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

Dogs, Zoos, and Bay Walks

by Michael Rohde

April 15, 2009

My son loves dogs. Yesterday at the park we ran across a dog walker who had about five dogs with her. Max went crazy. He threw his ball at them yelling, "Catch!" One of the dogs pounced on the ball but the dog walker immediately intervened. Maybe she has a policy of no kids playing with the dogs while they are on business. Oh well. I promised Max as soon as he's old enough to take care of a dog, he can have one. In the meantime, there's Dogfest 2009. On April 18, from 11AM to 3PM at Duboce Park, the SFUSD McKinley Elementary School is holding a fundraiser based on dogs. You can enter your dog in contests for best trick, best costume, best look-alike duo, mutt what? and other categories. All proceeds support educational enrichment programs.

Also on Saturday, from 10AM to 3PM you can party for the planet at the San Francisco Zoo. From their web site: "This fun and informative celebration of Earth Day is aimed at educating and entertaining Bay Area families on green, sustainable living solutions inside and outside the Zoo. It incorporates everything you love about the Zoo and its animals. A variety of local, earth-friendly companies and services will be on hand for visitors, as well as green-themed music and puppet performances the whole family will enjoy. Learn and see more on how the Zoo maintains a green commitment to the animals and the environment.You can actively Party for the Planet as you Reduce, Reuse and Recycle at the Zoo!"

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is celebrating its' 39th anniversary of Earth Day with a week of nature-themed art projects, conservation-based workshops, environmental guest scientists, and more. There are scheduled activities each day of the week, but here's the rundown for Saturday: Natural Object Communal Art Project, a Paper Making Workshop, and a Bay Walk starting at 2:15.