5 Family-friendly road trips from Oakland

Looking for a fun day trip or mini vacation for your long weekend? These fellow Bay Area bloggers have a few inspiring ideas and photographs to help you plan.

Just for a few hours with big kids: Alcatraz
Picnic Blog’s Lisa had fun with her school-aged daughter at Alcatraz; the girls had no patience for the audio tour but enjoyed many photo opportunities. At least the ferry ride was pleasant.

All ages daytrip to the beach: Tomales Bay
Lisa and her whole crew (including twin toddler boys) took in the attractions at Tomales Bay. She writes that ,Tomales Bay State Park is a great place to dig up oysters at low tide.  If you aren’t in the mood to hunt for them yourself, head to The Marshall Store restaurant up the road.

Overnight without the kids: Mandarin Oriental
TerriAnn from Cookies and Clogs took her husband on a romantic getaway within San Francisco. She says, “A splurge to keep the love alive is sometimes a special treat for overworked, stressed-out, exhausted parents and couples. The views we had put us in awe the whole time.” If you have some money to burn, send the kids to Camp Grandma and book your trip to the Mandarin Oriental.

A weekend where you’re the best parents ever: LEGOLAND Hotel
As long as you’re spending the time and money to go to LEGOLand, the blogger known as Mommy Powers says you should totally splurge for the themed hotel. Read about her family adventure and recommendations on thismamacancook.net.

A weekend in a neighboring state: Portland, OR
Kimberly from Tippy Toes and Tantrums had a great time with her kids in Portland; they saw the sights and ate a ton of great food.

ps Whitney (from here) had at least as much fun leaving hers at home for a child-free weekend in Portland.

If you’re blogging about your adventures with children in and around the East Bay area, let us know and we might feature you here!

[Photos by Lisa Fontaine, Lisa Fontaine, TerriAnn VanGosliga, Mommy Powers, and Kimberly Kauer]