Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in san francisco, CA

Mother's Day 2009

by Michael Rohde

May 06, 2009

I have to give Sunday Streets continual props. The first one of the year was a blast. We went down to AT&T Park, ran the bases, played ball in the Fan Lot, and then walked over to the playground and a grassy field, which is about a block away. Sponsors had hula hoops and catch-and-throw toys spread out. It was hilarious to see my little two-year old trying to hula. She had no trouble getting inside the hoop and picking it up, but it was far too big for her to start swinging her hips. Gotta hand it to her for trying though!

I bring Sunday Streets up because on May 10 they will be back at it again along the Waterfront route in the Southeast Sector of the city. The route highlights the San Francisco Bay Trail, which is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The route starts at AT&T Park, stretches to the Bayview Opera House, and then finishes at India Basin (details).

If you’re still looking for something to do today, don’t forget that the Bay Area Discovery Museum offers free admission on the first Wednesday of every month (yep, that’s today).

Koret Museum Days
BADM is participating in Koret Museum Days, which means on Sunday May 10, admission is free of charge. Seventeen other museums and varied locations are participating, including the Exploratorium, the SF Museum of Modern Art, and the SF Zoo (full list of locations).

That’s all good for Mom Day, but what about Saturday? Don't worry, there’s stuff to do then as well:

Richmond District Family Fun Days
The Richmond Village Beacon is presenting a carnival event with resource booths, food, and games for every member of the family! This event is free and open to the public (details).

Baby Loves Disco (in my wife's words, "geez, this is expensive!")
If your baby/toddler/kid loves to dance the afternoon away, and you don't mind dropping $18/per person at the door (that's $72 for a family of four), then Baby Loves Disco is where you need to be heading on Saturday.

Trader Joe's

by Michael Rohde

May 05, 2009

I've never met anyone who said they didn't like Trader Joe's. After all, what's not to like, you get balloons for the kids, free samples, and the groceries are awesome. Yes, I just wrote that groceries are awesome (I think that's proof I'm no longer in my 20's and am a bona fide parent). Plus, if you shop smartly, their prices are cheaper than some big chain grocery stores.

I realize that TJ's is not a unique SF experience; after all, they are nationwide. So, why do I bring them up now? It's simple, really, they just lowered prices on select items. If you've never been, or if you've been neglecting your local TJ's, it's time to pay them a visit.

I also understand they have a cookbook (Cooking with all things Trader Joe's) on sale. Would that be a good Mother's Day gift? I guess that depends on the Mother...

Here's a top 10 list of favorite items (special thanks to my Facebook friends for contributing their faves):

10. Wine selection. Whether you prefer the two buck chuck or TJ's own label, they've got a large selection of great wine (and beer).

9. Tarte flambé

8. Their frozen desserts and organic strawberry lemonade

7. Carne Asada

6. Free balloons for the kids

5. Free samples (you probably saw this one and #6 coming a mile away)

4. TJ's frozen 4 cheese mac & cheese and the pesto tortellini bowl (guaranteed the kids will eat it every time)

3. They have their own peanut butter cups

2. Joe joe's (their version of the Oreo)

1. Salsa. We love the double roasted salsa and I have it on good word, from two different sources, that the peach salsa is da bomb. Apparently, it's really good served on pork chops, grilled chicken, and I'm guessing it wouldn't be bad on salmon either. That's it. Ten reasons to hit TJ's and get some groceries, balloons, and snacks.

BTW, if you want to connect on FB (I'm Mike Rohde, I use the same profile pic there as I do here), send me a note that you read my posts and I'll accept. I'm also on Twitter (jimmyjames70). Fair warning: my tweets are split between discussing Xbox 360 video games and my kids. The kid tweets are usually on Fridays and the weekends. If you let me know you're reading these posts I’ll be sure to follow you back.

See you on the other side.