Now that you’ve decided between turkey or tofurkey, candied yams or sweet potatoes, and pecan versus pumpkin pie, all you have left to figure out is what to do with the kids on their long weekend. After the food has been gobbled, the kiddos will be fidgety and we’ve got the perfect list of activities to keep you sane and the little ones happy.

1. Check out our favorite fall crafts for kids and spend a quiet afternoon making hand print turkeys or a beautiful autumn wreath filled with fallen leaves.

2. Make a Thanksgiving-themed craft that will look great on the table even after all of the dishes are done. After the hubbub of Thanksgiving, the little ones will be glad for a moment of quiet coloring.

3. Don’t miss a fantastic rendition of the well-loved book The Velveteen Rabbit put on by ODC Dance, featuring colorful costumes and lots of laughs.

4. Spend the evening watching a holiday movie under the stars at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay. Don’t forget the popcorn!

5. Want to get the kids out and work off that Thanksgiving turkey? Take them on a hike that won’t tire out their little legs too much, hop on your bicycle and go for a ride, or strike a yoga pose together.

6. Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s time to get in the holiday spirit. Laugh out loud at the Novato Theater Company’s festive production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

7. If you’re in the East Bay, bring your kiddos to sit on Santa’s lap at a special photo session. Just in case they pull the classic crying face for the picture, there will be free balloons available for a quick pick-me-up.

8. Sample gourmet food from 35 of the Bay’s best food trucks at Off the Grid at Fort Mason.

9. If you’ve had enough of turkey and stuffing by Saturday afternoon, check out some other restaurants that will give you a reprieve. Whether you’re looking for delicious Middle Eastern finger fooda restaurant with a view, or something that came right from the farm to your fork, they’re all delicious and you’ll be thankful that none of it is leftovers.

10. Hop aboard a carousel for some great photo ops while your kiddos go round and round.

11. For some more outdoor fun, head to Fairyland in Oakland, where you’ll find enough kooky attractions to keep the littles entertained for hours.

12. Celebrate Hanukkah with a dance party, movies, and a kid-approved Frog and Toad exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum.

13. Grab your hats, scarves, and gloves and have an outdoor adventure to one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods where you can get a behind the scenes look at how some tasty treats are made.

14. Still feel like playing tourist? Check out some of the other can’t miss sights in San Francisco.

15. Get excited: there’s snow in the Bay Area! Head to Mill Valley’s Winterfest to try your hand at sledding. Plus, get in a festive mood with caroling, Santa sightings, a tree lighting, and more.

Don’t forget to pace yourself, the holidays are a month long celebration—enjoy them! What is your family tradition for the upcoming holidays?

— Susie Foresman

photo credit:  ingridtaylar, Children’s Fairyland

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