Crocker Art Museum Launches Museum Guide & Interactive Gallery for Families

Little ones and their caregivers now have two new ways to experience the Crocker Art Museum. The Museum has launched Story Trail, a family-friendly journey through the Museum, and Tot Land, an interactive gallery, designed for children from infancy to five years of age and their caregivers. Tot Land and Story Trail are sponsored, in part, by the First 5 Sacramento Commission.

Story Trail is an engaging way for young children and adults to talk about art while they visit the Museum. It features a captivating storybook, called “Birdy’s Museum Adventure,” which incorporates images and “characters” from works of art in the Museum’s permanent collection. The story leads families on an imaginative adventure to look, discuss, and discover seven works of art. Families can check out a copy of “Birdy’s Museum Adventure” at the Admission Desk and begin a fun exploration into the galleries with trail markers to lead the way.

Story Trail concludes in Tot Land, a gallery devoted entirely to families. Located in the Museum’s Education Center, the gallery is designed to encourage creativity while building early-learning skills. Tot Land features an interactive touch screen for unparalleled creative play, as well as spaces for art making and reading. All of the activities are designed to enable children and adults to learn together through layered, dynamic, and playful experiences. Resources available in Tot Land support a successful path to early literacy and creative thinking.

The interactive touch screen, called “The Living Art Wall,” uses highly advanced technology and gaming software to give children a unique educational experience. Using the screen, toddlers will be able to express their creativity through digital drawing and painting with their fingers. Visitors’ contributions will build on top of each other, creating a community mural.

Tot Land and Story Trail are *FREE* with Museum admission and are available during the Museum’s regular operating hours. For more information, click HERE or call 916. 808.7000.

This East Sac Mama will be checking out Tot Land and Story Trail on Wednesday with my little guy, I’ll let you know what we think.

We’ll see you there!

31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins

If Baskin Robbins’ 31 cent scoop night isn’t a sure sign that summer is coming, I don’t know what is.

Head over to BR on Wednesday, April 27th from 5PM to 10PM and get your favorite flavor (or try a new one) for just 31 cents.

Baskin Robbins is located at 5648 Folsom Boulevard and for more information click HERE or call 916.450.9081.

We’ll see you there!

FREE Playdate at Fancy Feet Dance Academy

After almost two years, we finally have an East Sacramento Mom playdate scheduled! Why didn’t we think to do this sooner? Elizabeth Ercila, owner of the newly opened Fancy Feet Dance Academy, has graciously offered to host a *FREE* playdate next Wednesday, April 20 at 9:30AM. Come join us!

At the Fancy Feet ESM playdate, we’ll let the kids enjoy a dance class, play some games, and even get in a little fun and exercise with the moms (or dads). Spread the word and bring a friend.

Fancy Feet Dance Academy is located at 712 57^th Street, near Crepe Escape, and for more information click HERE or call 916.451.4900.

We’ll see you there!

Kiwanis FREE Community Easter Egg Hunts + Pancake Breakfast

The East Sacramento-Midtown Kiwanis Club will be hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast, carnival, and *FREE* community Easter Egg Hunts on Saturday April 23rd at McKinley Park.  The Pancake Breakfast will be from 7:30AM until 11:30AM inside the Clunie Clubhouse.  The cost for the breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children.  The carnival games for children are just 50 cents each. The schedule for the Free Easter Egg Hunts is:

Ages 0-1: 9:30AM
Ages 1-2: 9:45AM
Ages 3-4: 10:00AM
Ages 5-6: 10:15AM
Ages 7-8: 10:30AM
Ages 9-10: 10:45AM

For more tickets to the Pancake Breakfast or for more information on Kiwanis click HERE or contact John Brummer at jrbkpltg7@aol.com or 916.642.2505.  All funds raised will be donated to various community service organizations and the Kiwanis Family House.

We’ll see you there!

Mommy & Me Day at Raley Field + 2011 Rivercats Season

If I had to choose my favorite thing about spring and summer, it would be longer days. BUT, my second favorite thing is without a doubt, baseball. Whether it be the San Francisco Giants, the Sacramento Rivercats, or our neighborhood little league, give me a seat in the bleachers with a hot dog and a beer (iced tea if I’m at a little league game, of course) and I am one happy mama. I can’t wait for my little guy to be old enough to play tee ball. In the meantime, we love it when we can get our fix out at Raley Field! You have plenty of chances to do the same, starting this month.

Mommy and Me Day is coming up on Wednesday, April 20 and again on Wednesday, June 15 from 10AM to 1PM. You and your little ones have a chance to get out on the field and play games, enjoy snacks, and run the bases. My just-over-1-year old and I attended last year and since then the Rivercats have learned a thing or two. Here are a couple of tips to make your experience that much better:

• Fill out the waiver before you go. Click HERE to get that. You’ll also need the pre-registration form which you can get HERE.
• Bring your own snacks and/or entertainment. There was quite a line to get in last year and people got there early. Even having the waivers completed in advance, there will probably still be a bit of a wait to get into the field.
• Don’t expect too much. There were some coloring and game stations, and kids could run around on the field, in the dugouts, and behind the backstop, so that was cool. Dinger will be there, but it would be even cooler if there were some players there though! (Hint, hint, Rivercats.)

If you go, email us some pictures and your thoughts! We love getting feedback to pass on to other moms. Mommy & Me Day is *FREE* and is for children aged 6 and younger.

For more information, click HERE or call 916.376.4834.

In addition to Mommy & Me Day, the Rivercats have a host of home games to attend. The Sunday afternoon games are our favorite, but if your kids are up to a weeknight evening, why not spend a few bucks for a grass seat and enjoy the Delta breeze when the nights get warm. Here is the 2011 home game schedule: 

 April
Monday, 11th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 12th – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Wednesday, 13th – 12:05PM
Thursday, 14th – 7:05PM
Saturday, 23rd – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 24th – 1:05PM Pregame Easter Egg Hunt
Monday, 25th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 26th – 7:05PM

May
Monday, 2nd – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 3rd – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Wednesday, 4th – 12:05PM
Thursday, 5th – 7:05PM
Friday, 6th – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Saturday, 7th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 8th – 1:05PM
Monday, 9th – 12:05PM
Thursday, 19th – 7:05PM
Friday, 20th – 7:05PM
Saturday, 21st – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 22nd – 1:05PM
Monday, 23rd – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 24th – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Wednesday, 25th – 12:05PM
Thursday, 26th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 31st – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free

June
Wednesday, 1st – 12:05PM
Thursday, 2nd – 7:05PM
Friday, 3rd – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Thursday, 9th – 7:05PM
Friday, 10th – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts/Family Campout
Saturday, 11th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 12th – 1:05PM
Friday, 17th – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Saturday, 18th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 19th – 1:05PM
Monday, 20th – 12:05PM
Saturday, 25th – 7:05PM
Sunday, 26th – 1:05PM
Monday, 27th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 28th – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Thursday, 30th – 7:05PM

July
Friday, 1st – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Saturday, 2nd – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 3rd – 6:35PM
Thursday, 14th – 7:05PM
Friday, 15th – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Saturday, 16th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 17th – 1:05PM
Friday, 22nd – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Saturday, 23rd – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 24th – 1:05PM
Monday, 25th – 7:05PM
Saturday, 30th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 31st – 1:05PM

August
Monday, 1st – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 2nd – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Friday, 12th – 7:05PM $1 hot dog & desserts
Saturday, 13th – 7:05PM Postgame fireworks
Sunday, 14th – 1:05PM
Monday, 15th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 16th – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Wednesday, 17th – 12:05PM
Thursday, 18th – 7:05PM
Friday, 19th – 7:05PM $1 hot dogs & desserts
Monday, 29th – 7:05PM
Tuesday, 30th – 7:05PM Kids Eat Free
Wednesday, 31st – 12:05PM

September
Thursday, 1st – 7:05PM

Click HERE to find out what giveaways/promotions are happening on any given night.

Raley Field is located at 400 Ballpark Drive and for more information click HERE or call 916.376.4700. Ticket prices begin at $7.

We’ll see you there!

Fancy Feet Grand Opening

There is something new in East Sacramento! Lets all give a big, warm welcome to Elizabeth Ercila, owner of Fancy Feet Dance Academy.

Fancy Feet Dance Academy is open for business, however still under construction.  They are holding two grand opening events, one on Saturday April 16^th and the other on Saturday, May 14^th from 10:00AM to 4:00PM both days.  At the ceremony they will be providing cupcakes as well as providing lots of entertainment:  including a raffle for Disneyland tickets, balloon twisting and face painting!  There will also be a meet and greet with some of the Fancy Feet Parties characters and for the dance academy side of things there will be class demos for Zumba, Baby Music, Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Belly Dance!  It’s sure to be an event to remember!

Fancy Feet Dance Academy is located at 712 57^th Street, near Crepe Escape, and for more information click HERE or call 916.451.4900.

We’ll see you there!

April Events at the McKinley Library

All McKinley Library programs are *FREE* and sponsored by the Friends of McKinley Library.

Tuesdays, April 5, 12, 19 & 26

Baby Lapsit Storytime
10:30-11AM
Ages birth through 24 months. This storytime is designed to help develop literacy with stories, songs, and movement.

Toddler Storytime
11-11:30AM
Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for children aged 18 months to 3 years.

Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27

Preschool Storytime
11-11:30PM
Stories, songs, fingerplays and more for preschoolers aged 3 – 5. Younger children welcome as space permits.

Thursday, April 7

Just Dance 2
3:30-4:30PM
Teen program. Come shake your groove thing at McKinley Library!

Thursday, April 21

Spring Crafts
3:30-4:30PM
School-age program. Bunnies and eggs, flowers and butterflies, make many lovely little tokens of the season.

Saturday, April 30

Fancy Nancy Tea Party
2-3:30PM
Family program. Tea party and fashion show. Come show your glittery best at the library. Crafts include fancy hats, crowns, and accessories.

The McKinley Library is located at 601 Alhambra Boulevard and for more information click HERE or call 916.264.2700.

We’ll see you there!

Earth Fest at the Sacramento Zoo

Earth Day isn’t until April 21, but why not make it “Earth Month” and start the celebration with the Sacramento Zoo this weekend? Earth Fest is Saturday, April 2 from 9AM to 4PM you can take part in the following activities and events, along with enjoying the zoo’s inhabitants!

Participants and Exhibitors

Association of Professional Landscape Designers Chipotle Mexican Grill Consumnes River Preserve Friends of the Sacramento Public Library Friends of San Juan de Oriente Friends of the Swainson’s Hawk Gus the Green tree frog, Sacramento Zoo Mascot Heifer International IKEA Mira Loma High School – Arcade Creek Project Organic Gardening Club of Sacramento County Recycled Zoo Banner Bags for Sale! Sacramento County Sierra Club Sacramento New Technology High School Sacramento Regional Sanitation District Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership Solar Cookers International Tranquill Gardens Village Nurseries WormFancy …More participants to come!

All Day Activities

Recycle Rummage Sale in the Kampala Center Interactive Wildlife Wagons Hands-on artifacts in the Discovery Room Face painting Funshop crafts

Timed Activities

Zoo P.I.’s Critter Caper    11:00 am on the amphitheater stage  Wildlife Stage Show    1:30 pm on the amphitheater stage   Keeper Chats — all talks at the exhibit    2:15 pm Giant anteater    2:30 pm Mongoose lemur    2:45 pm Tortoise by the Giraffe exhibit

The Sacramento Zoo is located at 3930 West Land Park Drive and for more information click HERE or call 916.808.5888. Admission is *FREE* for children under 2, $7 for ages 2-11, $10.25 for seniors, and $11 for the general public. Remember, members get in *FREE*.

We’ll see you there!

April Events at the Crocker Art Museum

Sunday, April 10, 3PM
Classical Concert: William Feasley, Guitar
Inspired by “John Buck: Iconography,” classical guitarist William Feasley will perform works by American composers Peter Madlem, Robert Beaser, Carlos Jobim, and Thelonius Monk along with the world premiere of “Black Tango” (“Tango Negro”) by the Argentine composer Marcelo Ferraris. Purchase tickets HERE, at the admission desk, or by calling 916.808.1182. $6 members, $12 nonmembers.

This would be a great afternoon activity for a parent and teen! Why not grab a dessert at Ginger Elizabeth afterward and discuss the music?

Thursday, April 14, 5-9PM
Art Mix: Lit Fix
Celebrate Literary Arts Month with a night full of poetry, spoken word, live music, tours, and talks. Don’t miss an open mic session and interactive activities. *FREE* with museum admission. Art Mix is part of the program series Thursdays ‘til 9.

Another good parent-teen activity, this would make for a fun “date night”. Grab dinner Tapa the World before you get your art fix.

Wednesdays, April 6, 13, 20 & 27, 11AM
Wee Wednesday
Bring your little one and yourself for gallery-based art activities for children ages 3 to 5.  *FREE* with museum admission. This is a family program and space is limited. Signup begins at 10AM on the day of the event at the museum admission desk.

SUCH a fun activity for your toddler! Get them exposed to the arts at an early age.

Saturday, April 9, 1PM
Sunday, April 17, 11AM
Drop, Yak, Splat! A Museum Adventure for Families
Different artworks will provide inspiration for a stimulating gallery experience for families and children of all ages. *FREE* with museum admission.

This would be a great way to start your family Second Saturday fun.

Tuesday, April 12, Noon-2PM
Homeschool Day
Homeschool and family groups are invited to visit the museum regularly for thematic gallery adventures designed to intrigue children ages six and older. Registration is required. For pricing specifics and registration, click HERE or call 916.808.1182.

Sunday, April 17, 1-3PM
Opening Reception: Meaning and Medium – Self-Portraits by Christian Brothers High School Students
See the exhibition “Meaning and Medium,” on view April 7 through July 10, 2011, and meet the artists who have explored portraiture through fresh eyes.

Tuesday, April 19, 10:30AM
Baby Loves Art – Singing in the Rain
Baby Loves Art is an entertaining and interactive way for children ages three and under and their caregivers to experience the educational stimulation that the visual arts can provide. Children sing, move, groove, touch, and play at the Crocker while building key cognitive and motor skills. This program is funded by the First 5 Sacramento Commission.

I can’t WAIT to take my 2 year-old to this new program for babies!

If you attend (or have attended in the past) any of the program or special events at the Crocker, we’d love to hear about it and get your thoughts and insight. Email us at eastsacmom{at}gmail{dot}com.

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O Street and for more information click HERE or call 916.808.7000.

We’ll see you there!

We’ll see you there!

Fairytale Town Goes Green

Green matters, if we each do a little, we all do a lot! Join Fairytale Town and several local area organizations and spend the day promoting environmental awareness. The event will feature educational displays on global warming, conservation and pollution. Children will be able to participate in various free recycled hands-on art activities. Local area organizations will also be on hand with booths to discuss green programs they offer, and to provide tips and tools on how to get started.

Puppet Art Theater will be performing The Three Little Pigs, with a conservation twist, in the Children’s Theater. Puppet show tickets are $1 for members, $2 for nonmembers, and children 1 and under are *FREE*. Puppet show times are 12:30PM, 1:30PM and 2:30PM. Fairytale Town Goes Green will take place from 11AM to 3PM on Saturday, March 26th.

Fairytale Town is located at 3901 Land Park Drive and admission is $4.50 for ages 2 and up and *FREE* for ages 1 and younger. For more information click HERE or call 916.808.5233.

We’ll see you there!