Sausalito

Come mark the beginning of Kwanzaa, the African-American celebration of family and community, at Sausalito's Bay Area Discovery Museum on Saturday, December 26 from 10 am–5 pm, with art projects inspired by the African continent and a Kwanzaa altar in the Museum’s Entry Pavilion.

Also, enjoy a performance by renowned jazz drummer E. W. Wainwright and his ensemble, The African Roots of Jazz, takes you on a musical journey that traces African-American musical forms, such as jazz, gospel, and spirituals, from their earliest beginnings in African cultures to today at 11 am and 1 pm in the Discovery Theatre. The program features instrumental music, songs, theater, and audience participation (seating is limited; pick up free tickets at the front desk prior to entering the theater).

Looking for something to do this weekend that doesn't involve Halloween? Two interesting new exhibitions open at local museums this weekend that could be perfect outings for your family.

At Sausalito's Bay Area Discovery Museum, families can explore the hidden habitats and secret lives of forest animals in the special exhibition Animal Secrets, which runs from tomorrow through May 9, 2010. Specially designed for children ages 3–8, Animal Secrets uses imagintive role-play and hands-on activities to help children discover nature from an animal's point of view. Environments to be explored include a stream, meadow, woodland, cave, and naturalist's tent.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is open Tuesday–Friday 9 am–4 pm and weekends 10 am–5 pm. Admission is $8 for children 1–17 and seniors 62+ and $10 for adults; free for children under 1 and members.

For more information, visit www.baykidsmuseum.org or call (415) 339-3900.

Marin's popular Bay Area Discovery Museum opens its latest special exhibition, Children of Hangzou: Connecting with China, this Saturday, June 13. The exhibition runs through September 13, 2009. Organized by the Boston Children's Museum, the Children of Hangzhou allows families to explore modern Chinese life through the children of Hangzhou, Boston's sister city.

This exhibition is devoted to demistifying contemporary China, especially in light of China's ever-increasing role as a global power and Pacific Rim neighbor, and inspiring families to learn more about the country and its people. Children will look at everyday life in China through the eyes of four young people living in Hangzhou.

At the exhibition, kids can explore aspects of daily life in China by exploring places such as the bus stop, an apartment building, the Yellow Dragon Theater, the Hangzhou library, a farm, and a middle school. The Discovery Museum always offers hands-on activities, so be prepared to try writing Chinese, cook, plant rice, perform in a Chinese opera, and more!