Parks & Playgrounds Archives - 510 Families

Parks & Playgrounds

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!
San Pablo Library Reading

Free and Cheap Activities Scheduled This Month

Free and Cheap activities for your family this month. Some of the best things in life are FREE, right? Now go do them with your ...
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk sky ride blue skies summer

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?

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.
Arlington Park in El Cerrito

Arlington Park & Clubhouse: Lots to explore in El Cerrito

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

Park Profile: Pine Meadow Park in Martinez

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

Best Places to Take Kids in Concord

Discover 15+ destinations and small town treasures for families to plan an amazing day in Concord.
WillieWooWooWongPlayground

SF Park Profile: Willie “Woo Woo” Wong Playground

In the heart of SF Chinatown is an amazing 2-story park with climbing structures, room for tots and bigger kids, giant metal slide, and sports ...
adult and child looking at ladybugs with magnifying glasses

How to Find Ladybug Colonies in Oakland’s Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

From late October through February, observant hikers can find colonies of thousands of ladybugs right here in Oakland. Find out how!
kids at sulphur creek with a turtle

Best Places to Take Kids in Hayward, CA

We just love Hayward for families and young children and here are some of the BEST places to go including Sulphur Creek, Kennedy Park & ...
Stern Grove Playground

9 San Francisco Playgrounds Worth the Trip

San Francisco has some really great parks, and I mean really great. I've rounded up our top favorites plus fun stops along the way.
large tree lit up like rainbow subway lines

On Sale Now: Golden Gate Park Lights Up with Lightscape

Lightscape at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco is a glorious ticketed one-mile wander through light and sound.
metal tube slide

Inclusive Park Profile: Memorial Park in San Leandro

Memorial Park in downtown San Leandro is a big, inviting playground for all ages and abilities with unique play structures, swings & slides.
many swings for all abilities and ages

10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland

Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
kid sledding in the snow

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.
John Hinkel Park

Secret Spots: John Hinkel Park in North Berkeley

There's a terrific playground at John Hinkel Park, plus paths to explore for those who like a climb.
adult and child eat on the lawn in benicia

A Little Kids’ Guide to Downtown Benicia

Downtown Benicia is the cutest little place with some big history. With California's third capitol building, picnic, seashore, treats & more!
Big Kids Playground at George Florence Park in Berkeley

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 ...

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 ...
child in pretend building

Indoor Play Space in Union City: Teeny Town

After exploring the ball pit, my 2 year olds hopped into their cozy coupes and drove the road to the various businesses within Teeny Town.
dinosaur at cal

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
West Oakland Farm Park Veg

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.
Heather Farm Park Rock Wall

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.
child on zip line at playground

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.
Krusi Park Alameda

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 ...
Totland clubhouse features a lovely mural and classes

Park Profile: Totland in Berkeley

We love Totland for toddlers, and especially for parents who are on their own with a new second baby. Swings, climbing things, spinny rides, and ...
Martinez shoreline and two young children

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!
Roberts Regional Recreation Center

Roberts Regional Recreation Area: An Oakland Park with a Swimming Pool

Roberts Park AKA Roberts Regional Recreation Area is tucked away in the Oakland Hills with a huge playground, a calm pool, plus hiking trails and ...
Children's Wonderland Vallejo

Visit Vallejo’s Children’s Wonderland

Children's Wonderland is a cute, clean, huge park in Vallejo. Enter through the guarded gates to let your imagination run wild.
Adventure playground

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.
Neighborhood Park climber aka whale park

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.
child smiling at swimming pool in front of inflatable obstacle course that floats at the pool

Clarke Swim Center: Swimming Pool with Inflatables in Walnut Creek

Clarke Memorial Swim Center has inflatable obstacle courses, lap pools, and a grassy lawn just across the parking lot from Heather Farm Playground.

6 Tot-Friendly Splash Parks in the East Bay

We've rounded up our favorite splash pads in the East Bay - perfect for pre-swimmers and toddlers to get cool in the summer heat.
Becky Temko Tot Park play structure

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 ...
child on train ride

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: ...
tent camping with toddler

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.
Train at Glendale La Loma Park

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, ...
petting zoo goat

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo in San Jose: Worth the drive!

With so many playgrounds to explore, it's hard to find time to see the animals at Happy Hollow Zoo & Park!
Play structure at Dream Land at Aquatic Park

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.

Exploring Oakland’s Jack London Square with Kids

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

Tilden Park Little Farm, Free & Fun for All Ages

Berkeley's Little Farm is fantastic and free. No reservations or tickets required. Don't forget the celery!
mom and kids riding roller coaster

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.

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 ...
3 girls at Emerald Glen Splash

Free Splash Park: Emerald Glen Park in Dublin

Emerald Glen Park in Dublin has a splash park; large sandlot; playground structure for all ages; spacious open sports field; and garden.
child spraying at Castro Valley Park Splash Pad

Cool Off at Castro Valley Park Splash Pad

During the summertime, a water feature at Castro Valley Community Park turns into a splash pad on Wednesdays & weekends.
Boomerang Bay at California's Great America

Great America’s Water Park South Bay Shores: Open Memorial Day Weekend

South Bay Shores is a lot of fun for a water park and it is fully included in the price of admission for CA Great ...
spray ground and child

Open Memorial Day 2025: Meadow Home Spray Park in Concord

If you are in Concord, CA looking for a refreshing stop for little ones, the Meadow Homes Spray Park is free and open for the ...
Cannery Park Splash Pad

Opening Memorial Day 2025: Spray Ground at Cannery Park in Hayward

The water feature at Cannery Park in Hayward is the big draw on hot days, operating specific days from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Lake Temescal hiking paths

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.
Dorothy-Bolte-Park-Berkeley-Hills

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.
Mother and daughter on hiking trail

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

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.
girl and ferris wheel

Small World Park, Pittsburg is Perfect for Kids Under 8

One entrance fee gives you access to mini carnival rides, a train that loops the park, a zipline, playground structures, and a crawdad fishing pond.
Child feeding goat at Tilden Little Farm

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!
boy sliding down concrete slide

Codornices Park in the Berkeley Hills

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

Nature-Based Playgroups and Classes in the East Bay

Enjoy our list of East Bay nature playgroups and classes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Go a little wild!
welcome sign for Mia's Dream Playground

Mia’s Dream Come True: All-Abilities Playground in Hayward

There is so much to do and see at Mia's Dream Come True, an all-abilities playground in South Hayward.
Heather-Farms-Playground-Walnut-Creek

Worth the Drive: Heather Farm Park & Playground in Walnut Creek

One unique feature of the colorful Heather Farm playground in Walnut Creek is a set of turf covered mounds that children can slide down on. ...

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 ...
Climb in a cave at Rocky City

Gem of the East Bay: Rock City Trail at Mt Diablo State Park

Rock City is a fun place to explore, climb, and maybe even spot tarantulas!
SF Zoo penguin island

San Francisco Zoo: A Guide for Families

The San Francisco Zoo is worth a visit for kids who love animals, and playgrounds too!
Albany Memorial Park tot park

12 Things to Do at Memorial Park in Albany

Memorial Park in Albany is home to so many family-friendly resources and events, that all parents in communities north of Berkeley should know about it.
tunnel

9 reasons to visit Point Richmond with kids

A pool, a beach, a playground, a tunnel, and a train museum! Point Richmond has plenty of family fun to explore.

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 ...
SF Ferry Building with kids

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, ...
toddler climbing area at grove park

Park Profile: Grove Park & Playground in Berkeley

See what's up at the grand reopening of Berkeley's neighborhood playground for the Lorin District. Wood chips.
Cedar-Rose-Park-Berkeley-Tunnels

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 ...
Dracena Park in Piedmont

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.
cafe doorway in a park

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.

Piedmont Park and Playground

Piedmont Park offers tons to explore and plenty of shade for your comfort.

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 ...
Contra Costa Rock "Park"

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.
joaquin miller

Joaquin Miller Park Has Some of the Best Views (& Lizards) in East Bay

Joaquin Miller Park has stellar views, tons of lizards and plenty of trails to explore with kids.
Child watching plane while visiting waterfront park

Park Report: San Leandro Marina Park

With two playgrounds and a waterfront location in San Leandro, this park invites tons of family fun.
Dracena Park Piedmont Swings

Oakland Parks and Playgrounds

Best free thing to do with kids in Oakland? A playground or park! Stay as long or short as you like.
littlejohn park alameda play structure

Littlejohn Park in Alameda has an Inclusive Playground

This fenced-in playground offers fun for kids of all abilities in Alameda no matter the weather.
Central Park Fremont play structure

Profile: Fremont’s Central Park

Fremont's Central Park offers tons of space to run and play, picnic, boat, and exercise, there is a unique playground unlike any I've seen.
Christie-Park-Emeryville-Whale

Profile: Christie Park at Public Market Emeryville

Christie Park at Emeryville's Public Market has a delightful ocean-themed play structure and easy access to food.
girl at middle harbor shoreline park looking across the bay

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 ...
really cool swings at willard mini park in Oakland

West Oakland Park Profile: Willow Park

Willow Park is a renovated playground in West Oakland that features two nature-themed play structures for big kids and tots.
two girls in a hand made play structure

14 Super Berkeley Parks and Playgrounds

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

Lake Chabot Regional Park: Trails and Boats

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

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.
Astro Tot Lot at Lake Merritt

Park profile: Astro Tot Lot at Lake Merritt

Right next to the Lakeview Library in Oakland, you will find Astro Tot Lot now open. Lake Merritt makes for a scenic playground with all ...
kid playing in dimond park tot lot spin racer

Park Profile: Oakland’s Dimond Park

This 12-acre oasis located in the center of Oakland has scenery, a creek, paved paths, sports courts, a recreation center, and 3 play structures.
Children playing on boat

7 Playgrounds & Viewing Spots for Boat-Loving Kids

Sail over to these nautical-inspired play structures throughout the East Bay if your kid can't get enough of boats! Plus, details on where to spot ...
San Pablo Park Climbing Structure with slide and kids

Berkeley Park Profile: San Pablo Park

Visit Berkeley's oldest park for new play structures, big fields, baseball, basketball, tennis, community center, and room to run.
Nature Climbing Area at James Kenney Playground

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.
child swinging on disc swing

Park Profile: Woodstock Park in Alameda

On a quiet street in Alameda, Woodstock Park playground has exciting features: a zipline, platform swings, and a giant rope climbing structure.
Rock Garden at Ruth Bancroft Garden

Things to Do with Kids in Walnut Creek

Find out what makes Walnut Creek worth the drive. Pretty parks, shareable sundaes and free trolley rides to name a few.
Playground in Fremont

Dusterberry Neighborhood Park in Fremont: A New Place to Play

Since the equipment is brand new and the ground cover is freshly installed, Dusterberry Park is an appealing place to visit while all the colors ...

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

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

21+ Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Richmond

Visit the parks, playgrounds, pools, museums and other kids-friendly spots located in the city of Richmond. There's plenty to explore!
The Morcom Rose Garden with two kids

Frolic In An Unexpected Urban Gem: The Morcom Rose Garden

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

Bohol Circle Immigrant Park & Playground in Alameda

A waterfront playground in Alameda is ideal for playing captain of a boat or spotting cargo ships. It's located steps from Target, too!
Pirate playground

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.
Centennial Park El Cerrito Swing

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.
vertical playground emeryville eccl

Emeryville’s Amazing Vertical Playground

Emeryville Center of Community Life has the coolest playground around. This completely vertical playground is the only one of its kind in The Bay
boy walking among redwoods

Park Profile: Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

Redwood Regional Park, nestled in the redwoods, is a peaceful nature escape for those who prefer calm and quiet.
Lincoln Park Playground in Alameda

Lincoln Park: Alameda’s East End Playground

Lincoln Park, located in Alameda’s East End, is a wonderful place for families come together to play on the new jungle-themed structures and be active.
albany hill playground

Albany Hill Playground: Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park

Albany's park, the Peggy Thomsen Pierce Street Park, on the west side of Albany Hill is perfect for monkey-bar lovers AND the under-4 set.
Family Activities Fremont

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 ...
Child hikes in San Francisco

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.
playground and grassy field

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 ...
Child on slide at playground in Richmond

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.
Child riding carousel at Children's Fairyland

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.
Kids eating ice cream from Lush Gelato in Berkeley

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!
child feeding ducks at a creek

Pinole Park Profile: Fernandez Park

Fernandez Park has a fenced-in tot lot, big kid playground, ducks, expansive greenspace, basketball court, baseball field, and paved trails to roll on.
San Leandro Marina Park dad and daughter

Best Things to Do in San Leandro With Kids

Top activities for kids and families in San Leandro besides the Oakland Zoo.
Child climbs rock wall at playground in El Cerrito, CA

Tassajara Park (and Playground!) in El Cerrito

With two play structures, a grassy field, and a bathroom accessible to those in the know, Tassajara Park in El Cerrito is a fun place ...
Child spots plane overhead at Coyote Point

12 Places to Go Plane-Spotting in the Bay Area

We rounded up the best destinations for plane-loving kids to view airplanes.
Albany-Ohlone-Greenway-Exercise-Area

Best Places to Take Kids in Albany

Park nearly anywhere on lower Solano Avenue (for FREE) and you'll find a place to play, a place to eat, or a place to relax ...
Child hangs on monkey bars at all-abilities playground

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 ...
Child plays in plane play structure

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!
water feature child and golden gate bridge

The Presidio Tunnel Tops Outpost: An Incredible New Nature-Based Playground Near Crissy Field

San Francisco's Presidio is opening a truly special playground -- and the setting is a must-see.

7 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Castro Valley

Read on for a list of fun things to do with children in Castro Valley, home to Lake Chabot and twenty smaller parks.

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.
child riding tractor

Park Profile: Kennedy Park in Hayward

The park is a farm-themed paradise for little kids with a carousel, train, teacup ride, and petting zoo on weekends. Target is right across the ...

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.
Piedmont Parks and Camps kids in a tree

The Best Places in Piedmont, CA to Go With Kids

How to have the most fun with kids in Piedmont (fully surrounded by Oakland) and the main commercial street nearby, Piedmont Avenue.
playground with child balancing on logs

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.
small dirt bike rider

Dirt World: Richmond’s Free Public BMX Bike Park

The first bike park in the 510, Dirt World is a 2-acre public bicycle terrain park currently under development on the Richmond Greenway in Richmond.
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park

Sweeney Open Space Park: Fab Playground in Alameda

Four tiers of rope climbing; a super-sized interactive chime instrument; an extra-wide slide with an AstroTurf-protected landing at the base; and, a zip-line with seat ...
Oakland Gnome

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.
Splash Pad and children from a distance

Park Profile: Rancho San Ramon Splash Pad & Community Park

The Rancho San Ramon Community Park has it all for my children. With 3 separate play areas & a splash pad, little ones want to ...
Family-friendly Yosemite

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.

Park Profile: May Nissen Community Park in Livermore

Go wild at Livermore’s woodland-themed playground with charming giant flowers and interactive play features.

Play in a Secret Corner of SF: The Redwood Grove Playground in McLaren Park

The Redwood Grove Playground is beautiful, discreet, and features a 20-foot slide in San Francisco's McLaren Park.

Magical Bridge in Palo Alto: Inclusive Playground Worth the Drive

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

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.
Dreamland-Aquatic-Park-Berkeley-Bouncy-Bridge

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.

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.
tennis playing kid

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.

Visiting La Moine Park (AKA, Cheese Park)

La Moine Park, better known to the locals as the Cheese Park, is located in a quiet hillside neighborhood in Richmond near El Sobrante.
San Francisco Zoo: African Savanna

Ten Special Things to do at the SF Zoo

From Gorillas to Penguins and back through on the historic train, the San Francisco Zoo has a lot to offer families. Oakland Zoo members save ...

Park Profile: Cerrito Vista Park

El Cerrito's Cerrito Vista Park is great for adventurous kids. Paved tracks around the large grassy field is excellent for scooters and bicycles.
Jewel Terrace Park entrance sign

Park Profile: Jewel’s Terrace Park (Albany)

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

Half-day Trip to San Rafael and WildCare

A half day adventure in San Rafael starts with a visit to WildCare, a FREE rehabilitation facility for local animals that toddlers dig.

Pushing Through to Point Pinole with Kids

This helpful guest post is by Annie Burke. She not only shares her insider tips to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, but she also keeps it ...
Jordan Park Avenue Terrace

Park profile: Jordan Park

There are two main play structures in this neighborhood park surrounded by sand, swings for big kids and babies, and tons and tons of toys.
Doyle Hollis Park in Emeryville

Park Profile: Doyle Hollis Park

At Doyle St and 61st Street in Emeryville, you'll find a terrific playground, grassy field, small tot lot, and community garden.
Castro Park in El Cerrito climbing web

Park profile: Castro Park in El Cerrito

El Cerrito's Castro Park is a favorite playground packed with equipment for activities from basketball to rock climbing.

Budget Birthday Party Idea: Roberts Regional Park in Oakland

A simple and affordable birthday party at Roberts Regional Park in Oakland.
Willard Park playground in Berkeley

Park Profile: Willard Park in Berkeley

Willard Park near Elmwood is a terrific park and playground for families with a large grassy field, tot play yard, and tennis courts.
Happy birthday to you! Shorebird Park

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!
toddler balancing on log

Alameda Parks and Playgrounds

Discover a new-to-you playground or park in Alameda, CA.
Play structure in Washington Park, Alameda

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.
Rope Treehouse (big openings on sides keep close eye)

Park Profile: San Lorenzo Community Park

San Lorenzo Community Park is a true East Bay gem: Duck pond, massive play structure, paths, basketball courts, picnic areas.
Take kids all the way outside in the Bay Area

Go Outside with Kids, Really Outside

Feeling quite tired of playgrounds (I hear you!), Berkeley mom of two Annie Burke started taking her family and friends out to some less-traveled parks ...
Living Car Free

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 ...

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.

 

 

East Bay kids are invited to be Kid Reporters

From now until Aug. 15, we'll be accepting submissions from the kids of the (510). What are your kids favorite places? And most importantly, why? ...

Day trip idea: Howarth Park in Santa Rosa

Howarth Park has enough attractions to keep you busy all day long, and though it’s further away than Tilden Park, it’s almost definitely sunny there, ...

Parents’ guide to Piedmont parks

6 places to play in Piedmont

Ride a real train from Emeryville to Martinez with your preschooler

Pint-sized train adventure to Martinez

Tired of the small tracks? Let’s go BIG ride a real live train! A preschooler’s big train escape in the East Bay You can begin ...

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. ...

3 super day trips with a one-year old

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

Birthday advice: Places for rent in Oakland

House too small for a party? Here are four places you can rent out from Oakland Department of Parks and Recreation for your next kid ...

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