Happy February! Even with only 28-days this month - 'well 29 this year' there is plenty of family-fun to be had all over Conejo Valley, Malibu and Calabasas! It's a month for celebrating "Love" . . . whether that's the love of your life, your children, fun, pizza and even birds.
I picked six ways to have fun with your kids this month here in Thousand Oak, Oak Park, Malibu, Calabasas, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Westlake Village or nearby communities in Los Angeles and Ventura County.
Be sure to visit the Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas event calendar for the latest local in-person and virtual events anytime you are looking for fun things to do with your family in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, nearby and all over Southern California.
 Getty Images via Canva |
1. Go crazy for the groundhog
Will he or won't he? February 2nd is the day we find out if the famous groundhog 'Punxsutawney Phil' sees his shadow and if we'll have six more weeks of winter! While Groundhog Day is more of an East Coast thing - since they don't live here, California does have Mojave Maxine, the desert tortoise to let us know if warmer weather is on the way - date TBD: visit her live-cam.
You can watch Punxsutawney Phil from home: if you don't mind getting up really early: 🖥️ Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil Live Cam
No matter if he does or dose not see his shadow, celebrate the season in Conejo Valley, Malibu and Calabasas by spending some time outdoors with your family - we can always expect some wacky weather here in SoCal.
Pick a nice day and head out for a hike:
Did you know this tradition was brought over from Germany where they use hedgehogs? Did you know that groundhogs are actually very large ground squirrels? They mostly live in mountainous regions and are one of 14 different species of giant ground squirrels known as Marmots, related to prairie dogs. Even though we don't have groundhogs here in California, we do have a close relation - the yellow-bellied marmots can be found in Northern California, if you happen to visit Yosemite, Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park you just might spot one. Here in Conejo Valley, Malibu and Calabasas the closest we get is our neighborhood ground squirrels.
Enjoy the day with your kids and learn something new:
- Groundhog Headband Craft With Free Template
- Celebrate by watching: Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog day - Please note: it's rated PG and might not be appropriate for all ages.
- Learn more about this interesting holiday by visiting the Official Groundhog day website
- More about the Groundhog day history
- Kids National Geographics: Groundhog
- More about marmots - Feb. 2nd is also Marmot Day
2. Celebrate Elmo's Birthday
February 3rd is Elmo's Birthday! Your kids probably already know and love this furry red pal, but if not why not introduce them? I have to confess I was fond of him, even before I had kids, then my kids came along and were even bigger fans. When my boys were younger we had Elmo everything from t-shirts and books to sheets and toys, oh the toys. They didn't watch him as much on Sesame Street as they did on "Elmo's World," we had the DVDs and they played over and over and over again in my house. I can still hear the songs in my head. I even took my oldest to see him in a Show locally at the Civic Arts Plaza, that was a blast.
Fun Elmo facts:
- Elmo is forever three and a half years old, even though he celebrates his birthday every year, Elmo says "it's a monster thing"
- Elmo was the first non-human to testify before congress - read more about it
There are lots of ways to celebrate Elmo's birthday with your kids:
Eat his favorite foods, did you know his favorite food is wasabi? Maybe treat them to some sushi 🍣. His favorite "sometimes" food are cookies and pistachio ice cream, after school he loves to have an apple and for his "anytime" food he loves broccoli. You can encourage your kids to eat these healthy little trees 🥦 and apples just like Elmo.
- Treat your kids to some: Elmo Spaghetti | Elmo yogurt cups | Elmo Cookies | Elmo Cupcakes | Elmo Crispy treats | Elmo Pretzels
- Get creative with this free Elmo inspired printable you can cut out
- Free Sesame Street Printables: Coloring pages - Paper crafts - Games and activities
- Play Elmo Games online
- Watch Elmo Videos on the Sesame Street YouTube Channel
- Follow Elmo: Instagram | X - Twitter | Facebook
 hoozone from Getty Images Signature |
3. Share a Slice
Of pizza that is - February 9th is National Pizza Day. Oh pizza . . . how we love you. Some keep it simple and order just cheese, for some only veggies will do, maybe you like pepperoni or something more exotic like pineapple or goat cheese, then there are some who like to pile on the toppings. No matter how you like your pizza, there are soooo many options to choose from here in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Newbury Park and Oak Park.
Make Pizza at Home:
Here are my family's favorite local pizza spots - in no particular order:
- The Original Pizza Cookery in Thousand Oaks
- Lamppost Pizza Westlake in Thousand Oaks
- Barone's Pizza in Thousand Oaks
- D'Amores Pizza in Thousand Oaks
- Ameci Pizza & Pasta in Thousand Oaks
- Toppers Pizza Place in Thousand Oaks
- Fresh Brick Oven Pizza from Erewhon Market in Calabasas
What are yours? Let me know: brennag@macaronikid.com
 Michal Collection via Canva |
4. Have a Super-Fun-Football Party
Celebrate Super Bowl LVIII with your family on February 11th, the big Kickoff begins at 3:30 pm. Put on your team colors, get your pom-poms and snacks ready to watch the big game with your family / friends. Take a break from cheering on your team to watch the infamous halftime show, this year with Usher and be sure not to miss those commercials that everyone will be talking about!
🏈 Ready For Some Football? Get Your Party Started With This Free Printable Game 🏈
Since this year's game is in Glendale, Arizona most likely you'll be watching on T.V. at home, your favorite local spot or a friends house. Make some tasty snacks at home or order some yummy eats from your favorite local Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, Newbury Park or Thousand Oaks eatery.
Snack ideas while cheering for your favorite team:
- Five Easy Football Day Snacks to Make with Kids
- Make this giant edible football
- Simple 5 ingredient Chili Recipe
- Soft Pretzel Biscuit Bites - Great for Game Day
- Macaroni and Cheese Three Yummy Recipes your Family will Enjoy!
- Charcuterie Boards
- Homemade Chips, Guacamole, and Pico de Gallo
Fun for the kids:
 Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush from Pexels via Canva |
5. Just say "I love you!"
Celebrate Valentine's Day on February 14th - Will you plan a special night out or celebrate at home? Check with your favorite pizza spot and see if they have special heart-shaped pizzas for the occasion. If you can't go out because it's a Tuesday, but you want some grown-up time, take a look here for some creative ideas; A Romantic Night In: Valentine's Day at Home.
As a kid this was one on of my favorite holidays from going to the store to pick out a box of Valentines to passing them out at school, and of course I was thrilled if any had a goodie like candy, a sticker or toy. Times have changed . . I remember my son's first kindergarten V-day, he brought home toys, candy, snack bags and even a cupcake. I have to admit it was a bit out of control, I'm happy to say a few years later the school helped dial it back by encouraging non-food treats and prizes. Another favorite part was the Valentine that came in the mail from my Grandma, although she lived nearby and we saw her regularly, she always sent cards in the mail. As a kid it was so exciting not only to get mail, but the V-day cards were always special, I think I even saved some. They always had an activity or something to punch out and play with some were pop-ups, And she always included money from a dollar or two when I was younger to a $5 bill later.
Enjoy the day with Valentine crafts, recipes and more:
- DIY Fingerprint Heart Art For Kids
- DIY - How to Make a Homemade Crayon Heart Valentine
- 10 Delicious Ways to Indulge with Chocolate this Valentine's Day
- Say I Love You With This Easy Valentine's Day Breakfast
- Lollipop Photo Valentines
- Macaroni Crafts: Paper Heart Chain For Valentine's Day
- Macaroni Kid Crafts - DIY Valentine's Garden Stake
- Macaroni Crafts: Fun Valentine's Fish Game
- Macaroni Menu: Celebrate Valentine's Day With V-Day Brownies
- Macaroni Crafts: DIY Valentine Suckers
- Macaroni KID: Valentine Themed Recipe For Candy Bark
 Jose Manuel Gelpi via Canva |
6. Count those birds!
We're looking forward to adding the feathered friends who visit our bird feeders to The Great Backyard Bird Count: February 16 - 19, 2024! The goal of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, a citizen science project, is to count as many birds as participants can find, and report those findings. We love that you can do this at home with kids, but you can also take your bird counting on the road in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu, Oak Park, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and Westlake Village!
Want to participate? It's easy! Here's how: Decide where you will watch birds. Watch birds for 15 minutes or more. Count them! You can report back.
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