We thank Fourth Street Berkeley for sponsoring {510} Families and helping us produce this guide. Between University Avenue and Virginia Street on Fourth Street in Berkeley is a collection of shops, restaurants, and treasured experiences for families. Here’s how to get the most out of this little slice of Berkeley.
Wondering what to do with kids on Fourth Street? No matter what age a child is, Fourth Street in Berkeley offers enough fun that a stroll through this shopping district can please the whole family with lots of places to eat, drink, and play and the best seasonal events around.
The best things in life (and on Fourth Street) are free
The patio outside of Peet’s Coffee hosts live music each Saturday and Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm. Sometimes the musicians are kids, inspiring little ones who stop to watch. You’ll find a full range of musicians, from blues and salsa to folk singers, and the Berkeley High School Jazz band.
1776 Fourth Street, Berkeley
Trainspotting is easy on Fourth Street. The tracks run parallel to Fourth Street on the west side, and if you stand outside the cool CB2 store long enough, you’ll be able to watch one pass by.
The East Bay Vivarium houses more creepy, crawling things than some zoos! The renowned reptile store is actually on Fifth Street, but it’s a very short walk, about parallel with the Apple Store.
1827 Fifth Street, Berkeley
After browsing the fun shops on Fourth Street, you’re pretty close to the Berkeley Marina for kite-flying or visiting Adventure Playground. Walk or bike west over the footbridge.
Creative & Festive Annual Events on Fourth Street Berkeley
We love Fourth Street for its special family-friendly events. Trick-or-treating and Holiday Lights are longtime favorites.
The adorably tot-friendly Halloween Festival & Trick-or-Treating is the perfect amount of Halloween fun for young families in costume. Never too scary, each year Fourth Street adds a new activity to its winning formula of cute kids + free candy + festive decor = Halloween Magic. Find a scary hair booth, live music, and bubbles, too.
Fourth Street’s kid-friendly parties have featured storytelling, bubble shows, caricature artists, art activities, hair design, and always plenty of live music. On Saturday, September 26, artists of all ages are invited to sketch or paint during Painting Day on Fourth Street, featuring costumed models and live music.
Fourth Street also makes Father’s Day and Mother’s Day memorable with relaxation stations, treats, kids’ card-making activities, giveaways, and photo booths. The Valentine’s Day celebration features succulents, gift-making activities, and free cookies.
Win Parent of the Year with a visit to Holidays on Fourth Street. From dazzling holiday lights to festive celebrations, Fourth Street sparkles with holiday cheer every night from November through December, beginning at dusk.
The holiday fun continues with special events throughout the season. On Saturday, November 14, enjoy a nighttime Brian Scott Magic show, free cookies and hot beverages, and live music. Then, on Saturday, December 12, celebrate at the Winter Holiday Fest & Craft Party, featuring free wreath-making, visits with costumed characters and Santa Claus, and holiday art activity booths. Kids can also drop off their letters to Santa at his mailbox near Peet’s at 1776 Fourth Street.
Heads up: Include a return address, and Santa will write back!
Visit the Fourth Street website to see what events are coming up.
Eating your way down Fourth Street Berkeley with kids
Here’s where you’ll find us and what we’ll be eating.
Tacubaya has high chairs and a casual vibe, whether you’re inside or out. Kid favorites include beans, rice, and quesadillas (my daughter learned to eat black beans here when she was a baby, as they are served pureed). Don’t forget a margarita for the parents. 1782 Fourth Street
Oceanview Diner is great for early weekend mornings and boasts great food. I’m a huge fan of the soufflé pancake when I’m not with my kids. The To Go shop is also a hit. 1807A Fourth Street
iScream is the tasty spot for delicious, organic ice cream in classic and creative flavors tucked in right next to Oceanview Diner. Cones, cups, milkshakes, and sundaes. 1809A Fourth Street
ArtÃs Coffee (on Fourth Street, closer to Virginia St.) has delicious coffee and cocoa for all ages and Libby tells us they sell a “babyccino” of steamed milk with chocolate powder on top for toddlers and preschoolers. They also have a nice bathroom. 1717B Fourth Street
Iyasare is an upscale Japanese restaurant with ramen, fried chicken, and tempura that families love. 1830 Fourth Street
Divan is a newer Turkish restaurant with dishes big enough to share, including a brunch/lunch for two with oven-baked flatbreads, scrambled eggs, cucumber & tomato salad, and a delicious lentil soup. 1788 Fourth Street
Cafe MÂ is a reliable brunch and breakfast spot with kid-favorites like pancakes and more creative egg dishes to satisfy the adults. 1799 Fourth Street
Dumpling Time has delightfully small portions of dumplings and gyoza for little appetites. This tasty spot can get very busy at peak times. 1795 Fourth Street
Zut Tavern has great pasta, pizza, and burgers for kids, but I have found that the kitchen is flexible if your family needs food substitutions. Patio, parklet, or inside dining is comfortable and tasty. 1820 Fourth Street
Earthbar is your spot for smoothies, juices, and açai bowls. 1911 Fourth Street
Cafe Reveille is an open-air cafe, great for families who want to be outside while they eat with crazy-delicious coffee drinks. 760 Hearst Street at 5th Street
Specialty Shops on Fourth Street with Cool Stuff for Kids
While national chains are present on Fourth Street too, you can still ‘shop local’ there. Keep an eye out for Annual Sidewalk Sales. Parents and kids love to visit on sale days as merchants bring out all kinds of discounted items and the party spills onto Delaware and Fourth for kids. Here are some shops to watch for wonderful children’s items:
Maker’s Row Tucked in between Fourth and Fifth Streets toward Cafe Reveille, is a lovely collection of small makers’ booths on the weekend. Browse for trinkets, treasures, and toys. 1919 Fourth Street
Builders Booksource offers a highly curated selection of books for kids. Hand-picked by book-lover, co-owner, and understander-of-kids, Sally Kiskaddon. 1817 Fourth Street
The Gardener displays a sweet selection of books, stylish plush animals, clever wooden toys, and other baby shower gifts. 1836 Fourth Street
Earthsake sells big-ticket items like organic mattresses (for adults and babies), comforters, bedding, blankets, clothes, and other cuddly things, including small items for new babies. 1772 Fourth Street
Five Little Monkeys is a terrific shop for kids of all ages. Aisles filled with quality toys and books with a huge array of stuffed animals, games, LEGO, puzzles, and toddler toys. 1810/12 Fourth Street
Tea Collection a shop selling clothing for children and babies, from newborns to 16 years old, featuring unique designs. 1801 Fourth St
Apple Store offers free, hands-on workshops for kids, ranging from creating music and designing digital comics to crafting interactive stories. Advance registration is required, and workshops are best suited for children ages 6–10. 1823 Fourth St
Related: Things to Do With Kids in Berkeley
Clean Hands, Bathrooms & Parking on Fourth Street
Free parking is available at most lots on Fourth Street plus there is a pay-to-park lot at Virginia and Fourth Street.
There is a portable restroom in the large customer lot that is cleaned regularly and locked at night so it is hopefully ok for use during the day. Peet’s also has a public restroom (no changing table) and many shops do allow customers to use their facilities.
Thanks again to Fourth Street Berkeley for being a 510Families.com sponsor. Berkeley’s Fourth Street is located close to I-80 between the University and Gilman exits. Instead of driving, you can also take the 51B, 80, or 72 AC Transit buses.
