Wave to a swimming Santa at Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium
Santa Sightings, Holiday Light Shows, and More Things To Do this Weekend in New Jersey
The Turtle Back Zoo holiday lights show in West Orange is one of our top picks for family fun this Christmas. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
21 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New Jersey for Kids in 2025
From turkey trots to ice skating, there's lots happening on Thanksgiving Day in NJ. Photo courtesy of the Chatham Turkey Trot
What's Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey? Places Open for Family Fun
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for NJ Families
Bobby Chez offers to-go options for Thanksgiving dinner in Cherry Hill.
21 Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in New Jersey
More than 50,000 illuminated tulips will line the fields of Holland Ridge Farms' Winter Wonderland show. Photo courtesy of the farm
New Jersey's Most Popular Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out for 2025
Join a magical trip on the Polar Express powered by the Morristown & Erie Railway. Photo courtesy of the railway
Polar Express Trains in New Jersey for Families in 2025
Spend a day running around at Johnson's Corner Farm this November. Photo courtesy of the farm
25 Things To Do in New Jersey During November 2025 School Holidays
Demarest Farms is adorned with holiday lights this season as its popular Orchard of Lights returns for another holiday run. Photo courtesy of the farm
15 Best Things To Do in NJ with Kids November 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors
With more than 18 miles of trails to explore, Duke Farms is a beautiful backdrop for a fall day trip. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
26 Best Fall Day Trips from New Jersey for Kids
Get drawn into the art at the Morris Museum next time you're looking for indoor activities for kids in New Jersey. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
40 Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey on a Rainy Day
Romp with the triceratops and other dinos at Field Station: Dinosaurs in Leonia. Photo by Janet Bloom
Ultimate New Jersey Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NJ
Admission to the Cohanzick Zoo in Bridgeton is completely free. Photo by Lisa Warden
100 Free Things To Do in New Jersey with Kids
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
The Rainforest Cafe has two family-friendly restaurants in New Jersey. Photo courtesy of Rainforest Cafe
Themed Restaurants in New Jersey for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Make a splash at a Jersey Shore waterpark, like Ocean Oasis at Morey's Piers. Photo by Kip Dawkins
100 Things To Do at the Jersey Shore with Kids in 2025
Attractions at Morganville's Play Big Zone include arcades games and a 2,000-square-foot obstacle course.
20 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in New Jersey
GUIDE
Summer Camps Guide for New Jersey Kids
The Battkeship New Jersey is an amazing hands on experience for families. Photo by Lisa Warden
Best NJ Children's Museums in South and Central Jersey
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for New Jersey Kids
At Genius Gems in Millburn, kids under 2 get in free with an older sibling.
Budget-Friendly Indoor Play Spaces in New Jersey: Drop-in Play for $25 or Less
Hang out with the giant hippos at Camden's Adventure Aquarium. Photo by Kaylynn Chiarello Ebner
The Best New Jersey Zoos and Aquariums to Visit with Kids
New Jersey kids can find free fun climbing the pirate ship at the free Garden State Plaza Westfield mall. Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Guide to Free Fun Things To Do with NJ Kids
The accessible playground at Watsessing Park works for children of all abilities. Photo by Margaret Hargrove
Best Playgrounds in New Jersey Worth the Drive
Pet baby goats on a visit to Brookhollow's Barnyard in Boonton. Photo by Kaylynn Ebner
Meet the Animals at these New Jersey Petting Zoos and Animal Farms
Beyond the casinos, Atlantic City is an all-ages playground, with Island Waterpark, boardwalk amusements, beach access, and more fun.
Atlantic City with Kids: 34 Top Things To Do in Atlantic City, NJ
The Funplex has two New Jersey locations for families to explore and enjoy.
Best Family Fun Centers & Indoor Amusement Parks in New Jersey
Palmer Square is a great place to relax in the heart of Princeton. Photo courtesy of Palmer Square
22 Best Things To Do in Princeton, NJ, with Kids
At a Bach to Rock birthday party, kids can sing karaoke or record their own CD.
18 Top Birthday Party Places in New Jersey for Kids
Nickelodeon Universe is one of the can't-miss destinations at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Photo courtesy of the venue
  VIDEO
Visiting American Dream Mall in New Jersey: 26 Fun Things To Do and Tips For Your Visit
Bounce, climb, and jump at BounceU in Paramus, one of our top indoor play spaces in northern New Jersey.
Top Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in Northern New Jersey
Hike 1.6 miles to reach the dramatic beauty of South Mountain Reservation's Hemlock Falls. Photo by Rose Gordon Sala
Easy Waterfall Hikes in Northern New Jersey for Kids in 2025
Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County offers hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and much more. Photo by Ali Chandra
Great Day Trips to New Jersey State Parks and Forests
The Camden Children's Garden offers free admission for children under 2.
Free Admission for Kids at 50+ Top New Jersey Family Attractions
Cruise in the Playmobil Fire Truck during your trip to Toys
Top Free Things To Do Indoors in New Jersey: Free Places to Play Indoors
Hop aboard a stagecoach for a ride back in time at Wild West City, one of New Jersey's top attractions.
Top Attractions in New Jersey: Best Things To See and Do With Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
GUIDE
New Jersey Amusement Parks and Water Parks Guide

Dickens Fair, Welcome Winter Night, and More Great Things To Do in San Francisco This Weekend with Kids

Discover the science behind light when the Exploratorium hosts Glow Fest. Photo courtesy of the Exploratorium
Discover the science behind light when the Exploratorium hosts Glow Fest. Photo courtesy of the Exploratorium
11/19/25 - By Sandra Lee

Looking for the best things to do in San Francisco and the Bay Area this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list!

From tree lighting celebrations to popular holiday museum events, the San Francisco Bay Area is lighting it up!

Check out the big moon at the Exploratorium's Glow Fest, where kids can play with light, create shadows and learn the science behind it all. California Academy of Arts and Sciences is hosting Welcome Winter Night, a fun night for families that lets you check out the museum after hours and enjoy special themed activities, including magic shows, cookie decorating, planetarium shows, and even live reindeer.

Finally, get those costumes ready as the Great Dickens Christmas Fair starts on Saturday with all the Victorian London flair, including high tea, puppet shows, and even a Victorian fairy. 

More Things To Do in San Francisco and the Bay Area This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do This Weekend in San Francisco Bay Area with Kids

Tree Lighting Celebration at Hillsdale Shopping Center

San Mateo—FREE
Friday, November 21
Gather around the North Block Plaza at Hillsdale Shopping Center for its annual tree lighting \ceremony, done by Santa Claus himself. READ MORE

Watsonville Holiday Tree Lighting

Watsonville—FREE
Friday, November 21
Light up the holiday season with music and community cheer. Activities include a welcome by the mayor, performances, and a visit from Santa. READ MORE

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Daly City
Opens Saturday, November 22
A one-of-a-kind immersive adventure into Victorian London, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair has costumed players interacting with patrons, theatrically lit music halls, pubs, dance floors, food and beverages, and holiday shops. Families can sip on hot spiced cider, see a puppet show, engage in arts and crafts, and even see a Victorian fairy.  READ MORE

Starlab Planetarium at the Hiller Aviation Museum

San Carlos
Saturday, November 22
Enter the amazing dome of a Starlab planetarium and see the glittering stars of the night sky projected overhead. Discover the brightest constellations visible each night and the stars used by pilots, sailors, and others to navigate across vast and featureless oceans. READ MORE

Big Bird's Adventure: One World, One Sky

Cupertino
Saturday, November 22
Go to the moon and back with Big Bird and Elmo at the planetarium. When Elmo's friend Hu Hu Zhu stops by for a visit to Sesame Street, he notices his world looks a bit different than his hometown in China, but the sky looks the same. Together, they learn about the moon, the sun, and the Big Dipper, and even blast off on an imaginary rocket.  READ MORE

Cinderella at the Orpheum Theatre

San Francisco
Saturday, November 22
World Ballet Company’s Cinderella brings the beloved fairytale to life with a sparkling mix of classical ballet and Broadway-style theatricality. From Cinderella’s humble beginnings to her magical transformation, every moment is designed to captivate audiences of all ages.  READ MORE

Family Astronomy at Chabot

Oakland
Saturday, November 22
Enjoy a night with the family while learning all about astronomy. Topics include the moon and tides, all about the winter solstice, and more. Sessions include a hands-on workshop and complimentary snacks.  READ MORE

Welcome Winter Night at Cal Academy

San Francisco
Saturday, November 22
Welcome to the winter season at Cal Academy, where families can see what the animals (including two live reindeer) are up to after hours.  Additional activities include cookie decorating and snowflake crafts, magic shows and musical performances, polar habitat exploration, glow-up face painting, and themed food. READ MORE

Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run at Oyster Point Park

San Francisco
Saturday, November 22
The 51st annual South San Francisco Thanksgiving 5K Fun Run at Oyster Point Park is gearing up for Thanksgiving and showing off all the new amenities of the park.  See a new dog park, upgraded pathways, site lighting, fitness equipment, upgraded picnic areas, seating, and improved landscaping and pathways. Light refreshments will be served, and the Peninsula Humane Society's mobile adoptions will be there. READ MORE

In-Person Studio Series | Animate a Bird Flying (Youth Session)

San Francisco
Saturday, November 22
Calling all rescuers big and small! Take a journey to the vast Outback of Australia to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Rescuers Down Under (1990). Our crew will provide a look into the film’s development, use of reference, and break down the key ingredients of translating real birds to the big screen. READ MORE

Glow Fest at the Exploratorium

San Francisco
Saturday, November 22-Sunday, November 23
The art and science of light come together at this family-friendly event at the Exploratorium. Paint with light and shadow, soak in colors, and play with exhibit prototypes in the Light Lab.  READ MORE

Yountville Town and Tree Lighting

Yountville—FREE
Sunday, November 23
Join Mayor Margie Mohler with special guest Santa Claus as they count down to the annual tree lighting ceremony.  Food trucks are on site serving free holiday cookies, hot chocolate, and apple cider donut holes. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Sandra Lee
Sandra Lee is the community publisher and social media manager for Mommy Poppins Bay Area. With nearly a decade of writing in the parenting space, she’s passionate about helping parents create unforgettable memories with their kids. Her work has appeared in Tiny Beans, Zulily, and more. When she's not exploring or creating content, you’ll find her baking or practicing her hip-hop moves.
Recent Articles By Sandra Lee:
Read more articles by Sandra Lee.