Category: Family

Free Crafts at JC Penney Kids Zone

JC Penney Kids Zone crafts are free drop-by and take-it-home crafts offered the second Saturday of each month from 11 am – 12 pm.

JC Penney Kids Zone staff will give the kids the supplies they need for the craft or project.

Did you know that workshops, craft sessions, and cooking classes at local stores are a great way for your child to learn something new and have fun at the same time? Find other store events in the Bay area on our Store Events page.

JC Penney Kids Zone Dates for 2025

JC Penney Kids Zone Dates for 2025

January 11, 2025
February 8, 2025
March 8, 2025
April 12, 2025
May 10, 2025
June 14, 2025

July 12, 2025
August 9, 2025
September 13, 2025
October 11, 2025
November 8, 2025
December 13, 2025

Updated Jan 2025

What to Expect at the JC Penney Kids Zone

It will be a fun, free activity for your little one, including a free craft, with a lanyard, ID badge, a collector’s pin, and other supplies if needed. And a Project Master Medallion when they complete 6 projects.

Grownups will get something a special extra 10% off coupon to shop in-store, valid for one day only.

JC Penney Kids Zone Craft for February 2023

Rain or shine – no reservations needed. Check the JC Penney’s Kids Zone for details and dates. [LINK]

CelebrateFamily.us Best Bet: Did you know that workshops, craft sessions and cooking classes at local stores is a great way for your child to learn something new and have fun at the same time?  We promise not to tell!

CelebrateFamily.us

General Rules for Store Events: Minimum age for participation is 3 years. Event limited based on store capacity. Parents must stay with their child. Event is subject to change or cancellation without notice. While supplies last.

Find more Store Events on CelebrateFamily.us.

2022 National Cinema Day

National days can be fun to celebrate, but saving money is even more fun. For one day, theaters are offering all movies in all formats for $3. The ticket price does not include ticket fees. Enjoy!

Bay Area Theaters

We’ve confirmed these theaters are participating:

Cinemark
Regal
Cinelux
AMC
Maya Cinemas
Chabot
Vogue Theatre in SF
Marina Theatre in SF
Presidio Theatre in SF
Balboa Theatre in SF (Balboa at 38th) has $3 tickets for all screenings other than “The Room.

Check with your local theater to confirm participation.

Cinema Day Concession Special Deals

Cinelux Specials:
$5 Combo Small Popcorn and Drink

Cinemark Specials:
$3 Medium ICEE or Fountain Drink Beverage
$3 Candy
$3 Small Popcorn or upsize to large for $1 more.

Prices do not include applicable taxes and fees.

Monster Jam | SAP Center 2022

Monster Jam starring the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam trucks! The twelve-feet-tall, ten-thousand-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over – OR smash through. These colorful, larger-than-life beasts are sure to capture the hearts of both young and old.

Monster Jam drivers push these perfectly engineered Monster Jam trucks to their limits in Freestyle, “2-Wheel Skills” and Racing competitions that promise to put families on the edge of their seats in this unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable event!

Ticket prices (both adults and kids): $20. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

Monster Jam Events in San Jose

SHOWGATES OPENSHOW TIMEPIT PARTYWinners
Circle		BUY TICKETS
Fri, Sep 26 PM7 PMN/A7 PMTICKETS
Sat, Sep 312 PM1 PM10:30 AM1 PMTICKETS
Sat, Sep 36 PM7 PMN/A7 PMTICKETS
Sun, Sep 412 PM1 PM10:30 AM1 PMTICKETS

Monster Jam Pit Party – Just $20

Don’t forget the Party in Pits before the events. The Monster Jam Pit Party provides unprecedented access to the Monster Jam trucks and drivers. This unique experience in the world of motorsports gives you access to see the trucks up close, take pictures, meet the drivers and get their autographs. Arrive early as drivers will depart the Pit Party 30 minutes prior to end time and autographs are not guaranteed. The Pit Party Pass be accompanied by a same-day event ticket. Add the Pit Party Pass OR the Pit Party Early Access Pass at the end of your ticket order.

Ticket prices (both adults and kids): $20 Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.

Monster Jam Winner’s Circle & Greet

Courtesy Monster Jam
  • Spend some time after the event at the Winner’s Circle Post Event Meet and Greet.
  • Special VIP Meet and Greet space at SAP Center.
  • Chance to talk with the drivers, take photos and get autographs.

Ticket prices (both adults and kids): $40 Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com

2022 Guide to Bay Area County Fairs

County fair season in the Bay Area includes 15 (count them) county fairs and a season that begins in May and runs through September. If we’ve missed an event, let us know!

Alameda County Fair: Pleasanton: June 17 – July 10

Cloverdale Citrus Fair: Cloverdale: April 21 – April 24

Contra Costa County Fair: Antioch: May 12 – May 15

Kings Fair: Hanford: June 9 – June 12

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Fair Trivia: The California State Fair in Sacramento is the only state fair that has its own monorail. The monorail only runs for two weeks every year.
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Marin County Fair & Exposition: San Rafael: June 30 – July 4

Merced County Spring Fair: Los Banos: April 27 – May 1

Monterey County Fair: Monterey: September 1 – September 5

Napa County Fair & Fiesta: Calistoga: August 11 – August 14

Napa Valley Exposition: Napa: August 11 – August 14

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Fair Trivia: Every year, visitors at the Minnesota State Fair eat 500,000 corndogs.
—

Salinas Valley Fair: King City: May 12 – May 15

San Mateo County Fair: San Mateo: June 4 – June 12

Santa Clara County Fair: San Jose: July 27 – August 7

Santa Cruz County Fair: Watsonville: September 14 – September 18

Solano County Fair: Vallejo: June 16 – June 19

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Fair Trivia: Dr. William Morrison introduced “Fairy Floss” at St. Louis World’s Fair.  We know it now as Cotton Candy.
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Sonoma County Fair: Santa Rosa: August 4 – August 14

Sonoma-Marin Fair: Petaluma: June 22 – June 26

Looking for more county fairs? Check out our post listing all of the county fairs and expos at Guide to California County Fairs (plus the California State Fair).

2021 Christmas in the Park | Downtown San Jose

A much beloved holiday tradition in San Jose that takes place in downtown across the street from the Tech Museum and the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice.

Enjoy free entertainment, holiday displays and Christmas trees decorated by community groups and businesses in the area. Highlights include free pictures with Santa and entertainment every night.

Fri, Nov 26, 2021 to Sun, Jan 2, 2022 | Noon to midnight.

Cost: Free!  But bring cash for hot chocolate and other goodies, plus WinterWonderland.

Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose

Christmas in the Park is across the street from the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown San Jose outdoor ice rink and The Tech Interactive.

Visits with Santa

Santa visits are free, so be sure to bring your own camera for picture opportunities.  Santa’s area will be a festive, outdoor setting located near the park’s North end.

Dates/Times
November 26 – December 24, 2021
Check the Christmas in Park calendar for daily times.  Santa is scheduled to hang out every day from 6:30 pm – 9 pm.

Santa is vaccinated, but will be practicing social distancing per county recommendations. Masks are not required, but are recommended.
More information [LINK]

Movie Nights

Come to the park each Saturday night for Family Movie Night. All movies start at 6 pm.
Christmas in the Park at Downtown San Jose Movie Nights

Zoom Santa

This is a free experience offered by Christmas in the Park and Zoom Santa. Dates and times available from November 27 – December 23, 2021
RSVP/More Information [LINK]

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt

Blinky’s Holiday Hunt is an on-site scavenger hunt through Christmas in the Park.

Locate the items around the park, complete the form and you will be entered to win a prize package.  More details at Christmas in the Park [LINK]

View our complete holiday calendar of special family events, Santa visits, Nutcracker ballets and more at CelebrateFamily.us Holidays [LINK]