No matter what age a child is, Fourth Street in Berkeley offers enough fun that a stroll through this rapidly expanding shopping district can please the whole family. We thank Fourth Street for sponsoring {510} Families and helping us produce this guide.
The best things in life (and on Fourth Street) are free
The patio outside of Peet's Coffee hosts live music every weekend. Sometimes the musicians themselves are kids, an inspiration to little ones who will stop and watch.
Trainspotting is easy on Fourth Street. The tracks are right there and if you stand outside Crate and Barrel's 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.
Events on Fourth Street
We love Fourth Street for Trick Or Treating and Lunar New Year, and there is a new kid-friendly event coming up: the Fourth Street County Fair on August 6, with carnival games, a petting zoo, bubble show, pie-eating contest, and a critter call contest.
Visit the Fourth Street website to see what events are coming up.
Eating your way down Fourth Street — with kids
Here's where you'll find us and what we'll be eating.
Tacubaya has high chairs and a casual vibe. My daughter learned to eat black beans here when she was a baby, as they are served pureed. On Taco Tuesdays, a glass of sangria and two tacos is $13. Just saying.
Bette’s Ocean View Diner is great for early mornings (the bright side of being woken up at 6 am on Saturdays) and Bette's TO GO makes sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and most importantly, cookies.
4th Street Bagel makes bagel sandwiches, plus they open early in the morning as well.
Three Twins is the new kid on the block and I couldn't be happier to have access to quality classic ice cream flavors.
The Market Hall is a gourmet food shop, where everyone can choose their own items for a picnic or eat out on the communal patio.
Specialty shops on Fourth Street
Though national chains are making their way into some of the newest spots on Fourth Street, you can still shop local there. These shops all have wonderful children's items:
Builders Booksource offers a highly curated selection of books for kids. Hand-picked by book lover and co-owner Sally Kiskaddon.
The Gardener displays a sweet selection of books, stylish plush animals, clever wooden toys and other baby shower gifts.
Earthsake sells big ticket items like organic mattresses (for adults and babies), comforters, bedding, blankets, clothes and other cuddly things.
Castle in the Air is a magical place for older kids to browse fairy wings, specialty craft supplies, and delicate miniatures.
Jeffrey’s Toys is the place to find classics like LEGO, kites, puzzles, games, and toddler toys, plus trendy items like fidget spinners and new comic books.
What to know before you go: Parking and restrooms on Fourth Street
Fourth Street has one medium-sized lot with complimentary three-hour parking, and plenty of metered parking on the street. You'll also find a paid lot just south of Hearst. There is a single restroom inside of Peet's and two restrooms located at the rear of Tacubaya; neither offers a changing table.
Thanks again to Fourth Street for being a 510Families.com sponsor. Berkeley's Fourth Street is located close to I-80 between the University and Gilman exits.
I’ll get on it!