Kid-friendly Fourth of July

Thanks to Sarah’s Science camp for sponsoring our 4th of July Guide for East Bay families. Sarah’s Science has locations in Oakland and Berkeley and invites your child to come have a BLAST! Campers make and take home a fun science project each day, from robots to rockets, catapults to ladybug gardens.

Independence Day is a Monday this year, so a 3-day weekend is observed by most day camps and businesses on Monday, July 4. Sarah’s Science has openings and offers a reduced rate for the shortened week of July 5- July 8.

Here’s what’s happening around the East Bay on Monday, July 4, 2016:

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 >

Berkeley 4th of July Celebration
This huge 4th of July festival includes bouncy houses in all shapes and sizes, free dragon boat rides, performances by Buddy Club talent, a petting zoo, and if you can stay til 10 pm, fireworks over the Bay.
When: 12 pm to 10 pm
Where: Berkeley Marina
Details >

Alameda County Fair
You’ll find the fairgrounds open from 10 am to 9 pm for the holiday. 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, too!
When: 11 am to 11 pm
Where: Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton

Family Fun Festival
Jack London Square has planned a big afternoon of kid-friendly fun, but no fireworks
When: 11am-4pm
Where: Jack London Square, Oakland

Oakland Zoo
Open on the Fourth from 10-5

Green, Red, White and Blue Festival
Festivities include a mustache contest, human hamster balls, a Diaper Derby, and tons of activities for kids. Pack a picnic and stay all afternoon.
When: 9 am to 4 pm
Where: Memorial Park in Albany

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>

Piedmont Park Parade
Pancakes and parading ends with festivities in the park.
When: begins at 11 am
Where: Piedmont Park
Details >

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

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>

WorldOne Festival
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 4 pm
Details >

Alameda South Shore Center Fest
There will be music from the Sun Kings, petting, zoo, bounce house, and fun
Where: South Shore Center, Alameda
When: from 3pm to 5pm.

Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
Promising fun, patriotic coloring, games, ice cream, and the carousel we all love. Pricing and hours TBD.
Where: Merry-go-round at Tilden Park
When: also TBD July 2nd through July 4th

Thanks again to Sarah’s Science day camp (where my children have gone every summer for seven years!) for sponsoring our Fourth of July guide for East Bay families. Both Oakland and Berkeley 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.