A couple of years ago, two East Bay moms put together Peekaboo Maps, a nicely designed map of Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, and Piedmont that highlighted all of the spots that parents should know. They’ve offered us the opportunity to share the data they collected, so we’ll be doing that in a series of upcoming posts. Today I’m going to focus on Solano Avenue, keeping in mind that one mom’s mecca is another mom’s nightmare. Here are Jessica and Seran’s recommendations, injected with a few opinions that I simply cannot keep to myself.
Snack Food
At the top of Solano is a Noah’s Bagels, if you’ve managed to get out of the house during the breakfast hour. (Editor: I don’t personally think what Noah’s produces is a quality bagel, but I’m certain my kids would eat it happily.) For lunchtime, Cactus Taqueria is an excellent choice with inexpensive kid-sized portions. Just down the block, at the intersection of Colusa, there is a Starbucks that now sells handy snack packs with fruit, cheese, and nuts. Andronico’s has a full deli counter and many ready-to-eat items if you are considering a picnic.
Activities
The Albany Y has a Kindergym program and makes a great birthday party venue. Non-members may drop-in to the Babygym (9 months-2 years) and Kindergym programs (2 years -4.5 years) for $7 per visit. Head off of Solano on Ensenada to find the Thousand Oaks tot park, a good spot to unfold a packed lunch.
Real Food
Zachary’s Pizza is a go-to take-out for Heather’s family, located near the top of Solano. Barney’s burgers, half-way down the strip, can be customized with pretty much any topping, any meat, or no topping, and in the case of my kids, no meat. (This is known as a grilled cheese sandwich.) Sunny Side Cafe is a causal, family friendly coffee shop that makes great pancakes and egg dishes. (Organic! And free-range!)
Bonus food tip: Parents on a date with a baby in tow might enjoy cocktails and tapas at Fonda. Order a side of avocado for the babe or guacamole if she likes a little flavor.
Shopping
Pegasus Books, next to Cactus has a kid section you can sit down and read in. Next door, Hannah’s sells used children’s clothes along with some new gift items. (Editor: My daughter is coveting the tutus with matching hair ties Hannah carries, fit for the ballerina fairy princess which my daughter aspires to be. Before she goes to medical school, that is.) Across the street from Starbucks, Solano Kids also sells used children’s clothes and new rain gear. Plus, they have a gated play area to entertain toddlers while parents browse.
What’s greener than used kid’s clothes? Used toys! Toy Go Round is halfway down Solano, on the 1300 block. Used baby toys, construction toys, train tracks, books, doll clothes, and Playmobil sets. (Editor: One item I bought there was in excellent condition but missing a couple of pieces. Ask to open the package if necessary) Second-hand toys are about 60% of the current retail prices. This is a great source for a used trike.
At the bottom of Solano, find Five Little Monkeys, a fabulous independent toy store with a clean bathroom for customers.
Services
Snippety Crickets at 1753 Solano specializes in children’s haircuts. A huge wall of bribes is available, plus a train table for siblings who have to wait their turn. (Editor: After some experimenting, we’ve become regulars at Supercuts at 1475 Solano instead. They give one balloon and it’s free.)
What did we miss?
There is a “secret” tot park in Peralta Plaza at 1559 Solano Avenue (at Peralta and Capistrano Avenues) that is run by the City of Berkeley. It’s tiny, but great on a hot day, because there is lots of shade, benches for parents to relax on and (you may not want to point this out to the kids) a tot-height faucet that encourages water play.
Bonus – you can score some ice cream or cold drinks at 7-11 and enjoy them at the park.
Tiffany — We loved that tot park too! Highly recommended!
Don’t miss out on the new ice cream shop, iScream, at 1819 Solano (at Colusa). It’s organic and kid friendly. And YUMMMMMMMY!
For more information you can check out SolanoAvenue.org
It is also home to the famous (family friendly) Solano Avenue Stroll every second Sunday in September since 1974. The Solano Avenue Association 510-527-5358 / solanoavenue.org thanks!
Don’t forget Solano Avenue Cyclery right across from the park in Peralta Plaza. A bike bell, a helmet or a basket may not be a toy, but it sure is something a kid would love.
The City of Albany Recreation Dept, Albany Strollers & Rollers and Solano Ave Cyclery host Bike About Town, a family bike ride through Albany every 4th Friday June – October. Riders start at Solano Ave Cyclery and then head down Solano for a 3-5 mile loop. Check out the City’s page (www.albanyca.org) for more information. It’s a great way to spend a Friday night out.
[...] Solano Ave. – Run your errands, grab a healthy dinner, browse the many boutiques, or rest in a shady park. See our parents’ guide to Solano Ave. [...]