Kid-friendly Fourth of July

Thanks to Sarah’s Science camp for sponsoring our Independence Day Guide for East Bay families. Sarah’s Science has openings from June 12 – August 25 in Berkeley and Oakland and invites your child to come have a BLAST! Campers make and take home a fun science project each day while exploring complex science topics. Some highlights this summer include rockets, robots, critters, catapults, knights, and ninjas!

Independence Day is a Tuesday this year and many camps and business will be closed Monday and Tuesday. Sarah’s Science camp is open Wednesday through Friday (July 5-7) and offers a pro-rated price for the short week. 

Here's what's happening around the East Bay on Tuesday, July 4, 2017:

Alameda's Mayor's Parade
More than 30,000 people watch this parade and there's a kid's area with attractions to fill the day. Line up starts as early as 8 am! A 5k takes place at 9 am that morning, too.
When: 10 am
Where: Check out the route through 3 miles of Alameda >

Albany Pancake Breakfast at Memorial Park
The opening event to the all-day Memorial Park celebration, this breakfast is hosted by the Lion's Club and will fuel you for the day.
When: from 9 to noon
Where: Memorial Park, Albany
Details >

Albany's Green, Red, White and Blue Festival
Festivities include a reptile show, a Diaper Derby, and tons of activities for kids. Pack a picnic and stay all afternoon.
When: 12 pm to 4 pm
Where: Memorial Park in Albany

Berkeley Marina 4th of July Celebration
This huge 4th of July festival includes bouncy houses in all shapes and sizes, canoe races, fun performances, a petting zoo, and if you can stay til the end, fireworks over the Bay begin at 9:30pm.
When: 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Berkeley Marina
Details >

Fremont Fourth of July Parade
Begins at the Library and heads toward Capitol via Paseo Padre. This parade is so big it has its own app!
When: 10 am
Where:  Route map through Fremont>

Hilltop Mall cheap summer movie
For $1, kids can see the movie Goosebumps on the big screen
When: Showtimes are from about 10 am to noon
Where: Hilltop Mall, Richmond (also in Pleasant Hill)
Details >

Jack London Square Backyard BBQ
Jack London Square has planned a big afternoon family fun festival with a “backyard BBQ” theme stuffed with daytime kid-friendly fun, but no fireworks
When: noon to 6 pm
Where: Jack London Square, Oakland

Oakland Zoo
Open on the Fourth from 10 am to 5 pm — check out the new gondola!

Alameda County Fair
You'll find the fairgrounds open from 11 am to 11 pm for the holiday (with no admission after 6pm for fireworks). Visit the official website to print coupons and see the schedule of events. The day is packed with story times, clown performances, magic, and music, not to mention rides. Fireworks at 9:30 pm, too!
When: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton

Piedmont Park Parade and pancakes
Pancakes and parading ends with festivities in the park.
When: parade begins at 11 am, pancakes in Veteran's Hall start at 8 am.
Where: Route from Highland Avenue and Park Way to Piedmont Park
Details >

Tilden Park, Berkeley
The Carousel and Steam Trains will both be running (opposite ends of the park).

worldOne Festival, El Cerrito
This all day event will offer live music, carnival games, rides and food tents.
When: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Cerrito Vista park in El Cerrito

San Pablo Fireworks Show
Entertainment, food, and games, followed by fireworks after dark.
Where: El Portal soccer field, San Pablo
When: Beginning at 5 pm
Details >

Alameda South Shore Center Festival
There will be music from the Sun Kings and unspecified kids activities.
Where: South Shore Center, Alameda
When: from 3pm to 5pm.

Thanks again to Sarah’s Science day camp (where my children have gone every summer for nine years!) for sponsoring our Fourth of July guide for East Bay families. Both Berkeley and Oakland locations of Sarah’s Science camp are set outdoors in beautiful parks where wonderful counselors blend science and nature studies with traditional summer camp activities like hiking, arts and crafts, and swimming. Campers go home dirty, tired, and excited to share their creations and what they learned.