Fun With Kids in the Oakland and Berkeley
Oakland has triumphantly re-birthed a classic: the New Parkway has many things we loved from the Original Parkway along with a different location and management to make up some new traditions. They’ll be open 360 days a year, serving up mostly $6 movies, healthy unhealthy food, upcycled decor, and a heavy dose of community. The [...]
This hyperlocal tour of Oakland was contributed by Chantal Laurie, who works for Teach For America and sits on the Board of Habitot. Chantal has two young children and lives close to Park Blvd. The Glenview neighborhood in Oakland is small enough that you might miss it if you blink too many times while driving [...]
The “artsy” in you need not starve: a family-friendly short film night at Sticky Art Lab on Friday. (Even meet the artists!) Take your baby out for a morning on the town: Rosa Parks School hosts a “Baby Bounce.” Book van available to check out books. Food trucks are still congregating on Saturdays in Alameda [...]
The greatest jellybean company in the land offers free tours and will send you home with samples and fun facts to spare. Win win. Kids and adults will like watching robot arms move boxes of jelly beans onto conveyor belts. Grown-ups can have fun on their own too; Whitney and I went here in the [...]
The Cerrito Cinema on San Pablo picks up where the Parkway left off. As longtime fans and participants of the Baby Brigade, we are pleased that the show is going on.
Friday morning hike. (But check the East Bay Moms site for rainy default plan!) If you were too busy to check out the twinkly lights around town, there is still time: head into the hills or drive up to the zoo. Have a quiet meal or catch up on a flick you’ve missed: parents nights [...]
Visit a unique showcase of “creche” displays (nativity scenes) at The Cathedral of Christ the Light, happening all weekend. (Learn how to make your own on Saturday!) Burn off some holiday cookies at a festive 5k/10k run (and a free “kids dash”) that will have your feet jingling. Literally. Don’t forget your Santa hat! If [...]
I was delighted to be an usher at the Berkeleyside event called Three Michaels last night at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. East Bay writers (and fathers) Michael Pollan, Michael Lewis, and Michael Chabon answered questions from West Coast Live host and Berkeley native Sedge Thomson. During the open question time, I asked each Michael to share [...]
Local author Dashka Slater’s book, Baby Shoes, has been well-loved in my house since I picked up a signed copy at Cody’s (sniff) when my oldest was a tot. I was so happy to meet her a few months ago at Mini Maker Faire. I love that she answered our interview questions both for herself [...]
Whether you stay in the car and do a “drive-by” or get out to stroll, appreciating the hard work of those who put up holiday light displays is a fun winter tradition. Here are our picks for light-peeping this year. Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane is a must-see for East Bay families. The magic starts Sunday, [...]
Introducing another new contributor, Becky Matthews, who has been featured before in our 510 Faves series. You’ll be hearing more from her soon, but today she gives us a tour of her neighborhood. Now living in South Berkeley (The Lorin District) for six years- first as a newly married woman with a career and now [...]
Celebrate your local, independent bookstores by discovering a new one, visiting with your well-behaved children and buying a terrific book. Better yet, find out which ones have children’s events and enjoy one of those. We compiled this list of noteworth local bookstores for storytime and literary events for kids. Please share your favorites too! Cara [...]
Our new contributor today is Hadley Koo, a Kensington mom of one 4-year old girl. We are thrilled to add her to our posse! Colusa Circle in Kensington has expanded quite a bit over the last year and has actually become a small-scale hot spot for great food, activities, and a variety of services. Here [...]
We received a tip about a “FREE” eating program at the Swedish SuperStore going on now. What do you guys think? There is an Eat for FREE event at IKEA Emeryville from November 10 – 12 and again November 24 – 26th and this is how it works: 1. Dine in the IKEA Restaurant (with [...]
I happened upon this Marine-themed park when my kids and I arrived at Pump It Up too early one day. A five-minute walk from that birthday party venue, Union Point Park offers wide green space for running, a view of boat action in the Bay, and a cool play structure inspired by the shape of [...]
I’m happy to introduce Cara as a new contributor to 510families from El Cerrito. She has a four-year old daughter and is expecting a second baby in January. Cara enjoys making crafts, photography and simple scrapbooking. While she’ll be writing for us about a number of Bay Area activities, today she shares her home stomping [...]
Kids so pleased with their costumes they want to wear them more than once? Here is a round-up of Halloween activities and outings where Jedi Knights and Cleopatra will be more than welcomed. Ardenwood Farms’ Evening Train Ride: Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 pm, October 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th. Train ride through fields and [...]
