Maureen Burke
Cal Bears Baseball: Good, Cheap Fun
Daytime baseball and softball games at Cal are easy family outings, especially when discounted. See the new schedules.
Where Can New Parents Meet Each Other in the East Bay?
Looking for an opening to connect with other new mothers? Here are some resources including support groups and activity groups in the East Bay.
How to Get in FREE to Dozens of Bay Area Museums, Science Centers, + Gardens
Many of the Bay Area's very best museums are free at least one day each month. If you arrive early, you can visit world-class museums ...
Kid-Friendly OMCA: Oakland Museum of California
Children under 12 are free. Kid-friendly exhibits and beautiful gardens make the Oakland Museum of California a win for families.
The Best Tubing and Sledding near the Bay Area
10 top destinations with a ticket booth that will give you access to tubing or sledding with your kids!
Best Things to Do With Kids in January
Trips to the snow, nature playspaces, and lots of drop-in friendly, free events. Here the best things to do with kids this month.
Best Places to Take Kids in Concord
Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
What’s Open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day?
Movies, art, music, cycling, hiking secret stairs, and watching penguins -- lots of fun choices for families on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve!
SF Park Profile: Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground
In the heart of SF Chinatown is an amazing 2-story park with climbing structures, room for tots and bigger kids, giant metal slide, and sports ...
New Year’s Eve Plans with East Bay Kids
New Year's Eve with kids in the Bay Area includes many options from home to a tot-centric noon year's eve bash and everything in between!Â
Lucky Strike: Family Bowling in Alameda
Bowlero, a modern bowling alley in Alameda, caters to families by offering bumper bowling, bowling ramps, an arcade, and kid-friendly food options.
Tube Tahoe: Winter Fun in South Lake Tahoe
Experience the thrill of tubing in South Lake Tahoe at Tube Tahoe, a family-friendly snow destination for families with little ones.
Bear Valley Ski Resort: Family-friendly Skiing and Snowboarding
Located just off Highway 4, Bear Valley Ski Resorts caters to families, beginners, and seasoned pros.
Best Things to Do With Kids in December
So much fun all month long: find Santa, play in the snow, see lights, get crafty, head to the drive-in, take in a show, phew!
Lighted Yachts & Boats on Parade for the Holidays
Add these lighted yacht parades to your holiday bucket list. Twinkling boats pass by in a floating Christmas light spectacular.
Paws to Read: A Cuddly Option for Young Readers
Children can practice reading to trained furry friends in supportive literacy programs found at various East Bay library branches.
Best Things to Do With Kids in November
What starts off with a candy hangover and ends up on Santa's lap? Yes, November is here and it is bursting with family fun!
Ticket Alert: Garden of D’Lights, a Sparkling Outdoor Holiday Event in Walnut Creek
Ruth Bancroft Garden lights up 3 acres of garden paths with twinkling lights to explore on a dark evening. Lovely outing for mixed ages.
Indigenous People’s Heritage Month for Kids
November is Indigenous People’s Heritage Month. Here are a few ways to reflect on the cultures, traditions, and history of the Bay Area's first peoples.
5+ Family-Friendly Turkey Trots
Turkey trots we love for families and where to play afterward. Here are five we like in the East Bay
Hikes for Tykes: Exploring the Regional Parks
Hikes for Tykes offers guided toddler-friendly nature walks and exploration in various East Bay Regional Parks.
Profile: West Oakland Farm Park & Playground
West Oakland Farm Park has it all according to my little ones: farm, playground, green space, animals, and an amazing mission.
How to Enjoy a Campfire Without Camping
Experience a glowing campfire without the hassle of camping at EBPRD's summertime campfire programs
Best Things to Do With Kids in August
Turn up the heat and plan some amazing family outings filled with the best activities for August.
BAMPFA for Kids and Families
Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, BAMPFA, is for families and children with FREE admission for many and a hands-on art lab.
Best Things to Do With Kids in July
Welcome to July, the month that starts with a bang! We've rounded up lots of activities for families with kids in the Bay Area.
Explore & Pretend at OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace
Discover nature, climb, play, and let imaginations run wild at OMCA's indoor play area, designed for ages 2-5.
Free Drop-in Art Workshops with MOCHA in the Library
Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) is partnering with Public Libraries to offer free art workshops to children throughout the week.
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, pancakes, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Drop-in Craft Projects at Michaels Stores
Join a free kid-friendly weekend craft session at Michael's in San Leandro, Emeryville, Alameda, or Pinole. Usually in a seasonal theme.
Best Things to Do With Kids in June
It’s time for our monthly activity planner for families: museum visits, community festivals, summer outdoor movies, ball games and more!
Castle Rock Pool: A Bucolic Swimming Destination
Located at the foothills of Mt. Diablo in Walnut Creek, Castle Rock Pool offers a peaceful setting for a swim.
East Bay Summer Concert Round-Up for Families
If your family loves listening to live music, check out our round-up of outdoor concerts -- most of which are free -- to enjoy this ...
Best Places in the Bay Area for Camping With Little Kids
Here are our favorite Bay Area places to go tent camping with our little kids -- plus some cabin camping options for good measure.
Best Things to Do With Kids in May
Discover the best things to do in May: fruit picking, Mother's Day gatherings, garden visits, storytimes, and community festivals for starters!
Beyond Books: More to Love from the Library
Visit your local branch for some amazing checkouts and free offerings—from power tools and baking pans to telescopes and a museum outing.
Best Things to Do With Kids in April
So many fun activities for East Bay families in April. Singing, hiking, art, dancing, Easter & lots more!
Summertime Reading Games Powered by the Libraries
Summer is for reading! Many area public libraries offer summer reading games, community events & many cool kid-sized prizes for reading.
Friday Nights @ OMCA with Kids April through October
Friday night food trucks, gardens, live music, and a family-friendly vibe with twinkle lights within walking distance from Lake Merritt. Yes!
iFlip Gymnastics: Open Gym & Classes in Richmond
Located near Costco in Richmond, iFlip is a gymnastics-filled wonderland for kids, offering classes, parties, and open gym.
The Wave Waterpark in Dublin
The Dublin Wave is a water park with slides and water play areas for all ages.
Open Memorial Day 2025: Meadow Home Spray Park in Concord
If you are in Concord, CA looking for a refreshing stop for little ones, the Meadow Homes Spray Park is free and open for the ...
Take the Richmond Plunge
Surrounded by high ceilings and lovely murals, the Richmond Plunge indoor swimming pool is epic. Chilly water but nice, clean locker rooms.
5 Open Gyms with Drop-in Hours
If your kid is bouncing off the walls, check this list of places where that kind of thing is welcome.
Kid-Friendly Hike to a Playground in Kensington
With sweeping views of Tilden Park and a playground near the out-and-back loop, this Kensington hike is fun for families anytime.
Hike With Kids Through UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Take your kids on a nature-filled hike at UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley. Mine love it any time of year for giant cacti & colorful ...
Angel Island with Kids: Family-friendly Hike, Tram Ride and More
Looking for a mini vacation? It's in the Bay, literally! Visit Angel Island with the kids for a ferry ride, outdoor time, beautiful views and ...
San Francisco Zoo: A Guide for Families
The San Francisco Zoo is worth a visit for kids who love animals, and playgrounds too!
Kid-Friendly Mexican Smackdown: Picante vs Tacubaya vs Cactus
Where to eat when the kids want Mexican food in North Berkeley. There are strong reasons for Cactus, Picante, and Tacubaya.
Favorite Bay Area Donuts and Doughnuts
From El Cerrito to Downtown Oakland to San Francisco, here are our favorite Bay Area donuts (and doughnuts!)
10+ Drop-in Toddler Activities in the East Bay for $10 or Less
A helpful list of toddler activities and outings that don't require advanced planning, for East Bay kids and parents.
Favorite East Bay Food Halls for Families
Choose your own dining adventure at a food hall. Here are our favorites with dozens of meal choices to please even the pickiest taste buds.
May 4: de Youngsters Day Out is a Celebration of Art
Reserve tickets to the annual free community day for children – the de Youngsters Day Out - a must-do for art-loving kids.
Parents’ Guide to East Bay Gardens
Explore family-friendly East Bay Gardens for outdoor fun: admire flowers, follow butterflies, enjoy nature, & get inspired!
Explore Dinosaur Gardens in the East Bay
Delight in a magical treasure: dinosaur gardens. Perfect to work into a family walk, we found seven locations walking around the East Bay.
Park Report: San Leandro Marina Park
With two playgrounds and a waterfront location in San Leandro, this park invites tons of family fun.
7 Playgrounds & Viewing Spots for Boat-Loving Kids
Sail over to these nautical-inspired play structures throughout the East Bay if your kid can't get enough of boats! Plus, details on where to spot ...
Berkeley Park Profile: James Kenney Park
Enjoy updated play structures and nature-based climbing areas at this Northwest Berkeley Park, just minutes away from Fourth Street.
All About Berkeley Family Camps: Echo Lake vs. Tuolumne
Are you registered for a City of Berkeley family camp? We're here to share some details and tips to prepare your family for the trip.Â
21+ Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Richmond
Visit the parks, playgrounds, pools, museums and other kids-friendly spots located in the city of Richmond. There's plenty to explore!
Day Trip Inspiration: Muir Woods with Kids
Muir Woods National Monument -- add it to your Bay Area Bucket List! It's a great day trip option for hiking and earning a junior ...
Bohol Circle Immigrant Park & Playground in Alameda
A waterfront playground in Alameda is ideal for playing captain of a boat or spotting cargo ships. It's located steps from Target, too!
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville has a totally redesigned play structure that's fashioned after a ship, plus it's completely fenced in.
Lincoln Park: Alameda’s East End Playground
Lincoln Park, located in Alameda’s East End, is a wonderful place for families come together to play on the new jungle-themed structures and be active.
Best Mini Golf Courses in East Bay and Beyond
We rounded up the most entertaining and creative creatives for a family mini golf outing in the East Bay and beyond.
Créatif Art Studio: Drop-in painting in Pleasanton
Bring your little artist to this drop-in art studio for a creative outing. It's combination of art and tech make it worth the drive to ...
Choose Your Adventure at Lands End: A San Francisco Hiking Destination
Come to Lands End to hike, but stay for the beautiful views and exploration. Put this San Francisco destination on your "Places to Visit" list.
Park Profile: Solano Playlot in Richmond
Add this park to your "must visit" list: Solano Playlot in Richmond. Fun for the kids with nearby treats and snacks worth a stop.
Taking Your Kids to San Francisco Symphony
Through dance, rhythm, and storytelling, the concert makes classical music feel alive and exciting for young audiences.
Where to Ride a Carousel in the East Bay
For classic childhood fun, we rounded up 12 carousels to ride in the East Bay and beyond.
Together Wee Play: Drop-in Play in Berkeley
Together Wee Play is a free, drop-in play program for kids 4 and younger. It is hosted 4 mornings a week at indoor and outdoor ...
Creations Berkeley: Drop-In Classes for Little Dancers
Creations Berkeley is a new dance studio in North Berkeley that offers drop-in friendly movement classes for little dances between ages 2-5.
Play Tourist at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay & Pier 39
Aquarium of the Bay at SF Pier 39 for a fun day trip that's all about sea creatures and the waters of the Bay. Oakland ...
Tassajara Park (and Playground!) in El Cerrito
With two play structures, a grassy field, and a bathroom accessible to those in the know, Tassajara Park in El Cerrito is a fun place ...
12 Places to Go Plane-Spotting in the Bay Area
We rounded up the best destinations for plane-loving kids to view airplanes.
Matteo’s Dream Playground, Inclusive Fun in Concord
Imaginations can run wild at Matteo's Dream Playground in Concord, a space for all children to experience the joys of outdoor play regardless of their ...
Watch Planes Soar at Buchanan Field Playground in Concord
Plane-loving kiddos will love spotting airplanes and jets at Buchanan Field Playground and Observation Area. Plus, it's free!
Family-Friendly Restaurant: Monster Pho in Oakland
Monster Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant in Oakland, serves up delicious food with a family-friendly side of robots and games.
Free Park Passes for Fourth Graders
Hey fourth graders! See natural wonders and historic sites in California and beyond for free. Two very cool initiatives—one federal and one state—to get all ...
Ruth Bancroft Garden is a Desert Wonderland
A visit to Ruth Bancroft Garden is like being transported to the desert with its amazing collection of succulents, cacti, and low-water plants.
SingJam: All Ages, Drop-In Music Events
Drop into the next SingJam event. The sessions take place in Berkeley and offer music development in an outdoor setting.
Day Trip to Di Rosa: Kid-Friendly Art Museum in Wine Country
Wine country, art museum—these things may not initially strike you as family-friendly, but they totally are. Trust me on this one!
