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10+ Reasons We Love February in Conejo Valley, Malibu and Calabasas!

From Groundhog Day to Valentine's Day there's lots of family-fun packed into the shortest month

By Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas February 9, 2026

Happy February! Even with only 28-days this month - 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 so many 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.


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Groundhog looking up behind a rock 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 The live-cam.

No matter what they predict you can 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 but most of the time we can head outdoors.

📅 🏃 Moorpark Groundhog Day 5K/1M 🏃February 7, 2026

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:



Happy Birthday to Elmo.  Person dressed as Elmo waiving.  Light blue background with the letters for happy birthday and a upside-down rainbow striped party hat with balloons, candy and streamersB.Gutell

2. Celebrate Elmo's Birthday 🎂

Celebrate Elmo's Birthday on February 3rd! 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.

📺 Watch this video with your kids 👉 Sesame Street: A Song About Elmo

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.



Family of four sitting at a table enjoying pizza
hoozone from Getty Images Signature

3. Share a Slice 🍕

It's National Pizza Day on February 9th! 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:

What are yours? Let me know:  brennag@macaronikid.com



Silhouette of two football players with bright lights behind them Michal Collection via Canva 

4. Have a Super-Fun-Football Party 🏈

Celebrate Super Bowl LX with your family, the big Kickoff begins on February 8, 2026 at 3:30 pm PT. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will compete in Super Bowl 60. 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?

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:

Just for Fun:



teddy bear backside holding a bunch of roses in front and a heart that says love behind his back with a blured bike and table and chairs in the backgroundAcharaporn Kamornboonyarush from Pexels via Canva

5. Just say "I love you!" 💘

Will you plan a special night out or celebrate Valentine's Day 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:



Young girl eagerly looking through binocularsJose 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 13 - 16, 2026! 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.


Young girl with a smile holding a white bunny rabbit on her lapby FamVeld from Getty Images | Canva

7. Give Your Pets Some Extra Love 🐾

Celebrate your family pets every day, but on February 20th - National Love Your Pet Day - it’s the perfect time to give them some extra attention or a special treat. Whether it’s a longer walk, extra playtime, or a cozy cuddle, this is a sweet way for families to recognize the pets who are part of everyday life.

Pets Give Unconditional Love — Time to Return the Favor


bananas chocolate chip muffins on a wood cutting board with an open banananarong27 via Canva

8. Bake Some Banana Bread 🍌

Who doesn’t love banana bread? If your kitchen counter looks anything like mine, you probably have a few bananas waiting to be used. National Banana Bread Day is February 23rd, and it’s the perfect excuse to bake together as a family and turn those ripe bananas into something warm, cozy, and delicious. 

🧑‍🍳 Bananas Turning Brown? Make This Easy Chocolate Banana Bread

🍌 Banana Chia Chocolate Chip Muffins You Can Make for your Family




9. Cozy up with your Kids and Cheer for the Gold 🏅

Every four years, countries from around the world come together to compete in the Olympic Games, and the 2026 Winter Olympics run from February 6–22, 2026. From figure skating and skiing to snowboarding and hockey, watching the Winter Olympics is a fun way for families to learn about different sports, cheer together, and spark conversations about teamwork and global traditions.

✂️ 5 Winter Olympics-Inspired Craft Projects, Games Your Kids Will Cheer

🎞️ Get Pumped Up For the Games With These 17 Great Olympic Movies


Bowl of Fresh StrawberriesS847 from Getty Images Pro

10. Help Your Kids be Berry Creative in the Kitchen 🍓

Strawberries are nature’s little hearts - perfect for a month of love and treats! Celebrated National Strawberry Day on February 27 - Gather the kids, turn the kitchen into a sweet adventure, and see what delicious creations you can make together. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started 🍓


More February Family-fun!


Macaroni KID Conejo Valley - Malibu - Calabasas covers the towns of  Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Malibu, Calabasas, Westlake Village,  Newbury Park, Oak Park and nearby towns in Ventura and Los Angeles  Counties.

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