Thanksgiving Tips: Keep the Kids Busy After the Bird

Kids are home from school for half the week, it’s raining and the grandparents aunts and uncles are piled into your house for four days: It's a recipe for a perfect stress storm, if you don't have a plan. 

Luckily I do. Here's my top picks to keep the family happy, and you sane, during this long weekend:

Pick out a Christmas Tree: There's no more festive way to get a Christmas Tree than to take the trip to one of the many North Bay Christmas tree farms! is the perfect place to take the kids after the turkey is done. It’s the only real Christmas tree farm in town featuring 32 acres of choose-and-cut trees. Varieties include Monterey Pines, Incense Cedars, and Sierra and Coastal Redwoods. Choose your perfect tree and cut it down for some holiday fun. The farm opens at 9 a.m., on Friday and is located at 6208 Silveyville Road in Dixon. Open daily from 9 a.m., to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and there are plenty of activities for children.

Check out the Festival of the Nativity: For a unique look at Nativity scenes look no further than the Sunday at Nativity scenes from throughout the world will be on display for all to enjoy. The event coincides with the Children's Christmas Workshop, where children will have the opportunity to make Christmastime arts and crafts. The festival begins at 1 p.m., and goes until 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27, Dixon United Methodist Church, 209 North Jefferson Street, Dixon.

Head to Napa for a Christmas Parade: Join your family, friends and neighbors for Napa's 48th Annual Christmas Parade (Starts on First Street at Franklin Street.) This year’s theme will be “Vintage Toys”. Since becoming an evening parade, Napans have figured out how to add lights to any entry, cars, horses even children. Santa wraps this one up and leads everyone to the Rotunda for free cookies and hot chocolate.  Starts, rain or shine, 5 p.m. Saturday, November 26th.

Head to Six Flags "Holiday in the Park" in Vallejo: Sled down a snow-packed hill, stand around a toasty fire-pit, watch a holiday sea lion or dolphin show and see the largest lighted Christmas tree this side of San Francisco: Six Flags during the holidays is always a family favorite. Splurge on season passes ($49.99) and you'll get four extra Holiday in the Park passes for all of your visiting family and a free parking pass, when you buy four or more passes.

Go sledding in San Rafael at the 32nd Annual Winter Wonderland: Starting noon on Friday, the city gets winterized with snow, sledding and other kids activities, followed by a great Holiday Marketplace at 2 p.m. and a parade at 5:30 p.m.  Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other costumed characters, as they arrive with the mayor to light the holiday tree. (Stick around for Santa's meet and greet after the ceremony.) Free three-hour parking with validation. 

Go ice skating in Downtown Napa: Lots of holiday fun for the entire family at the only outdoor ice skating rink in Napa Valley. Napa on Ice is located at the corner of 2nd and Coombs Street in Downtown Napa. $12 for skating and skate rentals. They will be open from 10a.m. - 10 p.m. all weekend.

Hit the Brendan Theaters in Vacaville for the Muppets newest movie:  Rated PG, the movie opens on Wednesday, plays all weekend. 

Hop on the train at Train Town. All trains and attractions and will be running from Friday - Sunday (weather permitting) from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  For a half price offer for train rides check out viewpon.tv

Grab a round of golf at Scandia Family Center: This mini golf course is just large enough to keep the whole family happy. Enjoy a round of miniature golf, a trip around the mini grand prix race track, or just head to the arcade. Scandia is located at 4300 Central Place in Fairfield and is visible along Highway. 707-864-8558 (Call ahead for daily hours.)

Watch Santa's Riverboat Arrival in Petaluma at the Riverfront, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. The Claus family will arrive onboard the tug to greet children and distribute candy canes.

Whether you decided to do all of these in one weekend or just enjoy one or two, I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!