10 Events In Northern CA To Keep Kids Busy During School Break

With the kids home for holiday break, parents in Northern California may find themselves looking for events to keep the kids busy during the days ahead to keep boredom at bay.

We’ve rounded up 10 events in and around the Bay Area that kids can enjoy on their own or with the entire family.

San Francisco Playhouse presents “Into the Woods” (Matinee)
When: Sat, Dec 20, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post St, SF, CA, 94102
Details: This holiday season, San Francisco Playhouse is staging Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved musical, Into the Woods. The enchanting production weaves together several classic fairytales to explore the complex reality that follows "happily ever after." The story centers on a baker and his wife, who set out on a dangerous journey to break a witch’s curse. Along their quest, they encounter familiar characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack with his magic beans. As their wishes are granted, the characters must confront the unforeseen consequences of getting what they thought they desired. The production is directed by San Francisco Playhouse co-founder and producing director Susi Damilano, with music direction by Dave Dobrusky and choreography by Nicole Helfer.

LEGO Robotics Camp
When: Mon, Dec 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Details: LEGO Robotics Winter Camp: A Hands-On Adventure for Young Engineers. Keep 3rd through 6th graders busy this holiday with an exciting, hands-on experience at the LEGO Robotics Winter Camp. Running daily from December 29 to January 3, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at the Hanna Center's Recreation Center, this camp is designed to foster innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving. Campers will dive into the fundamentals of engineering and coding as they learn to design, build, and program their own robots. It's a blend of creativity and technical skill development in one engaging program.

Basketball Camp
When: Mon, Dec 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Details: Students in first through eighth grade are invited to the Hanna Center's high-energy Basketball Camp, running from December 29 to January 3 and led by Coach Cetrick Yeanay, which is designed for all skill levels—from beginners to experienced players. Participants will focus on developing fundamental skills in shooting, dribbling, and defense, while also enhancing their teamwork abilities, with a program that emphasizes game strategies, drills, and exercises aimed at building confidence and improving basketball IQ in a supportive environment where all basketball lovers can grow their abilities and have fun!

Culinary Arts Camp
When: Mon, Dec 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: Hanna Center, 17000 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA, 95476
Details: From December 29 to January 3rd, the Hanna Center will host a hands-on Culinary Arts Camp for 3rd through 6th graders. Participants will learn basic cooking skills, kitchen safety, and fun techniques while preparing a variety of delicious dishes, from savory meals to sweet treats! Each day, campers will explore different cuisines, create and enjoy new recipes, and develop a passion for cooking to share with their family and friends.

Winter Break Chess Camp For Kids K ~ 8th Grade
When: Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Allstar Institute, 43687 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94539
Details: The AllStar Institutes Chess Camp offers an immersive, fun, and competitive experience for students of all skill levels.The structured daily schedule blends focused group learning sessions with exciting activities like the high-tech "Puzzle Racer" and team bughouse chess. Students are motivated by a unique in-camp economy, earning Tickets, Golden Coins, and rare Diamonds through hard work and skill, which they can exchange for prizes at the Awards Table. The camp balances intensive chess instruction with creative breaks like Chess Art and the famous Popcorn Stand, ensuring a memorable and skill-building adventure. Fridays feature major tournaments and a grand awards ceremony.

Winter Pee Wee Tennis Clinics in San Carlos!
When: Mon, Jan 5, 2026 at 5:40 PM
Where: Highlands Park Tennis Courts: 2600 Melendy Dr, San Carlos, CA 94070
Details: Give your young beginner (ages 4–5) a playful and supportive introduction to tennis fundamentals with our Pee Wee Tennis clinics in San Carlos. These fun-filled sessions are perfectly designed for their learning needs and are offered twice a week during the winter session (Mondays and Wednesdays). Don't miss this fantastic opportunity for your little ones to experience the joy of tennis from an early age! You can find the specific schedule, sign-up link, and contact information, including the website (www.EuroSchoolofTennis.com), email (info@euroschooloftennis.com), and phone (510) 491-3007, online.

Noon Year's Eve Dance Party for Kids
When: Wed, Dec 31, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Where: Livermore School of Dance, 1988 Second St, Livermore, CA, 94550
Details: The Noon Year's Eve Dance Party for Kids is a high-energy holiday celebration designed for children ages 3 and up to ring in the "New Year" without missing bedtime, starting with engaging crafts to create festive gear, followed by a high-energy dance party with kid-friendly tunes, and culminating in a special countdown to Noon complete with a spectacular balloon drop that mimics the excitement of midnight; parents have the flexibility to choose either a drop-off option for supervised fun, allowing them time for last-minute holiday errands, or the "Stay and Play" option, where they are welcome to join in the fun and experience the Noon Year's Eve magic alongside their children.

Free Concert - Winter Wander String Quartet & Carol Sing-A-Long
When: Sun, Dec 21, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Where: Christ Presbyterian Church in Terra Linda, 620 Del Ganado Rd, San Rafael, CA, 94903
Details: The CPC in Terra Linda is hosting a free Holiday Concert called "Concerts on the Corner," featuring the Winter Wonderland String Quartet and a Carol Sing-A-Long. The "Winter Wander" program, created by violinists Kathy Marshall and Genie Wie, will present Holiday classics before the Carol Sing; Marshall is the Lucas Valley Chamber Orchestra Concert Master and plays in the Marin and Santa Rosa Symphonies, while Wie is a member of the San Francisco groups Quartet Rouge and Synchronicity String Quartet, as well as the Monterey and Santa Rosa Symphonies. Visit the website for information on other upcoming free concerts.

Winter Math Camp for Kids ages 6-16
When: Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Where: 1316 University Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94702
Details:Firecracker Math Winter Camp for ages 6-16 builds math skills and confidence with expert-led lessons, games, puzzles, and magic tricks. Full-day options include art and science. Enrollment is open for WINTER CAMP 2025 in Berkeley, Oakland/Piedmont, Lafayette, and Mill Valley. Week 1 is Dec 22-26 (closed Dec 25); Week 2 is Dec 29-Jan 2 (closed Jan 1). The camp offers a fun way to keep minds engaged during the break and supplement education. Flexible scheduling (one week, both, or drop-in) is available, along with multi-session, sibling, financial aid, and referral discounts. Enroll at firecrackermath.org. Learn more at open houses.

Hometown Holidays
When: December 2025
Where: Downtown Redwood City
Details: The holiday season in Northern California offers a multitude of engaging activities to keep children entertained while schools are closed. From hands-on crafts workshops at local libraries and community centers to themed days at science museums and aquariums, there are options for every age and interest. Many regional parks and nature centers host guided winter walks and educational programs focusing on local wildlife and ecosystems, providing a healthy dose of outdoor activity. Additionally, several theaters and performance venues present special holiday-themed shows and matinees designed for families, ensuring that the break is filled with memorable and enriching experiences.

If you’re planning a holiday or winter event, feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!