Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in silicon valley, CA

At first glance, it doesn't seem like Santana Row is kid-friendly at all.  Posh shops, high-end (read: breakable) home accessories, luxury spas and chic bars dominate this outdoor shopping mall. 

But look closer and you'll find hints of kid-friendly fun here and there.   Like the small, fenced in toddler playstructure at Park Valencia, a small patch of green at the heart of the mall.  And the fountains, just waiting for kids to dip their hands into.  And the giant chess set, where kids can hop from square to square and play with giant pawns and rooks.  And the kids' menu at the Village Calfornia Bistro and Bar.  Oh, yeah, baby, kids are welcome here.

Every first Tuesday of the month, that kid-friendly whisper swells to a shout as Santana Row hosts its monthly Mommy and Me on the Row kids activity.   I've taken my kids to several of these events this year, including October's Trick-or-Treat extravaganza and this month's Fall Festival, and let me tell you, these are way fun.   They've got free balloons and crafts.  They've got great kids' entertainment, featuring balloon artists, puppet shows or musical entertainers like Andy Z.  They've got kid-friendly promos at selected stores, like the mommy-and-me manicures at Lavande Nail Spa or the kids' discount at Plutos cafe. 

Speaking of food, don't miss the yummy buttered corn-on-the-cob they hand out at the Yankee Pier, and the fun cookie-decorating craft right next door at Village California.  If that's not enough of a morning snack for your little one, head on to the Cinearts movie theatre, where the snack stand will pass out small bags of popcorn.  With all these fun activities and freebies, it's no wonder that you'll find moms and babies taking over the sidewalk (seriously, it's hard to avoid getting run over by all the strollers).  So try to get there by 10AM to ensure they don't run out of supplies before your child can join in the fun.

Santana Row's final Mommy and Me event for the year, the holiday craft event, happens next Tuesday at 10AM.  Don't miss it.