Tag: <span>Children</span>

Home
News

Youth Sports for Milpitas Kids

Some of our local youth sports programs have produced Olympians! Milpitas believes in helping youth become physically fit with friendly competitive and individual sports opportunities. Most have reopened after being closed because of Covid19. Some have also permanently closed, so if you aren’t seeing a favorite here, they may really be gone.

Bay Badminton Center
Enroll your kids in our exciting Academy today and they will be on their way to improving their game with our World Class Coaches. Online court reservations available.
1191 Montague Expy.
(Inside Montague Court at Flemings Business Park)
408-942-2888

Bintang Milpitas
Through the badminton academy, many people who have never played badminton before have developed a passion for the sport; many people who have played before but were never serious have developed a competitive spirit. All in all, BBA has promoted the sport of badminton greatly within the community and hopes to continue doing so.
746 S Milpitas Blvd.
408-934-9915

ICC Table Tennis
In 11 years it has opened North America’s largest dedicated table tennis center and has produced 2012 USA Olympic team members Timothy Wang, Ariel Hsing & Lily Zhang. Team ICC player Lily Zhang and Jiaqi Zheng will also represent USA at 2016 Rio Olympics.
1507 N. Milpitas Blvd.
408-945-9556

Indus Cricket Club
Site not updated since November 2021, so may or may not be very active. Looking for quality players who are passionate about the game of Cricket, and youth who would like to learn the sport. Indus is starting a free youth camp for Beginner level boys/girls ages 7-10. The goal is to teach basic cricket, team skills in a safe and fun environment and groom future stars.
Call for more details and to sign up.
1600 Sonoma Dr. (Near Sinnott Park, NE of Lucky’s)
510-220-3325

Milpitas Knights PAL Football
The MILPITAS KNIGHTS is a non-profit youth football and cheer team serving Milpitas and our surrounding communities since the 1960’s. Our five teams are supported by the Milpitas Police Activity League (PAL) and we are members of theSan Jose Police Activity League (PAL) Football Organization. We are led by passionate volunteers who are dedicated to work alongside parents and community leaders to raise successful student athletes.

Milpitas Monsters
Girls fast pitch softball program. We are a travel softball organization focused on giving the young girls in our community the confidence and leadership skills to succeed in life. Our coaches focus on teaching players the fundamentals of the game and emphasis on instilling the importance of respecting teammates, opponents, coaches and officials.

Milpitas National Little League
Site not updated since March 8, 2020. The primary goal of Milpitas National Little League South is to provide player growth, development and firmly implant in our youth the idea of sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for leadership. 2005 season starts in March. Sign up is usually in November and December. Check on Facebook page for updates.

Milpitas NV PAL Girls Softball
While a specific timeframe for a start date to our Spring 2021 season is still uncertain, we will be opening up registration at this time. No payment is required until the start of the season is established.

Milpitas PAL
PAL is a program offering healthy, safe activities to the youth of our community as an alternative to street crime, drugs and violence. Currently, five well established sporting activities are in the PAL program: Milpitas PAL Soccer, Milpitas PAL Knights Football and Cheer, Jr. Giant’s Baseball, Milpitas North Valley PAL Softball, and Milpitas PAL Rugby. For more information, contact phone numbers on their sites.

Milpitas Sports Center
The Milpitas Sports Center is a full-service fitness center offering affordable sports and exercise programs for teens and adults. Programs include adult drop-in and league sports, fitness classes, lap swimming and water exercise, swim lessons and plenty of cardio and weight fitness equipment. The Sports Center complex also includes the adjacent Milpitas Skate Park, a football field, baseball and soccer fields and a concession stand.

Milpitas Youth Soccer Club
Facebook page. Affiliated with CYSA, MYSC places the emphasis on player skill advancement, coach and referee training, greater variety of competition, and playing opportunities both recreational and beyond, including the Olympic Development Program. Call 408-834-9092 or email support@mysleague.com

Mission San Jose Aquatics
A community based USA swim team dedicated to providing swimmers of all abilities the opportunity to be the best that they can be. MSJA Swimmers range from age 5 to college level. We have eight distinct training groups and practice sessions at Ohlone College & Irvington HS in Fremont, California.

North Valley Little League
2022 Spring registration now open. We have put together a quick form to find out what the interest level is in returning to play should we be able to re-open. Details here. Click here to complete the form.

North Valley Youth Soccer League
Check here for 2022 sign-ups, and schedules. Recreational soccer for children living in north San Jose, Alviso, California and east foothill neighborhoods, and also competitive soccer under North Valley United for teams comprised of children living anywhere in the bay area.

Warm Springs Aquatic Gators
We are looking forward to meet all our current, new swimmers and parent community. Warm Springs Aquatics or “the Gators” is a summer recreational swim team open to boys and girls ages 5 through 18. Swimmers start practicing in mid-April and swim through the end of July. Kids learn how to be great swimmers and team players in a fun and family-oriented atmosphere. We are part of the East Bay Swim League. Checkout our Facebook Page.

Summer Programs and Camps

Milpitas

Milpitas has several camps and summer schools within the city limits or quite close by. Fun places for kids to spend a week or more right here in Milpitas. Call before sending in any funds.

Enrichment

Otherwise known a “Summer School,” these programs help children stretch their imaginations.

MUSD Extended Learning Opportunities
The 2024 Summer Academy is a five-week academic summer program for current TK-12th grade students (grade in the Fall of 2024). In alignment with MUSD’s Strategic Goal. Students invited to summer school will receive a letter and registration information from the District Office.
Location: Curtner Elementary

Ohlone for Kids Summer Enrichment Program
A fee-based enrichment program, for students entering fourth to ninth grade, offered through Ohlone College in Fremont. This program is designed for students who are academically at or above grade level. Catalog available in March. Registration begins April 1.
43600 Mission Blvd.Fremont, CA 94539

Camps – Indoors and Out

Camps in the woods, or by a lake. Mosquitos, poison oak, swimming, crafts, sleeping bags… or an in-city day camp close to home.

South Bay Area Summer Camps 2024
A huge variety of summer camps are offered in the Bay Area. Click on the categories on this link to find fun and enriching camps for children of all ages and interests. If you’d rather find a camp nearer to your place of work outside of Milpitas, check here.

Bay Badminton Center Summer Camp/Academy Training
A Non-profit Organization Promoting the Sport of Badminton.Now Accepting Registrations for 2024 Badminton Summer Camp! To register, please click on the corresponding registration links according to child’s experience level.
1191 Montague Expy. (Inside Montague Court at Flemings Business Park)
408-942-2888

Bay View Junior Golf Summer Camps – Half & Full Day Options
We offer expert coaching from PGA and U.S Kids Golf certified coaches with an emphasis on learning and fun. We offer camps for beginners, intermediate and advanced golfers and are the only program we are aware of that includes TRACKMAN golf simulators, the best golf tools in the industry, as part of our curriculum.
1500 Country Club Drive
408-262-8813

Bodhi Meditation Center Young Adult Summer Program
Free all day workshops (such as digital painting and photography and video editing), vegetarian lunch, for high school and college folks. Week of July 15-21, 2023 (and future years).
919 Hanson Ct.
650-308-9265

BrainVyne LEGO® & Robotics Camps
Have your child join us and learn STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math) through play. Our curriculum and lego kits used in our programs is from the premier LEGO® Education line of products and is enhanced by world-famous Master-builders. The sessions are led by trained instructors and California credentialed teachers. For an unforgettably fun experience, pick from our many unique camps.

Camp Zone Summer Camp
We’re designing the perfect summer camp for your child, complete with all the fun, enriching activities they love, and the important safety measures you expect. Save the Date: Summer Camp registration opens March 15. Camp activities include sports & games, arts & crafts, science & cooking, songs & skits, field trips and swimming. For more information, call 408-945-9090 or email brenda.alvarez@nlcinc.com or kevin.dy@nlcinc.com .

theCoderSchool
Our camps are held at theCoderSchool Milpitas and are run weekly from 9am-12pm Mon-Fri. Kids bring their own snacks and water bottles and we’ll take care of the rest! Kids code throughout the week then demo their week’s creations on the last day of camp.
1683 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-657-0623

Destination Science – Milpitas
Rescue Robot Mystery Camp, Artemis Moon Mission Camp, and BioBot Roller Coaster Camp.
25 Corning Ave
(800) 854-3684

Euro School of Tennis
In Milpitas, the tennis days in our Summer Tennis Camps will burn like the sun. We can’t wait for this session starts. If you want to see a big smile on your kid face, our program is the right activity to learn tennis, socialize with other kids, have great memories and of course, enjoy the Summer.
Pinewood Park Tennis Courts
1375 Starlite Dr

Horseback Riding Summer Camp
Join our fun-filled, week-long horse camps at beautiful Ed Levin Park. Camps are for children ages 6 and up. Campers will ride a horse for one hour each day. During the rest of the day they will learn about things such as horse grooming and care, history of the horse, horse colors and markings, parts of the horse, how to saddle, and much more. Campers will also play a variety of games and do arts and crafts.
3077 Calaveras Road, Milpitas
408-726-8453

ICC Summer Camp
Join the ICC Cultural Immersion camps to learn Yoga, Indian arts and crafts, Bollywood dance, theatre, new sports and more.
525 Los Coches St.
408-934-1130

Milpitas Recreation Summer Day Camps
Camp Quest (ages 5-6)
Camp Elevate (ages 7-12)
All-Star Sports Camp (ages 7-12)
Cooking Camp (ages 7-12)
Jr. All-Star Sports Camp (ages 5-6)
Jr. Cooking Camp (ages 5-6)
Counselor In Training (CIT) Application Form: Due April 19, 2024
457 East Calaveras Blvd.
408-586-3210

Most of our local day care and preschool centers also have summer programs, as do some places of worship, and public and private schools in the area.

Milpitas Library

Milpitas Library now offering “Library of Things”

By Eric Shapiro, November 10, 2023

The Milpitas Library is now the site of a pilot program launched by The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) called The Library of Things.

The idea behind The Library of Things is that it offers borrowers a chance to bring home items other than books, such as kitchen equipment, health and wellness aids, and cool stuff for use by children. All SCCLD library card holders can borrow every “Thing” available in the library.

Ask Us: Account Questions, or Ask a Librarian.

The Milpitas Community Library Where, When Open, Events, and Phone Number 160 N. Main St.
Phone number links work with cell phones.
408-262-1171

Phone Renewal:
(800) 471-0991

TDD for Deaf:
408-364-1528

Hours

Monday – Thursday

10:00AM – 9:00PM

Friday and Saturday

10:00AM – 7:00PM

Sunday

10:00AM – 7:00PM

The daily fine for items returned late will be $0.25. There are no daily fines for children’s materials. Senior Exemption: Persons age 65 or older may request exemptions from fines. Cost of item plus non-refundable processing fee will be assessed for lost items.

The maximum fines before checkout is restricted and raised to $20.00
Items returned on time are free.

About The Milpitas Public Library

Online Events during Covid-19
Check here for events being held by the Milpitas community Library.

Checking Out

Library Card & PIN
Library card applications are available at all County libraries and the Bookmobile. Cards are free to anyone with a valid form of identification showing name and current mailing address.

My SCCLD

Find what you want with a better search.
Track your borrowing.
Rate and review titles you borrow, and share your opinions on them.
Get personalized recommendations.

Materials returned on time and in good condition are free!
Fines: Items should always be returned promptly. All adult materials are subject to fines. If children’s items are overdue more than six weeks, a processing fee is charged for each item. Borrowing and renewing privileges are restricted if balance owed is $10 or more. Accounts may be referred to the rebilling service when balance is $50 or more. Individuals sent to Rebilling Agency may not check out until a zero balance is reached. All payments must be cash or check. Loan periods and fines.

Online Library
Enjoy FREE access to eBooks, emagazines, audiobooks, music, streaming video, online research, The New York Times digital subscription, online classes including Lynda.com, Rosetta Stone, and much more! When prompted, log-in with an eCard or Library Card. The app Libby is available for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from our library and reading on your mobile Apple or Google device.

Directions

Directions to the Library
Near the Calaveras Blvd. overpass, northwest side.

If heading WEST, take the Main St. offramp on the east side of the railroad overpass. Head STRAIGHT through the light, when green, into the Library parking garage.

If heading EAST, take the Carlo Street exit just before the overpass, turn LEFT on N. Main St. At the next light, turn RIGHT into the Library’s parking garage. (You could also continue on Carlo St. and just before it ends, take a left and head straight into the other entrance to the parking garage. You will most likely also use this way to get out of the library.) Map.

Transit Directions: The Community Library is easy to reach by car or by the #66 VTA bus or the #217 AC Transit bus.

Movies – YouTube

Grand Old Tyme at the Milpitas Library

Tour the Milpitas Library with Fast Addy
Fast Addy, resident monkey docent, gives an inside look to the Milpitas Library.

Milpitas Library Olympics 2014
Part of our 2014 Staff Development Day film fest, Milpitas Library performing library Olympics.

Milpitas Library – Sharing Library Stories

Policies

Get a Library Card
You may get a card in person at the library or apply online and later provide documents when you visit. You must provide your date of birth and present a valid form of identification showing your picture, name, and proof of your current address to complete your registration.

Placing Holds
Depending on your personal account preference, you will receive a message by phone, email, or mail when the requested item is available for pick up at your local community library.

Programs

Book Group
Meets the fourth Wednesday of the month from 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium. Not held in the summer. For additional information please contact Terye Riley at 408-262-1171. Check out the Milpitas Library Book Club Book Shelf.

Vision Literacy
Formerly the Santa Clara County Library Reading Program, we are dedicated to improving the community in which we live by helping adults improve their literacy skills. 408-262-1349

The Reading Program
A service of the Library that teaches adults basic reading, writing, math and computer skills for free.

Support

The Library is grateful for your donations of money, materials, and memorial gifts.
The library is not currently accepting book donations at this time. Learn more about how you can support the Library District and associated Library support groups.

Friends of the Library
Book Sale Dates for 2019! The Friends of the Library have been getting so many book donations that we will continue to have three book sales in 2019! The dates for these book sales will be: January 5th, 26th and 27th, 2019; June 7th, 8th and 9th, 2019; September 27th, 28th, and 29th, 2019.

Library & Education Advisory Commission
This Commission helps determine library activities and levels of service. Meets 7:00 pm at the Milpitas Public Library on the 3rd Monday of odd numbered months.

County Library Resources

NoveList K-8 Plus Book Recommendations
NoveList K-8 Plus is a database about books specifically for younger readers. It helps kids find books that are just right for their reading level and interests. Use your favorite books and authors to find new adventures! If you can’t think of a book you’ve liked in the past, simply choose a topic of interest and explore lists of recommended books.

Santa Clara County Library Teen Blog
Librarian-recommended sites for homework, transportation, reading and just plain fun.

Silicon Valley Reads

Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program that features books and an annual theme to bring people together by providing more than 100 free, public events each year in February and March. Events for all ages include author talks, book clubs, art/music events, community activities, arts and crafts, movies, and creative events or activities based on the theme each year.

Silicon Valley Reads is back in 2024 with a renewed commitment to foster collaboration and create awareness around the importance of sustainability. Our theme is “A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today“. To ensure a thriving world for future generations, we’re committed to fostering meaningful conversations and offering practical ideas for individuals to take action towards sustainability.

Visit our Calendar of Events page to sign up for free programs for all ages from now throughout March.

Fitness – Personal Training, Teams, Sports Programs & Training

Health Services in and near Milpitas

Milpitas residence believe that keeping fit is important. Here you will find the nearby fitness center to suit your needs. Some teams are here, but do look under the category of Sports & Recreation for more.

Advice

Overview of California’s Health Studio Services Contract Law
All health studio contracts must be in writing. The contract may not require payments that total more than $3,000 not including finance charges (this amount increases to $4,400 on January 1, 2010) over the contract term. The duration of the contract may not exceed three years, and the contract may not require payments for longer than the term of the contract. Read on before signing any health club contract!

Leagues & Teams

Bay Area Cricket Alliance
For the Milpitas team, contact Jatinder “Sunny” Singh at 408-836-8589, or mcc@bayareacricket.org.
Like on Facebook

Milpitas Pickleball Club
Whether or not you are an MPC member, everyone is welcome to play pickleball at courts with Milpitas. Join to participate to encourage /city to improve pickleball courts, find other players, and get invites to parties.

Tennisball Cricket Association
There are about 5/6 teams that play in Milpitas. Baslog (Bay Area Sloggers) – on Thomas Russell School ground. Spanglers – on Spanglers elementary school ground. There are a couple others who play on Dixon Landing Park. Teams can register on the web site and join these teams or contact them.

Sports Programs & Training

Barbara Lee Senior Center
Seniors age 50 and older will find a comfortable workout environment and an even better price at the Barbara Lee Senior Center Fitness Room. Our Senior Center Fitness Room cardio equipment includes treadmills, upright and recumbent stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. Other equipment includes Life Fitness weight machines to work your arms, legs, upper body, and core, and cable motion pulley machine.
40 North Milpitas Boulevard
408-586-3400

Bay Badminton Center
The largest Badminton facility in the Bay Area with 12 wellspaced, well-lit courts. Summer camp program.
1191 Montague (near 680 in Fleming Business Park).
408-942-2888

CrossFit Milpitas
A No-sweat intro is the perfect way for you to learn how we can help you reach your fitness and health goals.
Located next to ABC Printing, 1090 S. Milpitas. Blvd.
510-676-9191

India Community Center Table Tennis Center
The hub for enrichment classes and camps in the bay area with high quality structured program. This center houses the largest Table Tennis program in North America launched in 2005. The Table Tennis program has produced many National Champions including 7 Olympians in last 3 Olympics.
For more information, email ICC.
1507 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-945-9556 x 250

Milpitas Skatepark Page
This Facebook group is for those who support a skatepark in Milpitas, skaters, their parents and friends and anyone else who is excited that we are finally getting skatepark in Milpitas! Soon to open at the Milpitas Sports Canter, linked next.

Milpitas Sports Center
This recently renovated facility is designed to promote healthy lifestyles in the community for physical, as well as mental well being, by providing quality, safe, healthy, accessible, clean and well-supervised environments. Drop-In Sports – Open Gym Volleyball and Pickleball.
1325 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-586-3225

Milpitas Star Aquatics and Fitness
With convenient freeway access from neighboring cities, the new aquatic and fitness center offers indoor swimming lessons, competitive swimming, lap swimming, summer camps, steam and sauna, cardio machines, weight training machines, free weights, aerobics, yoga classes, and much more.
1818 Clear Lake Ave.
408-800-8838

Mount Olive Community Life Center
Free instructor-led aerobics class every Thursday night from 6 -7 PM. It is a great work out for all levels. Child care is available for a suggested donation of $1 per child. Please email Marcie if you plan to utilize child care.
1989 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-262-0506

9Round
Kickboxing circuit training. We are a Black-owned health facility that has been in operation since 2018, successfully navigating to stay open during the pandemic. We are looking to connect with local residents in the new year and promote health and wellness. Instagram. Facebook.
91 Dempsey Rd.
408-493-6328

Planet Fitness
We strive to create a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected. That’s why at Planet Fitness Milpitas, CA we take care to make sure our club is clean and welcoming, our staff is friendly, and our certified trainers are ready to help. Whether you’re a first-time gym user or a fitness veteran, you’ll always have a home in our Judgement Free Zone™.
158 Ranch Dr.
408-957-8906

24 Hour Fitness
Get Gym Membership Information. Buy a Gym Membership Online! Find Special Offers in your area. No long term contracts required. Has a pool.
719 E. Calaveras Blvd.
408-856-1961

Halloween/Fall Fests

Photo is of the GoMilpitas Haunted Yard at the east end of Grand Teton Dr. Haunted again in 2023!

If you have a community-wide October Halloween or Fall Fest Drive-Trough Celebration that you’d like to publicize here, please email your Go Milpitas guide, Ann Zeise. Please leave the Milpitas address of your “haunted” yard or driveway or parking lot. Since such displays may be going up early, if you wish visitors over a range of dates, include those dates. If you have a time range when the display will be on, include that. Leave me your phone number or email address just incase I need to contact you with questions regarding your post.

This page will be linked in the Events Calendar in October, so people will be able to read and use this page and Google maps to locate your haunt. I will only show your address and not your name, unless you specifically write that you want me to spell it out.

Milpitas Halloween and Fall Fests in 2023

1st Annual Halloween Party
Friday, October 20, 2023. 6-10PM.
Costume Contest, DJ, Eat, Drink, And Be Scary, $50 entry fee
Sponsored by the Joseph Bettencourt Foundation
Milpitas Community Center

Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
Thursday, October 05, 2023 , 11:00am-5:00pm at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area
870 Great Mall Drive, Milpitas, CA.
Price: $29.99 to $43.99—Kids 2 years & under are free.
Scary fun awaits as the LEGO® Monsters take over LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Bay Area and throw a Monster Party you don’t want to miss! Get into the Halloween spirit and join us from September 28th -October 31st for some monsterrific activities and an exclusive 4D Halloween movie – The Great Monster Chase! And another party only for adults 18+. Experience a BOO-tastic Adult Night on Friday, October 13th, 6-9PM in this Halloween-themed attraction filled with tricks and treats galore! Enjoy the 4D Monster Party movie, ride and explore the attraction kid free!

Weller School Trunk or Treat
Weller back parking lot off Dixon Road. Costume Contest, music, games. A food truck will be available for you to purchase food. Every child goes home with a pumpkin, too.

Pumpkins in the Park
Saturday, October 28, 2023. 10AM-2PM. At Cardoza Park, Kennedy and Park Victoria Dr. Treat your family to a frightfully fun lunch break. Break in your costumes as you enjoy the ghoulishly good time we have planned for you. Choose your pumpkin from our pumpkin patch. $15/child. Paid admission require for some activities. Purchase your tickets at cityofmilpitas.simpletix.com. No charge for accompanying adults and non-participating children.

Family Fall Festival 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023. 5-7PM.
Leaves are turning and fall is in the air! Join us for a fabulous Family Fall Festival. Enjoy classic fall activities like contests, arts & crafts, carnival games, music, prizes, yummy autumn treats, and more! Make special memories with the whole family this autumn. Invite your friends and family to this free, community celebration full of fall flavors, fun, and laughter. See you at Christ Community Church of Milpitas to celebrate the season together! Sign Up Here

Annual Screening of The Milpitas Monster Movie
Monday, October 30, 2023. 7-9:30PM.
Join us for the highly anticipated Annual Screening of The Milpitas Monster Movie! This exciting event will take place at the Cinemark Century Great Mall 20 XD and ScreenX located on Great Mall Drive, Milpitas, CA, USA. Get ready to experience the thrills and chills of this classic monster movie in person. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to watch the film on the big screen with fellow fans. Grab your popcorn and get ready for a night of nostalgia and entertainment. Mark your calendars and secure your tickets for this must-attend event! Optional Dinner preceding the movie, at 4pm at the Outback across from the theater.

Halloween Events in Other Places Nearby

Pirates of Emerson
September 29, 2023 – October 31, 2023. New for 2023 we will again present a WALK THRU thru event, with online only, Timed Entry tickets. Capacity limitations will be in place and that will mean tickets will probably again sell out early. Do not miss out – buy early! Also new are age limitations. Anyone under 16 years old MUST be accompanied by an Individual 21 or over. Thank you for understanding. Located at Alameda County Fairgrounds (Corner of Bernal & Valley Ave) Pleasanton, CA 94566

Dead Time Dreams Haunted Attractions
October 6-31, 2023, and other dates, too. Hours vary. Returns for the 2023 season. This year we’ll feature our open air immersive haunted attraction, NIGHTMARES. Take a stroll with us as we take you through the ultimate scare zone. Also returning is a bigger and better Midway of Terror to entertain before and after the main attractions. We’re again located at the corner of Tully Road and Capital Expwy next to the ABC Pumpkin Patch and Wells Fargo at Eastridge Mall, with plenty of FREE parking.

Haunted Train
Oct 20 – 29, 2023, at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont CA. Climb aboard the HAUNTED TRAIN for a spooky (not scary) ride through the haunted forest at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. This ride is designed especially for families with children under 12. Live actors supply the fun and you will encounter the famous Witch of Ardenwood and other characters. There are colorful Halloween displays in between the scenes. For 30 years we have been supplying Halloween fun for all ages, and nothing will jump out or frighten young children. The Haunted Train will operate the two weekends before Halloween: October 20, 21, 22; and October 27, 28, 29. Trains will run every 30 minutes between 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights; and between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm on Sunday nights. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Because the ride is at night, for safety reasons every child under the age of 4 must sit on an adult’s lap (which will also give them a better view). The ticket price is $18 for all ages 3 and up (ages 2 and under are free).
Tickets go on sale SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 at 8 AM.

Homeschooling – Milpitas Homeschool Support Group

I, Ann Zeise, your GoMilpitas webmaster, also had a very large and popular homeschooling website, A2Z Home’s Cool for over 2 decades. In 2017 I sold it to Time4Learning as the site had become too large for one person to run. I needed “staff.” In 2023 they removed to site from the internet, so I created this archive of the site from the Way Back Machine.

Locally, though. I continue to serve homeschool families in my area in California. For those in Milpitas considering homeschooling, check Should we homeschool independently during Covid-19?

On Facebook I have a page for Milpitas Homeschool Support – East Side Silicon Valley, California as well as the Milpitas Homeschool Support Group for discussing more private matters and field trip plans among ourselves. This is ONLY for families currently homeschooling from their home in Milpitas CA. If your profile says you live elsewhere, even San Jose or Fremont, your application for membership will be denied. If you are thinking about homeschooling, contact me directly.

On the page I post interesting, educational, and fun things for Milpitas and other area homeschool families to do. Just “Like” and “Follow” the page to the degree you want to see the ideas and events posted there. Those who “Like” the site are encouraged to also offer interesting activities. While I would like to offer a park day, there has not been enough interest. I’ll leave that up to someone else to organize. The Group cannot be viewed by others than members. It is a good place to talk about how you and your kids are fairing, without concern about your mother-in-law seeing the post.

Social Distancing Activities for Kids
Whether you have been homeschooling for years or find yourself “accidentally” homeschooling because of the pandemic, you may find it even more difficult to incorporate socialization into your school day. Parks and museums may not be options right now, but there are still some social distancing activities for kids that will allow socialization while safely social distancing.

If you’d like to come play at Ben Rogers Park on Wednesdays, please come. My home is on the west side of the park, the one with all the red geraniums you can see from the playground. If the dark gray Rav 4 is in the driveway, then I am home. Just knock on the door, and I’ll come out to join you. My homeschooled kid is now in his 30s, and hasn’t played in the park for decades. But this grandmother still likes to walk in the park, pet the dogs, and enjoy watching the children play. If you happen to have questions bout homeschooling, I’d love to do my best to answer, or point out resources. The park has picnic tables and barbecues, a sandlot with playground equipment, dog-friendly (with bags, leashes required), a geocache and tons of good Pokemon destinations. Plenty of space to fly a kite or drone.

If you’d rather call, our home phone is 408-823-8247. Leave a text message for a quick response.

Call me to ask me questions about homeschooling in California or text via Facebook, if you’d like, but ONLY if you live in California.

Here are some useful links for local homeschoolers.

Homeschool Rooms
While homeschooling can be done in any room, indoors or out, some families want to makeover the playroom into a place for learning and projects. Here are some ideas…and some that I have reviewed as to be avoided.

HomeSchool Association of California
First look at their Quick Guide to Homeschooling During a Crisis. It will give you all you need to know to get started and get in touch.

Starting to Homeschool
Families decide to homeschool for all sorts of reasons, and then often continue homeschooling simply because the freedom is so sweet and they like the affect it’s had on their children and family life. They like living joyfully with children.

Fun Inside

Milpitas and Silicon Valley have lots of fun places to go and things to do indoors. Here’s how to find the best! Come play in Milpitas.

Activities

Big Al’s sports bar, bowling center and arcade
Dogs welcome in our courtyard. Integrated in to the fabric of local communities and with 45,000-70,000 SQFT of the latest arcade games, 18-42 bowling lanes, and the region’s largest HD projection screens (55’!) as focal points of stadium-style Sports Bars, Big Al’s appeals to families, sports enthusiasts, event planners and anyone looking for a great time with great food in a contemporary NW-style atmosphere.
27 Ranch Drive
669-271-0011

Bowlero
Everything you need to make bowling fun for all ages.
1287 South Park Victoria
408-262-6950

Bay Badminton Center
Our center offers both drop-in/open play for non-members, discounted pre-paid cards, and full membership for playing badminton. Alternatively, courts may be rented on an hourly basis.
1191 Montague Expy. (Inside Montague Court at Flemings Business Park)
408-942-2888

Bintang Badminton
Indoor courts with lessons & shop. Through the badminton academy, many people who have never played badminton before have developed a passion for the sport; many people who have played before but were never serious have developed a competitive spirit.
746 S Milpitas Blvd
408-934-9915

Dave & Busters
At the north end of the Great Mall, packed with things to do for the 21+ crowd, but mid-day kid-friendly with parental supervision.
940 Great Mall Dr.
408-957-9215

ICC Table Tennis program
North America’s largest dedicated table tennis center and is home for 2012 USA Olympic team Timothy Wang, Ariel Hsing, Lily Zhang and ITTF high performance coach Massimo Costantinin and six full time nationally acclaimed coaching staff. The sky is limit for this amazing program and with your support it will continue to grow and push the limits of table tennis. For updates, see their Facebook page.
1507 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-945-9556

Jimmy’s Billiards and Grill
We’re looking forward to seeing you join in the fun at our brand new store. We’re constantly sharing the event news across our different social media channels!
235 S. Milpitas Blvd.
(669) 236-9800

Legoland Discovery Center
Hi Builders! Buy tickets online to guarantee admission and your ideal entry time. Face masks are highly recommended during your visit. For more information, check out our Bricktastic safety page.
Located at Entrance 4 of the Great Mall in Milpitas, CA.
870 Great Mall Drive

Milpitas Charity Bingo
See link for dates and times. To receive a notification to receive coupons, discounts, news and event announcements, text “MCB” to 71441 or to 844-MCBINGO. Usually has games Wed-Sun, starting at 6:30pm. Proceeds fund local non-profits who host the games. Now introducing the Milpitas Charity Bingo Mobile App/
461 S Milpitas Blvd Suite 3
408-550-2310

US Cricket Store
For all cricket lovers to enhance their batting skills & enjoy their free time in the game they love.
121 Ranch Dr.
510-244-8109

Entertainment Guides

Bay Area Kid Fun
Find fun things to do in the San Francisco Bay Area.

City Recreation Services
We operate the Milpitas Community Center, Milpitas Sports Center, and the Barbara Lee Senior Center and oversee rentals for City buildings, picnic areas, sports fields and courts.

Museums and Other Fun Centers for Kids

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose
We’re excited to welcome you back! Reserve a play session today. Members no longer need to make reservations. My son once requested that we “go to that place where you get to play in the street.” Site has links to children’s museums all over the country.

Kidtopia
Equipped with some of the most exciting and active play structures, Kidtopia seeks to be a unique indoor recreation center that will allow children to develop critical skills at a young age.
4620 Auto Mall PkwyFremont, CA 94538
510-573-1763

Museums For the Young At Heart
Silicon Valley is full of them!

Tech Museum of San Jose
We encourage curiosity for science, engineering, math and technology in students on field trips, educators in our professional development programs, and families in our communities. We strive to ensure that everyone we serve has the opportunity to learn skills the future will demand.

Other Stuff to Do

Simply Fun Children’s Birthday Parties
What could be more fun than having half the work done for you? This Milpitas mom has all the ingredients all kitted up for you.
1250 Ames Ave. Suite 201
408-620-4FUN

See also: The Events Calendar and Fun Outside

Martial Arts

Develop yourself physically, mentally, spiritually and establish an extraordinary character. Expand your life through the pursuit of Taekwondo of Karate mastery.

Blue Dragon Taekwondo Academy
We offer a variety of classes tailored to meet the needs of different age groups and training goals.
1485 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-946-1888

Funakoshi Shotokan Karate Association
FSKA is a non-political organization with its world headquarters in Milpitas.
1293 South Park Victoria Dr.
408-263-8544

Jung Su Won Martial Arts Academy
We have new and exciting content & programs coming soon!
107 Minnis Circle
408-263-5425

Smash gym
We have specifically designed our classes for Women, Men, and Children at Smash Gyms Milpitas. We have an amazing team of friendly and talented professional instructors teaching both classes and private lessons. Our schedule consist of Strength & Conditioning, Boxing, Kickboxing, Jiu-jitsu, No-Gi BJJ, Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Fitness Bootcamps, MMA, Kids Classes and more. Facebook.
1000 Jacklin Rd.
408-484-9833
contact@smashmilpitas.com

West Coast Martial Arts
The purpose of West Coast World Martial Arts is to empower our students to develop themselves physically, mentally, spiritually and establish an extraordinary character. Expand your life through the pursuit of martial arts mastery.
Ernie Reyes, Beresford Square Shopping Center
19 N Milpitas Blvd.
408-262-7777
and
Parktown/Berryessa
1350 S. Park Victoria #32
408-262-4322

Fishing in Milpitas Lakes

We’ve got some of the best fishing spots around! No activity can be as rewarding as relaxing near a crystal clear waterway with fishing pole in hand and line in one of Milpitas’ lakes.

Department of Fish and Game plants larger fish.
To enhance anglers abilities to enjoy lakes close to home, the Fishing in the City program provides supplemental stocking of 1 pound rainbow trout and 1 to 2 pound catfish at lakes around the Bay Area, including Sandy Wool Lake and Spring Valley Lake in Milpitas.

CDFW Wildlife Area Operational Changes due to COVID-19
The Department plans to operate wildlife areas to provide recreational opportunities while keeping the public and Department staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to check the Department’s Closure Page for updates.

State Fisheries Biologists Continue Efforts To Eradicate Deadly Fish Bacteria
January 28, 2021. Not affecting Milpitas lakes and ponds or their stocking. Read about affected areas on this site.

Information on purchasing licenses, permits, tags and other entitlements, can be found on CDFW’s Online License Site.

The following Santa Clara County lakes will be planted with 1-pound rainbow trout in the spring. In the summer the lakes are stocked with catfish. Fishing is a favorite activity at Ed R. Levin Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May. Swimming is prohibited.

Latest fish plants at Sandy Wool Lake
Reports by date and species of fish

All you need to know about fishing in Santa Clara County Parks but were afraid to ask
No activity can be as rewarding as relaxing near a crystal clear waterway with fishing pole in hand and line in the water. We’ve got some of the best fishing spots around! Feeling a little rusty with your casting? Take advantage of our practice fly casting ponds, usually a dedicated enthusiast will be on hand to give you a tip or two.

Department of Fish and Game
Yes, children 15 and younger can fish at Sandy Wool Lake without a license. In the summer the lake is stocked with catfish, and in the cooler months with trout.

Ed Levin County Park
Fishing is another favorite activity at Ed R. Levin Park. Sandy Wool Lake is stocked from November through May. Swimming is prohibited.

Flycasters of San Jose
A large and active fly fishing club with a diverse set of offerings catering to fly fishers of all backgrounds and skill levels.

Free Fishing Days
If you’re new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, we have a great deal for you. The Department of Fish and Game offers two “Free Fishing Days” each year. Free Fishing Days for 2022 are Saturday, July 2 and Saturday, September 3.

Fishing in the City
Fishing in the City Clinics gives city dwellers an opportunity to learn how to fish, and to fish close to home. Valid fishing licenses are required of anglers 16 years or older. Anglers 16 years of age and older need to have a fishing license except on Free Fishing Days. (See above dates.)

Salmon in Silicon Valley
Salmon in Silicon Valley? The Valley is not known for its salmon but they are here in very small numbers. Their numbers are so low, that most people don’t know they exist, and if river health and function are not drastically improved, we may loose these salmon for good. Urban Wildlife Research Project of Silicon Valley has been monitoring salmon since 2011 along side other conservation groups Salmon and Stealhead Restoration Group, and Friends of Los Gatos Creek.

Kids’ Clubs

Youth Advisory Commissioners at the
Commissioner Recognition Awards Banquet Winter 2001.

Kids’ clubs for children and teens in Milpitas, CA. Come learn and have fun with us: 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Sports teams, and more.

4-H

Calaveras Hills 4-H Club
Based in sunny Milpitas, California. We have a great array of projects and activities for youth to participate in. Not positive this club is still active.

Santa Clara County 4-H Club Council
Organizes the activities of volunteer 4-H leaders and members in Santa Clara County California to make Santa Clara County’s 4-H program the best it can be.

Boy Scouts

Boy Scouts Silicon Valley
A GO MILPITAS RESOURCE
Resources for Milpitas Scouts, Santa Clara County Boy Scouts and beyond.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts Silicon Valley
A GO MILPITAS RESOURCE
Resources for Milpitas Girl Scouts, Santa Clara County Girl Scouts and beyond.

Other Youth Organizations

Youth Sports
A GO MILPITAS RESOURCE
This site’s section for public and private sports opportunities for community youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley
Club programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Administrative Offices, 518 Valley Way, 957-9685.

Milpitas Fire Explorer Program
If you are are between the ages of 16 and 18 years old, the City of Milpitas offers many programs, activities, and services for the community. Explorers are recruited to assist in various City programs to support and supplement existing resources. Volunteer opportunities exist in all City Department and Divisions. To become involved with the program, or more information call 408-586-2801.

Santa Clara County Parks Jr. Ranger Program
Jr. Ranger Programs run for six consecutive weeks, meeting one day each week for two hours and will be offered at Ed Levin park during the spring and fall. During the program, Jr. Rangers will be introduced to six different topics: Duties of a Ranger, Natural Resources, Plant Life, Wildlife, Habitats, and Ohlone Native Americans.For registration forms or more information call 846-8902 or 846-5632.

Youth Advisory Commission
Established to advise City Council on matters pertaining to youth and teens in Milpitas. Meets: 7:00 p.m. in the Milpitas Community Center on the 2nd Thursday of the month.