Happy New Year! Here’s what’s going on around town for the whole family this month.
If you find yourself on the Peninsula, check out things to do in the area from Mid-Peninsula Moms Blog, and Wine Country Moms Blog has you covered for trips up north.
Know of something else fun going on around town? Email us at info@SanFranciscoMomsBlog.com or leave a comment below!
January 6
Or Shalom Jewish Community
625 Brotherhood Way
5:00 PM
Bid farewell to Shabbat with the lovely tradition of Havdalah. Come in your PJs, and let’s snuggle up for songs, games, stories, crafts and a light dinner for the whole family. Co-sponsored by PJ Library.
Shen Yun Performing Arts Group
War Memorial Opera House
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM performances
You will be instantly transported to another world and witness ancient legends come to life. With classical Chinese dance, brilliant costumes, breathtaking backdrops, and an enchanting orchestral sound—this is an experience like no other.
Sesame Street Live Let’s Party!
San Jose, City National Civic
Don’t miss your chance to visit Sesame Street while they’re in town. We’ve got all the details on our blog, including a discount code for 20% off tickets.
California Academy of Sciences
Now through January 7, the ice rink, snowman theater, and special exhibits are open. (An hour on the ice rink is an extra $12)
Home for the Holidays at Carolwood Installation
The Walt Disney Family Museum
10:00 AM lighting
For the second year in a row, the scale model of the Disney family home in Carolwood has been assembled – complete with a running model of the Lilly Belle, Walt’s personal locomotive that he built for friends and family to enjoy. Stick around for the special exhibition Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle, a dynamic exhibition of landscapes, scratchboards and illustrations from beloved Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty.
California Academy of Sciences
Now through January 7, the ice rink, snowman theater, and special exhibits are open. (An hour on the ice rink is an extra $12)
January 7
Golden Gate Park Museum Concourse
5k – 7:20 AM; 15k – 8:10 AM
Run through Golden Gate Park and along the ocean. enjoy snacks along the way and hot chocolate at the finish line.
Shen Yun Performing Arts Group
War Memorial Opera House
2:00 PM and 7:00 PM performances
You will be instantly transported to another world and witness ancient legends come to life. With classical Chinese dance, brilliant costumes, breathtaking backdrops, and an enchanting orchestral sound—this is an experience like no other.
Sesame Street Live Let’s Party!
Jan. 4 -5, Oakland, Paramount Theatre
Jan. 6-7, San Jose, City National Civic
Don’t miss your chance to visit Sesame Street while they’re in town. We’ve got all the details on our blog, including a discount code for 20% off tickets.
Presidio Main Lawn
Let YBike’s awesome instructors teach your kids how to ride a bike. Bikes and equipment provided. All ages welcome. No pre-registration required; just drop by, the south end of Main Post Lawn. 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Free
SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave
Every first and third Sunday of the month meet in the cozy children’s book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Suitable for children aged 4-8. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up
Ocean Beach
Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Home for the Holidays at Carolwood Installation
The Walt Disney Family Museum
10:00 AM lighting
For the second year in a row, the scale model of the Disney family home in Carolwood has been assembled – complete with a running model of the Lilly Belle, Walt’s personal locomotive that he built for friends and family to enjoy. Stick around for the special exhibition Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle, a dynamic exhibition of landscapes, scratchboards and illustrations from beloved Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty.
January 8
Home for the Holidays at Carolwood Installation
The Walt Disney Family Museum
10:00 AM lighting
This is the final day of the installation. For the second year in a row, the scale model of the Disney family home in Carolwood has been assembled – complete with a running model of the Lilly Belle, Walt’s personal locomotive that he built for friends and family to enjoy. Stick around for the special exhibition Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle, a dynamic exhibition of landscapes, scratchboards and illustrations from beloved Disney classics such as Sleeping Beauty.
January 9
1 Grant Ave
Tickets go on sale today for the extended stay of this pop-up museum! Tickets must be purchased in advance and you can sign up for their newsletter to keep tabs on additional ticket releases. Children under 3 years are free. $38 per person.
January 14
Dreaming a World in Story and Song
The Contemporary Jewish Museum
11:30 AM –12:00 PM
In celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and his dreams for a better world, join this family time to rejoice in stories and songs from a myriad of cultures. Storyteller Muriel Johnson will take you on an amazing journey into other places and possibilities, while you gather within the exhibition Jewish Folktales Retold: Artist as Maggid. Free with Museum admission; youth 18 and under always free.
January 15
Museum of the African Diaspora, Free Admission Day
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The MoAD will celebrate the national observance of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday as a Day of Service, providing FREE admission to the museum and programs throughout the day. Come together to celebrate the life and achievements of one of our nation’s greatest heroes, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through film, art, and musical performances, our special guests will help us to reflect on the importance of free speech and diverse communities.
Free Admission to Muir Woods and Maritime National Historical Park
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there will be free admission to these parks. Expect more people than usual and limited parking.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Interfaith Activities
Caltrain Station, 11:00 AM
Yerba Buena Gardens, 11:45 AM
The day begins with a march at 11:00 AM from the Caltrain Station to Yerba Buena Gardens for an interfaith commemoration at 11:45 a.m., a celebration program at 1:00 PM, and a music festival at 1:30 PM.
Building 1216
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Join in on one of many projects taking place today in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr., day of service. All ages are welcome. Registration begins at 8:30 AM.
January 20
Asian Art Museum
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Celebrate the Japanese New Year with Kagami Kai, an acclaimed mochi group, as it presents the colorful and exciting New Year tradition of mochi pounding to make delectably sweet rice cakes, with lively music, energetic dance and traditional costumes. Adults $15, children ages 12 and under free.
January 21
The Groundlings Children’s Show
609 Sutter Street
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Part of the SF Sketchfest, The Groundlings, known for their improvisational, comedic actors, perform a show of improv games for kids and families! Expect lots of laughs and silliness. Great for ages 4 – 12, plus any grownups. You’ll see a LOT of actors that you’ll recognize from TV and movies. Tickets are $15.
SF Botanical Gardens Library, 1199 9th Ave
Every first and third Sunday of the month meet in the cozy children’s book nook for lively readings of nature-themed stories. Afterward, families can enjoy a special docent-led family Garden walk that brings the stories to life. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Suitable for children aged 4-8. 10:30-11:30. Free for SF residents.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up
Ocean Beach
Meet across from the Beach Chalet at Stairwell 17 to volunteer to help clean up Ocean Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. Clean up happens every first and third Sunday of the month and no advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 22
Free Admission to San Francisco Zoo
SF Zoo
Sloat Blvd @ Great Highway
Now until January 31, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is pleased to offer free admission to all children age 14 and younger. Free admission is part of the Zoo’s “Happy Zoo Year” promotion, a gift from the Zoo to the entire Bay Area.
January 28
Mo Willems and Friends: Don’t Let Comedians Do Storytime!
609 Sutter Street
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Part of SF Sketchfest, #1 NYTimes bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems returns with another stellar group of close personal acquaintances and comedy royalty to perform some of his best-loved books featuring The Pigeon, Elephant & Piggie, and Knuffle Bunny! Fun for all, it’s a morning or laughs, drawing, a sneak-peek premier of an unpublished book, and Mo! Tickets are $30.
Surfrider Foundation Beach Clean Up
Baker Beach
Meets on the last Sunday of each month, join the group at the picnic table near the beach entrance to volunteer to help clean up Baker Beach. Buckets and other supplies will be provided. No advanced registration is required. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Throughout the Month
Pier 39’s Sea Lion 28th Anniversary
Pier 39, Sea Lion Center
10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Enjoy programming every half hour from 10:30am – 3:30pm including Sea Lion Shenanigans, Party for the Planet Blue, What’s for Lunch?, Floatin’ with the Sea Lions of San Francisco. Free.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Sun – Fri, 1:00 PM, Sat, 4:00 PM
Visit Neverland with your family in the intimate setting of the Walt Disney Museum screening room. Adults $10, children $8 (discount for members).
1 Grant Ave
Tickets go on sale January 9 for the extended stay of this pop-up museum! Tickets must be purchased in advance and you can sign up for their newsletter to keep tabs on additional ticket releases. Children under 3 years are free. $38 per person.
575 Sutter St
This two-story interactive pop-up exhibition celebrates color and material, featuring work by a collection of artists and collaborators. It’s a must-see, but plan accordingly. Tickets must be purchased in advance (sold out at time of publishing) and strollers are not permitted inside. Join their newsletter to stay up to date on new ticket releases. $32 per person. Children under 2 are free. Open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM every day except Wednesdays.
Every month, participating museums, including the California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, de Young Museum, and Conservatory of Flowers offer free admission on designated days.
Free Admission to San Francisco Zoo
SF Zoo
Sloat Blvd @ Great Highway
January 22 to January 31, the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens is pleased to offer free admission to all children age 14 and younger. Free admission is part of the Zoo’s “Happy Zoo Year” promotion, a gift from the Zoo to the entire Bay Area.
Every Monday
Portsmouth Square
Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Free.
Every Wednesday
SPCA 2343 Fillmore St
Visit the SPCA’s 2nd floor conference room for animal-themed stories and a tour of the Pacific Heights adoption center. Recommended for children 5 years old and younger. 2:00 PM. Free.
Every Saturday
Portsmouth Square
Learn about the history and daily lives of the largest Chinatown outside of Asia on this tour hour walking tour of the neighborhood. Meet at the parking garage elevators on the park level ten minutes before the tour begins. 10:00 AM. Free.
