Recently we had the pleasure of attending a blogger event at San Francisco’s Children’s Creativity Museum, formerly known as Zeum. The museum relaunched last week with the new name, new exhibits and an expansion into offerings for younger kids – 3 to 5 years old.

Here’s why the new Children’s Creativity Museum might become my family’s new favorite spot:

There is something for all ages.

This is always a big challenge for our family. Our daughters are aged 10, 5, 3 and 1. Therefore, it’s always a challenge to find something fun for the whole family to do. A lot of the local discovery and kid’s museums skew younger. My 10 year old has grown out of wanting to climb the ladder of a mini fire engine, so she gets bored.

On the other end are things like plays and shows, which my 10 year old loves, but the little ones have limited attention spans. So our time is spent trying to keep the little one’s quiet and not enjoying the show with our 10 year old and engaging with her.

In steps the new Children’s Creativity Museum…

Audrey Yamamoto, the museum’s executive director talks about their shift from play to invention. Much of the magic of this place lies within that shift. The Children’s Creativity Museum is like a really cool blank canvas where kids of any age can create new things.

My daughters particularly loved the Animation Studio and the Music Studio. The Animation Studio was a place where they created clay figures with wireframes that they could make the stars of claymation movies.

In the Music Studio they danced around in front of a green screen creating fun music videos. There was also a section that had a karaoke element where kids sang in front of the green screen and received a DVD to take home. My 3 year old got shy, but my 10 and 5 year old did a killer rendition of jingle bells.

My 1 year old wasn’t left out either. The Imagination Lab is another highlight of the revised museum. The area encourages families to “Move it, Build it, Sculpt it, Perform it, Style it or Dream it.” My 1 year old spent at least an hour on the “Move it” part as she used the massive amounts of foam blocks and objects to help her navigate the world.

I won’t even get into the fact that my 38 year old sister came along with us and she had more fun than anybody…there really is something for everyone.

Another reason this may become our new favorite spot is that it sits in the heart of San Francisco’s SOMA district. After some fun at the museum, there are lots of greats places to grab a bite and to do some shopping afterwards.

If you’re a Bay Area parent or in the area visiting, check this place out. You can get some more info at their new website: creativity.org (pretty solid URL!)

The problem with a lot of play venues for kids is that they feel dirty. There isn’t enough hand sanitizer and wipes in the world for some of the Chuck E Cheese’s that we’ve been to over the years. We’re immediately skeptical about these types of places. Our goal this year was to have a fun yet easy birthday party for our 4 year old daughter: pay someone to take care of everything. Have them throw a great party; no clean up; happy kids, happy parents. We heard good things about a place called Bounce U. so we decided to do our due diligence to see if they could help us meet our goals.

Right off the bat the folks at Bounce U in San Carlos, CA walked us through a lot of options. For $300 we could have a party for 20 kids and their parents, all in. All we would have to do it show up. We decided to try it. The appeal of not having to clean up after 20 kids was enough to outweigh the scars of the filthy Chuck ‘E Cheeses that had plagued us for so many years. The second you give Bounce U the green light they get to work for you, by sending you branded invites with detailed map and activity info for all of your guests. When we arrived on party day, we were greeted by our party host. Our high school aged host was tremendous. The entire time my wife and I looked for appropriate opportunities to ask her if she was looking for a side baby sitting gig. Unfortunately, never of us asked the question – biggest missed opportunity of the afternoon. She managed the kids elegantly, like a velvet hammer, moving the party along promptly while making sure all of the kids were engaged and having fun. The kids were running around, having a great time. Parents felt no pressure to join in, some did, some socialized with the other moms and dads; perfect balance. We spent about 30 minutes in a first room with 3 jumpy structures and slides. We then moved to a second room with completely different structures to add a perfectly timed dose of reinvigoration of the party.

At the end of the bouncy time our host seamlessly led us into cake and party time. We did actually end up bringing our own cupcakes because of our daughter’s peanut allergy, but our host still ran the show and  made sure all of the kids were fed and their apple juice cups filled. At present time, The Bounce U team managed tracking of gift givers, trash and then bring the presents to our car. Oh, and did we mention that the place is sparkling? Making us forget about the gum at the bottom the tables at the scores of other “kid fun” places we’ve frequented. Bounce U supplied us with one of the most enjoyable and stress free parties we’ve ever thrown for our kids.

The place is perfect for kids aged 4 to 8. For more information visit the Bounce U website.

Illustration by Rebekah May: www.iusemarkers.com

Earth Day Events

Dads across the country will be celebrating Earth Day with their kids. If you have a great Earth Day 2010 event that people need to know about, let us know and we’ll post it here.

April 18 – Earth Day Celebration – Headlands Institute – Sausalito, CA

Sunday, April 18, 11am-4pm Join us to learn new ways that you and your family can be environmental stewards!

• Enjoy naturalist-led hikes across the coastal hills.
• Take part in stewardship projects to support the park’s natural environment.
• Create your own Earth Day-inspired arts and crafts.
• A healthy snack will be provided. Please bring your own water bottles.

More info

April 18 – Earth Day Fest at Full Circle Farm – Sunnyvale, CA

It’s almost time for our biggest event of the year!  Our third annual Earth Day Fest will be taking place on April 18^thfrom 10a.m – 2p.m.  This year’s theme “We Got It Growin’ On” will be a day to celebrate the incredible growth of not only our Farm and Gardens but more importantly the growing community spirit and interest in growing sustainable food and adopting responsible practices

More Info

April 22 – Earth Day at Habitot – Berkeley, CA

In the Art Studio, work together to build a giant pretend city – skyscrapers, houses, parks and playgrounds – all from recycled materials donated by companies and factories. The city will be put on display in the window in the corridor!

More Info

What does it really mean to be a hero?  What would you say your kid admires most about you?  What do you admire most about her/him?

Join Glitter & Razz Productions’ co-founder, Lynn Johnson and Playground Dad for this special workshop just for dads and their kids ages 4-10.

In Play Now,  you will be so bold and brave as to create and perform your very own play together that celebrates your love ofvideo games.  In this totally unique family workshop, you will:

• Invent your own heroic adventure stories starring you and your kids
• Design and create your story’s origin background image that is yours to keep
• Spend valuable time with your kids to explore what means to be a hero in a peaceful, powerful, and playful way

We will send you home with a gift bag including some of the coolest family-friendly video games as well as plenty of video recordable memories that will last a lifetime!

Register Now!

Sunday March 28 is Opening Day at California’s Great America in Santa Clara. We’re even more excited about the park this year with the integration of our all time favorites Peanuts characters with the introduction of Planet Snoopy:

Planet Snoopy is the Place To Be!

There is fun for everyone at Planet Snoopy. With rides that take you up and down or round and round, everyone has plenty to see and do. Plus, mom and dad can ride, too! Giggles and laughter fill the air when everyone is having so much fun. For an added treat, a hug from Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy and all their friends make it a special day for everyone.

Planet Snoopy Info: http://planetsnoopy.cedarfair.com/cagreatamerica/

Great America Info: http://www.cagreatamerica.com/index.cfm

Ticket Info: http://www.cagreatamerica.com/shop/shopping.cfm

It seems that there are two types of kids: those who seek out bugs and reptiles in order to observe and play with them, and those who refuse to play in the back yard after a solitary lizard sighting.  Either kid (and their caretaker) can benefit from and enjoy the Frog Fest at Tree Frog Treks.  Tree Frog Treks creates a hands on experience with rescued reptiles and amphibians for children with the goal of teaching them to think critically and gain respect for the planet’s biodiversity.

March 17th  marks the First Annual Frog Fest Fundraiser.  Your family will have the opportunity to meet animals, get a snake massage, and enjoy refreshments including green eggs and ham, wine, Irish Coffee and other snacks.  The event will also host a silent auction with gifts from local companies such as the San Francisco Zoo and the de Young Museum.

Frog Fest is open to all ages and takes place March 17th from 5-9 pm at Tree Frog Trek-Frog Hall located at 2114 Hayes St in San Francisco.  This is a free event, although donations are welcome and all profits benefit the scholarship fund.   For more information visit: http://www.treefrogtreks.com/programs/events.htm

Kids like to dance.  While movies and pizza are fun, wouldn’t you rather spend quality weekend time being active and social with your kids.  Perhaps your night could even involve music-theirs and yours.  At the Glitter and Razz Move and Groove Party all ages are welcome.  Not much of a dancer yourself?  Feel free to sit by with a slice of pizza and watch your kid(s) express themselves creatively.  Rumors of a disco ball have even been circulating.

Glitter and Razz “celebrates” kids through dramatic theater camps, birthday parties and other events.  Through creative exploration kids learn about social skills, compassion, and love for themselves and others.  Glitter & Razz is truly capable of creating a “magical” experience for your children.

The Move and Groove Dance Party takes place Saturday February 27th from 5-8pm at The Glitter & Razz Dramatic Play Space 5951 College Avenue in Oakland.    All ages are welcome and celebrated.  For more info check out their website at http://www.glitterandrazz.com/

Geek out with your kids a little bit next month with this great bay area tradition…

Welcome to our 22nd annual Pi Day, founded at the Exploratorium by our own Prince of Pi, Larry Shaw. On Sunday, March 14, 2010, from 1-3:30pm, come to the Exploratorium and celebrate Pi, the never-ending number (3.14159…), as well as Einstein’s birthday. Create Pi puns; participate in activities, rituals, and Pi-related antics; and have a slice of pie, all lovingly prepared by museum staff and friends. This event has become an international holiday and is included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium. Pi Day also takes place in the Second Life version of the Exploratorium, known as the ‘Splo.

To be specific, on 3/14/10, at 1:59pm at the Exploratorium, celebrants are invited to circumambulate the Pi shrine approximately 3.14 times, since 3.14 is an approximation of Pi. They will add yet more beads representing the numbers 0-9 to a ritual pie string, where each color bead designates a value for Pi to over 1600 digits, and growing. Music based on the number Pi provides the ambience.

For more information: http://press.exploratorium.edu/pi-day-march-2010/

With Christmas and New Years officially behind us, kids often ask: “What holiday comes next?”  A common parent’s response: “Uhhh, I guess Valentine’s Day”.  Is Valentines Day an actual holiday or something created just to force lovers, friends and parents into malls and stores looking for the perfect way to say I love you?  Whatever your take on the “holiday”, your child likely needs to bring a card for each class member to school in February for their class party.

Emma, age 4

The San Francisco Children’s Art Center has taken away a smidgen of that materialism and consumerism with their event that brings families together to create original Valentines.   At the One-of-a-Kind Valentines Cardmaking Family Workshop there will be art supplies, collage pieces, and recycled materials available to help with your creations.  You will also have the guidance of their experienced art teachers if need be.

The San Francisco Children’s Art Center is a non profit organization that focuses on the journey of the art making instead of just the final product.  The event takes place Sunday, February 7th from 10-12 and is recommended for ages 3 and up.

For more information visit:http://childrensartcenter.org/calendar/index.html

The longevity of brands is a common theme here on Playground Dad. So we’re excited that the Harlem Globetrotters will be in town in January. Remember when the Globetrotters used to beat up on the poor Washington Generals? Now it’s time to introduce your kids to the new Globetrotters so that they can enjoy the fun. A globetrotter game is half sporting event, half magic show and a perfect Playground Dad way to spend a Friday night with the kids.

From the Globetrotters website:

More than 80 years of entertaining families…

The “Ambassadors of Goodwill”® have dunked their way into the hearts of basketball fans both young and old. The Globetrotters have played more than 25,000 games, entertaining everyone from Presidents to Popes.

The Globetrotters are in the San Francisco Bay Area from January 15^th through the 17^th. For more information on the Globetrotters and to view their 2010 schedule, go here: http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/