Resources
Spring Break Ideas for East Bay Families
Spring Break inspiration for road trips from the Bay Area, easy travel, and other ways to spend your week off.
Summer Camps for Age 5 and Under
This roundup of summer camps for two- to five-year olds on break from preschool or about to enter kindergarten might solve your summer woes.
The Ultimate Guide to Special Needs Resources in The East Bay
How to support kids with medical, developmental or social-emotional concerns, from interventions to recreational fun for kids with different abilities.
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.
East Bay Camps with Longer Sessions
Summer camps with two to eight-week sessions are perfect for kids to form deeper connections with other campers and staff.
21 Best Places to Learn to Ride a Bike in the East Bay
Trails, paths, and open spaces that offer opportunities for new riders to improve their skills on bicycles.
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+ ...
Sign Up for Free Trial Classes for Kids!
We love to try out a class before committing to a full session. Here are a few places that offer occasional free trials on kids' ...
No-Fly Vacation Idea: Seascape Resort in Aptos
Aptos feels like a faraway family getaway without hefty airfares. Hop in the car and your vacation starts in 90 minutes!
Vacation Inspiration: Plan a Trip to Avila Beach With Kids
About four hours from Berkeley, Avila Beach is a tiny town on the Central Coast offering plenty to do with kids of all ages.
Academic Summer Camps for East Bay Kids
Want to make learning fun this summer? These educational summer camps include cool offerings in the East Bay from math to writing.
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.
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.
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 ...
CIT Programs: Berkeley & Oakland Summer Campers
For kids who are outgrowing day camp, here are some next steps to explore youth leadership and fun together.
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 ...
Renting an Airstream near Monterey — or Camping for Dummies
I rented a stationary Airstream at the KOA campground near Santa Cruz. My family had a fantastic little getaway. Reserve your own Watsonville airstream.
Spring Break Inspiration: Joshua Tree and Palm Springs
A family-friendly trip adventure in Southern California, covering Joshua Tree and Palm Springs in one week.
Weekend Road Trip: Jubilee Railroad Resort & Lake Shasta Caverns
Our family drove North and slept in a real train caboose. By day, we explored a science museum, playground, and the caverns at Lake Shasta!
Vacation Inspiration: Road Trip to Palm Springs
A family road trip to Palm Springs offers an extreme change of scenery and climate. My kids loved the heat and we loved the vibe. ...
5 Scenic Hotels Less than Two Hours from the East Bay
These special places make you feel like you hopped on a plane to get there & how to best experience them with kids
Vacation Inspiration: Oregon Coast with Kids
A simple itinerary for an Oregon road trip with kids: from the Bay Area to Portland.
Vacation Inspiration: Yosemite with Little Kids
Looking for a drivable vacation that's relatively affordable and truly awe-inspiring for all ages? Yosemite National Park should be top on your list!
San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park
Heading to San Diego? We had a great time at the San Diego Zoo's Safari Park in Escondido.
Bay Area Road Trip: Monterey Bay
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California's best indoor tourist attractions, a perfect mission for the long days of holiday school closures.
Good Deal: Waterpark Hotel: Bay Area Great Wolf Lodge
Save 30% on the Bay Area's first and only Great Wolf Lodge, an inclusive hotel and water park for the whole family from tots to ...
East Bay Summer Camp Guide
Oakland Summer Camps + Berkeley Summer Camps with day camps in STEM, sports, cooking, arts, music, and more!
{510} Family Faves with Berkeley Minimalist Mom Shira Gill
Four tips for East Bay parents from a local parent who values experiences over things.
Where to Take Bay Area Kids to Experience the Snow
Bay Area kids get to experience the snow with a day trip or weekend getaway for sledding, tubing, snow shoeing, skiing, or snowboarding. Lucky kids.
20+ Things to Do in Rockridge With Kids
Save this amazing list of things to do with kids in Rockridge along College Avenue in Oakland.
AIMS: Oakland’s College-Focused Public Charter School
Rooted in Oakland since 1996, AIMS is all about academic excellence and preparing students for four-year colleges and beyond.
5 Places to Try Postpartum Yoga
Postnatal yoga classes are a safe, welcoming new outing for new moms with babies.
What Are The Closest Snow Play Trips for Bay Area Families?
Where to take Bay Area kids to play in the snow? Skip the lifts. Here are five options for kid-friendly snow play with snowshoes or ...
Oakland Public Schools: A Guide to OUSD Enrollment
Helpful information about Oakland public schools for families making ranking and enrollment decisions.
Purim Fun for East Bay Families
Purim is a joyous Jewish holiday commemorating unity and safety with costumes and merriment. We found several local events
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.
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!
15+ Fun February Break Camps
If your children have a mid-February school break, find a day camp to make their days entertaining and exhausting.
Spotlight on Independent School Escuela Bilingüe Internacional
Escuela Bilingüe Internacional (EBI) offers a PK-8 multilingual education located in Oakland.
Big Thanks to Our 2025 Sponsors!
From 24 Hour Oakland Parent Teacher Children Center to Zip Code East Bay, these are 272 of our favorite sponsors this year!
{Shop Local} Where to Get Pinatas in Oakland
Here are four Oakland spots that charmed me with their piñata selections.
Coding Classes & Camps for East Bay Kids
7 local resources for helping kids get into coding.
Northern California Overnight Camp Guide
Our Northern California Overnight Camp Guide covers the Bay Area and beyond for kids as young as 7. Choose the best sleepaway camp.
25 Best Things to Do With a Baby in the East Bay
From adjusting to your role as a parent to chasing a toddler around, here are ideas to entertain a baby that are fun for you ...
30+ Experience Gift Ideas for East Bay Families
Experience gifts are memorable, magical, and clutter-free. We love to give tickets and memberships as holiday gifts. Need ideas?
Christmas Dinner To Go Options for East Bay Families
Order your holiday feast to go! Here's a huge list of local restaurants and chefs offering delectable menus for your family's table.
Spotlight on Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley (EB)
Meet our sponsor, Ecole Bilingue de Berkeley, a French American Preschool-8th grade school in Berkeley.
Leland Snow Play, Tubing Fun for All Ages
At Leland Snow Play, tickets allow you to ride tubes down a man-made hill as many times as you like. Open late Dec.-April.
Our Weekend Getaway: Tahoe North Shore
Parent favorites for North Lake Tahoe. Where we like to eat, play in the snow, and stay with kids on the north shore.
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.
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, ...
The Blue Angel Ski & Snowboard School = Awesome!
The Blue Angels Ski Program buses kids from Piedmont to Sierra-at-Tahoe 5 Saturdays starting in late January for a full day of lessons with food.
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.
Ski Tahoe Donner with Kids
Tahoe Donner is a great option if you're staying in Truckee, priced right for beginners and kids. It's our go-to resort for affordable skiing and ...
Dodge Ridge: More Accessible Kid-friendly Skiing Than Tahoe
More affordable than Tahoe and super family-friendly, Dodge Ridge is one Oakland mom's little secret.
Soda Springs: Tubing and First-time Skiing
Fun and easy for first-time skiers or those who just want to play in the snow!
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!
Sensory-Friendly Santa Claus Visits
Find special times and places where Santa will be available for special needs children.
Sponsor Spotlight: Prospect Sierra Launches The Learning Center
With two campuses in El Cerrito, Prospect Sierra creates a nurturing, personalized independent school where every child is celebrated.
12 Family Camps Within Driving Distance of the Bay Area
Family Camp is a terrific blend of outdoorsy fun and vacation. Usually, you bring your bedding and sleep in a modest cabin; meals and family ...
Thanksgiving Dinner To Go Options for East Bay Families
Want to cut back on some (or all) of the cooking for Thanksgiving? Order ahead from these East Bay favorites.
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.
Classes for Toddlers & Babies in the East Bay
A comprehensive list of session-based classes for ages 0-5, organized by category: Art, Music, Dance, Science, Play, Language and Culture...
Winter Break Camps for East Bay Kids
It is that time of the year again: Berkeley & Oakland Winter Break Camps fill in where you leave off. Winter Camps for East Bay ...
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.
East Bay Preschool Guide
Guide to preschools for our children of the East Bay in Oakland and Berkeley, spanning from Richmond to Concord.
East Bay Candy Buyback — Turn Candy into Cash!
East Bay children can exchange Halloween candy for cash at a Halloween candy buyback at the dentist's office.
Thanksgiving Camps & No-School Day Camps in November
Listings of camps that will provide childcare and fun during Veteran's Day & Thanksgiving break for kids in the urban East Bay area.
Golf for Tykes in Concord
Golf for Tykes is a guided program designed to introduce golf to kids 3-4, with parents and coaches assisting, hosted at Skylinks Golf Course
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.
Where to Stop with Kids on the Way to Tahoe
Tahoe is a popular vacation spot among Bay Area locals. Make the trip with kids more manageable with these favorite roadside destinations.
Guide to East Bay Charter Schools
Charter schools offer a different approach to public school with more personal attention and individualized support. There are dozens!
Where to Get Halloween Costumes in the East Bay
Here's where to buy costumes and get the materials to make them yourself in the East Bay.
This October: Kids Travel Free in San Diego
This October, kids ages 3-11 get FREE admission to top attractions when accompanied by a paid adult in San Diego.
Day Trip to Pacifica With Kids
Pacifica is the place to be on a sunny day. Pack a lunch and a kite for a stunning day at the beach.
Spotlight on Golestan School — Multicultural Learning from Age 2 to Grade 5
Golestan School spans preschool and elementary education for East Bay Families looking for a school that integrates academics, nature, and languages (including Arabic, Hebrew, and ...
Meet Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
If your family has ever zig-zagged across the East Bay for dental care, you’ll appreciate this: Alameda Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is the only practice ...
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.
East Bay Private Schools Open Houses and Tours
East Bay private elementary, middle, and high schools including Oakland, Berkeley, El Cerrito with links to tours and admission events for families.
East Bay Family Photographers: Reader’s Favorites
This list of photographers for East Bay families was curated with the help of 510Families.com readers who shouted out their faves.
18 Kid-friendly Sonoma and Napa Places to Visit
If you ever visit Sonoma Train Town (you should if you haven’t!), you’ll probably want to add a few other activities to your day-trip to ...
Vacation Inspiration: Russian River With Kids
While only about two-hour drive from the Bay Area, it feels like you have traveled to a faraway land featuring fresh redwood-scented air, a flowing ...
Academic Support & Enrichment for East Bay Kids
Find academic support in math, reading, or study skills in the East Bay. Build confidence in group work or one-on-one.
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!
Book Now: Sacramento’s Polar Express
Don't miss your chance to purchase tickets to the Polar Express train in Old Town Sacramento. Become a member early for presale access.
Apple Picking with Children Near the Bay Area
Apple-picking season is upon us. Here are a few U-pick options and Bay Area apple orchards worth a visit with your family. Always, call first!
Favorite Visual Art Classes for Kids in the East Bay
Presenting our guide to getting your child started in art classes in the East Bay.
Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Patch and More
Find pumpkins, pony rides, train rides, hay rides, petting zoo, haunted house, barn slide, car barn ride, barn jumpers - wheee!
After-School Classes for Kids in Oakland, Berkeley and Beyond
This guide to afterschool activities includes classes in the arts, sports, academics, and more!
Best Bay Area Beaches You Can Visit Today
Bay Area beaches are perfect for a mini getaway or day trip. Here are 15 of our favorites within two hours of Oakland with tips ...
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.
A Whimsical Staycation at Treehouse Hotel in Silicon Valley
If you're looking for a close-by staycation idea with a playful vibe that's both kid and dog friendly, this is the spot.
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 ...
Now Open: Nintendo Store in San Francisco
Nintendo fans of all ages have a big reason to visit Union Square. This colorful, immersive superstore is now open.
Oakland Zoo For Families (Is Membership Worth It?)
Oakland zoo membership for families pays for itself in less than two visits. We break it down for you.
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.
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.
Spotlight on Micholiano Photography
Micholiano Photography is a Bay Area family photographer specializing in child-led, easygoing play-based style and candid photo experiences
Baby’s Day Out with Shef at Brushstrokes in Berkeley (Recap)
We loved sharing a sunny morning with babies and families in a pretty pottery studio together with Shef.
Introducing United Capoeira Association – Hayward
Capoeira combines martial arts, dance, acrobatics, music, and culture. Find classes for kids in Hayward.
A Crafter’s Paradise: East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse is "every teacher's first stop and every artist's second home" for a good reason. Find your treasure.
Spotlight on American Swim Academy
American Swim Academy offers warm indoor year-round swim lessons to build water safety, confidence, and strong swimming skills.
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.
Oakland’s Magic Kitchen Returns to Fairyland
Fairyland is bringing the culinary delights of Oakland to its diverse children and families for special Saturday cooking events.
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 ...
Summer Camps that Allow Daily Drop-in
Summer camps that offer daily drop-in service are a special kind of lifeline to parents. This is a roundup of summer camps that let you ...
Most Affordable (Cheap!) East Bay Summer Camps
East Bay Summer camps can still be found for less than $250 per week if you know where to look plus tips on finding more ...
Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with stories, food, and performances. We'll add more as we find them!
Reader Favorites: Top Dentists Referred By East Bay Parents
Our 510families community shared their favorite pediatric dentists in the inner East Bay, here are the top ones
Best Prenatal & Birthing Classes in the East Bay
Many prenatal classes in Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay. Take your pick from free birthing classes offered by hospitals to intensive home birth prep.
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: ...
7 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for New Parents (Not The Baby)
These thoughtful gift ideas for new parents focus on comfort, nourishment, convenience, and little moments of ease for growing families.
Sports Camps for East Bay Kids
A round-up of sports camps in the East Bay: soccer, swimming, softball, archery, parkour, gymnastics, tennis, and more!
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.
Oakland’s Full Moon Acupuncture: From Fertility to Menopause & Everything Between
Blending Eastern practices with modern wellness, Full Moon Acupuncture offers holistic care and natural-focused cosmetic services including microneedling.
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.
East Bay Nature & Animal Camps
Summer camps that offer outside play, communing with nature, and animal care are a balm in our increasingly digital world. Find a wild camp.
Comic Book Day Meets Star Wars Day
Support your indie shops! Free comic book titles will be released to participating stores on the first Saturday in May.
East Bay Mother’s Day Guide
We love and appreciate you, Moms! Inspiration for celebration activities, cool outings, and great gifts for Mother's Day.
Art, Design, and Maker Summer Camps
Let's design and make amazing things this summer! This roundup of maker and art summer camps will keep hands and brains busy.
Does Your Preschool Support These 3 Developmental Areas?
Sequential Development Consulting partners with early educators to create enriching, developmentally supportive learning environments where kids age 0 to 5 can thrive.
Dance Classes for Kids in the East Bay
East Bay studios with afterschool and weekend dance classes for kids.
East Bay Home Delivery & Services Guide
Home delivery? Yes, please. Busy parents will be psyched to learn about these helpful services bringing everything from diapers to dessert to you.
Music and Theater Day Camps for East Bay Kids
This roundup of artistic camps includes a range of summer camp creative pursuits from instruments, vocals, and dramatic fun.
Half-Day Camps in the East Bay
Summer camps that offer half-day programs are perfect for kids that need a little bit of time away from home. Choose mornings or afternoons.
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.
Earth Day Activities for East Bay Families
Ideas for outdoor celebrations and volunteer opportunities for families this Earth Day, April 22, 2025 and the weekend before and after.
Summer Camps for Middle Schoolers
Middle school kids who want to be campers are in luck! From aerial gymnastics and figure drawing to chemistry and skateboarding...
Swimming Lessons for East Bay Kids
Let's talk about swim lessons. Here are your East Bay swimming pools that will help teach your child how to swim, arranged roughly from South ...
STEM Camps for East Bay Kids
This roundup of science and technology camps includes activities from digital filmmaking to video game programming, ecology, and robotics.
Day Trip: Sonoma’s TrainTown Railroad
Just 50 minutes from Berkeley, Sonoma's TrainTown offers an introductory amusement park experience. Train enthusiasts will be more than satisfied.
Spotlight on Soccer Stars Contra Costa
For kids 12 mos to 12 years, Soccer Stars Contra Costa offers a progressive curriculum that teaches soccer FUNdamentals in a supportive way.
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?
Introducing Shu Ren International School
Shu Ren welcomes families looking for a multilingual Mandarin education in preschool through 5th to help students thrive in an evolving global society.
Spotlight on EBI’s Inquiry-Driven, Play-Based Preschool Program
For East Bay Families seeking a school to nurture their child's natural curiosity, EBI offers an inspiring play-based pre-kinder program.
Introducing Lair of the Bear Family Camp
Guests will be greeted with great enthusiasm by college-aged staffers who are delighted to hang out with your kids, make them feel special, and entertain ...
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.
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!
Guide to East Bay Summer Camps A to Z
East Bay Summer Day Camps from A to Z including Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, El Cerrito, Richmond, Albany, Fremont...
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!
Day Trip to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Tide Pools in Moss Beach
King Tides are Dec 13-15, 2024. The Fitzgerald tide pools are accessible for all ages. You can get to tide pools a very short walk ...
Best Resources for Raising a Bilingual Child in the East Bay
For East Bay parents hoping to raise their children multilingual, we have tons of information from reasons why to how to start.
20+ Ideas for Shopping Local
Wondering how to shop local and support our wonderful small {510} businesses? Here you go!
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!
Tahoe: Northstar Ski School for Kids
Pro-tip: If you're considering ski school for two kids, check the various resorts for their age groupings. Siblings may be together in some locations, but apart ...
Introducing Center For Early Childhood Connections
At the CECC in Albany, the therapists and other support staff pride themselves on helping families build relationships and expand their toolkits as their children ...
Reindeer Ridge Christmas Tree Farm in Sebastopol
For a cut-your-own-Christmas-tree experience with all the trimmings (train & tractor rides, hot cider, farm animals, zip line!), we love Reindeer Ridge.
Camping and Swimming at Grover Hot Springs
Grover Hot Springs State Park offers a natural hot spring for swimming, accessible hiking for kids, and is terrifically affordable. What's not to love?
Spotlight on the East Bay International High School (EBIHS)
East Bay International High School is a multilingual college prep high school in Emeryville and an IB World School
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.
Body of Sound Presents Mountain Magic All-Ages Camp
This retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains includes yoga, kid's activities, dancing, drumming, DJs, delicious food, and camping among redwoods.
Indoor Ice Skating in Oakland at Oakland Ice
In downtown Oakland, where parking is abundant on weekends, the Oakland Ice Center offers public skating sessions for those who dare to try it.
Santa Cruz: Vacation meets Staycation
A family-friendly destination that costs a lot less than Hawaii.
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.
Introducing Clarity Pediatrics: Accessible ADHD Support
ADHD screenings, behavioral interventions, and medication management for children between 5 - 12 years old residing in California
Top 3 Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Alameda
Biking is the best way to experience the city of Alameda with your kids. Cross the island on a bike via clearly-marked bike routes. Here ...
Best Places to Take Kids in Oakland’s Montclair Village
Montclair Village is packed with family-friendly restaurants, activities, and shopping. Here are 21 favorite places to go with little ones of all ages.
20+ Ways to Volunteer with Kids in the Bay Area
Volunteering with kids doesn't have to be hard. Plant a tree, donate diapers, make a super hero cape, pick up litter, collect books, cut your ...
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.
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.
Children’s Fairyland Membership: Is it Worth it?
Fairyland membership costs a family of five $159; we would only need to visit twice to break even. We do the math for you.
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.
Introducing REDYPER SF Compostable Diaper Service
REDYPER delivers diapers + wipes to your door, picks up dirties, transports them to a commercial facility to be turned into topsoil.
20+ Enrichment Programs for Girls + Gender Expansive Kids
East Bay Classes and camps designed to empower girls, from power tools to performing arts.
10 Swim Clubs for East Bay Families
Some people like to belong to a club because of an attached gym, tennis courts, or a snack bar that makes it easy to feed ...
Introducing The Re-Up Refill Shop: A Zero-Waste Store on College Ave
Switching over to refillables for household goods is easier than you think. Bring your own containers.
Introducing Learning Tree Coach
Learning Tree coaches use evidence-based practices to help students with learning challenges such as Dyslexia, ADHD, and executive function challenges.
The Ultimate Guide to Weekend Getaways For Bay Area Families
Less than a half day's drive from home, kids will love these vacation spots just as much as their parents. Get your weekend getaway started.
Introducing Brilliant Births: A Community Space for New and Expecting Parents
Offering childbirth preparation classes and other workshops for new parents in Berkeley.
Introducing Big Minds, A School for Twice-Exceptional Neurodivergent Students
Big Minds is dedicated to providing 2e students with the accommodations and scaffolding they need to succeed.
Spotlight on Skyline Lacrosse
Situated in Oakland, Skyline Lacrosse welcomes children at all skill levels from kindergarten to 8th grade to play this exciting sport.
Spotlight on Prospect Sierra School (PS)
Prospect Sierra School, a TK-8 independent school in El Cerrito enrolls 470 students on two campuses giving them the tools to build a better world.
Take the Train to Sacramento’s Railroad Museum
Your train-obsessed children are going to love this adventure to the California Railroad Museum in Sacramento from Berkeley by railroad.
Meet Five Students from Escuela Bilingüe Internacional’s Middle School
Middle school students share what they love about their bilingual education at EBI in Emeryville
Vacation Inspiration: Rush Creek Lodge, the Most Family-Friendly Hotel in Yosemite
Whether you want to explore Yosemite National Park or just enjoy the resort amenities, Rush Creek Lodge is a great place to stay with kids.
Vacation Inspiration: A Coastal Escape to Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa makes an easy getaway to explore the Monterey area that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Holiday Family Getaway in Napa: Meritage Resort & Spa
An easy getaway to the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa offers holiday magic at its best.
Fat Shafts Archery in Benicia: Fun for Nearly an Hour
For $20 per hour (or pro-rated in half-hour chunks), people older than age eight can rent equipment and shoot at the targets of this indoor ...
Spotlight on East Bay German International School (EBGIS)
The East Bay German International School (EBGIS) offers an exceptional bilingual education for ages 2 through high school.
Driving to L.A. – 9 Places to Stop on a Road Trip Down Highway 5 in California
Driving I-5 down the center of California is a fairly joyless journey. I offer some tips, restaurants & diversions for enduring a day in the ...
Advent Calendars That Are Fun For Counting Down To Any Special Occasion
Everything you need for a quirky countdown to Christmas!
Road Trip: Monarch Butterfly Colonies of the Central Coast
Three places to see amazing butterfly colonies -- and hit the beach when you're done. Fully clothed, of course; it is winter time.
Christmas Tree Farm Magic at Rancho Siempre Verde in Pescadero
Ride an epic tree swing, make a wreath, roast marshmallows, cut your own Christmas tree, hike in the woods, and wrestle your brothers in the ...
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.
OWLS Program Gets Homeschool Students Outdoors
For East Bay homeschooling families, the OWLS program invites neurodiverse learners ages 6-11 to enjoy hands-on experiences outdoors.
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 ...
How To Find The Right East Bay Elementary for your Family, Step-By-Step
Researching schools and reflecting on which attributes will best serve your own child can be overwhelming. Here are some tips.
Sponsor Spotlight: East Bay Music Together
All five of our children had large doses of the Music Together program as babies and toddlers. We whole-heartedly endorse the classes, teachers, instruments, and ...
Help Wanted: Seeking Writers and Content Creators!
Do you have a passion (and the time!) for telling other parents about your favorite local discoveries? Become a contributor for 510Families.com. We need you!
{Sponsored} Become a Family Documentarian with Coaching from an East Bay Photographer
Participants will leave the workshop with a better understanding of photography foundation and the confidence to capture moments with creativity.
Sponsor Spotlight: Berkeley Hills Nursery School
Berkeley Hills Nursery School combines a cozy atmosphere with lots of engaging outdoor play and an exceptionally experienced team of teachers.
Backroads Made My Summer Vacation Impossibly Happy
I didn't have to do any planning in advance or troubleshooting during the trip and each day of my family's active vacation was incredible.
K-12 World Language classes for East Bay kids
There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, and nearby that will immerse your school-age child in Spanish, Mandarin, French, Hebrew, Arabic, and more!
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.
60+ East Bay Summer Camps That Are Running In August (2023)
East Bay summer camps that run through August to fill those childcare needs.
Theater & Performing Arts Classes for Kids in the East Bay
Looking for musical theater or acting classes for kids or teens? Here are the Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda programs that let kids take the stage.
Where to Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Items in Alameda County
Free, convenient options for Alameda County residents to properly and safely remove hazardous waste materials from their home.
Berkeley Summer Programs for Low-Income Families
Summertime park and playground programs.
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!
Canyon Swim School in El Sobrante
If the casual classes aren't doing the trick, and you're ready to get serious, it's time to make the drive to Canyon Swim School.
Grasshopper Kids: Win a Supercharged Learning Experience
Grasshopper offers 2-hour in-person enrichment experiences led by vetted teachers, musicians, chefs for kids ages 3-12 and their friends.
Vacation Inspiration: Deluxe Glamping in Carmel Valley
One Bay Area family had such a lovely time at this glamping spot in Carmel Valley, they wanted to tell us about it.
20+ East Bay Restaurants with Family Sized Take Out Meals
I love having curbside takeout or delivery once (or twice) a week. I especially appreciate the restaurants and caterers who sell family-size portions.
New in Town? 50 Things East Bay Parents Need to Know
If you've just moved to Berkeley, Oakland, or some other part of the East Bay, let us welcome with links to resources, outings and activities ...
EBT Benefits for Alameda and Contra Costa County Families
EBT cardholders may find accessible destinations on this list of museums that offer discounts.
What to Do With Kids in Fremont
Some of the most fun you can have with kids in Fremont no matter what the season. Where to go to play, learn, and go ...
Fabulous Safari West in Santa Rosa
I took my family to Safari West in Santa Rosa to spend the morning on a safari vehicle tour. Super fun! I suggest this trip ...
Family Vacation Inspiration: Scottsdale, AZ
Traveling to Scottsdale, AZ with kids is great if you can stand the heat! Activities include lots of pool time.
Vacation Inspiration: Balboa Island
My family spent last New Year's Eve on Balboa Island in an AirBnB for 3 nights. This little Southern California gem is a great spot ...
Sponsor Spotlight: Berkeley Rose Waldorf School
Berkeley Rose strives to bring a holistic education promoting happiness and well-being for the child, the family, and the world. Ages 2-13.
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...
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.
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.
Camping at Mount Madonna & Fruit Picking in Watsonville
In 2023 and 2024, many camp sites at Mount Madonna are closed for forest maintenance.
Vacation Inspiration: Sunriver & Bend, Oregon
Plan a family vacation to Bend, Oregon. Hike through the forest, bike the city, explore a volcano, and stay at a top resort in Sunriver, ...
A Royal Staycation at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco
My family spent a magical weekend at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco with high tea, cookie decorating, dive-in movies, and the softest beds ever!
Vacation Inspiration: Monterey County
Monterey, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Pebble Beach, and Moss Landing with miles of beaches & safe overnight lodging.
Getting Started With Youth Basketball in the East Bay
Here's your guide for East Bay parents whose kids are eager to try basketball with classes, camps, coaches, and neighborhood hoops to visit.
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. ...
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.
Kid-Friendly Farms to Visit Near The East Bay
We have loved bringing our children to meet animals and run around at a working farm. Ride a pony, chase a chicken, pick an apple. ...
13 Distant (But Together) Birthday Party Ideas for Kids
Highlighting the creative socially distant -- but still together -- birthday party celebrations, food heroes, and entertainers!
Call for submissions: A Three-Year Olds’ Guide to Everywhere Fun
Does your preschool-aged kid have strong opinions about popular family-friendly Bay Area destinations? If so, we want to include them in our upcoming series, A ...
Music Classes for East Bay Kids
Looking for group-based music lessons for kids or teens? Here are the Oakland, Berkeley, and Alameda programs that let kids find their sound.
Day Trip: Sheep at Mission Ranch, in the Fairytale-esque Carmel-by-the-Sea
If you happen to be headed south down the coast on a Sunday, you must try the Sunday Brunch at Mission Ranch. It’s a quick, ...
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 ...
Pacific Pipe Climbing Gym in Oakland
Pacific Pipe climbing gym offers membership benefits and classes, plus opportunities for drop-in experiences.
Dinner on The Table: My Family and GreenChef
Starting in September 2021, and continuing weekly ever since, my family of 4* has been trying and mostly loving the meals from GreenChef.
A Weekend in Paso Robles With Kids
Kid-friendly attractions in beautiful wine country.
Best Places to Take Kids in Oakland’s Grand Lake Neighborhood
Nestled in the Northeast corner of Oakland’s Lake Merritt is the quaint, and easygoing Grand Lake neighborhood with so many places to push a stroller.
Cornerstone Sonoma: Kid-friendly Botanical Garden and Wine Tasting
Want a good family-friendly wine country activity? We love Cornerstone Sonoma, a botanical garden/art exhibit/wine tasting experience in one.
How to Prevent Lice, a Guest Post by NitPixies
Just the thought of our children — or us — getting head lice makes us itchy. We are so grateful to share helpful advice by ...
Star Wars at Disneyland: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is the highly-anticipated land at Disneyland included with park admission. How to go? When to go? Let's talk.
Family Getaway: Water Park in Folsom & Old Sacramento Waterfront
Folsom made a wonderful mini-vacation for my family with a water park, waterfront amusements, and a new-to-us play space. We'll be back for sure.
Road Trip: Avengers Campus at Disneyland
What to expect at Disney California Adventure Park's tribute to the Avengers characters. Marvel fans are gonna love it!
Vacation Inspiration: Houseboating on Lake Shasta
Houseboating on Lake Shasta is amazing; we pull up on shore, extend the included ramp, and climb off to explore. Campfires are a highlight every ...
Weekend Getaway: San Francisco’s Lodge at The Presidio & Nearby Attractions
A weekend getaway in the San Francisco Presidio was surprisingly restful and fun for my family. You could do it as a day trip or ...
Vacation Inspiration: Gold Country & Farm Stay within 2 Hours of the East Bay
My 4 kids loved this road trip getaway with farm animals, fresh air, and gold panning all within two hours of the East Bay.
5 National Parks To Visit With Bay Area Kids Before They Grow Up
Do you prefer majestic trees or volcanic geysers? We've rounded up step-by-step itineraries for a handful of National Parks.
Food Savings Tips to Save Time, Money, and Frustration
Our friends at StopWaste offer many insanely useful tips to stretch our food further to save time, stress, and money!
Spotlight on Latitude High School’s Powerful Community
Latitude High is a free public charter school in Oakland with innovative teaching practices, creative projects, and powerful community connections.
Where East Bay Kids Get their Hair Cut
Where do you take your kid for a hair cut? Here are the hair-cutting solutions parents shared with us and the ones we keep going ...
Santa Cruz Guide for Kids who Love Trains
Three terrific places to take your train-obsessed kid on a getaway to Santa Cruz. And where to stay.
Time to Vote, East Bay: Where & How for the 2020 Election
Your typical polling place is NOT open this year. Find out where to cast your ballot in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Outschool Surprised Me With Affordable Fun and Learning. Here’s What We Tried.
Outschool is a fantastic resource for low-cost live online classes that will actually engage your child, from fitness to problem solving.
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.
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!
Simple, Creative Halloween Costumes
Super simple but creative Halloween costumes for kids or clever parents with easy DIY instructions.
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 ...
Some East Bay Parks Remain Closed, Most are Open
Five Regional Parks remain closed, the rest are open now with cautions in place.
25 Super Duper Activities to Do With Kids at Home
No matter your reason to be stuck at home, here are 25 entertaining at-home ideas more fun than singing Baby Shark for the hundredth time.
At-Home PE: 13 Toys That Use Big Energy
Tunnels, climbers, and foldable foam mats to jump on. These are the must-haves for sheltering at home with little ones!
DIY Outdoor School: Redwood Regional + Botany Exploration
We took this Montessori-inspired leaf classification activity out to the local trails to extend the learning and heighten our environmental awareness.
{Road Trip} Kid-Friendly Glamping Spot 90 Minutes from Bay Area
Swimming, boating, jumping, and general outdoor fun, all made easy with low-key cabin rental.
41 Enrichment Activities & Centers by and for Black Families
This community-generated list of East Bay classes and mentorship programs for Black kids and families includes art, science, nature, biking, and more.
The Essential Guide to Gardening With Kids In the East Bay
My family and I have had some extra time to be diligent in picking weeds and carefully planning out our garden. Hints for East Bay ...
Wrangling the Mess of Family Life During Shelter In Place
Here's how I mostly keep my house and family running smoothly during shelter in place by optimizing daily and weekly tasks. Please share yours!
How I Set Up a Quarantine Book and Toy Swap
My four kids are burning through every book, toy, puzzle and snack in the house. Here's what I did to refresh our toys and games ...
This Incredible Spreadsheet of East Bay Food Sources Will Save You
Fresh ideas for getting food to your house, without anxiety-producing supermarket runs.
Thank You to Essential Workers with Printable Sign
Put a bright THANK YOU sign in your street-facing window. Here's one you can use.
A Bare-Bones Daily Schedule for Those Who Just Cannot With School At Home
A rigid facsimile of a school day is not the goal for many of us. Here's another take on what the daily schedule might hold.
Places Where Kids Can Rock Out: Music Camps and Classes in Oakland and Berkeley
Afterschool classes and summer camps that offer group music classes in the rock genre to school-aged kids in a handful of East Bay locations.
5 Tips to Get Your Teenager to Play Outside
As my kids get older, it is harder to take them outside into nature. Here are five strategies I’ve used to get my kids to ...
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.
Rookie’s Guide to Flag Football for Kids
How to get your football-loving kid started in flag football from where, how, what, and which leagues might be in your part of the East ...
The Festival of Holidays at Disneyland
Christmas decorations, treats, and seasonal magic is now through January 6, 2020 at Disneyland.
Power Shutoff with Kids: What to Do & Where to Go
An East Bay parent's guide to planned PG&E electricity shutdowns with tips, resources, and advice to keep kids happy, healthy, busy, and safe.
Road Trip to LEGOLAND
We had an adventurous few days at Legoland and I want to share our experience. It was our first time at a big theme park ...
Gently Used Sporting Goods for Kids
At Play It Again Sports, families can buy and sell used sporting goods for water sports, baseball, golf, hockey gear, skis, bikes, roller blades, and ...
Staycation in Santa Clara
For a low key, budget friendly staycation in Silicon Valley, the Santa Clara Marriott is an easy last-minute trip. My girls loved it.
Photographer we love: Rasheed Photography
Rasheed Photography is an Oakland-based family business that serves the Bay Area and beyond with family photos and retail goodies.
Weekend getaway: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The theme park at Universal Studios Hollywood including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is best for those over age nine who love intense films ...
What to do with little kids at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood bucket list of fun things to do with little kids PLUS a discount valid through September, 2019.
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 ...
FLAX Oakland: Family-friendly Art, Design, Creativity
FLAX art & design Oakland is the new 14,500 sq ft flagship store. Parents will like the kids' table for creating while you shop. And ...
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.
Places to stop on a 101 roadtrip south from the Bay Area
10 kid-friendly spots to know about near California's US-101, for folks driving south.
Pitstop on 101: Tatum’s Garden Playground in Salinas
Road trip with kids to the Central Coast? Stop here!
Bandalooping: A unique dance form in Oakland
Weekly dance class with an aerial spin for students 9-14
Junior Center of Art & Science
The Junior Center for Art and Science is a wonderful gem of a science museum and art studio located next to the bird sanctuary at ...
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.
The LEGOLAND Hotel: Is it worth it?
Every family has a different approach to vacations. Spoiler alert, I would come just for the hotel and skip LEGOLAND altogether.
Winter is the Best Time to Explore the California Delta with Kids
Annie Burke is the creator of Outside Kids. In the summer months, those of us living in the hot inland areas head west on highways 580, 80, ...
Anytime experience gift: Edible Excursions in Oakland (DEAL)
Want to eat, drink, and be merry anytime of year? We strongly recommend the foodie tours of Edible Excursions around Bay Area neighborhoods!
Disneyland Tips for First-time Visitors
During Thanksgiving week, my husband and I took our son to Disneyland, and it was as magical as only Disneyland at Christmastime can be. But ...
Golden Gate Knights jedi training
If you have any huge Star Wars nerds in your house, you’ll want to consider an afternoon of jedi training for you and your padawan. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Childcare options when school is out
Here are a few resources whose email lists you might want to get on so that you can arrange childcare now for fall school holidays.
ZooKids classes at Oakland Zoo
ZooKids is offered twice each month for four- and five- year old animal lovers at the Oakland Zoo. And, you can drop the kids off!
Where to donate books in Oakland
Book donations serve a variety of local non-profits. Here's where to drop off your gently loved books.
Rideshare services for Bay Area kids
Zum, HopSkipDrive, & Kango rideshare services for kids let you be two places at once. Each allows parents to track vehicles & communicate with drivers. ...
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 ...
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.
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.
Where to buy {510} Families tshirts and sweatshirts
We have partnered with local screenprinting outfit Alliance Graphics to produce tshirts for kids and parents with our signature {510} mark on them.
Party City open in Alameda’s South Shore Center
This superstore has an expansive selection of Halloween items for both store-bought and DIY costumes.
Reader tip: Help UC Berkeley improve parenting information
Receive $50 for a one-hour interview to help Cal improve parenting information through its UC Berkeley School of Public Health.
Diverse Reading List via Solidarity Sundays
Jenny Berggren is a librarian and parent living in Alameda, CA. I am sharing an excerpt from her fantastic Solidarity Sundays rad kids reading list. ...
Bay Area Camping for Dummies: Cabin Edition
Cabin camping is the perfect stepping stone towards becoming a real camper without having to invest in all the camping gear or sleep on the ...
Living Car-free in the East Bay (with kids!)
Our family of 5 has been living car-free in the East Bay for 5 years. And we love it. Here's how we do it in ...
30 service projects to help bring extended families together
Wonderful service project ideas encouraging the whole family to do good together. These giving-back ideas are great for mixed generations.
Locally-inspired gift ideas for East Bay families
10 ideas for holiday gifts for those who love their East Bay lives, from art to housewares and apparel.
Vacation Inspiration: 5 amazing trips for Bay Area families who plan ahead
Anticipation is half the pleasure of a vacation. Be inspired by these 5 amazing plan-ahead family adventures all around the world.
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.
7 Family-Friendly Wineries in Napa
Monday Sparkles shares the most terrific family-friendly wineries that they go to not just for the wines but for the views, activities, and treats
Kid-friendly Vegan Restaurants for Families
A round up of kid-friendly vegan and vegetarian restaurants for eating out with families in the East Bay. The easiest, tastiest, & kid-friendliest places.
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.
Tutu School offers ballet in Oakland’s Montclair Village
Tutu School, where toddlers and preschoolers can take their first ballet steps, is the latest addition to Montclair Village. Classes begin at 18 months.
Where to camp: Schoolhouse Canyon Campground
Near Guerneville, Schoolhouse Canyon Campground offers kid-friendly car camping in a redwood grove across the road from the Russian River.
5 great day trips in the Bay Area
Bay Area day trips for families within 90 minutes of Oakland: Safari West, Monterey Aquarium, Roaring Camp, Jelly Belly Factory, Ano Nuevo State Park.
Bay Area moms release SCREENAGERS: Growing up in the digital age
On my recent group tour for prospective parents of King Middle School in Berkeley, a hot topic on the minds of the parents of soon-to-be ...
Quick getaway to the Capitol: One night in Sacramento
Old town Sacramento makes an easy getaway for Bay Area families including a stop by the capitol building and a swim at the Embassy Suites ...
Day trip: Guerneville for families
90 minutes North of Oakland on the Russian River sits the quaint little town of Guerneville -- our favorite day trip.
Vacation Inspiration: Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta
The Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort was the perfect place for my family to stop on our way to Oregon, but it’s worthy of a long ...
Where to buy ballet and gymnastics gear in the East Bay
4 places to find the right outfit for little dancers.
FREE AAA car seat inspections are for big kids too
This post was sponsored by AAA. In time for holiday travel, I want to remind you that AAA offers personalized car seat inspections by appointment for all young ...
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 ...
Getaways with mom: ME time
This is the third post in our series about ME time, sponsored by domain.ME. I’ve just returned from spending a long weekend with my mom, ...
Road Trip: Columbia, CA, a taste of California history
We took a family road trip to Columbia, CA because I wanted to pan for gold while my son was in 4th Grade. Although I ...
Brentwood farms fruit picking, tips for families
Monday, I drove four boys out to Brentwood to go fruit-picking. I was vague in my promises — berries, cherries, apricots, or whatever they have. You like ...
Parents’ guide to Piedmont parks
6 places to play in Piedmont
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 ...
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 ...
How do you encourage your children to give back?
Here are four ideas for including your kids in holiday giving. I'd love to hear yours in the comments!
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 ...
Tech Tuesday: Common Sense Media for Bay Area parents
Our family’s screen time rules are fluid with a side order of strict. My sons are allowed about 30 minutes to watch shows each evening ...
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 ...
Unaccompanied minors in the air
My children, 7 and 9, flew Southwest to Los Angeles yesterday without a chaperone. Here’s how it works: My mom, the person on the receiving ...
We love Everyday Bento!
Local author and blogger, Wendy Copley, wrote and photographed my children’s current favorite book: Everyday Bento: 50 Cute and Yummy Lunches To Go. My sons ...
Vacation Inspiration: Renting an RV
“Whatever this vacation cost,” said my husband, who had almost nothing to do with the itinerary and reservations, “it was worth it.” That’s how I ...
Tips for raising a reader with CommonSense Media
Two of my children are pretty avid readers so I want to share a few of the things we are doing (right, wrong, and otherwise) ...
Plan ahead for Summer Fun
What’s great about Summer is that some days, you can just roll out of bed slip on a swim suit and play til your mom ...
Treebones Resort, kid-free vacation inspiration
For my birthday last year, I enjoyed the luxury of a few kid-free days driving down the coast with my husband. With only three days to ...
Lyft and Uber: good resources for one-car families
Though Uber has been driving tech-savvy folks around San Francisco, New York and Boston for a while now, I just tried it myself last month ...
Vacation inspiration: Moss Beach (not Moss Landing)
Thanks to Jennifer Saranow Schultz, a Bay Area mom and writer of HintMama.com, for this piece about Moss Beach, a super close and toddler-friendly getaway. ...
Vacation inspiration: Moss Landing
My brood just spent a lovely three-day weekend in Moss Landing with extended family and I thought it might inspire some of you who are ...
It’s Your Move! a Temescal game store with place to play
I can’t believe I had been intimidated by this awesome neighborhood gaming spot. Luckily, my five-year old urged us into It’s Your Move Games, and ...
Share your tips with our readers!
Do you have a favorite class, restaurant, or East Bay destination? Did you take a roadtrip with your children that was so great you can’t ...
Safari West: An Oakland family surprises the kids with a mystery trip
Thanks to Oakland writer Nancy Davis Kho for sharing her story with us today. When I was a kid in Upstate New York, my parents ...
Kids giving back: Project Night Night
Have you heard about Project Night Night? If you’re looking for a way to give back to others with your children this holiday season, this might be ...
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 ...
A visit to the Palo Alto American Girl Store
There is a new American Girl store in Palo Alto! Is it worth the drive for (510) folks? The previously used exclamation mark is your ...
A great time for camping at Half Moon Bay
This guest post was submitted by Peggy, who has lived all over the Bay Area but now calls El Cerrito home. Since having her son, ...
Talking about the news with kids
Thanks to Madeleine Rogin for offering to share her perspective on talking to kids about current events. She is a mother, a schoolteacher, and a ...
5 Family-friendly road trips from Oakland
Looking for a fun day trip or mini vacation for your long weekend? These fellow Bay Area bloggers have a few inspiring ideas and photographs ...
Back-to-school checklist
Back-to-school prep in the East Bay: hair, shoes, backpack, lunchbox, clothes, what else do you need?
Healdsburg: Wine-tasting with kids
My husband and I took an anniversary trip to Healdsburg for wine-tasting with our two daughters, and Heather asked me to share some highlights. My ...
Alameda resale: Lauren’s Closet + Toy Safari
This post is part of a series of consignment shops I visited trying to find terrific kid clothing bargains in the East Bay. Today’s resale ...
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!
Comics and literacy, discover the connection
Jessica Lee, Teacher Librarian at Willard Middle School highly recommends this program for all parents: Reading with Pictures: Comics and Literacy Tuesday June 4th, 6:00pm ...
Reader tip: Family surfing in Half Moon Bay
I can remember taking surf camp lessons in Sayulita when I was a single, child-free chica. This program sounds like so much fun, albeit completely ...
Hyperlocal sites for parents across the country
Since launching this site, I have had the great pleasure of becoming connected to other hyperlocal bloggers who have started similar sites in their own ...
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 ...
Where to donate used kids’ stuff
We appreciate this guest post by Berkeley mom, Jennifer Pesetsky. She founded KinderCycle (which is now under new ownership)! Jennifer blogs at www.berkeleymommy.com. For Hanukkah ...
Great gift for little book lovers
Cool gift for a limited time! Turn your children’s book into a personalized keepsake by adding the author’s autograph. Together with Jim Averbeck, Gianna Marino, ...
How To: Dinner and a Movie
Ever since going on a date with my husband has carried an extra $15 per hour expense (that’s for the babysitter, for those of you ...
Reader tip: Transition back to school
Here’s a tip from Elizabeth Sautter, Director of Communication Works, that we use in my own house! This sign was created with my 7 year-old ...
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 ...
Tips for reselling children’s clothing
I’m a big fan of scoring deals at used clothing stores, especially for my kids. It doesn’t seem smart to spend a lot on things ...
What to know about Disney’s California Adventure CARS LAND
I was invited on a media tour of Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure park in Anaheim — just across the plaza from Disneyland but ...
Road Trip: A Week in Southern Oregon with Kids
After browsing Amy Whitley’s impressive website, Pit Stops for Kids, I invited her to contribute a vacation recommendation for Bay Area families. I’m pleased to publish ...
Parent Coach Tom releases book for sports-loving dads
El Cerrito dad Tom Limbert, AKA Parent Coach Tom, has written a book titled Dad's Playbook: Wisdom for Fathers from the Greatest Coaches of All ...
What makes a vacation a vacation?
One of the greatest shocks of new parenthood is the lack of vacation days. Do you agree? As much as I have enjoyed weekends spent ...
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 ...
How to get your preschooler to talk about his day
This guest post comes to us courtesy of local parenting coach and new author, Tom Limbert. I posed this question to him myself, and he ...
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.
Great idea: Eventbrite for school events
Almost any feature your special event requires -- even those that made you wake up at 5 am and worry -- has been thought of ...
Get this app: Chinook Book (free)
The mobile coupon app is free to the first 20,000 users. No need to buy the book if you act quickly!
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...
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.
