Discounts for East Bay Families
- Save on groceries. $20 Off + FREE Delivery on your first order when you spend $75 or more at Safeway.com.
- Free diapers. USE CODE: ‘510FAMILIES’ @ www.earth-baby.com to receive 1 pack of compostable diapers, 1 pack of compostable wipes, and 4 weeks of EarthBaby delivery, pick up, and compost service for FREE! No contract, subscription, or obligation necessary.
- More East Bay deals & discounts >
Family Fun in the East Bay
Homeroom: Temescal Mac & Cheese Restaurant
Temescal’s popular mac and cheese restaurant, Homeroom, has the classics with a few extra touches that make it great for kids and parents alike. Outdoor seating, too!
(510) Family Faves: Jessica from Brushstrokes
We sat down with Jessica, owner of Brushstrokes Studio and mom to two young sons, and asked her to share her favorite destinations in and around the East Bay.
Berkeley independent toy store, Mr. Mopps, is delightful
Mr Mopps independent toy store is a gem in Berkeley.
Birthday party entertainment: Fur, Scales and Tails
When I heard about Tracy Hill “the animal guy” and his performance at birthday parties, I knew I should share.
Berkeley Afterschool Class: Kids N Clay
When I went to visit the Kids N Clay studio in Berkeley, adjacent to the Fourth Street shopping district, I had to drag my kids out of there by the arms when it was time to leave. The magic of the pottery wheel had transfixed them.
510 Family Faves: Leah from “a girl and a boy”
Oakland mom Leah offers up some of her favorite destinations for family fun.
Quarter-Day Trip: Disney Store in San Francisco
I took a preview tour of the store this morning where executives explained that it was designed to be “the best 30 minutes of a child’s day.”
(510) Family Faves: Maury in Alameda
Maury is the mom of two energetic boys — one toddler, one kindergartner — and she sent me an awesome list of Alameda-centric fun and with an excellent half-day…
Local sweet potato pie queen: Mamie & Makhi’s
If you’re hungry for a homemade sweet potato pie, read about how my friend Lois is taking the (510) by the belly.
(510) Family Faves: Tracey from Berkeleyside
Tracey Taylor is the mom of two boys, age 12 & 14, and a cofounder of Berkeleyside. She shares what’s great about being a parent in the East Bay.
We *heart* Music Together
All four of our children had large doses of the Music Together program as babies and toddlers. We whole-heartedly endorse the classes, teachers, instruments, and soundtracks.
New Kid in Town: Little Star Pizza
The third location of Little Star Pizza has been open on Solano Avenue since mid-summer, and until we went there over the weekend, I had no idea how family-friendly the place would be.
Brunch Smackdown for Parents: Rick & Ann vs. Bette
These are both beloved breakfast and brunch establishments in the East Bay with a cult-like following. But I gotta be honest here. The hands-down best place for breakfast (if I can get in) is …
{510} Family Faves: Philippa from Philippa Roberts Jewelry
A reader sent in a tip about Philippa Roberts Jewelry which piqued my interest in the artist, mother, and Piedmont Avenue store owner.
{510} Family Faves: Lance from Berkeleyside
Lance Knobel and Tracey Taylor are the publishers of Berkeleyside, the best darn news and opinion blog in Berkeley. Lance shares his favorite Bay Area spots in his role as Dad of two teenage sons.
Letterboxing in the 510
Up for a treasure hunt? We’ve got a couple of clues for you.
Getting to the airport with a toddler
Getting to the airport with babies or toddlers is a challenge on a good day. Here are a few tips.
Cactus vs Picante Smackdown
Which local taqueria is your go-to?
Oakland’s Kindergym, utopia for babies and toddlers
Kindergym is a wonderful toddler play program by Dawn Margolin offered at Temple Beth Abraham (TBA) in Oakland (but it’s not exclusive to Oakland or any one faith – all families are welcome!).
Visit Cat Town Oakland
Cat Town in Oakland is a fun outing for a feline-loving child for $10 each. Combo cafe and animal shelter. Reservations suggested.Â
New Sweet Stop: Cookie Dough Parlor in Pinole
Pinole’s Cookie Dough Parlor offers endless combinations: cookie dough + ice cream, cookie dough + cookies, just cookie dough, sundaes, pints to go.
Year-end thanks to all who sponsored {510} Families in 2017
These are the sponsors that keep our kids in soccer and guitar lessons. They make the East Bay friendly for families and we love ’em.
Epworth Playgroups for new parents, babies and toddlers in North Berkeley
Epworth Playgroups are non-religious meet-ups that take place in a colorful recreation room housed by the Epworth United Methodist Church in North Berkeley.
Cake Wars birthday party in Berkeley produces beautiful results
Cake Wars: A unique party concept, perfect for indoor birthday party months.
Reader tip: Picante has easy pickup!
Picante ended their popular curbside pickup service in favor of brief parking and running in. Good but not as good. Apparently this is safer.
Wednesday Open Gym at Cal Golden Bears Gymnastics
From 11 am to 2 pm on Fridays, the Bear Cub gym is open for your visit seasonally when summer camp is not in session.
Where to buy {510} Families tshirts and sweatshirts
We have partnered with local screenprinting outfit Alliance Graphics to produce tshirts for kids and parents with our signature {510} mark on them.
Celebrate National Taco Day any day
Celebrate #NationalTacoDay every day! Taco Tuesday (and any other day of the week) is a perfect time for Mexican food for families.
{510} Family Faves with Outdoors Advocate Annie Burke
Annie Burke loves to take her children outside into the parks, seashore, and nature In the Bay Area. Get your fingernails dirty.
Party City open in Alameda’s South Shore Center
This superstore has an expansive selection of Halloween items for both store-bought and DIY costumes.
{510} Family Faves: Jackie from Avocado & Papaya
Five favorite outings for little kids in the Bay Area: Edible Schoolyard, China Camp, La Loma Park, Ikea, and collecting rocks.
Reader tip: Help UC Berkeley improve parenting information
Receive $50 for a one-hour interview to help Cal improve parenting information through its UC Berkeley School of Public Health.
8 Places to Try Postpartum Yoga
Postnatal yoga classes are nice safe places to go for new moms.
Welcome to {510} Families
For parents looking for more fun with their kids in the East Bay, this is your online guide. You’ll find free and cheap activities for babies and kids in Oakland, Berkeley and surrounding areas.
Discover what you can do this weekend, where you can play, and how to find everything an East Bay family needs. Help us build this community: submit tips and make comments. Thank you for visiting.
Discover our never-ending calendar of fun stuff to do with kids in the East Bay!
– Heather & Whitney
