Family events in Santa Clara County, CA

Grimm’s Hollow returns to Easterbrook Discovery School with a haunted, family friendly trail that leads into the storied Grimm Manor. Children and adults encounter characters, puzzle through tasks, and collaborate to keep their group safe from eerie forces both inside the manor and out in the Gardens of the Grey Lady. Those seeking a more intense thrill can come back for The Shadows, a separately ticketed walkthrough that pushes the fright level to the maximum and lets the house’s creatures loose. The Shadows is not recommended for children under 10. While you wait, enjoy the pumpkin patch, browse artisan vendors, and make crafts before venturing into the manor’s endless corridors. Admission is $10 per person. Tickets are available at Easterbrook Discovery School during pumpkin patch hours or at the door, and they often sell out. Produced with the Moreland Pumpkin Patch, this event benefits the Moreland Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

San Jose Civic hosts a live, in-person version of the beloved game show where the audience becomes part of the excitement. This family-friendly, non-televised production features a celebrity host, familiar set pieces and plenty of high-energy moments as randomly selected guests spin The Big Wheel, drop chips on Plinko, tackle Cliffhangers and compete for the Showcase. Prizes may include appliances, dream vacations, electronics and even a brand-new car, and there are opportunities for people in the crowd to win right from their seats. Expect the nostalgia, the buzz of the studio atmosphere re-created on stage and the famous call to come on down.

Get ready for a splash-filled canine outing in Cupertino, where dogs enjoy dedicated pool time spread across four 45-minute sessions. Advance registration is required, and space is limited. The fee is per dog, with a resident rate of $10 and a non-resident rate of $13. For safety, each handler may bring up to two dogs, and people must remain out of the water. Aggressive behavior will result in removal without a refund, and owners may not force a dog into the pool. All dogs must be current on vaccinations. Lifeguards will be on duty, and dogs swim at their owner’s risk.

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden offers a lovely morning in the garden, with opportunities to explore the historic house and grounds while learning about nature. Adults, kids, and families can take part in guided tours, scavenger hunts, education stations, crafts, storytimes, and other special activities. Each month features a unique theme, and the event is free and open to all.

A free, all-ages celebration of comics, creativity, and retro pop culture transforms Central Park Library into a lively fandom hub. Explore graphic novels, cosplay, gaming, art, and hands-on projects while connecting with local artists, comic shops, cosplayers, makers, authors, and gamers. Stroll through Artist Alley and the Comic Book Pavilion, attend panels and creator signings, dive into tabletop gaming, enjoy food trucks, make geeky crafts, and capture photos with costumed characters. City departments and community partners will be on site to share resources and join the fun. Whether you are a dedicated collector or just discovering the world of comics, there is something for everyone and a fresh way to experience the library. Featured guests include Judd Winick, Christopher Schenck, and Brandon McKinney, with appearances from Briana Loewinsohn, Thien Pham, and Gene Yang, plus returning featured artists Mai Blasich of PMBQ Studios and Genevieve Santos of Le Petit Elefant. Retro-inspired cosplay is encouraged. Admission is free.

The Silvanus Foundation’s sixth annual benefit concert and forum combines classical music with a thoughtful exploration of what skills children need in an AI-driven world and how parents can help them prepare. In keeping with the foundation’s commitment to youth education and scholarship support for the children of fallen heroes, the program features a forum with Dr. Wayne Liu, who will draw on experience at NVIDIA and Intel, his work as a co-founder of Perfect Corp., and teaching roles at SUNY and CUNY to share ways to help children progress from basic AI use to creative AI development. Children and teens are also invited to participate in the YouCam API Youth AI Innovation Challenge, building their own AI projects with complimentary API credits and competing for a youth prize pool totaling $1,000. Talented CS high school students can serve as Hackathon Campus Representatives to support this charitable initiative, with parent or guardian consent and a signed waiver required, and volunteer hours available for participants. A $10 discount code, JJTT1, is available.

An inclusive nonreligious community gathers to connect, reflect, and support one another with a focus on living better, helping often, and wondering more. To celebrate the Halloween season while giving back, costumes are welcome for both children and adults, and a hands-on service project will support Grace Solutions. It begins with casual conversation over coffee and pastries, continues with a member-led program featuring music and sing-alongs, and concludes with a community potluck, so please bring something to share. A livestream will be available on Zoom for those who prefer to participate remotely. Free parking is available nearby.

Meet adoptable cats hoping for permanent homes at an adoption event at Pet Food Express in Los Gatos. Spend a little time with the cats in person and see if one feels like the perfect match for your family.

Birth preparation goes beyond simply learning what to expect. The focus is on understanding your choices, building confidence, and developing useful skills to guide you through pregnancy, childbirth, and the early weeks afterward.

A family-friendly welcome event invites children in grades K through 5 and their families to discover Pack 492 and what Cub Scouts offers. Kids can learn about making friends, trying new things, and having fun through activities such as hikes, campouts, the pinewood derby, and service projects. All experience levels are welcome, and there is nothing special to bring. Attendees can meet the leaders, hear about plans for the year, and sign up on site.

A weekly play group for four year olds meets on Tuesdays at Blossom Hill Park in Los Gatos. It provides a welcoming park setting for children to spend time with peers and play together.

Kids ages 6 to 8 can explore sewing in San Jose at Diana’s Rhythmic Club, building creativity, focus, and confidence while making real projects they can be proud of. All experience levels are welcome, and small class sizes allow for personalized guidance. Lessons follow clear, step-by-step instruction in a supportive, creative environment that helps young makers learn one stitch at a time. Tuition is $240 per month, and Ocean Grove Charter funds are accepted. A Tuesday session is available for this age group, and space is limited.

Explore a farmers market along the Paseo in front of the Hammer Theatre, presented by the Regional Farmers Market Association. The Hammer Theatre team will share information about upcoming events, answer questions about the space, and offer a chance to win two complimentary tickets to a future event. Shop for weekly fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, and more. Donations will be collected for the SJSU Spartan Food Pantry, with guidance available on which items are most needed. Stop by the Hammer Theatre table to chat and learn more while you pick up your market favorites.

Enjoy a weekly music time led by Cantor Devorah Felder-Levy alongside preschoolers. The session includes songs with Jewish themes, learning about holidays and the seasons, and plenty of movement and group singing for babies, toddlers, and their caregivers. After the preschoolers return to class, families can stay for a playdate in the Family Center.

All A-Board Club brings families and board game fans together for a relaxed meetup focused on learning and playing. Attendees can bring a favorite title or choose from the available collection, with plenty of chances to teach one another and discover something new. All ages are welcome. Kids can split into smaller groups for lighter games, or everyone can team up for a larger, learn-as-you-go experience. Recent gatherings have covered a wide mix of board and card games, with more new titles planned for upcoming sessions. To better fit busy school and holiday seasons, the group now meets twice a month instead of weekly. Local library game meetups are also shared under the Events tab, and games are provided at those. With support from Blossom Hill Crafts & Games, participants have access to a library of more than 200 games to try. The shop carries pottery, crafts, and games, and it offers free street parking and a restroom. The Campbell Library is within walking distance.

A weekly meetup for three-year-olds takes place at Cuesta Park in Mountain View, providing a friendly setting for kids to play together.

A friendly play group for two-year-olds meets at Portal Park in Cupertino, offering a simple way for little ones to play together in a park setting.

Children ages 6 and up can practice reading aloud with therapy dogs from Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy at Pup Plaza. Books will be available, or kids may bring one of their own. The atmosphere is casual and fun, with calm, friendly dogs creating a comfortable space to read. Admission is free, and each child must be accompanied by an adult.

Celebrate the American bluegrass tradition at a welcoming coffeehouse gathering where fans and musicians share a lively jam. Held at Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company, this invitational session brings together amateur and professional players who submit their names and instruments, then an algorithm assembles a fresh ensemble each week. A limited number of reserved seats are available for $15 per person, and advance arrangements can be made by calling 408-354-3263 or by stopping in. There is no cover at the door, and no reservation is required to attend. Coffee beverages, beer, and wine are offered for purchase, making it a friendly choice for a family outing or an evening with friends.