Saturday, April 11 is one of those rare days where two genuinely good family things happen at the same time in the South Valley. Here's how to make the most of it.
Summer Camp Expo: Railroad Park, Morgan Hill
10am to noon. If you've got kids and you're staring down summer break wondering where they'll actually want to go, this is your move. Local and regional camp vendors set up at Railroad Park. You walk from booth to booth, talk to the actual people running these programs, and get real answers about costs, schedules, and what your kid will actually do for eight weeks. No pressure. No slick presentations. Just parents and camp directors in the shade. Free.
Autism Acceptance Month Picnic: Christmas Hill Park, Gilroy
Noon to 3pm. Jay Nolan Community Services is organizing this one. The vibe is different from the camp expo: less shopping, more community. There's food, activities, and a space where families feel genuinely welcome. You don't need any connection to autism to come. It's open to everyone. Bring a blanket, bring the kids, maybe bring a snack to share.
How to Do Both
The parks are about 15 minutes apart. Railroad Park in Morgan Hill is at 10651 Monterey Road. Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy is at 8250 Christmas Hill Lane. You could do the camp expo in the morning, grab lunch somewhere in between, and make it to the picnic by 1pm. Or just pick the one that fits your family better.
Both events are outside. Both are free. Both are actually worth your Saturday instead of defaulting to screen time at home. These kinds of free, family-friendly options don't come around constantly. When they do, it's worth knowing about them.
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