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 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Table of Contents

Who Wrote That? Donna Gephart by Patricia M. Newman...... page 6

Wordsearch: It’s Earth Day!...... page 7

Make it Yourself!...... page 8

The Book Report: Bed Time Stories by Connie Goldsmith ...... page 9

Summer Guide...... pages 15 –21

Calendar of Events...... pages 26–28

Hubble 3D Blasts Off!...... page 29

Parties! Parties!...... pages 30–31

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Publisher: George Macko General Manager: Kathleen Egan Contributing Writers: Connie Goldsmith, Patricia M. Newman Art Director: John Ochoa Junior Designer: Ryan Vuong Sales Manager: Patty Colmer Advertising: Marc Harris Distribution/Subscriptions: George Macko

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APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide  5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF Matinee Performances

airytale Town’s own repertory company of young actors returns for a third season of original and innovative fam- Fily entertainment. “The Little Mermaid and the Yellow Submarine,” promises to be a major production in both size and scope. A cast of 25 young actors between the ages of 5 and 19 gather together to enact a creative new adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic fantastically re-imagined as a “Lost Adventure of Sgt. Pepper.” It features eleven mystical mermaids, seven sappy sailors, three environmen- tally incorrect witches, miscellaneous sea urchins and even a pesky puppet or two–not to mention a soundtrack by a certain Lonely Hearts Club Band. A loving tribute to 1960’s pop culture clashing with twenty-first century eco-savvy silli- ness, this wondrously weird production promises a parade of dazzling color and eccentric accents across the universe and under the psychedelic sea. “The Little Mermaid and the Yellow Submarine” star- ring the Fairytale Town Troupers opens April 10, with Egg- matinee performances in the Children’s Theater at Fairytale Town. Tickets are only $1 (Fairytale Town Members receive a 2-for-1 discount) in addition to paid park admission. Children strava- two and under are free. Saturday matinees are scheduled for 12:30 and 1:30, Sunday performances are at 11:30 and 12:30. Performance dates are April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. ganza! The Children’s Theater at Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive, Sacramento, in William Land Park. op down the bunny trail General Admission to Fairytale Town is $4.50 weekends and with Peter Cottontail and holidays. For more information, call (916) 808-7462 or Hcelebrate spring with family [email protected]. at friends at Fairytale Town’s annual Spring Eggstravaganza. The event is set for Saturday and give a child their first experience additional charge), or participate Sunday, April 3 and 4, from 11 seeing live theater, and helps in a variety of age-appropriate a.m. to 3 p.m., and offers egg build interest in stories and spring art activities, which you Outdoor Nature hunts, puppet shows, hands-on reading. Most activities for the can take home as a souvenir. arts activities and photos with Spring Eggstravaganza event are Fairytale Town is open 9 the big Rabbit himself! included in paid park admission. a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (weather Programs Egg Hunts will be held Tickets for Puppet Art Theater permitting), and event activi- promptly at noon, 1, and 2 performances are an additional ties take place from 11 a.m. to p.m. each day and guests are $1 for members, $2 for non- 3 p.m. Park admission is $4.50 Looking for Eggs in Nature- Sunday, April 4, 1:30 p.m. encouraged to bring a basket for members, with showtimes at per person, ages 3 and up. Join the fun at Rancho Del Oso Nature and History Center collecting eggs. The Egg Hunts 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Children 2 and under are free for a special nature walk for children who like to look for eggs in are separated by age groups. After seeing a show, head on of charge. nature. Search for frog eggs, insect eggs, newt’s eggs and other Children three and under will over to the Mother Goose Stage “special” eggs. The hike will be about a half-mile in length. This hunt on the main lawn in front where you can take a photo with For more information, call (916) 808- event is fun for all ages. of the Mother Goose Stage, the Big Bunny of the season ($5 7462 or visit www.fairytaletown.org. Rancho del Oso is located 17 miles north of Santa Cruz on ages four to six will find eggs Highway 1. Turn right before the Waddell Bridge, there is a sign in the Pooh Corner, and those marked “Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center” on the right ages seven to 12 will track eggs side. Please watch for newts on the road each spring. behind King Arthur’s Castle! Each child will return their eggs Tidepool Exploration at Waddell Beach – Sunday, April 18, to Mr. McGregor’s Garden to at 9 a.m. receive a prize - no matter how Low tide is at 9 a.m., so meet at the Waddell Beach parking lot few or how many eggs they find! and walk about a mile to the tidepools. Spring is a great time to (This activity is included in park see colorful nudibranchs (sea slugs), octopus and a wide variety admission.) of crabs. Families are welcome. Please wear layers of clothes and After the Egg Hunts, guests sturdy shoes or boots that can get wet. Participants will gather are invited to the Children’s back at the nature center afterwards to warm up with hot choco- Theater to see the puppet show, late, tea or coffee around the fire and learn more about what they Bunny Boot Camp. The zany have seen. Meet at the Waddell Beach parking lot off of Highway comedy includes heroic char- 1, just south of Año Nuevo State Reserve. More information is acters, devious villains, and available at (831) 427-2288. madcap chase scenes. The pup- Located 16 miles north of Santa Cruz along Highway One, at pet show is also a safe place to Waddell Creek. For more information, call (831) 427-2288.

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide  5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

list became the brain- child of a character Who Wrote That? named David Green- berg, a funny Jewish kid whose role model The Creators of Your Child’s Favorite Books is Jon Stewart of The Featuring Donna Gephart By Patricia M. Newman Daily Show. Gephart thought David might possibly write a book to help others survive onna Gephart’s first novel, middle school. “That As If Being 12 ¾ Isn’t Bad morphed into—well D Enough, My Mother is maybe he can create Running For President!, was the videos [starring his recipient of the 2009 Sid Fleis- pet hamster, Ham- chman Humor Award. When my] and put them she reflects on what drew her on YouTube to help to humor, she recalls, “The other kids and him- big family dinners where my self survive middle aunts and uncles and cousins school.” and everybody would be sit- G e p h a r t w o r k s ting around the table laugh- from her home in ing our heads off and telling south Florida, divid- stories and pigging out.” She ing her time between also read the humor columnist writing and family. She prefers out from me and from the Erma Bombeck, as a kid—even to create in the morning when story. Ultimately, she was though Bombeck’s column she is fresh, leaving revision, right on target and [her was written for a more mature promotion and other busi- comments] always helped audience. “I was interested in literature. “I knew no one. I the original novel, but ex- ness-related activities for the the whole.” humor even back then,” she knew nothing,” she says of pressed interest in the book afternoon. Usually she ends Gephart says, “Before my says. the business. She stumbled about the candidate’s daugh- her writing day when her sons teen years, I did not have a Somewhere between the ages onto a critique group of like- ter. Gephart says, “I didn’t (now 15 and 17) return home lot of friends. The library was of eight and ten, her mother minded children’s writers. have a book.” from school, but there are my second home and books made a fuss over something One of the members told her She did what all writers do times when deadlines loom and were my friends…Children’s she had written and Geph- about an editor searching for whose bluff had been called. she’s forced to work evenings literature is so important. It art knew she wanted to be a mother-daughter short stories She got to work and turned in and weekends. provides a friend for a child writer. However, the path to for a soon-to-be published 340-page book centered on a “My editor has a gift for and the context to understand writing for children was long anthology. Gephart fired off a romance. The agent requested seeing what’s missing,” she [himself] and the world bet- and circuitous, with stops at submission about a girl whose a revision that focused more says. For As If Being 12 ¾ ter, and a strategy for coping writing greeting cards, maga- mother’s political career kept on what it felt like to be the Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother [within the confines of] a safe zine articles, and short stories. her away from home a lot, daughter of a Presidential is Running For President!, environment.” Gephart had always enjoyed incorporating her own love of candidate. Gephart researched Gephart’s editor mentioned Next month: Aaron Zenz reading children’s books to politics and a story she’d heard and revised for four months that Vanessa, the main char- her two sons, but when they about President and Mrs. and the agent sold the book in acter, does not have a best Patricia Newman is the author of began to veer away from the Clinton and their daughter three weeks. To celebrate the friend, so Gephart wrote Jingle the Brass (Farrar, Straus & children’s section, she stayed. Chelsea. The anthology editor publication of As If Being 12 ¾ one for her. “How to Survive Giroux). Her newest book, Nugget At first, Gephart floundered said the story did not fit her Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother Middle School went through on the Flight Deck (Walker), is in the world of children’s needs, but suggested Gephart is Running For President!, three BIG revisions,” Ge- now available. Visit her website turn the story into Gephart posted a “Welcome phart says. “[Each time my at www.patriciamnewman.com to a novel. Baby” stork sign on the lawn editor] drew more and more watch the trailer. Feeling more outside her home to announce confident, Geph- the new arrival (weight: one art then mailed pound). a query letter to In her newest book, How I an agent about a Survived Middle School, Geph- MORE ABOUT different middle- art relives some of her own grade novel she problems in middle school. Donna Gephart had written and “Those feelings definitely included one line came through in [this book],” How to Contact Donna Gephart about some of she says. But the germ of the Website: www.donnagephart.com her other work: idea actually came from her SELECTIONS FROM “I’m also writing younger son when he began Donna Gephart’s Library a book about a middle school. “He hated shy, awkward, school, hated himself,” she How to Survive Middle School, Delacorte, 2010. gawky girl who says. “It was such a departure wants to stay from how he was in elemen- As If Being 12 ¾ Isn’t Bad Enough, My Mother is out of the spot- tary school. It was so hard Running For President!, Delacorte, 2008. light, but she to watch.” At that time, she can’t because attended a writer’s conference Upcoming her mom’s run- and confesses to tuning out Olivia Bean, Trivia Queen, Delacorte, TBA. ning for Presi- the speaker to make a list of d e n t . ” T h e challenges that middle school agent rejected students face. Eventually the

 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF Creek Sacramento Earth Week Day Festival

riday, April 9, through he 4th Annual Earth Day Festival will be filled with Saturday, April 17, diverse business, non-profit, cultural and govern- Fbe part of an area- T ment vendors with practical information, goods and wide volunteer effort to services for saving money, living healthier, and protect- improve our creeks by col- ing the environment. There will also be entertainment, lecting and removing trash activities and cuisine. and invasive exotic plants. Bring the kids, Sunday, April 11, from 12 to 5 p.m., at For information, go to: Southside Park, located at 8 th and T Streets, Sacramento. www.creekweek.net. Admission is free to this event. April 22 isn’t just another Thursday Annual Earth Day it’s Earth Day! Whale Festival his is a day to think about our home, Planet Earth, and ways we can all help make it a nice, clean, safe place to live. Here are some words that relate to Earth Day; try to find he 14th Annual Earth Day Whale Festival! will be held, Tthem in the puzzle. Look carefully, words can appear vertically, horizontally, diagonally, Sunday April 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Leo Carrillo State backwards and upside down. Good luck! T Park (located at 35000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California 90265) Border of Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. B E N A M A J R X C M E P N P X E B T This event celebrates the annual migration of the California K B W C H M D E G L P D O H P T C H X gray whale and its successful return from the brink of extinc- tion. Whale appreciation and environmental awareness are the N Y W S Q F E C B E V H D Z S J D H Z themes of the day. Live entertainment, environmental conser- T L I E P W P Y W A D C O A O C N P I vation information booths, whale-watching stations, arts and crafts for children, activities, music and food are all a part of Y F C L Y O F C W N Q L W S Q N A K R the day’s events. Experienced naturalists will be on hand to A Q P A W E X L T X S M Q N P G E E X help participants spot and identify gray whales and bottlenose dolphin right from the beach! Parking for the public is $12. W B Z K D Q L E R D L W D W A T E R L Sponsored by the Santa Monica Mountains Natural History Association. W X H E H R S X E B G E E G R Y N Y V I S D S D R P J E K A P R O T E C T H For more information call (805)488-1827 x106 or visit www.earthday- whalefest.org. L C E N E R G Y S S C W J T Z W O P A E L J V M S K Y D J U F H C L S N B N G A I F Y G H D V I I N H K C M S E I A R R N J T L H P A L C Y A A O E D M B K L B R V G O G R E E N F Z G R D A R N A A A J E G V B F B D Z U L V S L A K E Z T G P O L L U T I O N V E H S G I L W O C E R T N E M N O R I V N E Animals Garbage Rivers Clean Go Green Sky Conserve Lakes Smog Earth Ozone Sun Energy Pollution Trees Environment Protect Waste Fish Recycle Water

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide  5EPTYUIORASDFGHK Make it yourself! Cute little chick egg Scrunched Tissue

his Polystyrene Egg Chick makes such a cute Easter craft for kids! Also Paper Egg Tgood for a farmyard theme. his Scrunched Tissue Paper You will need: Egg is fun for younger kids and Tmakes a lovely, textural display A large polystyrene egg (plastic egg) for Easter. Yellow paint Orange craft foam Googly eyes You will need: Card Yellow feathers Glue Glue Scraps of colored tissue paper You will need to: Paint the egg yellow and leave to dry. You will need to: Glue a couple of feathers each side as the wings. Cut an egg shape from the card. From orange foam, cut two feet and a beak and glue these to your chick. Crumple the tissue paper scraps into Finally, add two googly eyes and leave the glue to dry. balls. Glue the tissue paper to the front of the egg. Make your egg all one color, or add stripes or other patterns! Pink Baby Easter Bunny Of course you could punch a hole and hang your egg from a pretty ribbon. his Polystyrene Egg Bunny is a perfect craft for Easter Tand makes a great table decoration that the kids will be Easy Ribbon Egg really proud of! his Ribbon Egg is a simple Easter craft, but You will need: even the youngest children can manage a Tvery pretty egg to display! The “gluing” A large polystyrene egg (plastic part of the craft makes it especially fun! egg)

Pink paint You will need:

Pink craft foam A large polystyrene egg (plastic egg), Lengths Googly eyes of ribbon PVA, (white) glue. Also optional: White pipe cleaner (chenille wooden skewer and pot of playdough stem)

White pompom You will need to:

Glue This craft can get very messy. You can make it easier by popping your egg onto a wooden skewer and standing it upright in a pot of play- You will need to: dough! Paint the egg pink and leave to dry. Paint the egg with a coat of glue. Cut the chenille stem into 3 short lengths. Glue these to the front of the egg Starting from the top of the egg wrap lengths of ribbon around the egg, trim- as whiskers. ming the ribbon at the top. Continue with as many different strips of ribbon From the pink foam, cut two feet, two ears and a nose and glue these to your as you like. rabbit. When you are happy with your design, paint over another layer of glue to Add two googly eyes and a pompom tail and leave the glue to dry. secure any loose edges and leave to dry.

Crafts courtesy of: www.Activity Village.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy

 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

The BOOK Report Bed Time Stories By Connie Goldsmith

very parent has struggled to put a cranky toddler to bed – it’s practically a rite of passage. Reading Ea bed time story together helps. It can smooth the way to sleep and sweet dreams. Bed time story time is a standard ritual for many families. If you’re not reading to your child at bed time, give it a try – it might just work. It can also instill a life-long love of reading. The classic bed time tale, “Good Night Moon,” is not the only bed time book out there. Take a look at one of these to and ink art contrasts stormy night backdrops with warm of animal faces are enchanting. This book is as much send your little one off to sleep. earth-toned family homes. This story is sure to give an introduction to nocturnal nature as it is a bed time your child that happy, tucked-in feeling so important story. The bold gouache art fills each page, bringing the “When the World is Ready for Bed,” by Gillian Shields, to falling asleep. ** reader into the scene. You’ll wish you could fly too! illustrated by Anna Currey. (Bloomsbury). “When the world is ready for bed, the sky grows dark, the sun glows “The Quiet Book,” by Deborah Underwood, illustrated “Goodnight Baby Bear,” by Michael Shoulders, illustrated red,” this most charming book opens. Mama Bunny by Renata Liwska. (Houghton Mifflin). This book says a by Teri Weidner. (Sleeping Bear Press). Baby Bear has calls her little bunnies in from play. The story takes the lot in a few quiet words. There are many kinds of quiet, a large happy family. They all love Baby Bear more family through an evening that toddlers can identify and parents and kids alike will recognize most of them. than honey oatmeal raisin cookies. And they really love with. Supper first, followed by picking up toys. Then, Some kinds of quiet are glad quiets, such as, “Don’t scare honey oatmeal raisin cookies. Momma takes Baby Bear quality time with Daddy Bunny. Bath time. Bed time the robin quiet,” and “First snowfall quiet.” Others, not for a picnic in the garden. Daddy and he play farm and story with Mama. Kisses, hugs, and prayers. Finally, baby so much! “Thinking of a good reason you were drawing plant a tree. Brother Bear takes Baby Bear to the beach, bunnies curl up under a blue flowered quilt, drifting off on the wall quiet,” and “Do iguanas bite? quiet.” But while Aunt Grace takes him to the aquarium. And let’s into happy dreams while holding favorite cuddlies close. perhaps the best kinds of quiet are the getting ready for not forget Uncle Roy and Nana. But no matter what The art is inviting, warm, and soft, and the flop-eared bed kinds: tucking in Teddy, bedtime kiss, and finally, happens, each day ends the same way. The little bear is bunnies may well be the world’s cutest! “Sound asleep quiet.” The adorable animal drawings are tucked into bed and, “Baby Bear gets one honey oatmeal executed in muted tones, making them a perfect fit with raisin cookie and picks one special book.” Each page is “Stormy Weather,” by Debi Gliori. (Walker). If your this quiet book. filled with watercolor and colored pencil vignettes of children are sometimes a little bit afraid of going to Baby Bear’s adventurous days and comfy nights. And bed, this gently reassuring book will calm their fears. “While the World is Sleeping,” by Pamela Duncan Ed- guess what cookie recipe is on the last page? Even when storms rage and thunder booms, animal wards, illustrated by Daniel Kirk. (Orchard Books). parents around the world love and protect their babies. Just after mom puts her little girl to bed, a giant white ** Reviewer’s pick of the month The story follows Mama Fox as she reads about animal owl glides to the window. “Climb aboard and hold on families to Baby Fox. From polar bears to owls, otters tight, as I spread my wings in flight. We will journey Connie Goldsmith lives and writes in Carmichael. Her to snails, parents cuddle their babies and get them ready through the night, while the world is sleeping.” The juvenile nonfiction books, “Cutting Edge Medicine,” “Men- for bed. “From north to south and east to west, from child and owl soar through the night brightened by ingitis,” and “Superbugs Strike Back: when antibiotics fail,” cave to berg and twig to nest, a sleepy hush across the a full moon. They fly over farm and forest, river and can be found at online booksellers, and in school and public world, small creatures in their beds are curled.” The woods. They see what animals are awake at night and libraries. Her newest books about hepatitis and malaria are rhyme is perfect and soothing. The stunning watercolor what they do while the world is sleeping. The close-ups due out this spring.

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide  5EPTYUIORASDFGHK Thar’s (Still!) Gold in Them April Weekend Thar Hills! Activities Special to California kids from Beth Callahan Dinosaur Egg- Many Californians happily live, work, travel, stravaganza - April and play on the former sites of California’s 1800s 3 - 12:30 p.m. to Looking for Gold Rush, never imagining the nearby riches 3 p.m. that still remain undiscovered. Although gold is unusual eggs? How no longer found in the fabled quantities of those about prehistoric egg heady days, far fewer folks search for it as well. fun for everyone! See Some of those who do are more successful than real dinosaur eggs in you might imagine. the Gee Whiz Geol- Jerry Levitt is a self-described “sourdough” who ogy exhibit. Special has been mining gold for almost 30 years. While he presentations include has claims in both Alaska and Northern California, a visit with “Roy some of his richest finds have come from the South Chapman Andrews,” Fork of the American River. “Anyone can try their the real-life model luck on the American River across from Coloma for Indiana Jones and Park,” he advises. “That’s still a great place to pan. the man who discovered that brings home a gold-panning Kids often pull out fingernail-sized nuggets.” dinosaurs laid eggs. A playlet activity sheet. And when you find gold, be quiet about it! Jerry about famous paleontologists says that real 49ers never cried, “Eureka!” “Why occurs throughout the day. 12 Dinosaur Stamp-A-Rama and under: Each child will re- would you do that?” he asks. “Someone would - April 17-18 - 12:30 to 3 ceive a plastic egg with a baby Make your own dinosaur know who to rob!” Instead, successful gold pan- p.m. ners would quickly stick the gold nuggets in their dinosaur inside. Today’s make- fact book! Children 12 and mouths and keep them under their tongues until and-take activity is a paper under use a dozen different di- the end of the day. “The smart ones never said a Protoceratops egg. nosaur stamps and match them word to anyone about their findings,” says Jerry. up with interesting prehistoric Even today, when people ask if there’s any gold can rent a “claim” at the trough for $3, and Jerry Eureka! Gold Panning Week- facts to construct a personal left to find, many modern miners will say, “NO!” will show them the finer points of panning. Glass end - April 10-11 - 12:30 to take-home memento. Remem- Thar’s gold aplenty this ber to bring your camera for (But if they mumble, it might be because they have vials are provided to take home the treasure should 3 p.m. gold nuggets under their tongues!) miners decide against hiding their findings under weekend! Stake your claim at the many photo opportunities Retired from the State Board of Equalization, their tongues. For those who would like to own the Discovery Museum’s gold available in the Gee Whiz Ge- Jerry also has some tax advice for modern gold and wear genuine Sacramento-area gold nuggets, panning event. Rent a pan for ology exhibit, features rocks, hunters. “Gold that you find – it’s called ‘bullion’ Jerry’s gold is available at the Museum Store in $3 a person to try your luck at crystals, dinosaurs, volcanoes, – is tax-free to the finder. But if you sell it, successive the form of beautiful jewelry and belt buckles, all finding gems and semi-precious and fossils. buyers have to pay taxes on it.” At one time, Jerry’s handmade by the miner himself. stones in our sluice boxes, and hobby yielded enough tax-free gold to pay for an your findings are yours to keep! Celebrating the Grand Can- annual one-month vacation on Waikiki Beach! The Discovery Museum Science and Space Center A real gold miner will show you yon - April 24-25 - 12:30 to Jerry will be sharing his gold-panning expertise is located at 3615 Auburn Boulevard, Sacramento. the ropes and answer gold-hunt- 3 p.m. Did you know it took and stories with visitors to the Discovery Museum Admission to the center is $6 adults (18+), $5 se- ing questions. Don’t miss see- the Grand Canyon 3-6 mil- Science and Space Center on April 10 and 11. niors (60+), $5 teens (13-17), $4 children (4-12), $0 ing the large gold specimens in lion years to form? Or that Troughs will be filled with water and sand, and children (3 and under). These events are apropriate our Gee Whiz Geology exhibit, it was formed by the power which were found right in this salted with genuine semi-precious stones and for ages 4 to 12 years old. For more information, call of water? The Discovery minerals, including real gold. Tenderfoot miners (916) 575-3942 or visit www.thediscovery.org area! Everyone 12 and under Museum Science and Space Center is highlighting sedi- mentary rocks this weekend by featuring our country’s most famous canyon. Each child 12 and under gets a Grand Canyon postcard to take home and a sticker craft activity to complete while visiting the museum.

The Discovery Museum Sci- ence and Space Center will be closed on Sunday April 4. The Center is located at 3615 Au- burn Boulevard, Sacramento. Admission to the center is $6 adults (18+), $5 seniors (60+), $5 teens (13-17), $4 children (4-12), $0 children (3 and under). These events are apropriate for ages 4 to 12 years old. For more informa- tion, call (916) 575-3942 or visit www.thediscovery.org

10 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF Fly by Butterfly

hat is a Pipevine Swallowtail? Find out as you explore the W life cycle of the butterfly and create your own coffee filter but - terfly on Sunday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m., at the Effie Yeaw Nature Cen- ter. Then take a walk throughout the Nature area and investigate the Pipevine Swallowtail’s world. Effie Yeaw Nature Center is locat- ed in Ancil Hoffman Park, 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Carmichael. This is a free program, but there is $5 per car entrance fee to the park. For more information, call (916) 489-4918. History Comes Alive at Sutter’s Fort!

he 2010 season of “His- the Sacramento River ship- tory Live,” a vibrant ping the bounty of the inland T and interactive histori- valleys to the towns on the coast. Special “History Live” cal experience, runs to June 30, Wednesday, Friday, Sat- characters include those who urday and Sunday, and July built California and offer an 1 to 31, Tuesday through opportunity for visitors to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at see, hear and talk with these Sutter’s Fort State Historic early pioneers of our state. In Park. addition to the “History Live” Visitors have the opportunity activities, visitors are also to meet pioneers who left their invited to stay the day and homes and braved the journey experience all that Sutter’s to Sutter’s Fort at the dawn Fort State Historic Park has of the California Gold Rush. to offer. Hands-on activities led by Admission: Adults $6; experienced docents change Youths ages 6 to 17 $4; daily and include blacksmiths, Children 5 and under are bakers, doctors, vaqueros and admitted free more at this midtown Sac- ramento historic park. Most About Sutter’s Fort State His-

people think of a “fort” as a toric Park, Sutter’s Fort State place meant to keep people Historic Park is open Tuesday- out, but John Sutter’s Fort Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. was a central gathering place Located in midtown Sacramento for a diverse group of people. on L Street between 26th and Farmers, merchants, weavers, 28th Streets (2701 L Street), the gunsmiths, candle makers, all Fort offers special events, Living sought their fortunes in the History and Demonstration Days Sacramento Valley. During the programs throughout the year. special “History Live” pro- Established in 1839 by Swiss gram, visitors are encouraged immigrant John Augustus Sutter, to meet, ask questions and talk Sutter’s Fort was at the center of with individuals who made a flourishing agricultural empire California what it is today. named New Helvetia (New Swit- In fact, talented craftsmen zerland.) This empire established and women started their new Sacramento’s earliest settlement lives with very little managed and the first European settlement to build thriving homes and in California’s Central Valley. businesses from their starts For more information, call (916) at Sutter’s Fort. Experienced 445-4422 or visit www.parks. sailors ran ships up and down ca.gov/parks.ca.gov.

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 11 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK All Aboard!

he California State Railroad Museum’s popular excur- sion railroad–the Sacramento Southern Railroad–of- Tficially returns to operation on Easter weekend, April 3 and 4. Once underway, excursion trains depart every hour on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through September. Each spring, the Sacramento Southern Railroad takes center stage as visitors enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of an authen- tic, working steam locomotive as it rolls along the levees of the Sacramento River. Appealing to all ages, the experience offers guests the chance to experience train travel from an earlier era. Excursion trains depart from the Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot in Old Sacramento (located on Front Street between J and K Streets). Guests are treated to a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip excursion along the levees of the Sacramento River. The train features a combination of vintage closed coaches with comfortable seats, and open-air “gondolas” with bench style seating. Regular excursion train tickets are $8 adults, $3 youths (ages 6-17), ages 5 and under ride free. For passengers desiring a ride aboard the first-class car El Dorado--a beautifully restored 1920s lounge observation car which offers large picture windows, plush seating and air conditioning--tickets are $15 per person Tickets for Sacramento Southern Railroad excursion train rides (including first-class upgrades to ride in VIP style on the beautifully restored El Dorado observation car) are available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Railtown 1897 Steam Train Sacramento Southern Railroad ticket office, located on Front Street between “J” and “K” Streets in Old Sacramento. Passengers may purchase tickets earlier in the day for a later train Operating Season Opens! departure that same day. However, the only advance reservations accepted are for groups desiring exclusive use of the first-class car El Dorado (for a flat usage fee regardless of group size) which must n Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4, be offered as well, including railcar rides, be made two weeks in advance by calling (916) 445-3145. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in tours of the historic roundhouse and dem- O Jamestown will begin the first weekend onstrations of the historic belt-driven ma- The California State Railroad Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. of steam train operations for 2010. Once chine shop. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more informa- underway, steam-powered excursion trains Tickets for steam train excursion rides tion call, (916) 445-6645 or www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. will depart on-the-hour from 11 a.m. to aboard “mountain observation cars” are $13 3 p.m. weekends through October. And, for adults, $6 for youths ages 6-17 and kids during opening weekend only, residents of five and under are free. On most weekends, Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties ride for first class tickets are also available for those free with proof of residency. Visitors from who would like to ride in the comfort of near and far are encouraged to step aboard a 1901 first-class observation car; cost is for a six-mile, 40-minute roundtrip ride $21 for adults and $9 for youths. All tickets along the rails of the famous “Movie Rail- include park admission and are available on road,” passing through California’s scenic a first-come, first-served basis at the ticket Gold Country. window beginning at 10 a.m. on the days To kick off the first day of operations on the trains are running. Saturday, April 3, the public is invited to attend the “Early Bird” program that starts About Railtown 1897 State Historic Park at 7 a.m. in the Roundhouse to watch as Operated by California State Parks with as- the crew lights the fire and prepares the sistance from the nonprofit California State locomotive for the day. The locomotive is Railroad Museum Foundation, Railtown started with the tossing of a burning rag 1897 State Historic Park offers year-round into the firebox, then the crew works to tours plus train rides weekends April through fuel, lubricate and water the engine as the October (selected dates only November-De- boiler is slowly brought up to temperature. cember). Known as “The Movie Railroad,” Knowledgeable guides will be on hand in the Park and its trains have been featured the Roundhouse to narrate every step of in hundreds of feature films, TV shows, and the process. Then, interested spectators can commercials. The Park is located at the corner follow it out into the yard and watch the of Fifth and Reservoir in Jamestown, reached turntable in operation as the crew moves by Highways 49/108. Open Tuesday-Sunday the locomotive into place at the Depot. The except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New official ceremonies begin with a marching Year’s Day, the Park’s operating hours vary band and a raising of the flag at 9:45 a.m. by season: April to October, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 followed by a grand entrance and ceremo- p.m.; November to March, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. For nial whistle-blowing. more information, call Railtown 1897 State Throughout the day on Saturday and Historic Park at (209) 984-3953, or visit Sunday, many other special activities will www.railtown1897.org

12 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF SPCA Book Sale

he Sacramen- to SPCA will Thold its Annual Spring Book Sale featuring thousands new and used books at dog-gone great prices on Saturday, April 10 to Sunday, April 18. Hours are Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The sale will in- clude thousands of bargain books in 45 categories, including fine and collectible books, religion, literature, humor, history, military, animals, mystery, romance, children’s, westerns and a special selection of premium art books, many of them new, and all priced far below internet comparables. The sale will be held at the Marketplace at Birdcage, 6187 Sunrise Boulevard (next door to CVS Pharmacy) in Citrus Heights. For more information, call (916) 383-7387, ext. 9102 or e-mail [email protected].

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 13 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

14 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Camps for Everyone Meet Children’s author

ummer camps, like people, astronomy and tide-pool explora- are not all alike. The most tion. Sports can include rafting, Alan Schroeder Sobvious difference is be- rock climbing, backpacking, tween day and resident camps, gymnastics, water-skiing, aquat- lan Schroeder, author of several but many other features distin- ics, wind surfing, skateboarding biographies for children, will guish individual camps. Some and karate. Camps can be in- Aappear at a free family program camps specialize, either in partic- structional, too, offering classes at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 13, at ular groups or in special interests in computers, for example. North Natomas Library, 4660 Via such as music. Here’s a listing of Ingoglia, Sacramento. some of the most popular types Family camps - In some cases, He is the author of several picture of camps available in Northern entire families can go to camp books, including Lily and the Wooden California, courtesy of the Ameri- together. For many, it is the best Bowl, Minty, and Carolina Shout. Copies can Camp Association® (ACA), of all worlds, enabling parents to of Schroeder’s books will be available for Northern California. enjoy the camp experience with purchase and signing at the program their children and yet have time conclusion. For more information, call Special populations - There on their own. (916) 264-2920 or visit saclibrary.org. are camps for disabled children, Whatever the camp specialty, To find an ACA-Accredited® as well as for children with can- it is generally recognized that camp and to access other resources cer, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, campers learn new skills, increase including a list of local camp asthma and other challenges. their self-esteem, develop social fairs, visit www.ACAnorcal.org, skills and enhance their self-con- call (916) 333-5344 or e-mail Specialty camps - At least one fidence. [email protected]. camp is totally devoted to base- ball, another to music and an- other to horsemanship.

Special activities - In addition to the traditional outdoor activi- ties, some camps offer a variety of special-interest programs. For example, some emphasize the arts, giving instruction on dance, drama, music – even circus performing. Environmental pro- grams include organic gardening,

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 15 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide!

For advertising information, call Marc 916-429-9901

16 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! California State Indian Museum Indian Arts & Crafts Market

ative artisans come from Business 80/Hwy 50 east. Take all over California to par- the Business 80 exit (north to- N ticipate in this event. On wards Reno) to the N Street ex- April 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. it. Travel straight on 30th to 5 p.m., enjoy shopping Street, then turn left under the for artwork, baskets, gourds, freeway at L Street and travel jewelry, soapstone and elk- on L Street to 26th Street. Bus horn carvings, drums, and parking is available on L Street much, much more. Admis- section of the museum fea- by Sutter’s Fort. Metered auto- sion is $7 for adults (18 & tures a hands-on area, where mobile parking is available on older), $5 for youth (6-17), visitors can try their hand 26th and K Streets. Photos courtesy State Indian Museum and free for children ages 5 at using Indian tools, such and under. as the pump drill, used for California Indian cultur- making holes in shell beads a l i t e m s i n t h e m u s e u m and other materials; the include basketry, beadwork, mortar and pestle and soap clothing and exhibits about root brush, made from the the ongoing traditions of soap root plant, all used for various California Indian grinding acorns. tribes. Descendents of the first Californians, tens of For more information please thousands of them, still live visit www.parks.ca.gov/in- in California and still cher- dianmuseum ish and carry on their unique cultural heritage. Indig - The California State Indian enous people have donated Museum is located in the down- many photographs of family, town area of Sacramento at friends and memorable times 2618 K Street. Traveling on for use in the museum. A I-80, from San Francisco, take

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 17 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! How to Choose a Summer Camp

Special to California Kids for children to unlock their po- And today there are camps to The American Camp As- easier to evaluate and visit, with tential and discover the world. meet every interest, price range sociation® (ACA), Northern minimal travel costs and likely esearch shows that children This special environment helps and schedule. California suggests that the first contact with local children. Go- who go to camp improve young people develop positive Yet, with so many camps, how step is to match the camp to your ing far away exposes the camper Rsocially, physically and emo- self-esteem and enhance their do you select the “right” one for child’s interests, needs and matu- to a different experience, pro- tionally. Camp is a great place social skills while having fun. your children? rity level. Include your child in moting independence. the decision-making process and consider the following: • Is your child shy or outgo- ing? If extremely shy, perhaps a • Does your child have particular smaller camp setting would be interests, such as rock climbing, preferable. Gregarious campers, music or aquatics? on the other hand, might enjoy a larger camp setting. Whatever • In addition to the traditional the personality type, however, offerings, many camps offer a remember that camps are, by wide variety of activities ranging nature, a place where everyone from karate to circus performing. is welcome. Consider camps that include your child’s special interest in their • Does your child function bet- program mix, or even consider a ter in a controlled or a flexible camp specializing in that activity. environment? If the former, look for a camp where most, if not all, • A traditional camp means a wide activities are scheduled. If the lat- variety of activities and a chance ter, look for one where campers to try new activities. A specialty can choose at least some of their camp concentrates on one or two daily activities. activities, helping the camper increase proficiency in that area, • Does your child have special while often still offering some physical or mental needs? If traditional camp activities. so, you might consider a camp where the facilities and programs • Does your child function are geared for children with ill- better in a competitive or a co- nesses or disabilities. Typically operative learning environment? the staff understands the camp- Although, to a large extent, all ers’ challenges and is trained to camps (like the rest of the world) gear activities to their abilities. are both, the camp director can tell you which environment • Would your child do better predominates. in a co-ed camp or a girls only / boys only environment? A • Where do you want your child to go to camp? A local camp is See Summer Camps, page 19

18 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide!

• How will the camp meet my Summer Camps child’s special dietary or physical Continued from page 18 needs? single-gender camp means transportation, overnights, If you are considering a day more opportunities to “be swimming lessons, horseback camp, ask yourself: yourself” without competing riding and field trips? with (or trying to impress) • If transportation is of- the opposite sex. A co-ed camp Day or Resident Camp? fered, where is the closest more accurately mirrors the Also consider whether your pick-up location? everyday world. child would be more com- • Does the camp have an fortable in a day or resident express bus that trans - • How long do you want your camp. The ACA has specific ports children quickly? child to be at camp? Sessions standards for each, and each • If before- and after- run anywhere from a few days requires a slightly different set camp care is offered, to eight weeks. A short session of criteria. who is with the children gives the first-time or younger and what activities take camper a chance to “sample” If considering a residential place? with appropriate supervi- The next step in choosing a camp is to the camp experience. A longer camp, ask yourself: • Is lunch served or do camp- sion? research your options. A great place to session provides multiple op- • Is my child ready to sleep ers bring their own sack • Is an open house offered be- start is the ACA’s online searchable portunities for learning, pro- away from home for an ex- lunches? Are snacks and drinks fore camp starts where you can database of ACA-Accredited® camps gression and enrichment. tended period? provided? meet your child’s counselor and in California. The information is avail- • What locale do I want to • Are campers in a group van/bus driver? able at www.acanorcal.org. For more • Would you like to share the consider (e.g., mountains)? with a counselor all day? Or • Can you drop by for visits or information about summer camps in camp experience with your • How rustic do I want the are the campers free to go is there a special parental-visita- general, visit www.CampParent.org child? If so, consider a family camp to be? from one activity to another tion day? and www.ACAcamps.org. camp. • Can I stay in touch with my child during camp? Does the • What is the cost? Is the camp allow mail, phone calls price all-inclusive or are there or e-mail? Does it have paren- charges for “extras” such as tal-visitation days?

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 19 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! April activities at Big Basin Redwoods State Park

All Walks Start at Park will share stories of the park’s first with ocean views on a clear day. Bring and good hiking shoes. Meet at Park Headquarters human inhabitants, pioneering water, lunch and good hiking shoes. Headquarters. homesteaders and early redwood Meet at Park Headquarters. conservationists. We’ll enjoy views Shadowbrook Stroll - Sunday, April Redwood Loop Walk- Every Saturday of Slippery Rock and Sempervirens Berry Creek Falls Hike - Sunday, April 18, at Noon and Sunday, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Falls. Bring water and snacks. Meet 11, at 9:30 a.m. Docent Doreen Devorah will show How do these grand redwoods at Park Headquarters. Travel deep into the heart of Big you a less-traveled trail that takes grow to be so old? So tall? How Basin as you experience a wide you by Union Creek, to the Sem- are they important to humans? Footsteps of the Pioneers - Sunday, range of habitats on this moderate pervirens Falls and back through Join us for this fun and informative April 4, at Noon to strenuous 12-mile-loop hike. the redwoods. This is a four-mile, guided half-mile stroll through a Docent Eva Fewel will guide you Wind through shady redwood can- three-hour hike. Bring water and magnificent old growth redwood on this easy, three-mile, two-hour yons and climb dry ridges as you good hiking shoes. Meet at Park forest. Meet the famous Mother roundtrip walk to the site of the old hike to the jewel of Big Basin—65- Headquarters. Tree, the Father of the Forest and Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful foot Berry Creek Falls. Bring lots the incredible Chimney Tree on walk through the redwoods and hear of water, lunch and wear layers. Footsteps of the Pioneers - Saturday, this one-hour walk. Stroller and stories of the early settlers and their Docent Bill Rhoades will be your April 24, at Noon wheelchair accessible. Meet at Park life deep in the forest. Bring water. guide on this six- to seven-hour Docent Doreen Devorah will guide Headquarters. Meet at Park Headquarters. hike. Meet at Park Headquarters. you on this easy, three-mile, two-hour roundtrip walk to the site of the old Sempervirens Saunter - Saturday, April Ocean View Summit Hike - Saturday, Wildflower Walk! - Saturday, April Maddock Cabin. Enjoy a beautiful walk 3, at Noon April 10, at 10 a.m. 17, at 10 a.m. through the redwoods and hear stories This moderate five-mile, four- Join docent David Auerbach on Join docent Scott Peden to learn to of the early settlers and their life deep hour loop walk will take you back one of our most diverse hikes—by identify the companion plants of the in the forest. Bring water. Meet at Park in time to the origins of California’s mountain streams, oak woodlands, redwood forest. This is a wonderful way Headquarters. oldest state park. Discover the chaparral and redwoods. You’ll dis- to enjoy the season in the Santa Cruz redwoods and other treasures that cuss forests, flowers and fires on a Mountains. Bring along a field guide Big Basin Redwoods State Park is located 9 inspired the movement to save the six-mile, four-hour hike. This some- if you have one. This is a four-mile, miles outside of Boulder Creek on Hwy 236 trees. Docent Doreen Devorah what strenuous ascent is rewarded four-hour walk. Bring water, lunch (831) 338-8883

20 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Summer Guide! Need something fun to do with the kids on Easter? Take them on a family camping trip

ne park will have an Easter the Easter bunny, and fun activi- • Manchester Beach KOA, egg hunt with more than ties with the park’s baby goats Manchester, (707) 882-2375 or O6,000 eggs, while another and lambs. www.manchesterbeachkoa.com offers Easter egg bowling and a flashlight Easter egg hunt at • Shady Oasis Kampground in • Marina Dunes RV Park, Ma- night. Victorville: This park will have rina, (831) 384-6914 or www. One of the biggest events an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m., marinadunesrv.com appears to be slated for New- April 4. port Dunes Waterfront RV • Mission Bay RV Resort, San Resort and Marina in Newport • Smithwoods RV Park in Diego, (877) 219-6900 or www. Beach, which will host its third Felton: This park will have missionbayrvresort.com annual Easter egg hunt on Sat- Easter related activities on Easter urday, April 3, with more than weekend, including egg coloring • Mt. Gate RV Park, Redding, 6,000 candy and toy-filled Easter and an Easter egg hunt. (530) 275-4600 or www.mt- eggs. gatervpark.com Here’s a sampling of other • Stockton KOA: This park California parks that are plan- will have Easter-related activities • San Francisco North/Peta- ning fun Easter related events for April 2 to 4, including Easter luma KOA, Chris and Pau- families with children: egg coloring, Easter egg bowling line Wood, (707) 763-1492 and a flashlight Easter egg hunt or [email protected] or www. • Campland on the Bay in San at night. petalumakoakampground. Diego: This park will host an To see the latest listings of com Easter egg hunt at 11:30 a.m. campgrounds and RV parks and Saturday, April 3. resorts with Easter activities as • Shady Oasis Kampground, well as Easter related activities in Victorville, (760) 245-6867 • Manchester Beach / Costanoa communities across the state, visit KOA: This park will have several www.Camp-California.com. • Smithwoods RV Park, (831) Easter related activities on April 335-4321 or www.smithwood- 2 to 4, including an Easter egg Contact information for other srvpark.com coloring contest and an Easter campground industry sources egg hunt. is provided below: • Stockton-Delta KOA, Scott • Campland on the Bay, San Diego, Haar, (209) 369-1041, Ext. • Marina Dunes RV Park in Kimberly McAnally, (858) 581- 4669 or [email protected] or www. Marina: This park will have its 4200 or www.campland.com stocktonkoa.com 4th annual Easter egg hunt on Sunday, April 4.

• Mission Bay RV Resort in San Diego: This park will have an Easter egg hunt on April 4, with prizes for children who find the golden eggs. There will also be photo opportunities with the Easter bunny.

• Mt. Gate RV Park in Red- ding: This park will have an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 3. Some eggs will also be filled with treats for pets and owners. An Easter egg coloring contest will be held at the park clubhouse after the hunt.

• North San Francisco / Peta- luma KOA: This park will have several Easter related activities from April 2 to 4, including an Easter egg hunt, pictures with

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 21 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

22 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF Home Away from Home: Finding High-Quality Child Care in FIVE Simple Steps

Special to California Kids In-Home Care — In-home their experiences with the in a place where they are able to in the first five years and what care is when someone comes provider. grow up safe, healthy and ready parents and caregivers do during to your home to care for your to enter school learning. these years to support their child’s h e n y o u r c h i l d i s child. It can be a friend, rela- Evaluate and interact often growth will have a meaningful a w a y f r o m h o m e , tive, nanny or baby-sitter. with your provider. Once First 5 Sacramento encourages impact throughout life. Based W y o u n e e d t o k n o w Home Care Providers — you have found a quality pro- parents to use resources avail- on this research, California voters she is in a safe, loving, Home care providers take vider: able to them. For local childcare passed Proposition 10 in 1998, nurturing and stimulating care of their own children and Develop a partnership with resources and referrals call our adding a 50 cents-per-pack tax environment. Studies show children from other families. the provider regarding your community partner ChildAction, on cigarettes to support programs high-quality child care sup- Children go to the provider’s child’s development Inc. at (916) 369-0191 or online for expectant parents and children ports a young child’s learn- home for care. Have regular meetings to at www.childaction.org. Child ages zero to five. In the last year, ing and helps her develop hear updates on your child’s Action, Inc. will help you navi- First 5 Sacramento distributed socially, emotionally, and Investigate potential provid- activities and progress gate these child care decisions to approximately $17 in Prop 10 physically. But how do you ers. Once you decide on the Share stories about your select a place that is best for you revenues to programs and services know if your child is receiv- type of child care and are ready child and your child. that meet local needs. For more ing the right care? to choose a provider, be sure to information about First 5 Sac- Leaving a child under the ask them plenty of questions After you Find, Investigate, First 5 Sacramento ramento’s programs and services, care of someone else can about their qualifications and Visit and Evaluate, you can rest Research shows that a child’s call 916-876-5865 or visit online be a struggle, except when style of care, including: easy knowing your children are brain develops most dramatically at www.First5Sacramento.net. you are confident you have What’s their previous experi- a high-quality child care ence in child care? provider. That’s why First Is the center/home li - 5 Sacramento recommends censed? parents Find, Investigate, What types of activities are Visit and Evaluate (FIVE) scheduled? when choosing a child care What is the provider’s ap- provider: proach to discipline? Asking these questions and Find high-quality care that is more will give you an idea best for your child based on whether a provider is the right your family’s specific needs. fit for you. There are many different types of care to consider, includ- Visit the center or home when ing: children are there. Make sure Family Child Care Homes to: — This type of care takes place Watch how the staff inter- in the child care provider’s acts with the children home. Observe the surroundings Child Care Centers — Most and make sure the area is of the time, child care centers clean, safe, and filled with are bigger than family child appropriate equipment and care homes and can be run by toys. an individual, business, school, Talk to parents of chil- church or public agency. dren who go there about

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 23 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK Silly Easter Jokes Activityvillage.co.uk

Knock knock Who’s there? Esther Esther who? Esther Bunny! ow can you tell where the Easter Bunny has been? Eggs (X) marks the spot! How did the Easter Bunny rate the Easter parade? He said it was eggs-cellent! How do you catch the HEaster Bunny? Hide in a bush and make a noise like a carrot! What’s the best way to send a letter to the Easter Bunny? Hare mail! How did the soggy Easter Bunny dry himself? With a hare-dryer! Why did the bunny go to the dance? To do the bunny hop! Why is a bunny the luckiest animal in the world? Because it has four rabbit’s feet! What did the rabbits do after their wedding? Went on their bunnymoon! Why was the Easter Bunny so upset? He was having a bad hare day! Why can’t a rabbit’s nose be 12 inches long? Because then it would be a foot! What hap- pened when the Easter Bunny met the rabbit of his dreams? They lived hoppily ever after! What do you get if you cross an elephant with a rabbit? An elephant who never forgets to eat his carrots!

Historic military aircraft -- like these YAK 9 Russian fighters in flying formation -- will be among the special attractions at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, Sunday, April 25, at Half Moon Bay Airport Half Moon Bay Festival

ring the family to the 20th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, Half Moon Bay’s spectacular showcase B of motorized mechanical marvels from throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. More than 2,000 ultra cool antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic displays for public viewing. Automobiles ranging from hot rods, dragsters, customs, low riders, imports, street machines and muscle cars to fanciful tour- ing, luxury, and sports cars; also exceptional vintage warbirds, classics from the 40’s and 50’s and homebuilt aircraft, tricked out trucks and motorcycles, model-T fire engines, one-of-a- kind gas and steam-powered engines and tractors, rides on a helicopter, bi-plane, military jet and airship, kinetic art, rolling sculptures, extreme toys, mega-modified machines, a special display of advanced “green” technology/alternative fuel vehicles, super-gnarly, thrilling, high-flying freestyle motocross demos, the show’s first ever Demolition Derby, Unicycle Drag Racing, kid’s amusements, food, and live music -- the show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center. This event takes place on Sunday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport, located in the picturesque seaside town of Half Moon Bay about 20 miles south of San Francisco. Rounding out the activities will be radical Unicycle Dirt Drag Racing, amusements for kids, food and live music. Spectator admission is $20 for adults, $10 for age 11 to 17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only.

Half Moon Bay Airport (9850 N. Cabrillo Highway) is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco and 5 miles north of Highway 92. For information, call (650) 726-2328 or visit www. miramarevents.com

24 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Have fun coloring!

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 25 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK Calendar of Events

Heights. Families are invited to Arts and the Sylvan Oaks Library to create toys that move such as jumping 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 22. The general jacks, Jacob’s ladders, automatons, public can attend Friday, April 23, from 3 to 7 p.m.; zoetropes, and other moveable toys Book sale Crafts and Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. made with simple household materi- Choose from mysteries, adventures, ro- als. For more information, call (916) ind bargains at the Friends of Elk Grove mance, sci-fi, biographies, history, geography, April 10, Toys that Move, Noon, 264-2920. Library’s April 22 to 24 Spring Book Sale, at travel, philosophy, health, and children’s 9845 Folsom Boulevard, Sacra- FElk Grove Library, 8900 Elk Grove Boulevard. books. For information, call (916) 264-2920 mento. Families are invited to the Friends of the Library members can shop early from or visit saclibrary.org. Rancho Cordova Library to create April 11, Art to Wear with the Girl toys that move such as jumping jacks, Scouts, 2 p.m., 828 I Street, Sacra- Jacob’s ladders, automatons, zoetropes, mento. Come to the Central Library and other moveable toys made with and turn an old garment into some- your own coffee filter butterfly. Then share her floral design tips, including Wednesdays, Crochet and Knit- simple household materials. For more thing new and fresh. Girl participants take a walk throughout the Nature simple greening techniques, insertion ting Circle, 6:30 p.m., 11601 information, call (916) 264-2920. are asked to bring their own clothing Area and investigate the Pipevine of everyday flowers into design, how Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks. items (T –shirt, jeans, etc.) and Girl Swallowtail’s world. For more infor- to create a rose bouquet, and how to Enjoy a bit of conversation and Scout staff will provide materials mation, call (916) 489-4918. create a hand tied bouquet. For more companionship at the Fair Oaks April 10, Quick Books, 1 p.m., (beads, buttons, fabric paint, etc.) to information, call (916) 264-2920. Library Crochet and Knitting decorate/revamp the clothing item 6700 Auburn Boulevard, Citrus Circle. All ages and skills are wel- into something new. Girls will have come; this is not an instructional the opportunity to learn about Girl April 14, Spring Gardening, 6 class but some assistance will Scouts and how to become involved Especially p.m., 5605 Marconi Avenue, Car- be available. Please bring your in scouting. For more information, michael. Join certified landscaper own hooks, needles, yarn and a call (916) 264-2920. and gardener, Lisa Christensen, at project to work on. If you need for Parents the Carmichael Library, for spring a project, the library can provide and summer tips for local gardens. you with ideas and patterns to April 20, Art to Wear with the Learn about easy, no-dig planting make newborn baby hats. Those Girl Scouts, 6 p.m., 8820 Green- April 20, Foster Parenting, 6 to for beginners, what to plant, how wishing to donate their baby hat back Land, Suite L, Orangevale. 7:30 p.m., 6207 Logan Street, and when to plant. Lisa will offer an creations to the Mad Hatters, Come to the Central Library and Sacramento. Is Foster Parenting for introduction to composting, how to who provide free newborn baby turn an old garment into something you? Join New Millennium Foster create a food forest, and herb spiral, hats to local hospitals, can do so new and fresh. Girl participants are Family Agency is giving informa- and other innovation gardening through the Fair Oaks Library. asked to bring their own clothing tional meetings about Foster Care. techniques. Take home a mini-bag of For details, call (916) 264-2920 items (T –shirt, jeans, etc.) and Girl Join the staff every third Tuesday at garden spring greens, too. For more or visit saclibrary.org. Scout staff will provide materials the George Sim Community Center. information, call (916) 264-2920. (beads, buttons, fabric paint, etc.) to Agency Representatives and Social decorate/revamp the clothing item Workers will be on hand for indi- into something new. Girls will have vidual questions and will discuss: First Saturday of each month, the opportunity to learn about Girl benefits of being a foster parent, Magic Laughter Yoga, 9 a.m., 8900 Elk Scouts and how to become involved information on New Millennium Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove. in scouting. For more information, Foster Family Agency, the foster Laughter Yoga is the perfect way call (916) 264-2920. parent certification process, and roles Events to relieve stress, elevate your mood, of a foster parent. See their ad in this eliminate sleepless nights, lower edition for location information. blood pressure and allow you to be April 1, Balloon Animals, 3:30 For more information, call Renee Critter more productive. The free health p.m., 6700 Auburn Boulevard, at (916) 391-7789 or visit www. workshops are held on the first Citrus Heights. Magician Jon Lo- nmffa.eventbrite.com Saturdays of each month at Elk pez will demonstrate how to make Events Grove Library. Sessions are lead by simple balloon animals and balloon Judy Knott, a certified laughter yoga sculptures at the Sylvan Oaks Li- April 3, Basic Floral Design, 1 p.m. leader, who will discuss breathing, brary. Kids will take away balloons April 25, Fly by Butterfly, 10:30 11601 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair stretching, and laughing exercises to create their own balloon animals a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, Car- Oaks. Adults are invited to the Fair that bring you a sense of well being and shapes. For more information, michael. What is a Pipevine Swal- Oaks Library for a program on basic and leave you with a positive outlook call (916) 264-2920. lowtail? Find out as you explore the floral design. Floral designer, Caro- on the day and on life in general. For life cycle of the butterfly and create lyn Salmon from Relles Florist, will more information, call (916) 264- 2920 or visit saclibrary.org. April 8, Magic Performance, 3:30 p.m., 11601 Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fair Oaks. Learn to mystify your Ongoing, Book Sale, 9 a.m. to family and friends with easy-to-learn 2 p.m., 8250 Belvedere Avenue, magic tricks at Fair Oaks Library. Suite E, Sacramento. The Book Kids will get individual instruction Den, has books for sale and is open and learn a variety of magic tricks Fridays and Saturdays. The Book from magician Trevor Wyatt that Den is operated by members of can be mastered in a short time. The Friends of the Sacramento Public best part of the program is that you Library. For more information, call did it yourself. For more informa- (916) 264-2880. tion, call (916) 264-2920.

26 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF Calendar of Events April 10, Balloon Animals, 2 p.m., improve our creeks by collecting 5605 Marconi Avenue, Carmichael. and removing trash and invasive Magician Jon Lopez will demonstrate exotic plants. For information, go how to make simple balloon animals to: www.creekweek.net. Living History Day at the Capitol and balloon sculptures at the Carmi- chael Library. Kids will take away n Saturday, April 24, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Sutter’s Fort. Meet the women of Sacra- balloons to create their own balloon April 10, Go with the Flow, 10:30 step back in time at the California State mento who assisted the San Francisco families animals and shapes. For more informa- a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, OCapitol and witness volunteers and staff to obtain meal tickets, clothing and blankets. tion, call (916) 264-2920. Carmichael. Why are water striders, of the Capitol Museum costumed in the attire backswimmers and diving beetles so of the period re-enacting scenes in response to Guided tours run every 15 minutes from 10:30 important to the health of a creek, one of America’s greatest disasters – the 1906 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The California State Capitol April 13, Balloon Animals, 6:30 pond or river? Join a naturalist at the San Francisco earthquake and fire. is located at 10th and L Streets, Sacramento. p.m., 1000 Caroline Avenue, Galt. Effie Yeaw Nature Center and learn This glimpse into turn-of-the-20th Century Magician Jon Lopez will demonstrate how to get involved in caring for our Meet Governor George Pardee as he receives a California history is free for everyone. For how to make simple balloon animals waterways. For more information, telegram from President Theodore Roosevelt more information, call (916) 324-0333. and balloon sculptures at the Galt–Mar- call (916) 489-4918. offering $1 million for disaster relief. Attorney ian O. Lawrence Library. Kids will General Ulysses S. Webb, Secretary of State “Earthquake Day” Living History Event is take away balloons to create their own Charles Curry, and Treasurer Truman Reeves sponsored by the California State Capitol Mu- balloon animals and shapes. For more April 11, Family Hike, 1:30 will be on hand to help the refugees, some of seum Volunteer Association and the California information, call (916) 264-2920. p.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, whom camped out on the Capitol grounds and State Capitol Museum, California State Parks Carmichael. Discover the many plants and animals that live along April 15, Balloon Animals, 4 p.m., the American River while en- April 7, Music Makes the World Instruments include rain sticks, ma- April 22, Thursday, 5 to 7 p.m. 2443 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento. joying the sights and sounds of Go Around, 3:30 p.m., 8900 Elk racas, flutes,drums, kazoos, and box (for Friends of the Library mem- Magician Jon Lopez will demonstrate Spring at the Effie Yeaw Nature Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove. guitars. So, join the fun at the Elk bers), Book Sale, Friday, April how to make simple balloon animals Center. For more information, call Listen to music from around the Grove Library. For more informa- 23, 3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, April and balloon sculptures at the Arcade (916) 489-4918. world as musical instruments from tion, call (916) 264-2920. 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 8900 Elk Library. Kids will take away balloons around the world, are created from Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove. to create their own balloon animals recycled materials. Instruments Find bargains of gently-used books and shapes. For more information, call April 18, Habitat Improvement, include rain sticks, maracas, flutes, April 21, Food Preservation Dem- at the Friends of Elk Grove Library’s (916) 264-2920. 8 a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, drums, kazoos, and box guitars. So, onstration, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Spring book sale. Choose from Carmichael. The Effie Yeaw Nature join the fun at the Elk Grove Library. 4145 Branch Center Road, Sac- hundreds of used book-theme titles, Center area needs some special care. For more information, call (916) ramento. The Sacramento County including mystery, adventure, ro- April 15, Magic Performance, Join staff member, Jack, in making 264-2920. UC Cooperative Extension Master mance, sci-fi, biographies, history, 3:30 p.m., 601 Alhambra Boule- improvements that will benefit the Food Preservers offers a demonstra- geography, travel, philosophy, and vard, Sacramento. Learn to mystify riparian woodland. Call Jack at tion: Winter and Spring Vegetables. health. Plus, there will be numerous your family and friends with easy- (916) 967-0777. April 7, Family sing-along, There is a $3 fee, and no advanced children’s books available. Hardcov- to-learn magic tricks at McKinley 4 p.m., 6132 66th Avenue, reservation is required. The dem- er books are $1 each, paperbacks are Library. Kids will get individual in- Sacramento. Singer-guitarist, onstration will be held in the Sac- 50 cents each, and most children’s struction and learn a variety of magic April 24, Wildflower Walk, 10:30 Ken Cooper, will present a free ramento Cooperative Extension books are 10 to 25 cents each. For tricks from magician Trevor Wyatt a.m., 2850 San Lorenzo Way, family sing-along performance at Office. For more information, call more information, call (916) 264- that can be mastered in a short time. Carmichael. Join Natural Resource Southgate Library. For more in- (916) 875-6913. 2920 or visit saclibrary.org The best part of the program is that Specialist, Mary Maret, at the Effie formation, call (916) 264-2920 you did it yourself. For more infor- Yeaw Nature Center for a special or visit saclibrary.org mation, call (916) 264-2920. guided walk to see Nature’s spring floral display in the Nature Preserve. For more information, call (916) April 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, April 22, Balloon Animals, 4:30 489-4918. Children’s Performance, 12:30 p.m., 4799 Stockton Boulevard, and 1: 30 p.m., 3901 Land Park Sacramento. Magician Jon Lopez will Drive, Sacramento. Bring the demonstrate how to make simple bal- family to Fairytale Town for “The loon animals and balloon sculptures at Little Mermaid and the Yellow Sub- the Colonial Heights Library. Kids will Special marine: A Lost Adventure of Sgt. take away balloons to create their own Pepper?” The performances will run balloon animals and shapes. For more Saturdays at 12:30 and 1:30 p.m., information, call (916) 264-2920. Events and Sundays, 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are only $1 in addition April 3, Easter Egg Hunt, 9:30 to paid park admission. For more a.m., McKinley Park, Sacra- information, call (916) 264-5233 or Nature mento. The East Sacramento- visit www.fairytaletown.org. Midtown Kiwanis Club will host a pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., and Easter egg April 21, Music Makes the World Events nd hunt at McKinley Park’s Clunie Go Around, 4 p.m., 2112 22 Clubhouse. Come enjoy a free Street, Sacramento. Listen to mu- April 9 - 17, Creek Week, Call egg hunt, carnival games, and a sic from around the world as musical for areas and times. Be part of breakfast benefiting the McKinley instruments from around the world, an area-wide volunteer effort to Park Playground. are created from recycled materials.

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 27 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK Calendar of Events

the Wooden Bowl, Minty, and Caro- Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento. lina Shout. His first book, Ragtime Join the fun the first Monday of Storytellers Tumpie, was chosen as an American each month at the Rancho Cordova Library Association’s Notable Book, Library for “Reading with Dogs,” April Activities a Booklist Children’s Editors’ Choice, with Lend a Heart Pet Therapy. & Puppetry and a Parents’ Choice Award winner. For more information, call (916) Copies of Schroeder’s books will be 264-2920. available for purchase and signing at at Wilder Ranch April 13, Visiting Children’s Au- thor, 4:30 p.m., 4660 Via Ingoglia, the program conclusion. For more Sacramento. Alan Schroeder, author information, call (916) 264-2920 or Wednesdays, Toddler Storytime, of several biographies for children, visit saclibrary.org 10 a.m., 8962 Elk Grove Bou- State Park will appear at a free family program levard, Elk Grove. This program at North Natomas Library. He is is being offered at the Elk Grove the award-winning author of several First Mondays of each month, Library. For more information, call Wilder Ranch Garden Planting Day-- picture books, including Lily and Dog Program, 6:30 p.m., 9845 (916) 264-2920. Plant a Seed for Earth Day

Saturday, April 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Help plant the organic heirloom vegetable garden at Wilder Ranch State Park. Planters of all ages are welcome. Children can plant and bring home their own sunflower or heirloom bean, and everyone can enjoy liv- ing history demonstrations while helping to plant a little history in the Wilder Ranch Heirloom Garden in honor of Earth Day. The garden is part of the circa 1900 dairy ranch at- mosphere of the park. Bring yourself, your family, your friends, plus a pair of gardening gloves if you have them. Snacks, drinks, tools and seeds will be provided. For more information, call (831) 426-0505. Wilder Ranch is located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1.

Wilder Ranch Living History Demonstrations: Some weekend days, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Step back in time to visit a circa 1900 dairy ranch in Santa Cruz County at Wilder Ranch State Park. Play Victorian Games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend. You may learn about hand quilting with master quilter, watch black- smithing, or learn about the Meder Family voyage to California. Call (831) 426-0505 for specific days and activities.

History, Nature, and Scenic Views: A Tour of the Grey Whale Ranch Area

Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. This challenging guided three-hour hike will ex- plore the natural and cultural history of the upper hills of Wilder Ranch State Park. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring good walking shoes, lunch, snacks, and water. Hike is canceled if rain.

Wilder Ranch Coast Nature Walks - Saturdays, April 3, 17 and 24, 11 a.m. On these two-hour natural history excursions you will explore the plants, animals, and geol- ogy of the spectacular coastal bluffs. Meet at the Wilder Ranch interpretive center. Bring a snack, water, binoculars, and good walking shoes. Bin- oculars are available to borrow. Walk is canceled if rain.

Wilder Ranch State Park is located two miles north of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1 (831) 426-0505.

28 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF HUBBLE 3D blasts off!

or nearly 20 years, the space exploration that Hubble Space Telescope included Hubble, when F has dazzled us with un- it started sending back precedented views of the cos- the first images. To- mos—from the splendor of day, we have Hubble’s our celestial neighborhood to entire phenomenal leg- galaxies billions of light years acy of data to explore. away. Now on April 23, at With IMAX 3D we can Esquire IMAX Theatre, audi- transport people to gal- ences will blast off alongside axies that are 13 billion the Atlantis STS-125 crew, light years away—back witness up-close some of the to the edge of time. most challenging space walks Real star travel is here ever performed, and experi- at last.” ence virtual star travel via Through the power breath-taking, never-before- of IMAX 3D, Hubble seen 3D flights through Hub- 3D will enable mov- ble imagery. Recounting the iegoers to journey through Hubble 3D is an IMAX and amazing journey of the most distant galaxies to explore Warner Bros. Pictures produc- important scientific instru- the grandeur and mysteries tion, in cooperation with Na- ment since Galileo’s original of our celestial surroundings, tional Aeronautics and Space telescope, Hubble 3D will and accompany space-walking Administration (NASA). The immerse moviegoers in the astronauts as they attempt film has been rated G and has a great wonders and astounding some of the most difficult and running time of 43 minutes. beauty of our universe. important tasks in NASA’s “It’s been said that The IMAX history. The film will offer The Esquire IMAX Theatre Experience® is the next best an inspiring and unique look is located at 1211 K Street in thing to being in space, and into the Hubble Space Tele- downtown Sacramento. For in- with IMAX 3D, the audience scope’s legacy and highlight formation on tickets and show really is there,” said Producer/ its profound impact on the times, call (916) 443-IMAX Director Toni Myers. “Fifteen way we view the universe and (4629) or visit the website at years ago we made a film about ourselves. www.imax.com/sacramento.

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 29 5EPTYUIORASDFGHK

Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Mystery Box Balloon h i s i s a g r e a t g a m e Play: Pop for the beginning of T a party, when you are Give each player a pencil Noisy, frantic, and still waiting for guests and paper and ask them lots of fun! to arrive and you need to to feel inside the box and Age: 6+ keep individual children identify the objects. When amused. everybody has had a turn Age: 4+ compare notes and award You will need: a prize to the person who Small pieces of paper to has correctly identified the insert into balloons Balloons You will need: most. (2 to 4 per child) Small prizes A variety of objects (and perhaps one big prize) A large cardboard boxA table-

cloth or towelA paper and pencil Hints:

for each player You could have a toy box You will need to: and include a plastic animal, Mark some of the pieces of a toy car, a Barbie doll, a paper in some way to signify You will need to: cuddly dog, a rattle, a skip- that they will be rewarded Assemble a number of ob- ping rope (tied up) and a with a prize. You should allow jects (you can decide on a marble. about one prize per ten bal- theme or make the objects You could have a holiday loons, and 2 to 4 balloons per totally random) and place in box and include some sun- child. Roll the pieces of paper a large cardboard box. Cover tan cream, a pair of sun- tightly and then push through with a tablecloth or towel glasses, a swimsuit, a book, the necks of your balloons, so that nobody can see into a drink can, a seashell and a and blow the balloons up. the box. flip flop. Gather the kids together. How to play: When you give the signal, the children rush to pop the balloons and see if the paper inside them awards them a prize. No teeth or sharp objects allowed! Hints: Watch carefully to make sure all the children are happy. Some kids don’t like the sound of balloons popping and can get upset. It can be fun to have one “grand” prize and 2 or 3 smaller prizes.

30 CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide • APRIL 2010 5EPTYUIORASDF

Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties! Parties!

group (“you will find all of these on Anagram Challenge the farm”) or specific to one word (“it has two stomachs”). his is a very adaptable game, at a time. You should try to theme The first player or team to un- which can be fun at a party, each group of words. scramble all their words wins. Tmixed age gathering, a rainy afternoon or a plane journey! It takes a little preparation. For example: Hints: Age: 6+ For young children, farmyard This game can become quite ad- animals - duck, cat, dog and cow dictive! Once children understand For older children, farmyard how to play, they can set each You will need: animals - duck, cat, dog, cow, other challenges. Suggest they Letter tiles - lots! Use tiles from an ex- goose and chicken pick a 5, 6 or 7 letter word (as ap- isting game (such as Scrabble) or make For mixed age groups, including propriate to their age) and find the your own by cutting pieces of card into adults, animals - goose, chicken, correct letters, then simultaneously small squares and lettering them. giraffe, lion, antelope. hand the letters to another player Give each player or team a stack and see who can work out their of the letters that will form their anagram first. If a player makes How to play: words, and a hint to get them start- another word - as long as it is cor- Depending on the number of ed. Your hint could apply to the rect - that still counts! players, you may want to divide the children into teams. If you have many more than 3 or 4 teams you will need an awful lot of tiles! Mix up the age groups if appropriate. Choose a collection of words for your challenge, which you believe that each child or team will be able to unscramble. Younger children will need simple words and fewer of them; older age groups can prob- ably cope with 5 or 6 longer words

APRIL 2010 • CALIFORNIA KIDS! Family Fun Guide 31