Whether you hail from a family of football fanatics, or you’re simply a mom looking for something new and unique to do with your little ones, there are a number of kid-friendly events taking place throughout the Bay Area in the run-up to Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best of what’s coming your way, from interactive museum exhibits, to fireworks displays, to chances to interact with your favorite NFL players. And the best part is, unlike tickets to the Big Game itself, many of these events won’t cost you a dime!
Jan. 18-April 3, 2016 Gridiron Glory, The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame exhibit at the Triton Museum of Art, 1505 Warburton Ave., Santa Clara
This traveling exhibition will spend two and a half months in the Bay Area surrounding Super Bowl 50. It is sure to delight mini superfans with hundreds of artifacts from the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s vast collection, and interactive exhibits that will challenge both mind and body. The museum’s hours of operation are: Tuesday – Saturday, 11 AM -5 PM; every third Thursday, 11 AM -8 PM; Sunday, 12 PM -4 PM.
Jan. 30-Feb. 7, 2016 NFL Experience Driven by Hyundai, Moscone Center North and South, 747 Howard St., San Francisco
The National Football League brings an interactive theme park to San Francisco, offering participatory games, youth football clinics, merchandise from the NFL Shop, and free autograph sessions with NFL players. New attractions set to debut at this event include a 40-yard dash and vertical jump competition against NFL players on LED screens. To find out how to purchase tickets and hours of operation, click here .
Jan. 30-Feb. 7, 2016 Super Bowl City presented by Verizon, Justin Herman Plaza, 1 Market St., San Francisco Open daily from 11 AM -10 PM
Super Bowl City is the Super Bowl Host Committee’s free-to-the-public fan village, featuring activities for people of all ages. In the heart of Super Bowl City, the Fan Energy Zone powered by SAP will showcase the latest in interactive gaming, social media and data visualizations. Opening day activities on Jan. 30 will wrap up with the official re-lighting of the Bay Lights on the iconic Bay Bridge.
Jan. 31, 2016 Super Community Concert and Fireworks Featuring Heart, Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara
This free-ticketed event presented by West Valley-Mission College, the City of Santa Clara and key community sponsors will include a food alley and several hours of activities and performances leading up to the headliner, Heart, and culminating with a dazzling fireworks display. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance.
Feb. 6, 2016 Super Community Celebration, Santa Clara University, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara
Bring the whole family to this all-day free festival counting down the final hours leading up to Super Bowl 50. Highlights include a Celebrity Sweat Game featuring sports and entertainment favorites going head-to-head in a flag football game; the NFL 49ers Play 60 Youth Zone designed to get kids active through sport; and a marquee live performance by Huey Lewis and The News. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks extravaganza. (Note: Tickets to the Super Community Celebration and the concert must be reserved separately.)
So helpful and I chuckled at the line referencing Super Bowl ticket prices.