Does your child dream of having his or her birthday party in the midst of fascinating nature exhibits and 38,000 live animals? You're in luck, because the California Academy of Sciences, Northern California's premier natural history museum, now offers children’s birthday parties on Saturdays and Sundays! Your party of up to 40 guests can enjoy a private group tour of the Academy, interactive activities, birthday cupcakes, and more in a private party space that's yours to enjoy for two hours. It's guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience for your birthday child.

Each birthday party begins with snacks (and coffee for the grownups) from the Academy's acclaimed Moss Room restaurant in a private lounge decorated with festive environmentally-friendly party decorations. Next, an expert tour guide takes your group on a half-hour tour

Music Together of Marin's winter session starts on January 7 and runs through March 23. Music Together is an award-winning international music and movement enrichment program for children ages infant to 5 years. Classes meet once a week for 45 minutes of musical joy.

Music Together classes are based on the recognition that all children are musical. All children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat and participate with confidence in the music of our culture. Central to the Music Together approach is that young children learn best from the role model of parents/caregivers who are actively making music. The program brings families together by providing a rich musical environment that can continue at home and throughout the context of daily life. Each session families receive  new materials, including a CD and book, to use at home. Come preview a free class and become part of a growing musical community.

The Bus has arrived! Magic Bus Music Studio, Marin's newest early childhood music studio is now open in Novato at 1530 Center Road Suite 12, inside the Nautilus of Marin Building. The “Bus” offers Kindermusik classes, birthday parties, fundraising events and playgroup outings for families with children ages newborn to 4.

The Magic Bus Music Studio is owned by Melissa Ayotte, who has been teaching piano and Kindermusik in Marin for over 11 years. Joining Melissa is her long time friend and colleague Dee Dee Lawtonwho has also been teaching Kindermusik for over 11 years with “maestro programs” (in the top five percent world wide) in San Francisco and Napa. Dee Dee also offers instruction in flute and piano. For more information, call (415) 721-1929 or visit www.magicbusmusic.com.

Here are some of the programs offered this winter at Magic Bus Music Studio:

• Birthdays at The Bus
  For your 1-, 2-, or 3-year-old
  Cost: $125 for up to 12 children
  Start your child’s special day with 45 minutes of magical musical fun at the studio, where a licensed Kindermusik educator will delight your guests with live guitar and singing, lots of movement and dancing, playing with balls, hoops and parachute, and, of course, playing instruments! When the music ends, take your group right next door to Round Table for pizza, presents, and playtime! To make a reservation for your child’s 2011 Birthday Party call (415) 721-1929 or email m1@musicwithmelissa.com
• Musical Playgroups
  For children Newborn to 4 years old
  Cost: only $10 per child
  

Have you been to the Marin Treks Natural History Museum yet? It's a great place to take the kids to learn about nature and the environment and to have some hands-on fun with their collection of live animals. Did you know they also offer awesome birthday parties, too?

Let Marin Treks make your child's next birthday party a day to remember! You can hold your party outdoors at a local park or trail or at their museum in Novato. Marin Treks' exciting hands-on birthday adventures allow the birthday girl or boy and their guests to hold and learn about the museum's amazing collection of live reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids. Discuss where they live, what they eat, how they avoid predators, and a whole lot more. The children are encouraged to ask as many questions as they can and then try to answer their own questions by carefully observing the animals, just like real scientists.