Chinese New Year is a time of many celebrations in San Francisco, including several events specifically for children. Ring in the Year of the Tiger (February 14, 2010) with these Bay Area kids' events!
San Francisco's Chinese Flower Fair
February 6-7, 2010, Chinatown
On the weekend before Chinese New Year, the Chinese Flower Fair offers Chinese opera, dance, music, lion dancing, art and cultural exhibits. For younger children, there is a Children's Area that includes a petting zoo, photo area, and other fun activities. The drummers and lion dancers who perform at the Flower Fair offer children a thrilling spectacle and an opportunity to learn about Chinese traditions.
Bay Area Discovery Museum Chinese New Year Celebration
February 15, 2010. Sausalito
One of the best children's museums in the country offers an all-day celebration of Chinese New Year. Activities include Chinese calligraphy lessons, "lucky envelope" decorating, sweet pastry making and the museum's usual host of hands-on fun. The highlight of the day is a free outdoor demonstration by the Dragon Horse Lion Dance Team and the Marin Chinese Cultural Group. The China Dance School and Theatre is also performing at 11am and 1pm (additional ticket purchase required). Visit the Bay Area Discovery Museum website for more information and directions.
San Francisco Zoo Lunar New Year Celebration
February 21, 2010, San Francisco
The San Francisco Zoo's annual Lunar New Year Celebration offers performances by the world-renowned Leung's White Crane Dancers, the Red Panda Acrobats, traditional food and treats, and much more. Combined with the zoo's every day thrills (animals, carousel, train, petting zoo, insect zoo), families should plan to come early and stay all day long. Visit the zoo's website for more details.
San Francisco's Chinese New Year Parade 2010
February 27, 2010, Chinatown
The Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is the largest celebration of its kind outside of Asia, and it has been named one of the Top 10 Parades in the World by the International Festivals and Events Association. The free nighttime event combines elements of a traditional Chinese Lantern Parade with more familiar elements of a Western-style street parade.
The appearance of Gum Lung, the Golden Dragon of Chinatown, makes for an extraordinary illuminated finale to the 2-1/2 hour parade. Over half a million firecrackers accompany the 201-foot-long Gum Lung and his team of 100 carriers. Watch the parade in comfort and be assured of a viewing spot by purchasing a bleacher seat along Kearny St. for $30. Admission for children under 2 is free, provided they sit on an adult's lap.
Arrive early (no later than 4:45) to get a good spot along the route, and for families that have not purchased bleacher seats, it's a good idea to bring folding chairs for the kids. Pack snacks and water, and make sure that kids have hats and jackets for the cooler evening weather. The parade goes on rain or shine.
For more details on the parade route or to purchase bleacher seats, visit the official San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival & Parade website.
Chinese New Year celebrations are frequently vibrant, noisy, visually extraordinary events. For young or sensitive children, the lion dancers, drummers or parades may be a bit overwhelming, so plan accordingly. Arrive early to avoid crowds and to get the best spot at performances.
Families can still get the flavor of Chinese New Year festivities by visiting Chinatown during non-festival days, or by venturing outside of San Francisco to smaller celebrations throughout the Bay Area.
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Find this article useful? Read also Celebrating Chinese New Year in San Francisco (Without Kids).
Sources:
- ChineseParade.com
- SanFranciscoChinatown.com
- Bay Area Discovery Museum
- San Francisco Zoo
Christine E. Taylor - Christine E. Taylor is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Christine is currently writing a series of articles ...
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