Have fun with these top family activities taking place around the Bay Area this month. For even more items, visit our online calendar.
What’s happening in January 2024
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“Spark: The Universe in Us”
The California Academy of Science’s newest film in the Morrison Planetarium – an original, all-digital show – takes viewers on a journey across the universe and deep into a dying star. May not be suitable for children under 7, and no one under age 4 admitted. Included with admission of $25-50; reservations required.
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco
calacademy.org/exhibits/spark-the-universe-in-us
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Winter MakerClub
THROUGH JAN. 5. Kids ages 3-13, accompanied by an adult, can drop in to the Makerspace to create winter-themed projects. 10am-2pm. FREE.
Downtown Library, 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City
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Science, Liquids and Gasses Science Show
Explore the properties of the three states of matter in this mind-bending science show with experiments with liquid nitrogen, dry ice and more.
11am and 2pm. FREE with admission of $20, 2 and under FREE.
Lawrence Hall of Science, 1 Centennial Drive, Berkeley
lawrencehallofscience.org/events/solids-liquids-and-gases-show
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BAYLUG Holiday Show
ALSO JAN. 7. See custom creations including holiday trains and miniature cities created by the Bay Area LEGO Users Group and the Bay Area L-Gauge Train Club. 11am-3:30pm. $4 cash, under 3 FREE.
Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto
Redwood Tour
Take a guided 1-mile stroll through the redwoods every Sat. to learn about coast redwoods, ecology and more. 12pm; reservation required. FREE.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N. Big Trees Park Road, Felton
thatsmypark.org/event/henry-cowell-redwoods-state-park-redwood-tour/all
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First Free Sunday at NUMU
Enjoy free admission on the first Sun. of the month including a free guided art tour at 11am and a free guided history tour at 2pm. 10am-4pm; reservation required. FREE.
NUMU New Museum Los Gatos, 106 E. Main St., Los Gatos
numulosgatos.org/events/first-free-sunday-jan24
Science Fun
Families with children ages 3-5 can enjoy science-themed activities and storytime. There will be a separate play area for children under 3. 10am; reservation required. FREE.
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City
wornickjds.org/forms-and-registrations/science-fun
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MOCHA Creative Art Play
Join a teaching artist from MOCHA (Museum of Children’s Art) for a free drop-in art activity every Fri. 3:30-5pm. FREE.
Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley
berkeleypubliclibrary.org/events/mocha-creative-art-play-central-ccr
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“Bluey’s Big Play: The Stage Show”
ALSO JAN. 14. $36 and up. The Emmy Award-winning animated preschool series comes to life on stage with puppetry, live actors, iconic sets and a new original story.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
“Legally Blonde: The Musical”
THROUGH JAN. 28. Join Elle Woods on her unforgettable journey from sorority sweetheart to Harvard Law’s most dazzling star in a feel-good musical with show-stopping songs, sassy humor and a whole lot of heart. $45.
Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First St., Livermore
livermorearts.org/events/legally-blonde-the-musical
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“The Wiz”
THROUGH FEB. 11. See this Broadway-bound tour of the groundbreaking production – with a score full of soul, gospel, rock and 70s funk – for the first time in 40 years. Starring Wayne Brady as The Wiz. $55 and up.
Golden Gate Theatre, 1 Taylor St., San Francisco
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“Kooza”
THROUGH MARCH 10. Cirque du Soleil’s newest show returns to its roots of acrobatic performance and clowning, while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. Also opens April 18 at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. $59 and up.
Big Top at Oracle Park, Parking Lot A, San Francisco
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USS Hornet History Mystery After-Hours Tour
See the USS Hornet after hours, tour special areas not usually open to the public and learn whether the aircraft carrier is really haunted. 7pm. $40.
USS Hornet, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda
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Kids Arts Classes at Magical Bridge Playground
Free art classes are offered by Casa Circulo Cultural on the second and fourth Sat. of each month in the Kindness Corner. Limited to the first 15 children of any ability to arrive. 1:30pm. FREE.
Magical Bridge Playground, 939 Valota Road, Redwood City
redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/magical-bridge-playground
“Fashioning San Francisco: A Century of Style”
THROUGH AUG. 11. This new exhibit spans a century of high fashion and haute couture worn by Bay Area women and includes augmented reality technology that allows visitors to see how three evening ensembles presented in the exhibition look on them. $20 adult, under 18 FREE; Bay Area residents FREE on Sat.
De Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
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Ice at the Veranda
THROUGH Feb. 14. There’s still time to get your skate on at this seasonal rink. $18 includes skate rental and 75 minutes of skating time.
The Veranda, 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd., Concord
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Glowfari
THROUGH JAN. 28. It’s the last weekend to see the larger-than-life animal lanterns in at this favorite holiday installation. 5-9pm. $26 adult, $22 ages 2-14 and 65-75, under 2 and 76 and over FREE.
Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland
oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/glowfari
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Fun With Fungus Fundamentals
Learn about the major types of fungi, how to identify them, best practices for collecting and safety, and more in a playful introduction. 10am. $30.
Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills
San Jose Symphony Presents “Automation”
ALSO JAN. 28. This new work by composer Adam Schoenberg includes a battle between cello soloist and A.I. hologram, as well as other pieces on the awesome power of technology we have unleashed. 7:30 Sat. and 2:30pm Sun. $55-115.
California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose
symphonysanjose.org/automation
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“MJ”
THROUGH FEB. 25. This Tony Award-winning new musical about Michael Jackson centers around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, with tons of the star’s greatest hits. $65 and up.
Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco