8 Kid-Friendly, Winter Break Outings In SF Bay Area

BAY AREA, CA – Looking for fun activities for the family during the 2018-19 winter break -- nearby outings that won't break the bank?

Rest assured, Bay Area moms and dads. Patch has you covered. We've selected eight standout events in the region and included several of the best once-a-year, pop-up, holiday ice-skating rinks.

Enjoy!

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1) Lantern Light Festival 2018-19: Alameda Co Fairgrounds Pleasanton. Take in this dazzling extravaganza new to the Bay Area that is open nightly from 5 p.m. through Jan. 6, and then runs Thursdays through Sundays until Jan. 20. Fun includes a "Forbidden City" maze, Chinese lanterns, food, acrobats, inflatables and mini-golf. Tickets are $18 for children 3-12, $23 for adults and $20 for seniors and military. Kids under 3 are free. More here.

2) Fantasy Of Lights Drive-Thru 2018: Vasona Lake Park, Los Gatos. A South Bay tradition since 1999! Load up the family, bring cocoa and holiday CDs, and revel in the 1.5-mile drive-thru spectacle of lights. Saturday, Dec. 30 is final night. Get your tickets in advance, but as one Patch reader let us know -- there may still be a wait. $20 for vehicles that hold 12. Details.

3) CuriOdyssey IlluminOdyssey 2018-19: San Mateo. Four floors at the CuriOdyssey Science Playground & Zoo of dazzling exhibits, a village of laser luminescence and a forest of touchable, radiant sculptures. Science meets imagination, and your little ones will love it! Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Jan. 6. Exhibit included with museum admission: $9.50 - Children (under 2 years old FREE); $13.50 - Adults; $8.50 - Students (13-17); & Seniors (62+). Park entrance fee - $6/car. More here.

4) 'Winter Walk' Holiday Promenade 2018: Union Square, San Francisco. Make believe you are in a snowy winter wonderland, and take in this pop-up event 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 31. Festivities include holiday decor, mobile food and craft beverages, family-friendly activities, art, community performances and entertainment. See more here.

5) Jurassic Quest 2018: Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa. Three days only in Santa Rosa- Dec. 28-30. This traveling show gets bigger and better every year, and if your kids like dinosaurs, they will love this! Rides, fossil digs, science stations, rideable dinos and more! Regular admission $20. Details here.

6) Gilroy Gardens At Night Holiday 2018: Gilroy. Through New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Ice skate under the stars, see "Charlie Brown Christmas" live show and twinkling holiday lights throughout the park. Tickets start at $31. Read more.

7) Christmas Gifts from Yesteryear on Display at Historic Home - Los Altos. Share a time-travel adventure with your children at this exhibit of Christmas gifts from yesteryear, on display through Jan. 6 at Los Altos History Museum. Thursdays through Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. And it is free! More here.

8) 'Jingle All The Way’ Ice Skate & Winter Village 2018: St. Helena. Runs through Dec. 28. With skating, food trucks, wine, hot toddys & cocoa and music! Tickets $5 to $10.

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AND GET YOUR SKATE ON AT THESE POP-UP ICE RINKS:

NorCal Holiday Ice Rink 2018-19: Northgate Mall, San Rafael. Through Jan. 21.

Holiday Ice-Skating Rink 2018-19: Union Square, San Francisco. An SF classic through Dec. 31 with regular admission $18 and $13 for children 8 years old and under.

Winter Park Ice-Skating Rink 2018-19: Civic Center, San Francisco. Through Jan. 6 with an ice rink and track which weaves through a Christmas tree forest. $20 for adults and $5-$15 for children 8 years and under based on time of skating session.

'Boardwalk Holiday Ice' Outdoor Skating Rink 2018-19: Santa Cruz. Make it a whole day of fun here! Through Jan. 6. Skating is $14.95/hour, skates included. Weather permitting, some Boardwalk rides are open.

'San Mateo On Ice' Holiday Skating Rink 2018-19: San Mateo. Runs through Jan. 13 with skating in the sunshine during the day and under the stars at night. Tickets $16.

Skate ‘Ice At The Veranda’- Holidays 2018: Concord. Open through Feb. 18 with special events and more for $15.

Holiday Ice-Skating Rink 2018-19: Oakland. Through Jan. 6 with a beverage garden. General admission $13; skate rental $5.

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• ALSO SEE: Crab Feeds 2018-19: SF Bay Area Guide To All-You-Can-Eat Feasts

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--Images via VCGVCG, Getty Images, Dean Mouhtaropoulos, Getty Images, The Los Altos History Museum, Lindsey Wasson, Getty Images, CuriOdyssey,Chris Hyde, Getty Images