February Freebies: Museums, Concerts and Crafts

Ready for some free activities to do with your family over the next few weeks, both in our own community and a little further away? Here are some great adventures you can enjoy.

Many local museums have a free museum day each month. For instance, the Exploratorium in San Francisco offers free admission to all the first Wednesday of each month, which is on Feb. 1.

On Feb. 5, families can head to the California Academy of Sciences and walk in absolutely free. This is a real deal since adult admission is usually $29.99 and children are $19.95. Get there early to avoid huge lines, as this is one museum you don’t want to miss and is worth the drive to experience.

The Oakland Museum of California brings together art, history and natural sciences. Each month, this museum offers families free admission the first Sunday of the month, which falls on Feb. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Go here to learn more. Just a heads-up that a line starts forming around 10:30 a.m., so it pays to be there a few minutes before the museum officially opens.

Interested in some other free museum days around the bay, check out this  informative list. There are so many local museums to choose form, and most offer at least one day a month free for families in our community and beyond.

Not willing to travel to the city or Oakland? Then, check out some events that are closer to the Tri-Valley.

On Monday Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m., join children in the youth production of “Flat Stanley” as they entertain at the in Walnut Creek.  Performers will tell stories and sing songs from their upcoming production, based on the classic book series.

On Thursday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m., magician Timothy James entertains the school-aged crowd at the , located at 1644 North Broadway.

On Thursday, Feb. 13, join the San Ramon Youth Symphony at their free concert at the . This concert, held at 7 p.m. is a fun evening for music lovers, young and young at heart.

Consider heading to in Walnut Creek on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. for their weekly free craft. On Feb. 4, youngsters can make their own flip notebook. Busy, on Feb. 4, then think about making a Valentine mailbox on Feb. 11, just in time for the love-filled holiday.

Whether you choose to stay close to San Ramon or venture to a city by the bay, there are lots of choices close by to intrigue children and turn family events into activities that won’t cost you a dime!