, much less dates and rates on them.

Another helpful feature: users can create a free calendar for their children, which can be shared with other users. Wouldn’t your kid like to go to summer camp with some of the kids in her class? I thought so.

Visit signupforcamp.com for more information. The site has also launched in Philadelphia as well as the Bay Area, with more cities set to roll out in 2010.

It’s warming up out there, the almond trees are blooming, and finally the rain has stopped. Let’s take advantage of it while we can.

Giants FanFest

The yearly party is a free chance to ogle players, get autographs and dugout tours, and generally soak up the sporty atmosphere.

When: Sat., 2/6, 10am-3pm; Age 3+; Free.

Where: AT&T Park, 24 Willy Mays Plaza (at King Street), San Franciscp; sanfranciscogiants.mlb.com.

Crissy Field Center’s Grand gREen Opening

Explore the new green building with a party including tours of the sustainability features, live music, food tastings, and eco giveaways.

When: Sat., 2/6, 11am-3pm; All Ages; Free.

Where: Crissy Field, 1199 East Beach (at Mason Street), San Francisco; 415-561-7752; parksconservancy.org.

Every Child Belongs: Inclusion and ADA Law Workshop for Parents

Parents of children with disabilities can learn what their rights are under IDEA and ADA law, as well as who can help. Pre-registration is required, write to mdickerson@childrenscouncil.org.

When: Fri., 2/5, 9:30am-noon; Adults only; Free.

Where: Children’s Council of San Francisco, 445 Church Street (at 16th Street), San Francisco, 415-343-3309; childrenscouncil.org.

Children’s Authors and Illustrators Festival

Meet the men and women who make your favorite children’s books, with guests like Elisa Kleven (the Paper Princess series) and Tim Myers (Takuki’s Gift).

When: Sat., 2/6, 10am-3:30pm; Age 5+; Free.

Where: Orion Elementary School, 815 Allerton Street (at Alden Street), Redwood City, rcsd.k12.ca.us.

Even if it does rain all weekend, there’s still plenty to do.

Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival

A film event for kids that showcases animation and shorts aimed at kids from all over the world, many of which are very difficult to see outside of this event.

When: Sat. & Sun., 1/23-24, 11am-6pm; 3+; $15 for an all-day pass (3 and under free).

Where: Auctions by the Bay, 2700 Saratoga Street (on the Alameda Naval Air Station), Alameda, baicff.com.

JAMband Family Concert and CD Release Party

Popular kids’ band Charity and the JAMband puts on an interactive show with stories and music.

Where: Sat., 1/23, 4:30-5:30pm; Family; $15-25 per family.

Where: Recess Urban Recreation, 470 Carolina Street (at 18th Street), San Francisco; 415-701-7529; jamjamjam.com.

The Peking Acrobats

Jaw-dropping feats like acrobatics atop a tower of chairs, contortion, and wire walking are the staples of these Chinese acrobats.

When: Fri., 1/22, 3pm; Age 5+; $20-45;

Where: Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium, 10 Avenue of the Flags (at Civic Center Drive), San Rafael; 415-499-6400; co.marin.ca.us.

Life in a Pond

All the recent rain has produced startling changes in local ecosystems. Take an up-close look at this tromp through the edges of a big pond with a naturalist.

When: Sat., 1/23, 10am-noon; Age 5-8 (children under age 4 may participate if accompanied by an adult); $15.

Where: Richardson Bay Center & Sanctuary, 376 Greenwood Beach Road (at Tiburon Boulevard), Tiburon, 415-388-2524; tiburonaudubon.org.

The doldrums of January have struck, but there’s still fun to be had in town.

Family Circus Day

Mess around for a day in mixed-ages classes on clowning, physical stunts, and general tomfoolery.

When: Sun., 1/17, 1:30-4pm; 5+; $15-20.

Where: Rhythmix Cultural Workshop, 2513 Blanding Avenue (at Everett Street); Alameda; 510-865-5060; rhythmix.org.

Play in a Day Camp

Hey, there’s no school Monday! Start panicking now! Or, put your kid in this Glitter & Razz drop-off day-camp where kids will write and perform a play about peace in one eight-hour period.

When: Mon., 1/18, 9am-5pm (play is staged at 5pm); Ages 4-10; $75.

Where: Glitter & Razz, 5951 College Avenue (at Harwood Avenue), Oakland; glitterandrazz.com.

School Break and Holiday Animal Camps

Learn about animal care and welfare with a day of games, activities, and the opportunity to pet and cuddle kittens, puppies, rabbits and chickens.

When: Mon., 1/18 (also offered other school holidays), 9am-4pm (aftercare until 5pm $10); Age: Fourth through eighth grades; $90.

Where: San Francisco SPCA, 2500 16th Street (at Florida Street), San Francisco; 415-554-3000; sfspca.org.

You want your kid to get exercise, but she wants to prance around in dress-up clothes. Why not do both? At Cardio-Tone, a brand new gym in Noe Valley, Princess 101 is a “storybook dance class,” with movements inspired by classic fairytales like Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. Little princesses (and princes!) can wear their favorite dress-up clothes as they learn about storytelling through dance.

The class is recommended for kids aged 3 and up; smaller siblings are welcome at the on-site childcare. And Mama can sit and read a book and relax. Bring your own tiara.

Cardio-Tone is located at 3813 24th Street, San Francisco; visit cardio-tone.com. The Princess 101 class is offered each Thursday at 3pm.

Hey! Welcome back from the holidays!

Mochitsuki: Mochi Pounding Ceremony

Ring in the Japanese New Year with the traditional pounding ceremony for the sticky rice paste, loud and beloved by kids.

When: Sat., 1/9, noon-1pm (art activities take place until 4pm); Age 4-12; Free with adult admission, $7-12 (free admission for children under 12).

Where: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street (at Grove Street), San Francisco; 415-581-3500; asianart.org.

Marsh Youth Theater Family Fun Day

Kids aged 4-18 can get free samples of classes like drama, hip-hop dance, trapeze, and the visual arts at this vibrant local theater.

When: Sun., 1/10, 1-4pm; Age 4-18; Free.

Where: Marsh Youth Theater, 1062 Valencia Street (at 22nd Street); 415-828-5750; themarsh.org.

Sunday Sampler

Kids and grownups can sample the slate of classes offered at the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, from stage combat and improv to clowning.

When: Sun., 1/10, 1pm (sample classes begin at 1:20, 2, and 2:30pm); Family; Free.

Where: Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, 2071 Addison Street (at Shattuck Avenue), Berkeley, 510-647-2972; berkeleyrep.org.

Endangered Species Big Year Kick-off

See the many endangered flora and fauna in the Golden Gate National Park system with a walk and bike ride around the parks, as well as concrete information on what you can do to save them under the Big Year conservation program.

When: Sat., 1/9, bike ride at 9:30am, kickoff party 1pm-3pm; Family; Free.

Where: Party and walk leaves from Sports Basement; 610 Mason Street (at Halleck Street); Bike ride begins in front of the Bazaar Cafe, California Street (at 21st Avenue); both locations are in San Francisco, wildequity.org.

It’s possible to make a perfectly good gingerbread house out of a foil-covered milk carton, some frosting, some candy, and some well-positioned graham crackers. But sometimes you want a gingerbread extravaganza that draws a “Wow!” from every kid who sees it.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum’s extremely popular Gingerbread Architecture parties will give you the candy house of your dreams. For $25 per gingerbread house kit, the Discovery Museum hands out real gingerbread (not graham crackers!), frosting, a rainbow of candy, and a space to craft your masterpiece in. The room smells of frosting and sugar, and rings with the happy laughter of children alternately eating and glueing on candy onto their house. While it’s drying, kids and parents play at the museum; by the time they’re ready to head home, their masterpiece is ready.

Gingerbread Architecture sells out early every year; make your reservations early by visiting baykidsmuseum.org. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is located at 557 McReynolds Road (at Fort Baker), Sausalito; call 415-339-3900.

The kids are back at school, hurray! Celebrate the absence that’s made you grow fonder with a weekend full of fun.

Saturday Morning Rock Out’s Fall Session

Little kids learn to bang on an instrument, write songs, appreciate music, and jam at this multi-week course that ends in a performance and a CD release party.

When: Saturdays, 9/5-10/10; Early class 9:30am-11am, Late class 11:30am-1pm; Age 4-7; $225.

Where: Verdi Club, 2424 Mariposa Street (at Potrero Avenue), San Francisco; 415-861-9199; owies.org.

Great Train Robberies

Hail back to the days of train bandits and lawmen at this annual ride-on spectacle.

When: Sat. & Sun., 9/5-6; See website for times; Age 4+; $20.

Where: Roaring Camp Railroad, Graham Hill Road (at Mt. Hermon Road), Felton; 866-468-3399; roaringcamprr.com.

Sunday Streets

The last Sunday Streets of the year! Streets from Golden Gate Park to the zoo are closed to traffic, and fitness activities from skating to cycling to yoga are offered free along the route.

When: Sun., 9/6, 10am-2pm; All ages; Free.

Where: Great Highway between Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Zoo, JFK between Great Highway and Stanyan Street, San Francisco; sundaystreetssf.com.

Does school really start in just over a week? Hurry, hurry, get your summer fun before it’s too late.

Destination Fort Mason Center

Every Saturday through September 12, Fort Mason Center brings on the fun with a diverse lineup of local organizations: performances from the New Pickle Circus and Bay Area Theatresports, art with SCRAP, music from the Blue Bear School of Music. Attendees will get the chance to make art projects and try their own hand at performing.

When: Sat., 8/15 (and continuing each Saturday through 9/12), Age 3+; 10am-4pm; Free.

Where: Fort Mason, Marina Boulevard (at Buchanan Street), San Francisco; 415-345-7500; fortmason.org.

Learning Days at Yerba Buena Children’s Learning Garden

Explore the learning garden and learn how to care for plants through music, art, and hands-on garden sessions.

When: Sat., 8/16, 11am-4pm; Age 3-6; Free.

Where: Yerba Buena Gardens Children’s Learning Garden, 760 Howard Street (between Third and Fourth streets), San Francisco; 415-543-1718; ybgf.org.

Marin Family Well-Being and Safety Fair

Learn how to spot the common signs of allergies and developmental disorders, get your kid fingerprinted, or sample nutritious toddler-friendly snacks at this fiesta of safety/health information for parents.

When: Friday, 8/14, 10am-3pm; Age 2+; Free (RSVP required).

Where: Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto (at E. Blithedale Avenue), Mill Valley; 415-383-1370‎; elainaserotte.com.

Stories from the Past: Toy Boats

Read a story about traveling the seven seas with a reading of the story Toy Boat. Then walk through the history museum to learn about the magnificent ships that have sailed the San Francisco Bay.

When: Fri., 8/14, 11am-noon; Age 2-6; Free with admission ($2-4 adults, free for kids under 5).

Where: San Mateo County History Museum’s Wells Fargo Learning Center, 2200 Broadway Street (at Middlefield Road), Redwood City; 650-299-0104; historysmc.org.