Winter 2017 Family Outings - Ice Skating

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Whether your family is trying skating for the first time, or you've been practicing all summer, visiting an outdoor ice skating rinks is a great way to spend time with your family during the winter and holiday season. Check out the websites for classes, parties and more.

Downtown Ice San Jose
November 17, 2017 through January 15, 2018
$15-17, admission includes ice time and rental skates. 

Santa Clara Ice @ Central Park
November 17, 2017 through January 15, 2018
$10-15, children 3 & under free with a paying adult.

Winter Lodge Palo Alto
September 25, 2017 through April 15, 2018 (Closed November 23, December 24 & 25, December 31 (at 5pm), January 1,and April 1)
$16

Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square San Francisco
November 1, 2017 through January 15, 2018
$13-18 

Embarcadero Center Ice - San Francisco
November 3, 2017 through January 7, 2018
$12-17 

November 11, 2017 through January 7, 2018
$12/hour
 







 


Winter 2017 Family Outings - Hanukkah Events and Menorah Lighting Ceremonies

The Bay Area is a great place to be for the Festival of Lights - lots of celebrations, festive workshops, menorah lightings, and more.

Hanukkah 2017 will begin in the evening of Tuesday, December 12, and ends in the evening of Wednesday, December 20.

Below is our annual Hanukkah planner, we will update it as events are published, so if we missed one - let us know! relomomsv@gmail.com


Friday, November 10, 2017
Clay Menorah Workshop @ Color Me Mine, Alameda
From a lump of clay, you will be instructed, step-by-step, how to create your own Hanukkah Menorah and be able to use it this Hanukkah.
No experience necessary.

6pm, $36. 

Sunday, December 3, 2017  
Menorahs and Miracles at the Children's Discovery Museum
Museum visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of Hanukkah activities, hosted by the Addison-Penzak JCC.
12noon-4pm, regular museum admission fees apply.

Hanukkah Festival – Congregation Beth Jacob Redwood City
A Family celebration featuring Andy Z. 11am-2:30pm, free.   

Sunday, December 10, 2017
Family ArtBash: Spinning Tales of Light and Magic – Contemporary Jewish Museum San Francisco  
A day-long festival, accessible for all families, celebrating Hanukkah and folktales, and filled with art-making, shadow puppets, dreidel playing, dancing, storytelling, and more.  Admission is free for two adults when accompanied by a visitor 18 and under.    

Hanukkah On Ice - Palo Alto  
Ice skating, crafts, olive oil pressing and more.  
11:30am, $28, or $10 without ice skating.   

Maccabeats Hanukkah Concert - OFJCC Palo Alto
Hear the Maccabeats perform songs from their hit albums, youtube videos and much more.
4pm, $25-35.  

Glow in the Dark Dance Party at the Marin JCC in San Rafael 
Enjoy dancing, arts & crafts, live music, delicious food, games, face painting, swimming, and more!
11:30am-2pm, free.

Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot in San Carlos
Home Depot + Menorah's what could be better? Build your own menorah, Music & Hanukkah refreshments, Activities, Free worker’s apron, Dreidels & Hanukkah Gelt.
All children must be accompanied by an adult. 
10-11am or 11am-12pm. FREE, RSVP required.

Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot in San Mateo
Home Depot + Menorah's what could be better? Build your own menorah, Music & Hanukkah refreshments, Activities, Free worker’s apron, Dreidels & Hanukkah Gelt.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.   Sessions starts 2:30pm, 3pm or 3:30pm. FREE, RSVP required. 

Kids in the Kitchen Hanukkah Edition - Chabad Los Altos
Children have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and prepare their own fabulous traditional Jewish foods, and bring home their own handmade creations!!  Curriculum includes themed related stories, discussions, crafts and games. 
3-4:30pm, $15

Menorah Workshop at The Home Depot in Newark
Home Depot + Menorah's what could be better? Build your own menorah, Music & Hanukkah refreshments, Activities, Free worker’s apron, Dreidels & Hanukkah Gelt. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  10-11am or 11am-12pm. FREE, RSVP required. 

Home Depot Menorah Workshop (El Cerito)
Build your own menora, music & Hanukkah refreshments.
4pm, free, RSVP required.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Hanukkah Extravaganza Burlingame Ave.
Featuring: Live Performance by International Jewish Blues Star Saul Kaye, have fun in the (imported) Snow, Chanukah Jelly Doughnuts, selfie with the Dreidel-Mascot, hot Latkes, grand menorah lighting and more!  
Free. 

Grand Menorah Lighting at Palo Alto City Hall
Big show with Roy Boy LIVE!, Crafts & activities, latkes & Sufganyiot.
5:30-7:30pm

GLOW IN THE DARK Hanukkah Celebration in Sunnyvale
Arts and crafts, glowing juggling show, giant glow in the dark menorah, olive pressing, latkes and donuts, calloon twister and more.
5:30-7pm, FREE, please RSVP.

Thursday, December 14, 2017
Hanukkah Train - Roaring Camp Railroad Santa Cruz
Gather at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk for the lighting of the menorah at 6:15 pm, and then set off on an incredible 1 hour train ride on Roaring Camp’s vintage excursion cars adorned with thousands of shining lights and Hanukkah decorations.  
Sharing in Hanukkah traditions and ride the train through the streets of Santa Cruz listening to Hanukkah stories, playing dreidel and enjoying kosher refreshments provided by Chabad by the Sea.
Adult - $31, Children - $25, 2 and under - free.

Hanukkah Celebration at Stanford Shopping Center
Celebrate the Jewish festival of lights with musical performance by Isaac Zones of Shamati, arts and crafts for the kids, dreidel games, and a special candle lighting ceremony.
5:30-7:30pm, free. 

Community Hanukkah Celebration - Los Gatos JCC
The whole community is invited to celebrate the third night of Hanukkah in the JCC's main lobby. Candle lighting, singing, dancing, playing games, and more! Bring a dish to share and have a sufganiya (Hanukkah donut) for dessert.  
5-6m, free.

Home Depot Menorah Workshop (Santa Clara)
Build your own menora, music & Hanukkah refreshments.
3-5pm, free, RSVP required. 

Jewish Heritage Night with the Golden State Warriors
Celebrate Chanukah with your 2017 NBA Champions at Jewish Heritage Night - let's go Dubs! 
7:30pm, $70+.

Saturday, December 16, 2017 
Latkepalooza - Peninsula JCC (Foster City)  
Annual community-wide Hanukkah celebration with live music, crafts and games for children and families, candle lighting ceremony and lots of Latkes.  
4-6:30pm, free.

Chanukah Parade with Chabad Palo Alto
Watch/Join the parade of cars sporting Menorahs on top as we drive through Palo Alto spreading the Holiday light and joy! 
Heading out from Chabad, 3070 Louis Rd. 

Shir Fun Tot Shabbat Hanukkah at Shir Hadash Los Gatos
Rabbi Schwartz will lead a brief Shabbat Service with the story of Hanukkah in the main Sanctuary, followed by crafts, playtime, schmoozing and special latkes and sufganiyot for snack in the Oneg Room. 
9:30-10:30am, free.

GlowintheDark Hanukkah Party
In Russian, $40 a family.

Hanukkah on Ice San Mateo
$13 Per Person | $10 if reserved before December 13th

Sunday, December 17, 2017
Magical Hanukkah Family Celebration for Russian Speaking Families in Los Gatos
Hanukkah story, magic & lights show, dance performance, arts & crafts, latkes & doughnuts, menorah lighting and lots of fun.
4-6pm, $5-15. 

Hanukkah Festival at the Courthouse Square in Redwood City
Entertainment, music, latkes and donuts and more. 

The Hanukkah Miracle Puppet Show in SF (in Hebrew)
Learn about the Hannukah story in a fun and engaging way.  
11am, free.

Hanukkah Legoland with Chabad Palo Alto
4pm
More details to follow

Hanukkah Celebration in El Cerito
Grand Menorah lighting, hot buffet, latkes and doughnuts, make your own dreidel, crafts and more.
4-6pm, FREE.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Last night of Hanukkah at Mollie Stone's Markets
Menorah Lighting, latkes and donuts, crafts and activities for kids.
5-8pm, free.

Fall Speed Ahead - 10 things to do in the bay area this fall

Monday, October 2, 2017

After counting the days to our favorite season, and with Halloween right around the corner, we've created an inspiring family fall to do list

1. Take your pumpkin to the patch to pick the perfect gourd. Check out our Pumpkin Patch Guide with 30+ options to choose from.

2. Make apple picking a new family tradition!
3. Check out that fall foliage at Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore or Ed Levin Park in Milpitas. 

4. It's harvest time on the farm! Harvest the Indian corn and fill the corn-cribs, press cider, and enjoy old-time music and crafts at Ardenwood Harvest Festival (October 7-8, 2017).
5. Welcome the Monarch butterflies to Pacific Grove - Arriving in October, monarch butterflies cluster together on pine, cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Sanctuary.  
6. Visit Halloween@Night at Gilroy Gardens - Discover a whole new kind of magical, mystical Halloween adventure this fall! (September 29 - October 29, 2017, Friday-Sunday, 7pm-10pm).
7.Visit Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party in Felton.
8. Celebrate Sunol’s Old Timey Hootenanny (October 21, 2017, 11am-4pm) as history comes alive with cowboys, games, activities, guided walks, pony rides, petting zoo and more.
9. Check out Bay Area Discovery Museum's annual Halloween festival - Goblin Jamboree (October 21-22, 2017). Pony Rides, Glow in the Dark Trains, a Slime Room, a Potion Laboratory and more.

10. Take the family to a Family Night at the Museum for Celebration of Books and Make-Believe, through the fun of dress-up and the joy of reading. This is an “all treats, no tricks” bash featuring healthy treat stations, science magic, and a book giveaway.

Making Grocery Shopping FUN - Free Printable

Sunday, September 24, 2017

When visiting the grocery store, Daniel often get bored, and I end up getting frustrated and leaving without all of the items on our list, or I give up and let him watch videos on my phone.
I wanted to get him engaged and was looking for ideas. I talked with friends, browsed Pinterest, and found this really cool free printable, which gave me the idea to make his own special shopping list!

I downloaded pictures of items that are usually on our shopping list, and printed it. I wasn't sure it's going to work, but was hoping it will give me some extra shopping time.
When we got to the New Seasons Market, we took a toddler sized shopping cart, stopped at the kids' cart for a fruit, and I gave Daniel the list and a crayon. I explained him that we need to find the items on the list, and circle it with his crayon after putting it in the cart.
To my amazement, Daniel was so engaged! He was so happy to find the items, and check it off his list. We were able to get almost everything we wanted! Before heading to the register, I asked him to choose one special treat to share with daddy later. Daniel was so happy! 
He later helped with paying and bagging, and high-fiving the team.
Most of the items on the list are produce, because I shop in different stores, but the list is so easy to edit, that I plan to do it for meats and other supply.
This list not only made shopping enjoyable, but also gave us the opportunity to learn about the produce. I taught Daniel how to choose lemons, we talked about smells, colors, textures, flavors, and we planned what we will make with the vegetables later
Kids don't like to try new food, but when they’re choosing vegetables and cooking for themselves, they are more likely to try something new. I plan to use this opportunity to add a few new items to my list. 
Since this worked so well for us, I’ve included a downloadable shopping list for you, too! You can download the PDF document, or the Word document, if you want to edit the list.
Click here to download the shopping list in Word and PDF.
 

Fruit Picking - Spring 2017

Monday, July 10, 2017

FOR 2018 FRUIT PICKING SEASON - VISIT THIS PAGE: http://relomomblog.blogspot.com/2018/04/spring-fruit-picking.html

Pick your own natural and organic fruit, have fun with family and friends, and enjoy the amazing taste of fresh fruit.

The farms listed below are local farms, owned by local families that believe in providing healthier options to the community. Information about seasonal fruit picking gathered from their websites, so please check the calendar prior to your visit.

Don't forget your hats and sunscreen for protection from the sun, bring bottled water to stay hydrated and wear comfortable cloths and shoes!

If you visited one of the farms or orchards, and you would like to share your photos, please email us at ReloMomSV@gmail.com. If you know about an orchard which is not listed below, please send us the details and we will update the list.

Come back for more updates throughout the season, as many orchards will start fruit picking later in May and early June


🍓 Live Earth Farm - A U-Pick featuring organic blackberries, raspberries and strawberries! Blackerries - $6/lb, Raspberries - $8/lb, Strawberries - $2/lb. Bring containers to pick in, hats, sunscreen + your kids!  Refreshments will be for sale at the farm stand where you can also buy fresh organic produce.
2017 season is now open! Updated 5/11/2017.1275 Green Valley Road, Watsonville, CA
Tel: 831-763-2448

https://www.facebook.com/LiveEarthFarm/


🍓 Gizdich Ranch - Organic Strawberry U-pick is currently open. Bring your own containers or purchase boxes for a small fee. Experience the most fun part of growing fruits at the Ranch! Combined with fresh air, sunshine and a little sweat, it's a whole lot of fun for the kids and the entire family.Strawberries are $1.90/lb.
2017 season will be open May 14! Updated 5/11/2017.
55 Peckham Rd, Watsonville, CA
Tel: 831-722-1056
http://www.gizdich-ranch.com
Meiri family visiting Gizdich Farm 5/7/2016
🍒 Borello Family Farms - A unique experience for cherry lovers. Bring your family and friends and spend the day in the orchard picking your own delicious Coral Champagne cherries. 
2017 is the first year the orchard will be ready to pick, so the quality of the fruit will be at its highest.
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. UPDATED 6/20/2017.
8990 Marcella Ave, Gilroy, CA
Tel: 831-673-0733
https://www.upickmorganhill.com/ 
Borello Family Farms in Gilroy - 2017 crop
🍓 Swanton Berry Farm - U-Pick is now open on weekends. Check in the farm stand to get started, grab some boxes and pick some delicious organic fruit! The organic strawberries are $4.50/lb for 1-10lbs. if you pick 10 or more pounds they are $3.50/lb. The weather on the coast is quite variable so wear layers, sturdy shoes, and farm appropriate clothing. Cash and check only. 2017 season is now open! Updated 5/10/2017.
25 Swanton Rd., Davenport, CA
http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/ 

🍒 Mike U-Pick - Low trees for convenient cherry picking, no children’s strollers or animals of any kind are allowed in the orchards. Cash only.
2017 season is now open! Updated 5/11/2017.
611 Payne Ave, Brentwood, CA
Tel: 925-698-7459
http://mikesupick.com/


🍓 Coastways Ranch U-Pick - Organic Strawberry U-pick is currently open on weekends. The organic strawberries are $4.50/lb for 1-10lbs. if you pick 10 or more pounds they are $3.50/lb. The weather on the coast is quite variable so wear layers, sturdy shoes, and farm appropriate clothing. Cash and check only. 2017 season is now open! Updated 5/11/2017.
640 Highway 1, Pescadero, CA 
http://www.swantonberryfarm.com/

🍒 Pease Ranch - Low trees for convenient cherry picking. Open Wednesday thru Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am-4:30pm. Cash only.
2017 season will be open May 17! Updated 5/15/2017.
 25175 Marsh Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
Tel: 925-634-4646
http://www.peaseranch.com/

🍓 Berry Best Farm - Strawberries, Artichokes, Asparagus, Sugar snap peas, and fava beans.2017 season is now open! Updated 4/14/2017.
7450 Balfour Rd. Brentwood, CA
http://harvest4you.com/farm/berry-best-farm/

🍓 Webb Ranch - Webb Ranch is located just a little north off the 280 at Alpine Road, there is signage and plenty of free parking. 
Open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for organic blackberries and raspberries picking from 8am-1pm. 
Entry fee is $4, free for kids four and under. Baskets provided and berries are $5/lb. 
There is not a lot of shade, so try to get there earlier in the morning, and be prepared for some time in the sun. 
We had fun picking our berried, eating them and learning where the berries come from (No, not from Trader Joe's :) ). A ripe berry will come off the vine easily, so make sure you only get the good ones. Be careful, the bushes are thorny. It is not a bad idea to have tweezers in your bag, I saw one mama today who could really use it :( 
At the end of the lot there is a small bridge, and right after the bridge there is a fun big bounce house and shade for parents to chill. 
We ended up getting to the exit with no berries in our baskets, because we ate it all, so we bought some boysenberries from the stand at the entrance. 
Fun and healthy activity for all ages! 
2017 is now open! Updated 6/18/17.
http://www.webbranchinc.com/home.htm 
Raspberries at Webb Ranch 2016
Boysenberries at Webb Ranch 2016

🍒 Chavez U-Pick Cherries - 35 Acres of low trees for convenient cherry picking, Free entry, free parking, free buckets with no minimum purchase. Cash only. No food or animals allowed in the orchard. 2017 season is not open yet.
23800 Marsh Creek Road  Brentwood, CA
Tel: 925-625-3994
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Updated 6/22/2017.
http://www.chavezupickcherries.com/ 


🍓 Crystal Bay Farms - Organic Strawberry U-pick is currently open, Wednesdays & Weekends from 10-5pm. $4/lb. 
40 Zils Rd, Watsonville, CA
Tel: 831-724-4137  
http://www.crystalbayfarm.com/  

🍑 Bacchini's Fruit Tree - Currently offering apricots and sweet red cherries picking. White peaches, blackberries, plums, nectarines and more coming soon. Free parking. Pay for what you pick. Low trees, ladders not needed. No pets/animals allowed in orchard.
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Updated 6/22/2017.
2010 Walnut Blvd. Brentwood, CA
http://www.brentwoodfruit.com/

🍑 Peter Wolfe Ranch - Currently offering apricots, cherries and white peaches picking.

700 Creek Road, Brentwood, CA
Tel: 925-634-1308
http://www.peterwolfe.com/

🍑 Canciamilla Ranch - Currently offering apricots, white peaches, yellow and white nectarines picking.

Tel: 925-263-6080
http://canciamillaranch.com/index.html




 

Independence Day 2017 Around the Bay Area

Tuesday, July 4, 2017


Looking for a big fireworks celebration, a parade or kids activities this Fourth of July? ReloMom put together this list of Independence Day activities around the Bay Area. No matter how you'd like to celebrate America's birthday, you can find something below.

To see the full list by city, click here.
To see a list of all fireworks shows, click here.

If you know of more fun events, please share in the comments and we will add it to the list so everyone can join the celebration! 

Happy birthday America!

South Bay

San Francisco




Peninsula

East Bay








 
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