FIRST 5 & SCFHP Host Potter the Otter Day!

A joyful, community-wide event supporting over 2,000 families with young children

San José, CA — FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, in partnership with Santa Clara Family Health Plan, will host Potter the Otter Day on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Children’s Discovery Museum of San José—bringing together more than 2,000 families with young children for a day designed to support healthy development, early learning, and family well-being.

This family-centered event will bring children ages 0–5 and their caregivers together in a vibrant, engaging environment where they can play, learn, and grow. Families will enjoy the Potter the Otter museum exhibit, interactive story times, games, giveaways, and free books, alongside a Family Resource Fair featuring over 20 community organizations offering essential services that help families build a strong foundation during the earliest years of a child’s life. At the heart of the celebration is FIRST 5’s beloved Potter the Otter mascot and book series, which helps young children develop healthy habits through engaging, age-appropriate stories. Families will receive free books, including the newest release, Potter the Otter Grows a Garden, created in partnership with the California Department of Public Health with support from Veggielution. The book introduces young children to the joy of gardening and healthy eating, helping families build lifelong habits that support physical and emotional well-being from the very start.

“Potter the Otter Day is about more than just a day of fun—it’s about creating a moment where families feel seen, supported, and truly welcomed,” said Jennifer Kelleher Cloyd, Executive Director of FIRST 5 Santa Clara County. “For many parents, especially those navigating uncertainty or hardship, connection can feel out of reach. This day is our way of saying: you belong here, you are not alone, and there is a community ready to stand with you. When children experience joy and families feel supported, that’s where strong futures begin.”

The early years—from prenatal through age five—are the most important period of development in a child’s life. During this time, access to supportive relationships, healthy environments, and trusted resources can shape lifelong outcomes in health, learning, and well-being. Potter the Otter Day brings those supports together in one place, making it easier for families to access what they need in a welcoming, joyful environment.

Santa Clara Family Health Plan joins as a key partner in this effort, helping connect families to Medi-Cal and vital health and wellness resources that support children’s development from the very beginning.

“Our partnership with FIRST 5 Santa Clara County reflects a shared commitment to the health and wellbeing of children and families in our community,” said Christine Tomcala, Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clara Family Health Plan. “We work tirelessly to ensure our members have access to the health care they need, and we’re thrilled that Potter the Otter will help us support families in making healthy choices.”

At the center of it all is Potter the Otter, whose stories, books, and activities inspire young children to build healthy habits and a love of learning—one small moment at a time.

“Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is proud to be a place where families come together to learn, play, and feel supported,” said Linda Tsai, Museum President and CEO. “Potter the Otter Day brings our mission to life — connecting children and their families with joyful experiences and trusted resources that help build healthy habits and strong foundations for the future.”

“Today is about the families and caregivers who show up every day for their children,” said Cloyd. “With our best pal Potter the Otter by their side, we’re celebrating the small moments—reading, playing, learning—that build a strong, healthy future for every child.”

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Event Details

What: Potter the Otter Day

When: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Children’s Discovery Museum of San José, 180 Woz Way, San José, CA 95110

More Info: FIRST5kids.org/pottertheotterday

About FIRST 5 Santa Clara County

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County works to ensure that every child, prenatal through age five, has the opportunity for a healthy start and a strong foundation for lifelong success. Through programs that support early learning, family strengthening, and child health, FIRST 5 serves thousands of families each year across Santa Clara County.

About Santa Clara Family Health Plan

Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) is a local, community-based health plan dedicated to creating opportunities for better health and wellness for all. In partnership with providers and community organizations since 1997, SCFHP works to ensure everyone in Santa Clara County has access to equitable, high-quality health care. With a strong commitment to integrity, outstanding service, and support for the community, SCFHP serves more than 285,000 people through our Medi-Cal and Medicare health care plans. For more information, visit www.scfhp.com.

About Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose

Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose invites kids to explore through open-ended, play-based learning. With 150+ hands-on exhibits, children build creativity, confidence, and critical thinking. The nonprofit celebrates diversity, fosters connection, and inspires lifelong learning for more than 10 million visitors since 1990.

Media Contact

Ali Kagawa 

Director, Strategic Communications

FIRST 5 Santa Clara County

ali.kagawa@FIRST5kids.org

415-686-2212