TUESDAY
8
SEPTEMBER
The Ember List · San Jose, CA
Things to do with kids in San Jose, CA
Find things to do with kids in San Jose, CA, from story times and classes to family festivals and puppet shows.
We reviewed 550+ Bay Area event sources to pick the 28 best kids & family events in San Jose, CA between September 7 and September 13. Updated daily.
Highlights for September 8 – September 13
Baby Lapsit Storytime at Berryessa (Berryessa, San Jose)
Storytime for babies and caregivers with songs, rhymes, books, and a follow‑up play period. Tuesday, September 8, 10:30–11:30am. Free. Ages 0‑5; space limited, arrive early.
Wee Play Outdoors (Biblioteca Latinoamericana, Outdoor Patio Area, San Jose)
Outdoor play space with water table, art area, and bubble area for children and caregivers. Thursday, September 10, 10:30–11:30am. Free. Ages 1‑5; no registration required.
Story Time: Snake! Where? (YSI Alum Rock Park)
Interactive storytime featuring a snake character and playful adventure for young listeners. Saturday, September 12, 11:00am–12:00pm. Free. Open to all children; first‑come basis.
STEM: Adventures with Artimals – Rattlesnake (Berryessa, Community Room, San Jose)
Hands‑on lesson about rattlesnakes with a presentation, interactive anatomy, and art project. Sunday, September 13, 12:30–1:30pm. Free. Ages 5‑10; first‑come, limited tickets.
3D Printing and TinkerCAD Workshop (Cambrian, 2nd Floor Tech Center, San Jose)
Introductory session on 3D printing and TinkerCAD with a live demo and a giveaway. Sunday, September 13, 1:00–2:00pm. Free. Ages 8‑14; limited computers, register early.
Family Games: Cards & Board Games (Tully, San Jose)
Open play of board and card games for families, mixing strategy, education and fun. Sunday, September 13, 1:00–2:00pm. Free. All ages welcome; ADA accessible.
Our best picks: kids & family events in San Jose, CA — September 7–13
Join us for a limited series of crafts on Tuesdays and Thursdays! We’ll be making cactus characters, beaded insects, washi tape bookmarks, bug headbands, decorated masks, and an acorn craft. Every Tuesday and Thursday will be a different craft. Tuesday, September 1: Cactus characters Thursday, September 3: beaded insec…
Join us every Thursday and experience the digital world like never before in our Virtual Reality program. Learn how to use our virtual reality equipment, try a virtual reality experience for the first time, and then come back again to try one of our more immersive experiences, games, and puzzles. For teens ages 12 and…
Learning is messy, so the 2nd Tuesday of every month we’re getting out the aprons and smocks. Whether it’s science, technology, engineering, art, or math, we’re making a mess learning at the library. Free, no registration required. ADA Accommodation Requests
Drop in on Tuesday afternoons in at 4:30 p.m. for a new STEaM adventure every week. Active engagement with STEaM promotes academic success. Topic list is subject to change, please check back or call the branch for up-to-date details. Suggested ages vary, please refer to individual program descriptions. Free, with limit…
WEDNESDAY
9
SEPTEMBER
Explore the colors and textures of autumn leaves in our sensory painting program! Using leaf-shaped cardstock and fall-inspired colors, children will create unique artworks while enhancing fine motor skills and fostering creativity. Guided by our librarians, kids will experiment with paint mixing and texture blending,…
Join local author Lena Strickling and her therapy dog, Birdie, for a storytime about dogs, heroes, and the importance of asking for help. Birdie the Brave follows a therapy dog extraordinaire who uses her superpower of listening and loving to comfort firefighters, police officers, nurses, teachers, and more in the town…
Celebrate the back-to-school season at our Family Open House. Visit the Library and learn about programs and services for all ages. We’ll have: Educational Resource Craft Activities Drawing to win a free back-to-school pencil bag - must be present to receive prize Recommended for families with students ages 5-18. ADA A…
Looking to make new friends and have fun at the same time? Teen Craft & Connect (ages 12–18) is a welcoming weekly program created to help teens hang out, get creative, and build real connections in a friendly, relaxed setting. September 9 - Bedazzling mirrors September 16 - Decorating pencil pouches September 23 - Key…
THURSDAY
10
SEPTEMBER
Tentative: Depending on the weather, please call (408) 294-1237 to confirm the program is taking place. Enjoy a variety of activities that provide learning opportunities for young children and their caregivers. The outdoor playscape features: A water table An art area A bubble area The outdoor play space is located beh…
Join us every Thursday afternoon for a new STEAM adventure for young scientists and their caregivers, from robots to engineering to science to making. Sept 3 - Structural Engineering Sept 10 - Cloud Lab Sept 17 - Pirate Science Sept 24 - Sphero Art Appropriate for ages 3 to 7. To prevent overcrowding, this program is h…
Join us for some Fall art fun as we paint rocks! All materials will be provided, while supplies last. Note: Dress for mess, as the paint can stain clothes! Recommended for children 5-12, but all ages are welcome. This program has been planned by Vineland Teens Reach and generously sponsored by the Friends of the Vinela…
Come learn to play chess, or just play a game! This is an informal and welcoming program. For ages up to 12, and families. Located in the children's area. Registration encouraged but not required. ADA Accommodation Requests
FRIDAY
11
SEPTEMBER
Join Joyce Ellington Branch librarian to celebrate autumn at Backesto Park! Enjoy a special outdoor storytime filled with engaging books, songs, movement activities and bubbles, designated especially for young children and their families.. Bring a blanket, relax on the grass, and enjoy a magical morning of stories, son…
Have fun and compete with others in a variety of popular games on Nintendo Switch, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate! Open to Teens and Pre-Teens. No Registration Required. ADA Accommodation Requests
Make your own mini masterpieces at the library! Get to know other teens in your community and let your creative juices flow as you paint your own mini canvas. This program is for teens ages 13-18. While supplies last. One canvas per teen. All materials will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own supplies. Fr…
Intended for Students 5+ years old Students will be using Sphero Robots + Sphero Apps + iPads to control their robots and program and code activities. Parents, caregivers, and siblings welcome. This will be an open workshop meaning you can just mess around with the robot via the draw or block coding options or follow a…
SATURDAY
12
SEPTEMBER
Join AACI YTI to learn how to use iPads to make amazing digital pieces of art. Students will become familiar with navigation through the Procreate app and learn how to sketch a design, ink/outline it, and digitally color the piece. iPads and Apple Pencils will be provided by AACI YTI. This program is brought to you by…
Join us at Seven Trees Branch Library to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival! Enjoy a sampling of ethnic food, refreshments, and fun activities. Plus receive a beautiful hanging paper lantern as a special giveaway. Limited while supplies last. Free! No registration required. ADA Accommodation Request
Free. Recommended for ages 10+ With Lab PCs donated by our local community, you will learn: Components needed to assemble a working computer How to plan out and shop for a new/used computer components How to assemble a PC without damaging components Class Breakdown: Presentation on minimum necessary components and thei…
Unleash your creativity at this fun, hands-on jewelry-making workshop! Kids will learn basic design concepts, practice fine motor skills, and explore simple math through patterns and measurements while creating colorful, one-of-a-kind jewelry. Participants will design and take home their very own beaded bracelet, using…
Drop in every Saturday for a new STEAM adventure, from robots to engineering to science to making. September 5 - Robot Reactions September 12 - Paper Circuits September 19 - LEGO Challenge September 26 - Amazing Brains Recommended for ages 4 and up with adult help, and 8 and up solo. Tickets available at the desk 30 mi…
Join us for Saturday STEM! Kids will explore a fun STEM activity focused on the theme of the day. This week, discover the power of magnets with our volunteer Kimmie.Learn about magnetic forces of attraction, repulsion, and how magnets are used in the real world all around us. Space is limited to 15 participants, and ti…
SUNDAY
13
SEPTEMBER
Come with us to learn about and craft a rattlesnake! This lesson will consist of three parts: an interactive presentation with fascinating facts about a rattlesnake, a guided exploration of the anatomy of a snake through our Gale Interactive Science resource, and a guided art project that will allow students to be crea…
Join us at the Edenvale Branch Library for a fun afternoon making your own "Freezer Jam"! Using only a few ingredients and simple instructions, learn how to turn your favorite fruits into delicious jam to spread on toast or use in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Bring your own apron and yummy fruits. Appropriate fo…
Celebrate creativity and explore the vibrant legacy of Frida Kahlo, a pioneering Mexican artist, with our Wee LOVE ART program. Immerse yourself in Kahlo's colorful world of self-expression and symbolism through hands-on art activities inspired by her iconic style. Join us on this artistic journey as we honor the life…
Come join us for an introduction to 3D printing and CAD! We will learn how to use TinkerCAD and how 3D printing works. There will be a live demonstration of the 3D printer working. Participants may receive a 3D printed giveaway upon participation. Free. Ages 8-14. Computers and space are limited, registration required.…
Children ages 7-10 will learn about the parts of the brain, their functions, and how the brain sends signals and works with the body through hands-on activities including making and painting clay models of the brain, doing worksheets, and playing games. Attending all 3 sessions is encouraged but not required. Limited t…
Are you between the ages of 5-12 and want to learn Vietnamese? Tully Branch Library will be offering a class for children to learn basic Vietnamese language, grammar, spelling, dictation, writing, and reading. In person registration required at Tully Library. ADA Accommodation Requests
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