Berkeley
There are tons of things to do in Berkeley, CA with kids. We’ve rounded up the best playgrounds, parks, restaurants, annual events plus tons of other activities for families in Berkeley.
Best Kid-Friendly Berkeley Places
Upcoming Events for Berkeley Kids & Families
Monday, March 30, 2026
3:00 pm: Draw Comics with Jen Wang @ Mr. Mopps’ Children’s Books & Toys, BerkeleyTuesday, March 31, 2026
9:30 am – 11:00 am: Together Wee Play @ James Kenney Park & Community Center, Berkeley3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Springfest @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm: LEGO Club @ Central Library | Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Cal Baseball $5 Ticket Night @ Evans Diamond, Berkeley
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Storytime on the Lawn @ North Branch | Berkeley Public Library, BerkeleyMore Family-Friendly Berkeley Stuff to Know
Cal Sailing Club Offers Free Boat Rides (Sometimes)
Did you know that Cal Sailing Club offers regular free rides to curious community members (including kids 5+)?
Swimming Lessons for East Bay Kids
Let's talk swimming lessons. Here are 25+ East Bay swimming pools that will help teach your child how to swim.
Spring Break Staycation Guide
How many of these day trips and adventures for grade school-age children can you squeeze into one week of your Bay Area staycation?
Good Free Fun: The East Bay Vivarium
East Bay Vivarium has it all: Cute turtles swimming in tanks, giant tortoises munching on lettuce, tiny lizards, boas, enormous pythons, and more.
It’s Free! Indian Rock Park
Wear athletic shoes because Berkeley's Indian Rock will make you want to scale it and start snapping pictures immediately, and you don't want to fall!
Gymnastics Classes for East Bay Kids
Lots of local facilities host gymnastics classes for kids of all ages from toddlers through teens.
19 Places to Run with a Jogging Stroller in the East Bay
From Lafayette to Richmond, Albany, and Berkeley, great paths for any runner with a jogging stroller. Here are ones we love!
Best Prenatal Massage in the East Bay
Looking for a massage therapist focused on prenatal massage in Oakland, Berkeley, or the East Bay? Here are 7 best prenatal massage options near you.
Spring Break Camps in the East Bay
It’s that time of year: Spring Break! Here is a list of programs that offer one-week sessions while school is closed during April.
Celebrating Women’s History Month in the East Bay
Looking for a way to celebrate Women's History Month with your family? Check out this handy list!
Ticket Alert: Cal Performances Drum Tao
Cal Performances brings the best of music, dance, and theater from around the globe to Bay Area audiences.
Cal Bears Baseball: Good, Cheap Fun
Daytime baseball and softball games at Cal are easy family outings, especially when discounted. See the new schedules.
East Bay Classes for a Great Workout With a Baby in Tow
Want to workout with baby in tow? We love group exercise options that make it possible for moms to bring baby along. Here are 5+ ...
Youth Soccer in the East Bay: A Parent’s Guide
Where, how, and when to sign kids up for soccer programs that match their developmental level.
Date Night: 21 East Bay Parents’ Night Out (PNO)
PNO is a drop-off kid party hosted in which children eat pizza, have dessert, and play with other kids of a similar age until way ...
Ticket Alert: Family Matinees at Rialto Cinemas
Cerrito Rialto and Elmwood Theatre welcome families to their free weekend matinees. Tickets available in advance.
Ohlone Park Playground With Nature-Inspired Play Structures
The play structures are mostly made from logs, from climbing frames to swinging seats that challenge children with balance and coordination tasks.
Parents’ Guide to East Bay Gardens
Explore family-friendly East Bay Gardens for outdoor fun: admire flowers, follow butterflies, enjoy nature, & get inspired!
Lunar New Year in the Bay Area is a Family-Friendly Celebration
As the Year of the Horse approaches, a handful of wonderful kid-friendly Lunar New Year celebrations pop up around the Bay Area.
Summer Fairs and Festivals for Bay Area Families
Here is a list of outdoor street fairs, carnivals, county fairs, and festivals to pencil into your Summer plans from May to August.
Parents’ Guide to Solano Avenue
The one-mile stretch of Solano Avenue, running through Berkeley and Albany features over 200 businesses ranging from ballet to boba.
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 ...
5 East Bay Spots to Get Even Wetter on a Rainy Day
Outdoor spots to take kids after -- or during -- a rainy day in the East Bay.
Coding Classes & Camps for East Bay Kids
7 local resources for helping kids get into coding.
Visiting the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley
Indoor and outdoor fun at The Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley. Take your time exploring, and if you have three or more kids, definitely ...
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
Holiday Outing: Christmas at the Tilden Carousel
The Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round transforms every year to a magical winter wonderland. Look for cocoa, ornaments to buy, and sometimes Santa!
Where to Mail Your Letters to Santa
Here's how to send your children's letters to Santa Claus, some with special mailboxes to the North Pole and some ways even easier!
Drop-in Art Studios for Families
I love art studios stocked with supplies where I can let my kids get messy without worrying about cleaning up afterward. These drop-in studios fit ...
How to Book a Christmas Pedicab Adventure
This Christmas-themed outdoor adventure for your family may be just the thing to kick off your holiday season.
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, ...
Hanukkah Guide: Family-friendly Activities for the Festival of Lights
This Hanukkah Guide for East Bay kids has listings for menorah lightings & Hanukkah events in Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond & beyond.
Baby’s Day Out with Kula at Spirited Play Labs (Recap)
Enjoy the highlights of our most recent Baby's Day Out event - find freebies, photos, and some hints about our next event!
Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families
Your Christmas planner of family-friendly Bay Area Christmas event picks for toddlers to teens.
Three-Year Old’s Guide to Lawrence Hall of Science
My three-year-old came to the Lawrence with his science goggles on ready to play and learn. Our visit was a joyful exploration
Ticket Alert: The Harlem Globetrotters in Oakland
What to know about taking your family to the Harlem Globetrotter's game in Oakland
Christmas Tree Lightings in the East Bay & San Francisco
This list of Christmas tree lightings provides festive options for families in the East Bay and beyond.
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.
Winter Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost $10 or Less
$10 is enough for a fun family outing with a little kid in the Bay Area. Here are 25 low-cost ideas!
Best Christmas Lights in the East Bay
We love holiday lights! Whether you stay in the car and do a "drive-by" or get out to stroll, East Bay Christmas light displays are ...
Where to Get Photos with Santa Claus in the East Bay
Where to get your Santa photos in the East Bay, Oakland, Alameda, or Berkeley and our nearby vicinity all month long.
Fourth Street Lights Up With Dazzling Holiday Lights
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, head on down to Berkeley's Fourth Street at Delaware for an extra dose of holiday cheer beginning at 5 pm.
Black Pine Circle School Nurtures Intellectual Curiosity for Grades K-8
Read about Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley - a place where children learn to be curious and compassionate.
50 Things to Do With Bay Area Kids When School Is Out
Wondering what to do when school is out? Take one of these 50 fantastic Bay Area ideas and build your day around it.
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!
Join Us: Baby’s Day Out with Kula at Spirited Play Labs
For parents with babies, 0 to 1, we are excited to welcome you to this beautiful, inclusive soft play space with a cozy infant lounge.
Ticket Alert: Bay Area Nutcrackers & Other Holiday Performances
Want to see the Nutcracker in Oakland? Here are some lovely holiday performances to choose from including larger- and small-scale theaters.
Indoor Play Space in Berkeley: Children’s Club House
Children’s Club House in South Berkeley is a welcoming spot for parents seeking fun for their tiny tots.
Halloween Events for East Bay Kids
Fun and safe Halloween events and activities for kids in Oakland, Berkeley, and surrounding areas.
Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. We found a variety of ways to celebrate with kids in the East Bay.
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.
Berkeley Park Profile: George Florence Park
The tot lot is fully enclosed with a fence, so it's a great place for keeping an eye on multiple toddlers or bringing your preschooler ...
Community Music Day at Crowden School is Back
Community Music Day at the Crowden School offers free hands-on music experiences for children.
Ticket Alert: Berkeley Symphony Performing Free for K-12 Children
Berkeley Symphony announced that they'll be providing free tickets to four upcoming symphony performances for youth.
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 ...
East Bay Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide
East Bay pumpkin patches come in many types: a pile at the market, a quick pumpkin picture, a carnival atmosphere, or a full day on ...
What to Do With Kids on Berkeley’s Fourth Street
Berkeley's Fourth Street has the food, fun, and stuff to please folks of all ages. Up early? Love trains? Reptiles? Coffee? Toys? Come on.
Tips for Taking Kids to Cal Bears Football Games
Here are some tips to help kids enjoy Cal football games and surrounding festivities, so you can make it through the whole game whine-free
Taking Kids to Performances at Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall: A Guide for Families
Cal Performance's family-friendly lineup at Zellerbach Hall makes planning a special outing a cinch. Adults will appreciate the East Bay location!Â
Book Now: Holiday Train Rides Around the Bay Area
All aboard the Polar Express! Here are a few magical holiday train rides for Bay Area families, some of which will sell out quickly.
Victory Point Cafe Birthday Parties
For East Bay Families, Victory Point Cafe a super fun board game cafe and an easy birthday party destination for the right kind of kiddo.
Where Do You Take Guests From Out-of-Town?
To show off the East Bay to your friends from back home, where do you go? We've got culture, stunning views, the Bay, and redwoods!
Late Summer Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost Less Than $10
Summer bucket list of family fun outings that cost less than 10 bucks for one adult and one child
Animal Discovery Room at Lawrence Hall of Science
The Lawrence Hall of Science hosts an active Animal Discovery Zone from chinchillas to box turtles.
10 Mostly Free & Cheap Outings for Mixed Ages in the East Bay
With kids age two to nine, it is hard to find something for everyone. Here are ten terrific East Bay places that we all love.
9 Playground Ziplines for Bay Area Kids
Our favorite nearby ziplines in the East Bay are in Berkeley and Alameda, but we found a dozen more for adventurous kids to try.
Teen & Tween Birthday Party Spot: Game On Berkeley
For ages 8+, this multi-room game experience invites you to laugh while solving custom-built puzzles that challenge your brain & body.
Ticket Alert: Yo-Yo Ma & Angélique Kidjo in a Family-Friendly Show at the Greek Theatre
A not-to-miss event for East Bay families, on Saturday, August 30, musical legends Yo-Yo Ma and Angélique Kidjo will take the stage at Berkeley’s iconic ...
Holiday Tea at the Claremont Resort & Club
This elegant holiday tea at the historic Claremont is perfect for family time that doesn't center around Santa or gifts. My daughter and I were ...
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 ...
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: 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.
30 Places to Play Outside with Your Little Kid
Wondering where to play outside with your little kid? Unplug, be together, get dirt under your fingernails. Preschoolers, toddlers in the fresh air, let's go!
Martial Arts Classes for East Bay Kids
There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, and nearby that will teach your school-age child the discipline and fitness of martial arts.
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.
Thousand Oaks Tot Park
A Pandora's Box of toddler fun, Thousand Oaks park offers an easy-to-manage playground for little ones who don't know there's more to see beyond its ...
Open for Danger: Adventure Playground Berkeley
Adventure Playground Berkeley lets kids imagine, build, and decorate their own play structures with saws, hammers, nails, and paint.
44 Best Activities for Teens in the East Bay & Beyond
What to do with East Bay teens? Our teenagers' Bay Area favorites include museum deals, hiking, beach day, little farm, & fire pits at ocean ...
East Bay Breweries & Beer Gardens Where Kids Can Have Fun, Too
East Bay breweries where parents can enjoy local beers while kids are entertained by charming environments.
15 Berkeley Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
Top kid-friendly Berkeley patio restaurants with outdoor seating where the noises disappear and the crumbs bounce away.
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.
Kayaking with Kids Near Oakland
Kayaking can be an easy and enjoyable way for your family to enjoy the Bay waters. Here are places that can get you out on ...
Cal Athletic Events: Free and Cheap Fun for Kids in Berkeley
Cal sporting events are local family fun - and often free!
Best Ice Cream in Oakland, Berkeley, and Beyond
Our go to treat is always ice cream. Always. I've rounded up our local favorite places to order up a scoop. Did yours make the ...
19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids
Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th, with community gatherings, great meals, lively music, and cultural celebrations. Or a little of everything.
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.
Ride a concrete slide in Berkeley
Get your thrills by zipping down a cement slide in the Berkeley Hills. There are TWO concrete slides in Berkeley that we know of.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month Activities for Families
We love family-friendly Pride celebrations and they're back in full swing. Celebrations for LGBTQ families & allies alike.
East Bay Father’s Day Guide
Looking for things to do on Father's Day in Oakland? Here are some local-ish ideas for treating, entertaining, and celebrating Dad.
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 ...
75 Days of Summer Fun for East Bay Kids
The best ideas for family fun all summer long: fruit picking, ice cream, bike rides, beaches, splashing, and concerts!
Park Profile: Becky Temko Tot Park in Berkeley
Becky Temko tot lot in Southwest Berkeley is small, enclosed, and simply wonderful for watching more than one toddler at a time. Until you need ...
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 ...
East Bay Outdoor Movie Round-Up
If your kids can stay up well past 9pm, there are a few outdoor movies you can see for FREE. Most start around 8:15-8:45ish. BYO ...
Join Us: Baby’s Day Out at Brushstrokes with Shef
We are so excited to announce a fun event for 510Families.com readers with pre-crawling babies made possible by Shef!
Best East Bay Destinations & Tips for Train Lovers
When my kid was one, the best way to get him out of the house was to talk about the choo choos we would see: ...
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.
Youth Lacrosse in the East Bay: A Parent’s Guide
A guide to the lacrosse leagues, camps, classes and retail stores in the East Bay.
A Park With A View: Glendale La Loma Park in the Berkeley Hills
Glendale La Loma Park is a 3-level terraced park tucked in the Berkeley Hills with a parking lot, fenced tot lot, big kid playground, and, ...
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.
Free Building Workshops for Kids
Calling all mini builders! Local hardware stores host a variety of free family-friendly workshops and craft projects for kids with real tools
Berkeley Park Profile: Dream Land at Aquatic Park
Dream Land in the Aquatic Park area of Berkeley is a whimsical and adventurous playground that will inspire and excite your little ones' senses.
3 Best Places to Fly a Kite in the East Bay
Flying a kite involves running outside and a little patience. When your kids tell you that they're bored, you can tell them to go fly ...
Where to Find Dinosaurs in the East Bay
If you and your kid are always looking for cool dinosaur books and toys, you'll love to see these life-size (and bigger!) local dinos.
Date Night, Mom’s Night Out, or Family Night Out at Berkeley’s Greek Theatre
When the sun goes down and the production lights go on, there's nothing like the energy of the crowd at Berkeley's Greek Theatre.
Kid-Friendly Hikes to See Wildflowers Superbloom in the East Bay
It's wildflower season here in the East Bay! Find out the best places to go with your kiddos.
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.
16 Best Boba Places in the East Bay
Check out some of the best boba places in Berkeley, Oakland, & Alameda with a beginner's guide to bubble tea flavors and combos.
East Bay Farmers Markets Guide for {510} Families
Kid-friendly farmer's markets in the East Bay & tips to keep your produce fresh.
Free & Cheap Activities in Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Park has fantastic free activities for families. Some of our favorite family places in Tilden Regional Park are totally free. Which ones do you ...
Swim at Strawberry Canyon Pool in the Berkeley Hills
Most of the pool is dedicated to recreational swimming, and about a third is shallow, warm, kid-friendly water.
When are Lake Temescal and Lake Anza Open for Swimming?
Lake Temescal and Lake Anza are open weekends until Memorial Day, then daily all summer. But wait! Check the water quality before you go.
A Magical Holiday Staycation at Berkeley’s Claremont Resort & Club
Plan a family holiday staycation at the Claremont Club & Spa in Berkeley. From pizza, cookies, views, and more, what's not to love?
Get Free Museum Entry with Discover & Go
Powered by our local libraries, Discover & Go gets you and your kids in free to some of our most popular museums and attractions for ...
Park Profile: Dorothy Bolte Park in the Berkeley Hills
With a thrilling 40-foot concrete slide connecting two playgrounds, Dorothy Bolte Park in the Berkeley Hills provides hours of amusement.
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.
10+ East Bay Yoga Studios with Prenatal Yoga
Stressed, exhausted, or excited about an upcoming birth? Prenatal yoga just might be the place for you.
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.
Tilden Park Steam Trains are a Cheap Thrill
The Tilden Park steam trains in the Berkeley hills are open daily for summer vacation. Wonderful fun for toddlers. Plan your visit.
A Rookie’s Guide to Kids Baseball & Softball in the East Bay
If you're thinking you'd like to give your child the opportunity to play baseball, but don't know how to get started, keep reading. We'll walk ...
Gently Used Kids Clothing Shop in Berkeley: Grove Street Kids
At Grove Street Kids in Berkeley, the clothing is as well merchandised as I've ever seen in a used clothing store.
Global Cuisine Restaurants for the Whole Family
Thank goodness for these family-friendly restaurants who have helped our kids learn to love new flavors by making it accessible and delicious.
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!
21 Places in the Bay Area Where Kids Can See Animals
A few favorite places to get a miniature zoo experience for FREE in the East Bay, small animal encounters, & farms!
Best Pizza in the East Bay for Families
50 favorite East Bay pizza places beloved by kids & families sliced up by type of crust including 10 for half-baked!
Berkwood Hedge School Offers Interdisciplinary Program for Grades K-8
Berkwood Hedge School's Project-Based Learning program creates unique opportunities for deep interdisciplinary study, even in the youngest grades.
14 East Bay Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Did you know there's a handful of restaurants where kids eat free? Skip cooking on Tuesday night and head to one of these places.
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.
25 Best Things to Do With Kids in Berkeley
From the marina to the hills to the best attractions on the Cal campus & downtown, this is a guide to fun things to do ...
Tilden Park’s Miniature Trains
Each Sunday between now and the end of September, the Golden Gate Live Steamers open their tracks to the public for rides.
99 Kid-friendly Restaurants in the East Bay
99 kid-friendly restaurants to check out in Oakland and Berkeley from Breakfast for dinner to Mexican, Pizza, Asian, Diners, and lots more!
Tilden Park’s Merry-Go-Round Is a Classic
The merry-go-round in Tilden Regional Park is an antique carousel with hand-carved and painted wooden carousel animals to ride.
Membership-Based Inclusive Play at Spirited Play Labs in Berkeley
Whether a child is on the autism spectrum, has sensory processing differences, or has developmental delays, the dedicated team at Spirited Play Labs aims to ...
Introducing: School of the Madeleine in Berkeley
Thanks to School of the Madeleine, a vibrant and inclusive K-8 Catholic school in Berkeley, for sponsoring {510} Families.
26 Places Where Kids Can Ride Scooters
Wondering where your little one can ride a scooter around Oakland? I have 2 scooters and 2 helmets permanently in my trunk, and I know ...
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?
Play all the Games at Victory Point Cafe
Victory Point Board Game Cafe has food, snacks, coffee and 800 different board games to choose from. Pay per person to play them all.
Introducing Millie: A Modern Maternity Clinic in Berkeley
With a unique blend of midwife-led, OB-supported care, Millie Clinic ensures better birth outcomes and an intimate experience for you and your baby.
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 Places to Play a Round of Golf With Kids in the East Bay
There are many local courses that offer Par 3, and most public courses even have driving ranges too where you can practice hitting ball after ...
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.
Summer Swim Vibes at West Campus Pool in Berkeley
West Campus Pool has a warm pool, several tables, bleachers, and fake grass to lay your towels out on and relax in the sun.
Headlands Brewing For Outdoor Dining or a Quick Date
This Berkeley taproom and beer garden, located on Gilman Street, features Headlands’ own brand of craft beers as well as food and a kids' play ...
Favorite Bay Area Donuts and Doughnuts
From El Cerrito to Downtown Oakland to San Francisco, here are our favorite Bay Area donuts (and doughnuts!)
Dance Classes for Toddlers in the East Bay
Ballet and pre-dance classes for toddlers and children under five are both popular and prolific. Find the perfect dance class for your child.
Sportfishing on the Bay with Kids
If you've ever wanted to take your kid fishing on the Bay, this is how you do it. No experience or worms necessary!
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.
Family Day at The Bay Area Book Festival
Bring your little ones, middle graders, and teens to Bay Area Book Festival Family Day at the Berkeley Public Library downtown.
Eating Out with Kids in Berkeley: Toss Noodle Bar
In Downtown Berkeley, located near the YMCA and the Central Library, is a noodle bar that made even my picky eater happy.
Impress Your Kids: Hike into a Real Volcano & Labyrinth in OaklandÂ
Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve's Special Labyrinth can be hiked to with school-aged kids in less than two hours, round trip.
25 Places to Take Preschoolers in the East Bay – Indoors
Places to take East Bay toddlers and preschoolers: Bay Area destinations for younger kids featuring amazing indoor play spaces and museums.
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.
Introducing Brilliant Births: A Community Space for New and Expecting Parents
Offering childbirth preparation classes and other workshops for new parents in Berkeley.
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.
Berkeley Park Profile: Cedar-Rose Park
Cedar-Rose Park in North Berkeley has a little fenced-in tot lot, wide open field, and big kid playground making it a great option for mixed ...
Top Things to Do With Kids at Cal
Here are our top things to do with our kids at University of California at Berkeley's "Cal" Campus: climb, sing, dinosaurs, research, run, and play!
Best Idea Ever: A Playground with Coffee in Berkeley
With ample parking, a huge field, a creek to explore, a playground, and now, a cafe onsite, Strawberry Creek Park is a perfect destination.
17 Toddler-Friendly Hikes in the East Bay
Hiking with a toddler can be a walk down the street, or a quest to find bugs or fairies. We love these East Bay places ...
Where to Scramble: The Rock Parks of North Berkeley
We have been making our way around the rock parks of Berkeley and thought you'd like to see where they are.
Where to Find Monarch Butterflies in the East Bay
It's that time of year where Western monarchs gather in Northern California. Find out where to find them in the East Bay!
Paint Baby Keepsakes at Brushstrokes
Paint baby keepsakes at Brushstrokes Studio by getting footprints on pottery. We like mugs and tiles the best.
Follow the Tasty {510} Cookie Trail
Where to get delicious cookies with your kids, where to play, and how to sneak some for yourself after bedtime!
Thrifting With Tweens & Teens on Telegraph Avenue
Berkeley thrifting can be a great way for tweens + teens to find clothes that fit their budget and style.
Oct. 14: Free BORP Adaptive Sports Expo — Register Now
Oct. 14, the BORP Adaptive Sports Expo is a free opportunity for people with disabilities to try many different sports + recreation activities at 3 ...
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.
Take the Bay Day Challenge With Your Kids
Take on the Bay Day Month of Challenges with your kids September 7 to October 7. See the Bay + win prizes.
Toddler Pick: A Short Hike Around Jewel Lake
The small hike around Jewel Lake in Tilden Park is a wonderful trek for toddlers and the parents who love them.
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: San Pablo Park
Visit Berkeley's oldest park for new play structures, big fields, baseball, basketball, tennis, community center, and room to run.
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
Soak Up the Summer Solstice in the East Bay
Seek out the summer solstice on Wednesday, June 21 in Oakland. Soak in the daylight, salute the sun, play outside.
Berkeley Summer Programs for Low-Income Families
Summertime park and playground programs.
Tour TCHO Chocolate Factory in Berkeley
Tours of Berkeley's TCHO Chocolate Factory are ongoing for ages 8 on up. Book in advance for your $15 tour and tasting.
12 Best Bay Area Science Museums for Kids
The Bay Area has some of the world's best science museums. Play with your kids while learning about science, technology, and nature.
Best BARTable Play for Toddlers
Riding BART can be a real treat for train-loving toddlers. Here is a handful of mostly free BART-friendly destinations for toddlers and their parents.
East Bay Restaurants with Kids’ Play Areas
When restaurants have play areas, or even a small basket of chalk and a chalkboard, it can make a parent's life easier. We are grateful ...
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.
Sponsor Spotlight: The Crowden School in Berkeley
For students in grades 3-8, Crowden offers a special daily schedule designed to provide students with passion for music-making with academic development.
Park Review: Live Oak Park in Berkeley
With playgrounds, grassy areas, shady trees, basketball and tennis courts, BBQs, a community center, and a creek, Live Oak Park really does have something for ...
Codornices Park Birthday Party: Keeping it Simple
Find out how to throw a simple and cheap birthday party at Codornices Park in Berkeley
5 Fantastic Spots to Photograph East Bay Kids
A couple of things make a great spot to photograph your kids in addition to having an interesting visual landscape.
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 ...
Berkeley’s North Shattuck Neighborhood with Kids
Favorite cupcakes, pizza, sushi, swings... Berkeley's Gourmet Ghetto is a fantastic place for kids and their parents to eat, play, and eat some more!
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.
Save The Date: Solano Avenue Stroll
Solano Avenue in Berkeley and Albany will come together for their superfun Solano Stroll on Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2022.
How to: Kite-flying birthday party in the Berkeley Marina
A supremely entertaining party activity for kids 4 and up!
Let Us Plan 10 Summer Adventures for Your Little Kids!
Have you ever spent hours googling for activities to do with kids, instead of going out and doing them? Let us spare you the effort. ...
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.
Gilman District in Berkeley with Kids
Gilman District in Berkeley, Gilman between the freeway and San Pablo Ave is awesome for families with kids for lots of places to eat, shop, ...
A Parent’s Guide to Martin Luther King Jr Way in North Berkeley
6 places to know about for parents who travel through North Berkeley
What to Do With Kids in Berkeley’s Westbrae Neighborhood
The Westbrae Neighborhood of Berkeley, at the crossroads of Gilman and the Ohlone Greenway, is a perfect kid-friendly destination for a sunny day.
17 Children’s Authors That Will Be at The Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley
Discover new children's books and hear from the authors at the Bay Area Book Festival in Berkeley on May 7+8.
Quarter Day Trip: Go Up The Campanile at UC Berkeley
Ascending the clock and bell tower in Berkeley is a kid-friendly adventure available to you for a few dollars. Time your visit to enjoy or ...
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.
3 Easy Ways to Introduce Middle Eastern Culture to East Bay Kids
Thanks to Stephanie Meade for this guest post. Stephanie is the founder and editor of InCultureParent.com, a tremendous resource for parents raising global citizens. One ...
What to Do With Kids in the Elmwood (Berkeley)
Our favorite fantastic places in the Elmwood to enjoy with children including where to eat, where to play, and where to shop!
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.
Shop Local: Woodworking Kits for Kids to Build at Home
9th Street Lab in Berkeley offers DIY carpentry and woodworking kits at a reasonable price point. They allow kids to make cool stuff and build ...
Reopening: Playgrounds in East Bay & San Francisco
Berkeley playgrounds reopen Friday, Oct. 16 and San Francisco playgrounds reopen Wednesday, Oct. 14. The remaining local counties are TBD.
Spotlight on Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley Early Childhood Program
EB is a preschool - 8th international school combining a dynamic French curriculum and a whole-child-centered independent school education.
Now Open: Tennis Courts
I love to see the families and kids out playing tennis again. Where to go and how to do it safely in the East Bay.
7 Instagram-Worthy Wall Murals in the East Bay Kids Will Love
Stunning street art wall murals around Oakland that will make you want to get your camera out, where to find them, and who made them!
Resources for Raising a Bilingual Child in the East Bay (Tips from a Mom)
Stephanie is passionate about languages and speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese, some bits of German, Armenian, Russian, and Arabic.
Flag football for K-7 kids at Cal’s Memorial Stadium in Berkeley
Registration is open for the second season of flag football at Cal's Memorial Stadium for kids in grades Kindergarten through 7th grade.
Snow Day on Upper Shattuck in North Berkeley
Bring boots and mittens to Shattuck Avenue between Rose and Vine Streets in Berkeley on Sunday, December 8, 2019.
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.
Five Lunch Dates (No Babysitter Required!)
Favorite East Bay lunch spots in South Berkeley and North Oakland (AKA where I love to go with my husband so we can avoid paying ...
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.
Cheap birthday party idea: Little Farm at Tilden Park
Everything you need to know about hosting a birthday party at Tilden Park's Little Farm Nature Area.
Special time with your kid: 10 sibling-free outings
Leave the siblings at home. Anywhere you go together can be special. Here are 10 fantastic places to take your child for one-on-one time.
Save the dates: Sunday Streets Berkeley
Sunday Streets Berkeley will close down to car traffic to allow families to play in the streets, dance, bike, eat, and create. It's one huge ...
Cheap birthday party: Adventure Playground
Adventure Playground is a DIY playground and a special DIY birthday party destination. Tow party supplies to the adjacent Shorebird park and party on!
Learn to row with Berkeley High Crew (FREE)
Every spring Berkeley High Crew hosts a free Learn-to-Row Day open to youth ages 11 and up. Pre-register for this cool opportunity for your tween ...
Birthday treat: Unicorn donuts at Rainbow Donuts
Donuts that are delicious and magically beautiful!
Kidpower safety courses for children
I attended a Kidpower workshop with my child. Safety and self-defense classes are taught in an age-appropriate way for three-year olds through teenagers.
Save the Date: Annual Storytelling Festival at Berkwood Hedge
Each year a line-up of impressive storytellers take the stage in front of Bay Area families, who gather with their listening ears on.
East Bay Indoor Birthday Party Places
A winter birthday means that it just might rain on your parade. Plan for an indoor party and stop worrying about the weather at one ...
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.
Cake Wars birthday party in Berkeley produces beautiful results
Cake Wars: A unique party concept, perfect for indoor birthday party months.
Reader tip: Picante has easy pickup!
Picante ended their popular curbside pickup service in favor of brief parking and running in. Good but not as good. Apparently this is safer.
Visiting Bay Area Art Museums and Galleries with Kids
Presenting some must-know info for parents who plan to visit Bay Area museums with their children to make it more fun for all.
Berkeley Family Bike Fest & Family Cycling Rodeo
My favorite kid-friendly bike rodeo event is happening 3/18 at LeConte school in Berkeley, and everyone's invited.
Hotel with pool: Indoor birthday party idea for East Bay tweens
If you get a room at the Doubletree Berkeley Marina hotel, you get access to their indoor pool, which, sources tell us, makes a great ...
Introducing Girls Garage
Girls Garage in West Berkeley offers the space, resources, and teachers to get girls hands-on with welding, woodwork, and a little trouble.
Kid Reporter: 3 Kid-Friendly Mountain Biking Trails in the Bay Area
Three mountain biking trails to explore with kids in the Bay Area, by Kid Reporter and mountain biking enthusiast, Zach, age 12.
Kid Report: Indian Rock and Gregoire
Our kid reporter, Elie K. describes a special afternoon in Berkeley, climbing Indian Rock with food at Gregoire and iScream.
20 free things to do in the East Bay before summer is over
Take on one of these items as your mission every day, and you'll definitely be getting the most out of the East Bay.
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!
Kid Report: Best Skate Parks in the East Bay
Juliette tells us about the best skate parks for skateboarders and scooter riders in the East Bay: Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Moraga. Plus San Rafael.
Get messy at Berkeley’s Sticky Art Lab
Sticky Art Lab in Berkeley offers craft sessions for families, after school supervision for elementary kids, creative reuse parties for all.
Berkeley Enough: Fog and Smog (video)
Enjoy this video comparing the LA scene to Berkeley.
Where to buy ballet and gymnastics gear in the East Bay
4 places to find the right outfit for little dancers.
Kid Report: Taqueria La Familia
Our Kid Reporter today is Rafi who is going into 6th grade in Berkeley. Taqueria La Familia is a restaurant in South Berkeley. This family-run ...
Kid Report: Zebra Tattoo & Body Piercing, A good place to get your ears pierced
Our guest reporter today is Fiona G. who will be in sixth grade at King Middle School this fall when school starts again. She is ...
ME time: My favorite spots around the {510}
This post was sponsored by domain.ME who wants you to have more time for ME. All opinions and picks are my own. I recently wrote ...
World Record for Einsteins happening in Berkeley
The elementary and middle school students at Black Pine Circle School in Berkeley, CA will gather en masse at the school’s athletic field at 2pm ...
East Bay restaurants for big family groups
When my visiting family was in town, I was at a loss for dining-out options that would be able to accommodate the nine of us. ...
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 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 ...
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 ...
Mr. Mopps Children’s bookstore is lovely
North Berkeley has a fantastic children's bookstore near the intersection of Rose and MLK, near Fatapple's, but if you're not paying attention, you could miss ...
Support the food banks year-round
My friend recently told me about a program to replenish the food bank by picking up grocery donations from nearby homes on a regular basis, ...
Back-to-school checklist
Back-to-school prep in the East Bay: hair, shoes, backpack, lunchbox, clothes, what else do you need?
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!
How to visit a Berkeley fire station with your child
Coordinating a firehouse visit in Berkeley was top on my list after I did a fire safety lesson with my 4 year old. It was ...
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 ...
New book about food and family features many Bay Area writers
The Cassoulet Saved Our Marriage is a collection of essays about eating and how we learn to do it, with and from our families. Several ...
Sunday brunch at the Thai Temple in Berkeley
Brunch at Wat Mongkolratanaram, Berkeley’s Thai Buddhist temple, at Russell St and Martin Luther King Jr. is a treat not to be missed. Since I ...
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 ...
Berkeley birthday party: Tilden’s Merry-Go-Round
Fun outdoor birthday party place: Tilden Park Carousel! The merry-go-round makes for an entertaining ride and a lovely backdrop. This one's pretty easy.
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 ...
Dinner on the table: Fast food that’s super healthy
Or what the heck is a community supported kitchen? Three Stone Hearth is a worker-owned cooperative, offering nutrient dense foods to homes and families around ...
Dinner on the table: prepared meals from Berkeley Bowl
When the second Berkeley Bowl opened in West Berkeley, I started writing a post in my head featuring all the terrific prepared meals that someone ...
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 ...
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 ...
Hiking in the East Bay with kids
I have a shelf full of travel books that I’m reluctant to toss because they remind me of my past life. However, I know that ...
Support group for new mothers
support group for new mothers in Oakland and Berkeley
Eating while at Alta Bates Hospital
Whether you're at Alta Bates Hospital on Ashby for one night or several, there are many good choices for food that are better than the ...
Join us for Mom’s Night Out @ Sticky Art Lab
This event is now sold out. There is a waitlist in case anyone can't join us. We have partnered with UrbanSitter and Sticky ...
Birthday party entertainment: East Bay Vivarium
Birthday party fun: Have a little piece of the Vivarium brought to your house in the form of their traveling reptile program.
5 East Bay outdoor birthday party ideas
I've put together a list of five options for outdoor birthday parties that are super fun and let kids run their ya-yas out around the ...
7 solutions for when you can’t deal with dinner
What East Bay resources are other parents leaning on when they run out of inspiration or time?
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.
Berkeley independent toy store, Mr. Mopps, is delightful
Mr Mopps independent toy store is a gem in Berkeley.
Local sweet potato pie queen: Mamie & Makhi’s
If you're hungry for a homemade sweet potato pie, read about how my friend Lois is taking the (510) by the belly.
Letterboxing in the 510
Up for a treasure hunt? We've got a couple of clues for you.
