Babies Archives - 510 Families

Babies

Places to Go with Babies in the East Bay

Upcoming Events for Babies and Parents in the East Bay

Monday, March 2, 2026

9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Storytime @ Main Library | Oakland Public Library
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm: Family Storytime @ San Pablo Public Library

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Explore Blake Garden @ Blake Garden
10:00 am – 10:45 am: Itty Bitty Storytime @ Richmond Civic Center Plaza
10:00 am – 4:00 pm: WildCare's Ambassador Zone @ WildCare Animal Rescue
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Baby/Toddler Storytime @ Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch | Berkeley Public Library
11:45 am – 12:15 pm: Baby Bounce @ Montclair Branch | Oakland Public Library
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Baby Storytime @ Albany Library

Resources for Families with Babies

Bumblebee Playspace

Newark Indoor Play Space: Bumblebee

With easy parking and a large indoor play area with a wide variety of rooms, it is a perfect place to keep kids happily busy.
Fans at Cal Golden Bears Baseball game

Cal Bears Baseball: Good, Cheap Fun

Daytime baseball and softball games at Cal are easy family outings, especially when discounted. See the new schedules.
Arlington Park in El Cerrito

Arlington Park & Clubhouse: Lots to explore in El Cerrito

Arlington Park has tons of green space and is one of those winding parks that has a variety of areas to explore beyond the play ...
All-abilities play structure in Martinez

Park Profile: Pine Meadow Park in Martinez

Pine Meadow Park is a sweet neighborhood park with a unique play structure, accessible design, spinning merry-go-round, and swings.

19 Places to Run with a Jogging Stroller in the East Bay

From Lafayette to Richmond, and Berkeley, great paths for any runner with a jogging stroller. Here are 13 places to run with a baby on ...
Small Talk City in Berkeley

Baby Consignment Stores in the East Bay

I love that the East Bay has so many places to get quality used kids' clothes. Consignment sales are ideal for snow pants, dress clothes, ...
Solano West Wind Drive-in

We Love the Drive-In Movie Theater in Concord

We love to pile into our minivan for the drive-in movies in Concord at the Solano West Wind. Winter is the best time for little kids.
Alameda Christmas Tree Lane

Best East Bay Holiday Lights: Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane

The best holiday lights in the East Bay are on Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda where the neighbors create a magical holiday experience.
Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda

Indoor Fun: 10+ Things to Do on Rainy Days in the East Bay

On a rainy day, here are some great indoor fun East Bay destinations to make your kids happy and run off those ya-yas!
many swings for all abilities and ages

10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland

Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
Berkeley library storytime with adult reading to two small children

Free Storytimes Around the East Bay

A round-up of kid-friendly storytimes in the next 30 days including libraries, bookstores, and other fun places. Let someone else read your baby a book.
BUSD’s Visual Land Acknowledgement mural

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.
pumpkin patch

Smith Family Farm: Pumpkin Harvest and U-Pick

Less than an hour from Oakland, Smith Family Farm offers a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and fall activities in a county fair-like experience.
John Hinkel Park

Secret Spots: John Hinkel Park in North Berkeley

There's a terrific playground at John Hinkel Park, plus paths to explore for those who like a climb.
Oakland Turkey Trot

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
little girl laying in shallow water of lake

Checklist: 10 Things to do before you’re 10 in the East Bay

Presenting a fun East Bay bucket list for little kids, a challenge to all you cool Bay Area parents. Have you taken your kid to ...
Magical Christmas Train in Sacramento

Book Now: Magical Christmas Train in Sacramento

Tickets are now available for the Magical Christmas Train by River Fox out of West Sacramento. It will be lots of holiday fun.

San Ramon Indoor Play Space: Kidplex

Kidplex is a modern, interactive play center. Take off your shoes and check out the movement activities, ball pits, and pretend play stations.
corn maze entrance

Three Nunns Pumpkin Patch Has Tractors, U-Pick & Massive Corn Mazes for Acres of Fun

Open 9/18 through 10/31, Brentwood's Three Nunns Farm has a u-pick pumpkins, 2 corn mazes, and lots more produce. Let's get dirty.
Totland clubhouse features a lovely mural and classes

Park Profile: Totland in Berkeley

We love Totland for toddlers, and especially for parents who are on their own with a new second baby. Swings, climbing things, spinny rides, and ...
child climbs rock wall

National Night Out Gatherings in the East Bay

August 5 is National Night Out, a day centered on community building. Organize an event among your neighbors, or join a city-led event. Find one ...
Hana Japan

Hana Japan: Mega Eatertainment Fun for Kids Who Will Eat Rice, Veggies, and/or Meat!

I love an early dinner at Hana Japan as a birthday tradition with infants, barely-eating babies, crazy toddlers, and curious preschoolers.
girl climbing on playground

PlayGround: An Indoor Play Center in Castro Valley

PlayGround, an indoor play center in Castro Valley for kids ages 1 through 12, has a two-tiered play center with lots of soft play and ...
Shorebird Park

Twins by the Bay: A support resource for twin parents

Twins by the Bay (TBB) is a support group and network for parents of multiples in the East Bay. The non-profit club is run by ...
toddler playing at beach

A Daycation at Don Castro Swimming Lagoon in Hayward

The clear blue water, sandy toddler-friendly beach and shallows, and affordable price all make for the perfect East Bay daycation with your family.
Lo's Playtown in Benicia

Lo’s Playtown in Benicia is Worth the Drive for Preschool Fun

This indoor playspace is a preschooler's paradise, featuring imaginative play areas, a climbing structure, and even a cozy workspace for parents.
lake anza swimming area crowded

Lake Anza is Best for a Hot Day (Open for 2025)

Berkeley in summer is unpredictable weather-wise. For the hot days, I recommend packing up the requisite beach gear and heading for Lake Anza.
Children swimming at Castle Rock Pool in Walnut Creek

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.
girl swims in water wings

Where Do You Swim in the East Bay?

We've rounded up all the best places to swim in the East Bay: seasonal pools, water parks, beaches, lagoons, and even private pools you can ...

It’s Free! The Edible Schoolyard at King Middle School

A stroll through the Edible Schoolyard garden is an ideal way to entertain visiting grandparents and small kids at the same time. Situated behind Hopkins ...
child at library

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.

Exploring Oakland’s Jack London Square with Kids

Things to do with kids in Oakland's Jack London Square, from food to play, there's a lot to do and see.
child looking through gate at farm animals

Tilden Park Little Farm, Free & Fun for All Ages

Berkeley's Little Farm is fantastic and free. No reservations or tickets required. Don't forget the celery!
Friday Nights At OMCA families gathering

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!
flowers at farmers market

East Bay Farmers Markets Guide for {510} Families

Kid-friendly farmer's markets in the East Bay & tips to keep your produce fresh.
3 girls at Emerald Glen Splash

Free Splash Park: Emerald Glen Park in Dublin

Emerald Glen Park in Dublin has a splash park; large sandlot; playground structure for all ages; spacious open sports field; and garden.
El Cerrito Tot Splash

El Cerrito Swim Center is Perfect for Little Walkers and Swimmers

The El Cerrito Swim Center includes a large lap pool, a smaller recreation pool with zero entry, and water spray features.
child playing in water park

Now Open: El Cerrito Splash Park

At the opposite end of the building from the swimming pool entrance, the splash pad welcomes visitors to the El Cerrito swimming pool by providing ...
San Ramon pool

San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park

We love the splash-centric water playground, a large inflatable obstacle course, and swim lane pools all at a reasonable price.
Child at indoor pool

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.
child at pool

Cold or Wet Day? Go Indoor Swimming

My kids love to go to an indoor swimming pool even if the weather outside is frightful. Here are some fave East Bay pools.
child on long bench doing a puzzle he doesn't know he's at a cafe

Where to Grab (Hip) Coffee with Kids in the East Bay

I've frequented a lot of coffee shops in Berkeley and Oakland with kids in tow, here are some of our favorites and why!
Entrance to Ikea Emeryville

Kids Like IKEA Emeryville, Too

The Emeryville monster store, Ikea, is a colorful and fascinating place for a child with a bunch of hidden perks!
boy sliding down concrete slide

Codornices Park in the Berkeley Hills

Codornices Park in Berkeley has so many features that my visits have changed completely as my kids have grown older with new parts to enjoy.
toddler building with sticks in the dirt

Nature-Based Playgroups and Classes in the East Bay

Enjoy our list of East Bay nature playgroups and classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Go a little wild!
View from Camp Reynold

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 ...
kids standing at window watching bagel factory machine

Take a Tour of the Boichik Bagel Factory

Take a FREE tour of the Boichik Bagel Factory in West Berkeley. Carbs, coffee, and heavy machinery - what's not to love?
summer girl at the beach

Where to Play on a Hot Day, East Bay

Our team of experienced parents weighed in on where to go and what to do when it is Just Too Dang Hot. Start with donuts.
Sleepy kids justify drive-through starbucks

Drive-Through Coffee = Rookie Parents’ BFF

Iced or hot, drive-through coffee is a parent's best friend. But you have to know where to look. The East Bay hides them away.
kids on swings

Indoor Playspace in Alameda: Swings and Wings

A place for toddler activities, equipped with sensory toys, inflatables, and lots of swings, located in Alameda open for drop-in play.
The view from the West Point Inn pancake breakfast

Hike to Pancake Breakfast at West Point Inn

Pancake hike was totally worth it! I tried to savor the perfect weather, these sweet children, and the epic view because I may never get ...

Park Profile: Updated Montclair Park

Montclair Park in Oakland is a fantastic park for kids of all ages. There are two playgrounds, a skate park and unique Wild West area ...
child in new parkway movie theatre with couches and big chairs.

Movie Theater Fun for ALL Ages at The New Parkway

See new movies with your baby in tow or bring your child to enjoy classic cartoons with sweet cereal at Oakland's beloved movie theater.
toddler at livermore aquatic center water playground

Robert Livermore Aquatic Center Open June 10 for 2024 Season

The Robert Livermore Aquatic Center has a lagoon-style play pool, a water play structure, and a 22-foot-long water slide. Perfect for some splash-time fun!
Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt

The Gardens at Lake Merritt

As we strolled The Gardens at Lake Merritt, near Children's Fairyland, my husband and I agreed that botanical gardens are usually a big win with ...
toddler climbing area at grove park

Park Profile: Grove Park & Playground in Berkeley

See what's up at the grand reopening of Berkeley's neighborhood playground for the Lorin District. Wood chips.

Parents’ Guide to East Bay Gardens

Explore family-friendly East Bay Gardens for outdoor fun: admire flowers, follow butterflies, enjoy nature, & get inspired!
Brushstrokes Studio Berkeley

Paint Baby Keepsakes at Brushstrokes

Paint baby keepsakes at Brushstrokes Studio by getting footprints on pottery. We like mugs and tiles the best.
two girls in a hand made play structure

14 Super Berkeley Parks and Playgrounds

Leave your neighborhood and push your stroller to a new-to-you park or playground in Berkeley. Some have unique features.
On Lake Chabot with kids

Lake Chabot Regional Park: Trails and Boats

Lake Chabot park has hiking trails, boating, biking hiking, and places to eat. An on-site cafe sells fishing bait and licenses, food, and drinks.
Children playing on boat

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 ...
San Pablo Park Climbing Structure with slide and kids

Berkeley Park Profile: San Pablo Park

Visit Berkeley's oldest park for new play structures, big fields, baseball, basketball, tennis, community center, and room to run.
Rock Garden at Ruth Bancroft Garden

Things to Do with Kids in Walnut Creek

Find out what makes Walnut Creek worth the drive. Pretty parks, shareable sundaes and free trolley rides to name a few.
Canvas tents situated on a hillside

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. 

The Temescal Farmer’s Market, Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt & Frog Park

This Oakland playground is filled on Sundays with folks who have walked over from the Farmer's Market. Try it any day of the week!
boy hiking miller knox

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!
The Morcom Rose Garden with two kids

Frolic In An Unexpected Urban Gem: The Morcom Rose Garden

Roses bloom from April to October at the Morcom Rose Garden, but you can see turkeys anytime in this family friendly urban gem.
Child climbing play structure

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!

Tilden Park Botanic Garden, Free Fun for All Ages

The Tilden Regional Parks Botanic Garden, an enchanted, not-so-secret garden, is a magical place for visitors of all ages at no cost.
Piedmont Recreation girls with basketballs

Rookie Parents’ Guide to East Bay Youth Sports

Getting a child started with a brand-new sport is a bit overwhelming. Figuring out gear, registration deadlines, & all the lingo...

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 ...
Dine inside a real shipping container at Mersea

Hidden Jewel: Mersea on Treasure Island

With a putting green, bocce ball, amazing views, and a cool upcycled container vibe, your family will find many reasons to enjoy Mersea on Treasure ...
Albany-Ohlone-Greenway-Exercise-Area

Best Places to Take Kids in Albany

Park nearly anywhere on lower Solano Avenue (for FREE) and you'll find a place to play, a place to eat, or a place to relax ...
King Park Toddler Playground

What to Do With Kids on Hopkins Street, Berkeley

The stretch of Hopkins Street in Berkeley from MLK to Monterey is full of kid-friendly goodness. Here are our favorites for parents.
child riding tractor

Park Profile: Kennedy Park in Hayward

The park is a farm-themed paradise for little kids with a carousel, train, teacup ride, and petting zoo on weekends. Target is right across the ...
Kid crawling through the Tree Climber at the Bill's Backyard exhibit at the San Jose Discovery Museum

Field Trip: San Jose Children’s Discovery Museum

This indoor and outdoor children's museum in San Jose is engaging, interactive, and educational— worthy of a day trip to the South Bay.
Piedmont Parks and Camps kids in a tree

The Best Places in Piedmont, CA to Go With Kids

How to have the most fun with kids in Piedmont (fully surrounded by Oakland) and the main commercial street nearby, Piedmont Avenue.
SingJam music event

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.
township commons sign and child

Rolling Around Brooklyn Basin (Oakland) with Kids

Township Commons Park at Brooklyn Basin is a beautiful & expansive part of the Oakland waterfront with places to dine, fish, scooter, and more.

Special Event: Baby’s Day Out in the Garden at Brushstrokes Studio

Parents with pre-crawling babies: Drop by Brushstrokes Studio for a footprint-making session at a special 510 Families timeslot.

Magical Bridge in Palo Alto: Inclusive Playground Worth the Drive

You've gotta see this Palo Alto playground that is truly and uniquely for everyone: all ages, abilities and sizes.
Kamaria Lofton

{510} Family Faves with Kids Love Oakland

Lifelong Oaklander, Kamaria Lofton, shares her book series, Kids Love Oakland, and her 3 favorite places to go with her kids.
Brown book cover

New Book for Oakland Kids: BROWN

BROWN: The Many Shades of Love was written by two Oakland educators and is available wherever books are sold!

Reopening Oct. 4: SFMOMA With Free Admission For 2 Weeks

There’s plenty to see at SFMOMA with kids and they're reopening with two weeks of FREE admission.        
swing at mori point 3 kids

Talking about Race with Kids Right Now

We are excited to share a guest post from Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith, East Bay mother of three and a child psychologist who specializes in trauma ...
Making new friends in the pool during AquaBaby swim time

Reopening: AquaTech Swim Center in Alameda

With lots of precautions in place, swim lessons at AquaTech Swim Center will resume.

Kid-friendly Beer Garden: Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack

Arthur Mac's Tap and Snack is a modern retro family-friendly beer garden near the Macarthur Bart station in the Temescal District of Oakland.
Jewel Terrace Park entrance sign

Park Profile: Jewel’s Terrace Park (Albany)

Jewel's Terrace Park has two playgrounds, large grassy field, tennis courts, basketball court, picnic tables, and a BBQ grill.
Jordan Park Avenue Terrace

Park profile: Jordan Park

There are two main play structures in this neighborhood park surrounded by sand, swings for big kids and babies, and tons and tons of toys.
UV west village housing

Insider tips: University Village with kids

From free toys to expensive parking, here are my insider tips for parents of babies and little kids living in the University Village.
Mom and baby enjoying a Kids Go Mandarin class

Best Baby Classes in the East Bay

Looking for baby gyms, baby music classes, or language exploration? These are the best baby classes in Oakland and the East Bay for infants and ...
Willard Park playground in Berkeley

Park Profile: Willard Park in Berkeley

Willard Park near Elmwood is a terrific park and playground for families with a large grassy field, tot play yard, and tennis courts.
toddler balancing on log

Alameda Parks and Playgrounds

Discover a new-to-you playground or park in Alameda, CA.
Sunol activities for the winter

Yes, the Bay Area Does Have Seasons: Winter

We gratefully welcome back Annie Burke, founder of Outside Kids, for today’s post. Most people say that the Bay Area doesn’t have seasons. I disagree. ...

Perfect Bay Area roadtrips with a baby

Here are a few Bay Area getaways where you can just throw the baby and gear into your family car and set out. Once you ...
mom and baby

East Bay baby class: Happy Baby Signs

Happy Baby Signs offers an Introductory Workshop and two six-week playgroups that do not need to be taken in any particular order to help you ...
Your young child can test LeapFrog & VTech toys at the lab

Get your kid a job: toy tester

Sign up for your baby or toddler to be a toy tester at the LeapFrog/VTech lab in Emeryville. We've done it and enjoyed it.

Reader tip: Infant CPR classes in Oakland

Infant/Child CPR classes (in English or Spanish) are taught monthly at the Summit Campus Health Education Center in Oakland for $35/person (some discounts apply) Learn ...

Our April Baby’s Day Out event at Brushstrokes (photos)

We hosted 40 babies at an art studio in Berkeley for a morning of crafts and conversation. See what happened!

New kids yoga studio in Elmwood: Yama Kids Yoga

This Elmwood yoga studio is just for kids.

Shop local: Goldenbug Shoes for kids on College Ave

Located on a kid-friendly block in Oakland's Rockridge neighborhood, GoldenBug carries shoes for babies, toddlers, and big kids up to size 5 youth.

Birthday Party Place: Swim Party at AquaTech

An indoor pool party is one of the more unique children's birthday party ideas, and AquaTech Swim Center in Alameda is the perfect place to ...
Cognitive studies at Cal's Baby Lab

Get Your Kid a Job: Baby Scientist

Seeking baby scientists: UC Berkeley and Mills College both have exciting research studying early childhood development and your child can participate!

Larson Family, kid-friendly Sonoma Winery

We’ve visited a handful of Napa/Sonoma wineries with kids in tow, and Larson Family is the one we keep coming back to. The dirt road driving ...

Parents’ guide to Piedmont parks

6 places to play in Piedmont

Introducing Megan Small Photography

Based in Alameda, and serving the whole Bay Area, Megan Small has a family photography and event planning business. We were introduced by a friend ...
Starry Plough in South Berkeley

A Parent’s Guide to South Berkeley: The Lorin District

The Lorin District is close enough to Ashby BART for train spotting, the library for storytime, and Grove Park for all kinds of recreation. The ...
Music Together class at Kids Gym Berkeley

Music Together review: East Bay baby and toddler music class

I wrote up my family's experience trying Music Together for the first time. Basically, we loved it. I wasn't sure it could be as great ...
Cognitive studies at Cal's Baby Lab

Little kids wanted for cool research at Cal

Years ago, I wrote about getting your baby a job as a scientist and I stand by that recommendation. I first learned about the super ...

3 super day trips with a one-year old

We are happy to introduce you to Jennifer Saranow Schultz (AKA Hintmama), the San Francisco parent to Hannah. As of the time of this interview, ...
Easy fabric projects for moms

New mom challenge: Visit the fabric store

Visit a fabric store with your baby awake and spend a naptime on one of these easy projects: play blanket, swaddle blanket, or carrier!

Lorin Library Berkeley South Branch

Tarea Pitman Hall South Berkeley branch library

The South Library and Tool Lending Library have recently reopened one block north of Ashby BART. There is no designated parking lot, but ample street ...

You read the site — now get the t-shirt!

T-shirts for sale! T-shirts for sale! Last week I posted our {510} tshirts in an online store so that you can order them at your ...

It’s time to Help A Mother Out

One of my favorite Bay Area blogging moms, Amy, has done us all a favor and set up a fundraising page through which we can ...

New mom challenge: Find bookstore events for babies

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 ...

Love or shove: Off the Grid with a kid?

As I was driving a carpool home from camp last month, I ran across another incarnation of the fabulous Off the Grid series of food ...

5 East Bay outings for a baby in a carrier

Babies in a carriers are a great companions. They go where you want them to; they guarantee that passersby will smile at you; and you ...

Have you been to the Alameda Flea Market?

The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is held on the first Sunday of each month at the former naval air station (so the next one is ...

My East Bay summer bucket list (Heather)

After reading Whitney’s East Bay summer bucket list, I wanted to create one of my own. Here are ten things I’d like to do with ...

Support group for new mothers

support group for new mothers in Oakland and Berkeley

6 tips for photographing your newborn from Nancy Alcott

Bay Area photographer Nancy Alcott creates beautiful, high-end images for the families who hire her.

Berkeley’s Off the Grid with a kid

El Cerrito mom, Sunny McKay, thinks that Off the Grid with a kid is a great idea! Here are her tips.

Reader tip: Classes in Albany tumbling and yoga

Are you ready for a series of tiny tumbling or post-natal yoga at the Albany rec center? Read on...

Mr Mopps owners Devin and Jenny

Berkeley independent toy store, Mr. Mopps, is delightful

Mr Mopps independent toy store is a gem in Berkeley.

New Kid in Town: Little Star Pizza

The third location of Little Star Pizza has been open on Solano Avenue since mid-summer, and until we went there over the weekend, I had ...

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