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Million Miler Mom - Family Travel Community A community of parents who like to travel with their children.

Get inspiration for your next trip and ask questions to the community as you plan your next adventure.

SEPTEMBER SOUTH BAY CALENDARSeptember 6:🎪  Circus at  (through Sept 8)September 7:📚  Kristi Yamaguchi Literacy Festival,...
29/08/2024

SEPTEMBER SOUTH BAY CALENDAR

September 6:
🎪 Circus at  (through Sept 8)

September 7:
📚 Kristi Yamaguchi Literacy Festival, 9:30am-4:30pm
🧱 Brickfest Live, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (also on Sept 8)

September 8:
🎉 Viva Calle San Jose
🕷 Tarantula Trek (also on Sept 15), pre-register

September 14:
💜 National Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Event, 9:30am-4:30pm
🚗 Cars in the Park, 11am-4pm
🍺 4th Annual Brewgrass Festival, 1-8pm
🍺 Oktoberfest begins (through Oct 26)

September 19:
🍷  Fall Wine Walk, 6pm

September 20:
🎃 Tricks & Treats begins (through Oct 26)

September 21: 
🦖 Dinosaurs: Land of Fire & Ice Exhibit opens
🎉 Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, 9:30am-4:30pm
🚂 Bubble Bonanza
🍺 Brew Crawl, 1-5pm

September 22:
🎉 Disney Jr Live on Tour, San Jose Civic, 4pm

September 27:
🎃 The Great Big BOO! begins (through Oct 27)

September 28:
🎃 Fall Festivities, 10am, must pre-register
🎉 Glen Fest, 11am-6pm

September 29:
🥾 Quicksilver History Hike, 12pm (recommended for ages 10+)

AUGUST SOUTH BAY CALENDARAugust 1:🎡 Santa Clara County Fair (through August 4)August 2:🎭 Carnivale at  (through August 4...
01/08/2024

AUGUST SOUTH BAY CALENDAR

August 1:
🎡 Santa Clara County Fair (through August 4)

August 2:
🎭 Carnivale at (through August 4)
⚽️ Home Game, 7:30pm (plus another home game on August 27 versus FC Barcelona)
🎬 Movie in the Park, Creekside Park, Cupertino, 8pm (also on Aug 9, 16 & 23)

August 3:
🇮🇹 Italian Family Festa (also on August 4)
🏕 Back to School Camp Night
🥾 A Night Hike in Joseph D. Grant County Park, 8pm

August 9:
🛻 at (through August 11)

August 11:
☀️ End of Summer Jamboree, 4-6pm

August 21:
❄️ presents Frozen (through September 1). Family Night is August 28

August 24:
🍷 Summer Wine Walk, 2-5pm

August 31:
🎡 Labor Day weekend at
🌮 West Coast Taco & Beer Festival

JULY SOUTH BAY CALENDARJuly 3:🇺🇲  Freedom Fest - 2 day event.July 4:🇺🇲  Parade & Festival, 9:45am-3pm🇺🇲 Saratoga July 4t...
29/06/2024

JULY SOUTH BAY CALENDAR

July 3:
🇺🇲 Freedom Fest - 2 day event.

July 4:
🇺🇲 Parade & Festival, 9:45am-3pm
🇺🇲 Saratoga July 4th Celebration - old-fashioned Independence Day celebration with parade.

July 5:
🎶 Music Series, Gilroy, 5-8pm. Kid-friendly (more dates this summer, too!)

July 6:
⚽️ Home Game, 7pm (plus another home game on July 26)

July 7:
🍒 Summer Tasting & Tour Series, Morgan Hill. Taste fruit and tour the farm (also on July 13 and 28). General: $25/Kids 10 & Under: Free

July 12:
🎡 Carnivale at Orleans Place (select days thru August 4)

July 13:
🍷 Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival - 2 day event.
🏕 Summer Family Camp Night

July 20:
🧄 HeART of Gilroy Festival, 10am-5pm

July 21:
🎶 Live Music, Morgan Hill. 3pm.

July 26:
🎶 Mainstage presents Rent (thru August 4) - Montgomery Theater

July 27:
👱‍♀️ has Let's Move Day in partnership with (9:30am-4:30pm) and Play Your Way (designed for children with autism) from 5-8pm

July 28:
🚂 Billy Jones Day (Los Gatos) - name your own price for the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and Carousel in Oak Meadow Park. Open 10:30am-4:30pm

South Bay June Events CalendarJune 1: Proud of My Family, 9:30am-4:30pm, Children’s Discovery Museum SJ Made Fest 2024, ...
31/05/2024

South Bay June Events Calendar

June 1:
Proud of My Family, 9:30am-4:30pm, Children’s Discovery Museum
SJ Made Fest 2024, History Park San Jose

June 2:
Say Hello, San Jose Civic
SJ Made Fest 2024, History Park San Jose

June 11:
Wags & Wine Brunch, 10am-2pm, Dog & kid-friendly

June 12:
Wine & Cacti with .succulent ay , 6-8pm, Tickets are $85 (ages 21+)

June 15:
Beer Walk, 2-5pm, Tickets start at $40 (kids & non-drinkers do not need a ticket)
Father’s Day Camp Night, ages 3+, ticket includes dinner & movie plus breakfast, lunch and park admission on Sunday

June 19:
Juneteenth Community Celebration, 9:30am-4:30pm, Children’s Discovery Museum

June 25-30:
presents Peter Pan, recommend for ages 5+, Family Night on June 26th with free pre-show activities

June 29:
2nd Annual Car Show, 9am-3pm

SOUTH BAY MAY 2024 EVENTS KOOZA, through May 27th at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, kids tickets are just $25May 4: Art...
30/04/2024

SOUTH BAY MAY 2024 EVENTS

KOOZA, through May 27th at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, kids tickets are just $25

May 4:
Art Show and 5K Run/Walk, 10am, West Valley College
Free Kids Event: Garden Wonders, 11am-3pm, 1099 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose
May the 4th Be With You, 1pm, Educational Park
(2-day event) benefitting , Children under 12 are NOT permitted, tickets are $50 each

May 5:
Gelato Bar Making & Succulent Planting presented by .succulent, , 10am-12pm
Cinco de Mayo, $29.99 ticket special for this day only

May 11:
Robotics Day, 10am-3pm
Mommy + Me Painting Class 11am-1pm, 17505 Monterey Highway, Morgan Hill
Water Oasis opens for the season

May 12:
Children's Business Fair, 3:30-6pm, Campbell Community Center Stadium

May 18:
5K, 6am, Vasona Park
AAPI Festival at , 11am-4:30pm, Free admission
Vietnamese Art & Culture Ao Dai Festival, 2-4pm, San Jose City Hall

May 25:
Morgan Hill Mushroom Festival, 2-day event, buy tickets online/kids 15 & under are free with paying adult (USE PROMO CODE CWCCU2024 for $5 off)

Want to share another family-friendly event happening in the South Bay in May? Please add in the comments below.

BAY AREA SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTSAlthough we're not in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse (April 8, 2024), ...
03/04/2024

BAY AREA SOLAR ECLIPSE EVENTS

Although we're not in the path of totality for the upcoming solar eclipse (April 8, 2024), we do have some local events happening. Here is the scoop:

🔭 (Oakland) will have an event from 10am-1pm. Take in the views from the Observation Deck (seeing 34% totality). Enjoy coffee & hot cocoa plus crafts. All ages. $25/adult, $20/kids/students/seniors, $10/members.

🔭 (Berkeley) will have an event from 10am-1pm. Activities include making a pinhole sun viewer as well as a solar clock plus experiencing ultraviolet beads! These activities are included in museum admission.

🔭 (San Francisco, Pier 15) will have an event from 10am-12:30pm. You can view live telescope images and enjoy fun activities. Free solar viewing glasses while supplies last. Included with museum admission.

SOUTH BAY APRIL EVENTSApril 6 Spring Wine Walk, 2-5pm, $55 per ticket (no fee for non-drinkers)April 7Farm to Fire - Int...
01/04/2024

SOUTH BAY APRIL EVENTS

April 6
Spring Wine Walk, 2-5pm, $55 per ticket (no fee for non-drinkers)

April 7
Farm to Fire - Introducing MOHI Ranch in Morgan Hill, 12-4pm, pick your own veggies and enjoy a grilled feast, $45 per adult, $15 for children under 12

April 12
Marquee presents School of Rock, Montgomery Theater, thru April 21, tickets start at $30

April 13
The Blossom Festival, Heritage Orchard & Civic Center (Saratoga), 10am-4pm
OMG Family Festival, Discovery Meadow, 10am (also on Sunday, April 14)

April 14
Los Gatos Great Race including 1 mile Kids Fun Run, Vasona/Oak Meadow Parks, 8am
Kids Pasta Making Class, 10am, $100 (includes 1 child + 1 adult)

April 18
Spring Wine Walk, Downtown Campbell, 5:45pm, $50 per ticket
Wine Stroll, 5-7pm, $50 per ticket

April 20
Touch-a-Truck Event benefiting at , 11am-3pm, $10 per person
Children of the Dragon event
Spring Tomato Starter Sale & Makers Market at , 9am-2pm
Los Gatos Wine Walk, 1-4pm, $50 per ticket

April 27
Recycle Right Day (daytime) & Play Your Way (sensory spring event) at 5pm
A Spring Tea in Wonderland at , 11am & 2pm seatings, $60
Wine Stroll, 1-5pm, $55 per ticket
Kids Pasta Making Class, 10am, $110 (includes 1 child + 1 adult)

SOUTH BAY MARCH EVENTSMarch 2🦋  (all locations) Kids Workshop, 9am (this month's craft is a Butterfly House)🍀  (Santa Cl...
29/02/2024

SOUTH BAY MARCH EVENTS

March 2
🦋 (all locations) Kids Workshop, 9am (this month's craft is a Butterfly House)
🍀 (Santa Clara) St Patrick's Cookie Decorating Workshop, 11am (buy tickets online - parent/child ticket for ages 3-7 are $60)

March 7
🐘 Wild Kratts LIVE! 2.0, San Jose Civic, 3:30pm & 6:30pm

March 16
🍀 San Jose Shamrock Run 5K/10K/Kids Fun Run (Downtown San Jose)
Venture Christian Church Spring Fair, 10am (egg hunt, petting zoo, face painting & more)

March 19-24
🎶 presents Mean Girls (recommended for ages 10+)

March 21
🎶 Disney Princess - The Concert, San Jose Civic, 7pm (Broadway performers singing Disney songs, NOT costumed characters)

March 22 
🐰 Rivermark Village (San Jose) Egg Hunt, 3pm
🎊 (San Jose) New Orleans-themed Dinner Class (great for date night!), 6pm

March 23 
🐰 Camden Community Center (San Jose), 8am
🐰 Bascom Community Center (San Jose), 9am
🐰 Ramac Park (San Jose), 9:30am
🐰 Mayfair Community Center (San Jose), 10am
🐰 Downtown Los Altos, 10am
🎊 Holi Festival of Color (San Jose), Bret Harte Middle School, 11am
🐰 Los Lagos Golf Course (San Jose), 5pm

March 24 
🎊 Nowruz Around the World Celebration, 9:30am & 1:30pm
🐰 (Palo Alto) Egg Hunt, 3 time slots available (event does sell out)

March 30
🐰 Willow Glen (San Jose), Cline Park at Booksin Elementary, 10am (starts promptly, bring a basket)
🐰 (Campbell) 23rd Annual Bunnies & Bonnets Easter Parade, 12pm

March 31
🐰 Easter Event (included with park admission), 10am

All month
🐣 Pickup an Easter-themed take-home art kit from .art.beat (Campbell) for kids to paint

SOUTH BAY FAMILY FUN IN FEBRUARY 2024FEB 3:  Lunar New Year Celebration (buy tickets for 9:30am or 1:30pm entry)FEB 4-5:...
01/02/2024

SOUTH BAY FAMILY FUN IN FEBRUARY 2024

FEB 3: Lunar New Year Celebration (buy tickets for 9:30am or 1:30pm entry)

FEB 4-5: (hockey) American Hockey League All-Star Classic plus catch home games later in the month

FEB 7-12: Frozen & Encanto at (Photo credit: Sallie Palmieri Rego)

FEB 9: Watch compete against Arizona State, 6:30pm

FEB 9: LEGO NINJAGO Dragon’s Rising Event starts today

FEB 10: Annual Valentine Fun Run/Walk at 9am

FEB 10: Lunar New Year Celebration (free event starting at 11am)

FEB 10: and in San Martin have events.

FEB 11: Lunar New Year Celebration at 1pm

FEB 14: Love Story Lounge Experience & Eras Tour in IMAX

FEB 16: Fit4Mom Friday at 9:30am (first class is free)

FEB 24-25: at San Jose Civic Theater

ZACHARI DUNES ON MANDALAY BEACH (Oxnard, California)📍2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035🛌 Rooms: Zachari Dunes offe...
10/10/2023

ZACHARI DUNES ON MANDALAY BEACH (Oxnard, California)

📍2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035

🛌 Rooms: Zachari Dunes offers an all-suite property with each room having a balcony or patio. Most rooms sleep up to 4 with several options for up to 6 people (rejoice if you're a fellow who struggles to find comfortable & affordable options when we travel)

On-site amenities/programming:
🏖 Beachfront location
🏊‍♀️ Heated pool and whirlpool bath, pool cabanas, pool towel, food & beverage service at pool
🏄‍♂️ Daily 2-hr gear rental with options like wetsuits, boogie boards & beach chairs
🍔 On-site dining: (breakfast/lunch/happy hour/dinner) and (breakfast daily and lunch/dinner (Fri-Sun)
🎯 Game lounge - open 11am-5pm for kids, after 5pm for adults 21+
💆‍♀️Float Luxury Spa
🏃‍♀️Fitness Center plus on-site classes
🖍 Kid's Programming like crafts and cookie decorating (Fri-Sun, some require a $15 activity fee)

What to do nearby:
🔆 Visit - access the boat from nearby Channel Islands Harbor
🔆 Check out
🔆 Rent a bike or surrey from Wheels Fun (one of the pickup points is at Zachari Dunes!)
🔆 Take a surf lesson with
🔆 Visit (open Tues & Sat plus other times for special events)

Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge (Belize)It isn't often we return to the same destination but San Ignacio, Belize stole our hear...
12/04/2023

Sweet Songs Jungle Lodge (Belize)

It isn't often we return to the same destination but San Ignacio, Belize stole our heart back in 2021. We decided to return again this year and kick-off our Central American spring break trip at 

Why do we love Sweet Songs so much?

✈️ It's easy to get to - fly into BZE and arrive by car (about 2 hours) or small plane (just a short drive from the lodge). We opted for the car journey (provided by hotel) as it was more economical for a family of 5.

🏠 Sweet Songs has some amazing treehouse accommodations plus more family-friendly casitas. There is also a Garden House which is a little further away from the main area but provides more space (we booked this but did the casita last time).

🥗 The food at Sweet Songs is really good with friendly service. We did the all-inclusive plan on our last visit. We did half board last time since we were out doing more excursions. The servers and chefs were always happy to help accommodate the kids.

🩱The Macal River offers a fun activity just steps from the casitas. Grab an inner tube and walk on a trail to enjoy a float. They also recently added a pool for guests to use.

🦎 There is so much to do in the area - from easy shorter outings like  and  to more adventurous options like cave tubing and ziplining, there is something for everyone. You can even take a day trip to Tikal National Park just over the border in Guatemala (more on this next week).

Is there a vacation spot or hotel you have found yourself going back to again? Please share in the comments!

Do you have a favorite memory of Santana Row?Enjoying the  Cheers to 20 years celebration! How fun to not only catch up ...
08/11/2022

Do you have a favorite memory of Santana Row?

Enjoying the  Cheers to 20 years celebration! How fun to not only catch up with friends, have some delicious food & drink, enjoy entertainment and support the great work of 

I still remember being a teen growing up in this area and hearing the buzz when Santana Row was starting to be built. This has been a great place to meet friends for a drink after work, have a date night or even stroll with my little ones during the day while I was on maternity leave. I have visited .santanarow to get ready for special occasions (and even held my daughter's birthday party there one year). And spa days at  are just dreamy! Santana Row holds a special place in my heart.

Tonight, a few of my girlfriends and I are enjoying drinks and food from  & and shopping at favorites like   & .

WHAT TO PACK FOR GLAMPING WEEKENDS AT CLOTHING: Casual is the way to go! One pair of pants, one pair of shorts, a light ...
19/05/2022

WHAT TO PACK FOR GLAMPING WEEKENDS AT 

CLOTHING: Casual is the way to go! One pair of pants, one pair of shorts, a light jacket, a few t-shirts, pajamas, one swimsuit and undergarments is sufficient. For footwear, tennis shoes and a sandal are all you will need unless you plan to do any more strenuous hiking.

ACCESSORIES: Hat, sunglasses and other sun protection are a must!

SLEEP: For glamping, pack linens for your bed (most cabins have two twins and one queen) or sleeping bags. Pillows & an extra blanket.

BATHROOM: Towels - both for showering, hand towels and washcloths. Any toiletries you need as nothing is provided and there is not a camp store.

CAMPING ESSENTIALS: Our headlamps were clutch but regular flashlights will also do. Each cabin does have one lantern provided (charges in bathroom). It can be a little bit buggy so bug spray, bug repellent patches or a combo of both are advised. 

FOR FUN: White clothing to tie-dye - get creative and think of fun items like sweatpants, scrunchies or a cotton blanket. All the tie dye supplies are provided so just bring the item's you'd like to make.

FOR SWIMMING: The pool is not heated but great for hot days. Pool toys are allowed.

MEALS: A reusable water bottle and a stainless steel mug for warm drinks is a great add to reduce single use cups. There is no camp store and food is only available at designated meal times so be sure to pack snacks, too.

Amazon shopping list available in my bio link.

LITTLE ROCK WITH KIDSWhat to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with kids:✨️ Explore the Arkansas River Trail and the many play...
12/05/2022

LITTLE ROCK WITH KIDS

What to do in Little Rock, Arkansas with kids:

✨️ Explore the Arkansas River Trail and the many playgrounds along the way. Our favorite was Tunnels Playground!

✨️ Grab a fun donut from .lr to enjoy as you stroll around the city

✨️ See a submarine up close at the 

✨️ Kids will have a blast exploring & learning at 

✨️ Visit the 

✨️ Check out the free Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center

✨️ Learn about the local history at 

✨️Count the padlocks as you walk across the Junction Bridge

✨️ Indulge in tasty treat (and lunch!) at the Little Rock Riverfront Market

✨️ Visit the  to learn about Bill Clinton and his presidency

Is Little Rock on your radar to check out?

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARKWhile many of the National Parks we have visited recently have been quite remote, we visited ou...
10/05/2022

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK

While many of the National Parks we have visited recently have been quite remote, we visited our first park nestled in the middle of a bustling town recently!  is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas and offers a gorgeous, natural setting combined with a rich history. Here's what to know about visiting:

💦 Hot Springs National Park is located about an hour's drive from Little Rock, Arkansas.

💦 The town is famous for the ancient thermal springs. You can even get this mineral water to drink right out of taps located all over town. Most of the fountains do come out warm, however, there are two that come out cold.

💦 Right along the main street in town are the historic bath houses which houses the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and Visitor Center as well as some spas and dining spots.

💦 The two bath houses offering thermal pools and spa treatments are The Buckstaff Bathhouse and The Quapaw Bathhouse.

💦 Hiking opportunities are also abundant with 26 miles of trails available. The shorter trails can be found in the Hot Springs and North Mountain Trails as well as the West Mountain Trails. Longer trails can be found in the Sunset Trail area.

💦 For a casual walk, the Grand Promenade, located just behind the bathhouses, offers a picturesque setting to explore.

💦 The  is a 216 foot observation tower in the Ouachita Mountains and a fun way to see the city.

💦 The  is a historic property in town. Book a room with a tub and enjoy a mineral bath in your room!

Have you ever visited a hot spring?

BALANCING LIFE & ADVENTURES...When the kids were young, planning trips was easy: missing daycare didn't matter, no team ...
28/04/2022

BALANCING LIFE & ADVENTURES...

When the kids were young, planning trips was easy: missing daycare didn't matter, no team sports & kids didn't really have an opinion either way. Now, with kids that are in school, playing sports and have strong opinions, we have had to take a different approach.

SCHOOL: We try to minimize missed school days or have them be as least disruptive as possible - picking the kids up early on a Friday to beat traffic is one strategy that works wells for us.

ACTIVITIES: When it was just a class (like swim lessons), we didn't mind missing on occasion but now that Saturdays are dedicated to soccer for two of the kids, we can't step away as easily. The kids love being part of a team and don't want to miss too many games.

OPINIONS: My, oh my, elementary school age kids have definitely formed opinions. When I start packing for a fun day trip or a weekend away, I definitely get groans, whining and the desire to just stay home (but mom + dad are literally home every second working M-F so we are definitely in desperate need to get out!)

So, what works? 

🌟 We involve the kids in the planning process - we've had family brainstorms and I use those ideas to generate trips. For younger ones, we ask what they want to see or do (ex. go to a river, ride a train) and we can use info that inspire an adventure.

🌟 Leverage school breaks for our vacations (when many of our extracurricular activities also have a pause). Yes, prices can get more expensive but we have actually found some budget-friendly options in popular times like the last week of December. 

🌟 Adventure with family and friends! We often coordinate day trips and long weekends with my mom or another family and the kids love it! 

If you have kids, what challenges do you face when planning day trips/vacations?




What can you do with kids at Dry Tortugas National Park?🌟 Explore Fort Jefferson🌟 Junior Ranger program🌟 Have a picnic🌟 ...
21/04/2022

What can you do with kids at Dry Tortugas National Park?

🌟 Explore Fort Jefferson

🌟 Junior Ranger program

🌟 Have a picnic

🌟 Paddlesports

🌟 Snorkeling

🌟 Swimming

🌟 Birdwatching

💼 What we brought for the kids: swimsuit, towels, change of clothes, water shoes with sturdy bottom, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, water bottle, snacks, small inner tubes to use when snorkeling (inflated on the island), a few sand toys.

We had the opportunity to check out the Lodge at the Presidio] last weekend and it uncovered a whole side of San Francis...
29/03/2022

We had the opportunity to check out the Lodge at the Presidio] last weekend and it uncovered a whole side of San Francisco that I hadn't seen before. While many people flock to Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf, be sure to venture to the quieter side of San Francisco which is home to 1,491 acres of urban park.

DAY TRIP: Come by for a few hours or all day. Some highlights:

🔅 Venture across 24 miles of hiking trails and 25 miles of biking trails

🔅 For families, the Batteries to Bluffs Trail and Golden Gate Overlook will give you picturesque vistas

🔅 Baker Beach gives you the famous beach with the bridge in the background shot

🔅 is a fun spot for Disney fans

🔅 Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the Main Parade Lawn

🔅 Self-guided nature and art walks can be found on the  website

🔅 The Presidio Tunnel Tops (14 acres of new park amenities) is slated to open in 2022

OVERNIGHT:

⛺️ For campers, check out Rob Hill Campground which is open from April-October. Sites can be reserved for groups of up to 30 people.

🏠 Lodge at the Presidio] offers 42 rooms and is the closest hotel to the Golden Gate Bridge. Featuring complimentary continental breakfast as well as evening wine & cheese, it is a great spot to use as a homebase. Plus it is dog friendly! 🐶

🏠 offers another historic accommodation with 22 rooms plus a 4 guest rooms in an adjacent building that can be rented as one for a group.

TIP: San Francisco Fleet Week 2022 is October 8-9 and a weekend stay in the Presidio would offer amazing views! 🛥

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