Anytime
Timeless, evergreen activities. Great places to go whenever!
Park Profile: Pine Meadow Park in Martinez
Pine Meadow Park is a sweet neighborhood park with a unique play structure, accessible design, spinning merry-go-round, and swings.
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.
Best Places to Take Kids in Concord
Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
Lucky Strike: Family Bowling in Alameda
Bowlero, a modern bowling alley in Alameda, caters to families by offering bumper bowling, bowling ramps, an arcade, and kid-friendly food options.
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.
We Love the Drive-In Movie Theater in Concord
We love to pile into our minivan for the drive-in movies in Concord at the Solano West Wind. Winter is the best time for little kids.
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.
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.
Spotlight on Wee Play in Alameda
Wee Play is an activity oriented play center put on by the Alameda Parks Department in the Veteran’s Building three days a week.
Profile: West Oakland Farm Park & Playground
West Oakland Farm Park has it all according to my little ones: farm, playground, green space, animals, and an amazing mission.
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.
Park Profile: Colorful Krusi Park in Alameda
Krusi Park in Alameda is a super fun playground to bring both toddlers and school aged kids alike. My four kids asked to go two ...
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.
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 ...
Explore & Pretend at OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace
Discover nature, climb, play, and let imaginations run wild at OMCA's indoor play area, designed for ages 2-5.
Park Profile: Whale Park in Alameda Point
Alameda has a super playground with tons of space to run, climb and play including a big whale climbing structure, swings, and basketball court.
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.
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.
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 ...
Tilden Park Little Farm, Free & Fun for All Ages
Berkeley's Little Farm is fantastic and free. No reservations or tickets required. Don't forget the celery!
Take the Richmond Plunge
Surrounded by high ceilings and lovely murals, the Richmond Plunge indoor swimming pool is epic. Chilly water but nice, clean locker rooms.
Open for Swimming & Recreation: Lake Temescal in Oakland
Lake Temescal is a beautiful (almost hidden) gem nestled next to the Highway 24/13 interchange, near Montclair, in Oakland.
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.
Kid-Friendly Hike to a Playground in Kensington
With sweeping views of Tilden Park and a playground near the out-and-back loop, this Kensington hike is fun for families anytime.
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.
Children’s Fairyland in Oakland: Rides and More
Spring hours and pricing updates: Children's Fairyland is a beloved storybook theme park for kids under age 8 at Lake Merritt in Oakland.
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 ...
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.
Point Molate: Sea Glass Treasure & Burning Man Art in Richmond
Combine a tranquil beach with a steampunk art scene for a memorable day in Richmond. We also love the sea glass!
Now Open: Run Around the USS Hornet with Little Ones
While the interior spaces are fascinating for adults, kids only wanted to play and run in the outdoor spaces of the USS Hornet anyway.
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.
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 ...
Favorite Bay Area Donuts and Doughnuts
From El Cerrito to Downtown Oakland to San Francisco, here are our favorite Bay Area donuts (and doughnuts!)
Sweet Hike: Fairy Houses Galore in Point Richmond
I explored the magical fairy houses that make up Little Point Richmond of Washington Avenue with my children, age 2 to 8, and we were ...
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.
Park Profile: Updated Montclair Park
Montclair Park in Oakland is a fantastic park for kids of all ages. There are two playgrounds, a skate park and unique Wild West area ...
Orinda: A Single BART Stop Past Rockridge
Start your morning at Orinda Village for a cafe, park, library, bookstore, and even a pizza joint if you make it until lunchtime. Here's a ...
Movie Theater Fun for ALL Ages at The New Parkway
See new movies with your baby in tow or bring your child to enjoy classic cartoons with sweet cereal at Oakland's beloved movie theater.
Explore San Francisco’s Ferry Building
San Francisco's Ferry Building is a quick BART ride and an exciting option for a weekday adventure with your kids. Bring a hat, a jacket, ...
Getting Sandy at Keller Beach in Richmond, CA
My family loved our four-hour getaway to Keller Beach in Richmond. Bring sand toys and snacks to make the most of your day.
Tour the Jelly Belly factory in Fairfield
The Jelly Belly jellybean company in the land offers free tours and will send you home with samples and fun facts to spare. Win win. ...
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 ...
Park Profile: Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont
Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont is a cozy little neighborhood beauty with attractions for kids of all ages. Parking can be tricky.
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.
Order a Sundae as Big as your Head at Fentons Oakland
Fentons Creamery is an East Bay institution with bright colors and many flavors of ice cream + GIANT sundaes
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.
Paint Baby Keepsakes at Brushstrokes
Paint baby keepsakes at Brushstrokes Studio by getting footprints on pottery. We like mugs and tiles the best.
Crab Cove Beach and Visitor Center in Alameda
Children will enjoy exploring Crab Cove beach in Alameda, but start with the visitor center to get more out of your trip!
Big Fun at the Port of Oakland’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
Preschoolers will love Middle Harbor Shoreline Park at the Port of Oakland with the best views of the Bay! Container ships lots of giant stuff ...
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.
Half-day Trip: Lafayette Reservoir and Playground
This lovely East Bay spot for stroller walks and picnics has a wonderful new playground.
21+ Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Richmond
Visit the parks, playgrounds, pools, museums and other kids-friendly spots located in the city of Richmond. There's plenty to explore!
Day Trip Inspiration: Muir Woods with Kids
Muir Woods National Monument -- add it to your Bay Area Bucket List! It's a great day trip option for hiking and earning a junior ...
Bohol Circle Immigrant Park & Playground in Alameda
A waterfront playground in Alameda is ideal for playing captain of a boat or spotting cargo ships. It's located steps from Target, too!
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville
Davenport Mini Park in Emeryville has a totally redesigned play structure that's fashioned after a ship, plus it's completely fenced in.
Park Profile: Centennial Park in El Cerrito
Centennial Park playground near the Ohlone Greenway has natural surfaces, climbing ropes, sand, and a platform swing. Great for kids under five.
Drop-in art-making hours for preschoolers at MOCHA in Oakland
MOCHA offers children as young as 18 months the opportunity to explore art materials in a space designed just for them.
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.
Créatif Art Studio: Drop-in painting in Pleasanton
Bring your little artist to this drop-in art studio for a creative outing. It's combination of art and tech make it worth the drive to ...
Choose Your Adventure at Lands End: A San Francisco Hiking Destination
Come to Lands End to hike, but stay for the beautiful views and exploration. Put this San Francisco destination on your "Places to Visit" list.
Park Profile: Solano Playlot in Richmond
Add this park to your "must visit" list: Solano Playlot in Richmond. Fun for the kids with nearby treats and snacks worth a stop.
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 ...
Play Tourist at San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay & Pier 39
Aquarium of the Bay at SF Pier 39 for a fun day trip that's all about sea creatures and the waters of the Bay. Oakland ...
12 Places to Go Plane-Spotting in the Bay Area
We rounded up the best destinations for plane-loving kids to view airplanes.
Matteo’s Dream Playground, Inclusive Fun in Concord
Imaginations can run wild at Matteo's Dream Playground in Concord, a space for all children to experience the joys of outdoor play regardless of their ...
Watch Planes Soar at Buchanan Field Playground in Concord
Plane-loving kiddos will love spotting airplanes and jets at Buchanan Field Playground and Observation Area. Plus, it's free!
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
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. ...
Park Profile: Kennedy Park in Hayward
The park is a farm-themed paradise for little kids with a carousel, train, teacup ride, and petting zoo on weekends. Target is right across the ...
The Veranda: An Outdoor Mall in Concord With a Way-Cool Play Structure
The most exciting feature of The Veranda, a shopping center in Concord, is hands down the play structure, the Veranda Climber.
New Nature-Based Park in Alameda: Chochenyo Park
Chochenyo Park is a cute little nature based Park in Downtown Alameda worth a visit if you're in the area.
Family-Friendly Restaurant: Monster Pho in Oakland
Monster Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant in Oakland, serves up delicious food with a family-friendly side of robots and games.
Ruth Bancroft Garden is a Desert Wonderland
A visit to Ruth Bancroft Garden is like being transported to the desert with its amazing collection of succulents, cacti, and low-water plants.
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 ...
Kid-Friendly Activities in Lafayette — That Parents Will Love, Too
Lafayette has some active family adventures just 15 minutes from Oakland. Here are our favorite spots that are both kid-friendly and dog-friendly.
Rolling Around Brooklyn Basin (Oakland) with Kids
Township Commons Park at Brooklyn Basin is a beautiful & expansive part of the Oakland waterfront with places to dine, fish, scooter, and more.
Park Profile: May Nissen Community Park in Livermore
Go wild at Livermore’s woodland-themed playground with charming giant flowers and interactive play features.
Unusual TEPCO Beach in Richmond is Full of Riches
TEPCO Beach in Richmond is strewn with broken ceramics and stunning views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. Best for ages 5+
Lafayette Playground: the Tippy Top of San Francisco, Super Clean & Gorgeous
Nets, castles, monkey bars, twisty slides, twirly poles, bridges and more at San Francisco's gorgeous Lafayette Park Playground in Pacific Heights.
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!
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland
Tour Fentons Creamery in Oakland on the arctic tour for age 6 and up. Brr.
Things to do at Washington Park in Alameda
This park has play areas, soccer, tennis, basketball, and is home to affordable summer camps for Alameda kids.
Oakland playground: Union Point Park
This playground, located very close to Pump It Up in Oakland, will keep tots entertained for a while, and when it gets old, you can ...
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.
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 ...
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 ...
Field trip: Farm day in Brentwood
I took the kids to an awesome pick your own farm and pumpkin patch out in Brentwood that I totally recommend!
