Arts & Entertainment
4th of July Chili Cook-Off and Fireworks Spectacular, Bilingual Storytime, Teen Dance Classes and More
Five fun, kid-friendly activities going on in Palo Alto and the surrounding areas over the next week.
Look for the “Grab-and-Go Kids Planner” each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. Even if you disagree with our picks, let us know. We want to hear from you!
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Where/When: , 600 E. Meadow Dr., Palo Alto. Monday, July 4, 12-5 p.m.
Why Go: Bring the whole family and enjoy a good, old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration! Taste an array of chili dishes prepared by teams of chefs battling for the chili championship, starting at 1:30 p.m. Enjoy live music by Johnny Super and DJ Joe Sheldon, line dancing by Hedy McAdams, kids’ activities, good food and much more!
Find out what's happening in Palo Altowith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Pricing: Free!
Where/When: Shoreline Amphitheater, Amphitheater Parkway, Mountain View. Monday, July 4, starting at 5 p.m.
Why Go: Looking for a fun, lively 4th of July bash the whole family can enjoy? One in which you don’t have to go on endless shopping trips to buy food and decorations for, and cook during? Bring the whole family to Shoreline. The doors open at 5 p.m., and the celebration kicks off with a fun family festival by Radio Disney, featuring a prize wheel, mini-golf and basketball, and live entertainment by Radio Disney artist Amber Lily. At 8 p.m., the San Francisco Symphony performs and the fireworks will commence shortly after dark!
Pricing: Family Four-Pack of tickets available for $19.25. Upper Level seats $18 each. Lawn seats available for $24 each. Lower level seats available for $35 each. Processing fees apply in addition to ticket prices.
Where/When: , 2675-B Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. This Friday, July 1, and ongoing, most days, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Why Go: If you have a child who is interested in martial arts but isn’t quite sure he or she will like it—and you don’t want to sign your child up for pricey lessons without being sure he or she will like it first—make an appointment with United Studios of Self Defense during its free lesson days and let your child try his or her first lesson for free! Martial arts are a great way for your child to get exercise, and also a great form of entertainment during these free and open summer months.
Pricing: Free!
Where/When: Belle Haven Library, 413 Ivy Dr., Menlo Park. Every Tuesday and Friday at 3 p.m.
Why Go: Is your household a bilingual one? Or, do you just want to expose your child to other languages early? The Belle Haven Library hosts bilingual storytime in both English and Spanish each Tuesday and Friday at 3 p.m.
Pricing: Free!
Where/When: Teen Dance Company (TDC) Studios, 223 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. Ongoing through Aug. 4.
Why Go: Want to sign your pre-teen or teen up for dance classes, without a long-term commitment? Or, is your teen interested in dance, but you want to let him or her try it out before signing up for regular lessons, or deciding on one type of dance to study more in-depth? Try open, one-day classes from TDC, for ages 12-18. TDC offers modern dance, ballet, contemporary, tap and Pilates.
Pricing: $10 for 1 hour, $15 for 90 minutes, or $20 for 2 hours.
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