It’s time for some more family friendly activities that won’t break your budget, since all of the events featured below are free.
As always, our local libraries have plenty of opportunities for families to engage in crafts, story time and more. Family story time at the is held weekly from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. Kids can feel free to wear their pajamas as they listen to the librarian read books, sing songs and even make a fun craft.
Willing to travel a bit for a Lunar New Year craft? If so, head to the between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. any day from Jan. 23 to Jan. 26. As a bonus, there is a hidden gem park located right next to the library with a tire swing, multiple play structures for younger and older children, and even a small zip line. My own kids love this park!
On Saturday, Jan 21 at 2 p.m., the is holding their annual Chinese New Year Concert. Linda Yu and her students will perform traditional Chinese music and dance. Get your free ticket 30 minutes before the start of the concert.
On Monday, Jan. 30 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., head to the for the ever popular “Book Bingo.” Have fun playing Bingo and winning free books with your lucky Bingo card. Parents can play along with their children, so join in!
Continuing with a book trend, consider heading to in Dublin and let your youngsters enjoy their train table. Afterward, browse the books, and sit down on some of their benches or chairs and savor reading aloud to your child of any age.
Better yet, head to the at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek. They also have a train table and thousands of books. As a bonus, there is also a free trolley you can get near the fountain at Broadway Plaza. Ride this all the way to Walnut Creek BART and then back to Broadway Plaza—a free adventure for kids. In fact, my own children and I did the Barnes and Noble/Trolley Adventure just last weekend!
Another hot book spot nearby is in Blackhawk. This is a very friendly, local bookstore, where employees are always willing to offer book suggestions. There is a reading table with display books, and you are welcome to sit with your children and read to them or have them read to you from any book in the store. You could spend an hour here, for free, just enjoying books you might not find at other retailers.
Whether your family time involves reading books at a local bookstore, riding a trolley, or playing Bingo library style, you’ll have a great time around the Tri-Valley and beyond with free fun.
