An afternoon on 4th Street in Berkeley can turn creepy fast. Heading out of the light and into the East Bay Vivarium will take you through a world of reptiles unlike any other pet store.
Sure there are cute turtles swimming in tanks, big ol' tortoises munching on lettuce, and lizards that fit in the palm of your hand, but there are also boas, enormous pythons, and giant geckos with weird eyeballs that will make you shiver. That is if the feeder supply of crickets and mice didn't already put goosebumps on your arms.
The Vivarium is a fascinating place to stop and entertain any kid (for free). Lucky timing might even provide you with an opportunity to pet someone scaly. The layout is floor to ceiling, wall to wall tanks of reptiles, amphibians, and invertabrates.
If you have no intention on taking care of a cold-blooded creature, be sure to make a pact before you go into the store that no pets will be coming home with you.
Plan your visit to the Vivarium
Address:
1827-C 5th Street in Berkeley, California.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11am-7pm Saturday & Sunday, 11am-6pm
[photo: genista on flickr]
[…] East Bay Vivarium: get your lizard (and snake) on right near the fun times on Fourth Street. Good children can be rewarded with a visit to the Ark. Good mommies can pick up food at The Pasta Shop. EBV is on 5th and a little tucked away. […]