WHY IT'S COOL: San Francisco's famous de Young Museum is known for its collection of American art, native American, African and Pacific Rim art, but this week, the de Young showcases a distinctly different exhibition, the 22nd annual Young at Art fest. Grab the kids and swing by Golden Gate Park for a dash of inspiration. With more than 3,500 original artworks by San Francisco schoolchildren, plus dance performances, jazz bands, media arts and hands-on art activities, your family won't just be dazzled by the youthful creativity, you'll feel the need to do a little creating yourselves.

WHAT KIDS LIKE: It's always cool to see children's artwork, particularly when the exhibit covers such vast terrain — watercolors, acrylics, even a star-spangled sculpture. (Pictured right is high school senior Guh Pinto-Cresci's "Nothing Can Be Compared to a Mother's Love.") Add in poetry readings, choral groups and jazz in the de Young's Koret Auditorium and outdoors on the museum cafe terrace, and there's something to tickle every creative fancy.

WHAT PARENTS LIKE: If Young at Art doesn't get your kid away from the Nintendo, nothing will. Lay in a supply of pastels, watercolors and paper at home before you go, so your kids can segue seamlessly from spectator to artist. And Friday evening's Young at Art Gala includes performances by the orchestras from San Francisco's School of the Arts and Lowell High .

AFTERWARD: Golden Gate Park is filled with walking

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trails and beautiful sights. Explore the newly re-opened Children's Playground, ride the carousel (50 cents for kids, $1 for adults), gawk at windmills and enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Tea Garden ($1.50 for kids, $4 for adults for admission, but bring extra to buy tea). Or venture down to the westernmost end of the park and grab a meal at the Beach and Park Chalets www.beachchalet.com).

PARKING TIPS: There is pay parking ($2.50-$3 an hour) in the new Music Concourse Garage. Enter at Fulton and 10th Avenue or Concourse Drive and Martin Luther King Drive inside the park.

— Jackie Burrell, staff writer, jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com

THE BASICS
  • WHERE: The de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, San Francisco
  • HOURS: Young at Art exhibit and activities through May 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hands-on art activities through May 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Gala celebration with live music Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.
  • TICKETS: All Young at Art events and exhibits are free. Museum admission, which is required to access the museum galleries Friday evening, is free for children, $6 for teens and college students with I.D., and $10 for general admission.
  • CONTACT: Visit www.deyoungmuseum.org or call 415-750-3600.