In North Berkeley, most commerce takes place on Upper Shattuck Avenue or Solano Avenue where the stores and restaurants are plentiful, but Martin Luther King Jr Way, right around Rose Street is becoming its own mecca for parents. With a handful of independent family-friendly businesses all in a row, we love this little chunk of Berkeley.
Let’s take a tour, heading North past University Ave, on Martin Luther King Jr Way.
Mr. Mopps’ Children’s Books
Located on the corner, this independent bookshop has shelves packed with children’s books, carefully curated by passionate, book-loving staffers. Because the same owners have a toy store right next door, the bookshop is truly focused on books. It’s a sweet, kid-sized shopping experience.
Website >
1401 MLK JR Way
Hours:Â Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm; Mon – Fri: 11 am – 6 pm
Melt Me Creamery
This charming small ice cream shop offers a rotating selection of unique and classic flavors, from unexpected combinations like cheddar cheese walnut praline to favorites such as matcha strawberry. To make this trip extra sweet, sprinkles are free.
Website >
1918 MLK Jr Way
Hours: Mon – Thur 3 pm – 9 pm; Fri – Sun 12 pm – 9 pm
Small Talk City
Small Talk City isn’t your typical consignment shop, featuring a play area for children, tea for grownups, and a unique selection of gently used contemporary and vintage children’s clothing for ages newborn through twelve.
Website >
1415 MLK Jr Way
Hours:Â Tues – Sun: 12 pm-5 pm
Creations Berkeley Dance Studio
Creations Berkeley Dance Studio offers a variety of movement classes for kids 2-5 years old, and adults. Many classes are drop-in friendly and free trial classes are offered.
Website >
1640 MLK Jr Way
Hours: See website for schedules
Mr. Mopps’ Toy Shop
An independent toy store that is full of treasures, Mr. Mopps’ is where kids and parents can browse forever. Filled with toys running the spectrum from innovative to quirky to nostalgic (think rubik’s cubes and playmobil sets), Mr. Mopps’ makes buying birthday gifts a pleasure. Pro tip: When you’re in the store, look up! Some special merchandise is only featured on the very top shelves. Don’t forget to check out their bookstore located next door.
Website >
1405 MLK Jr Way
Hours: Sat – Sun: 10 am – 5 pm; Mon – Fri: 11 am – 6 pm
Fatapples
An old-school coffee shop, established before that term meant purveyor of Venti-sized mochas, Fatapples is known for its attached bakery and pie selection, in addition to standard American diner fare. A complete menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, means you indulge in a full meal, or just walk in the bakery door and walk out with a scone or cheese puffs. Don’t worry, the menu is current and the veggies are fresh. The Apple Salad– starring bacon, avocado, and blue cheese– is a favorite for Whitney. Maureen always orders her birthday pie from the bakery.
Website >
1346 MLK Jr Way
Hours:Â Sun – Tues: 8 am – 3 pm; Wed – Sat: 8 am – 5 pm
Other kid-friendly destinations near MLK Jr Way in North Berkeley
North Branch Library
Located at the corner of MLK Jr Way and The Alameda, the North Branch Library has a wonderful kids section and hosts children’s storytime on the lawn on Wednesday mornings. The lawn is also a sweet spot to enjoy a picnic or watch cars and trucks pass bay, plus the bordering trees are ideal for climbing.
King Park Playground and Pool
King Park is home to two playgrounds and a pool. It sits just below the hill next to King Middle School. Toddlers will love the tot lot complete with a sand area (with a water feature), a kitchen/store play space, climbing features, and swings aplenty. There are two climbing towers, lots of swings, and a traditional play structure in the big kid area. King Pool hosts lessons for tots and kids, plus family and recreation swim hours.
King Middle School and Edible Schoolyard
We love the middle school for exploring on the weekends. The Edible Schoolyard is free, open, and home to a diversity of edible plants, pathways, and chickens! The blacktop is great for new bikers and the little park on the backside of the school has playgrounds and grass.
Nearby neighborhood to explore: A kid-friendly guide to Hopkins Street>
Ohlone Park Playground
Ohlone Greenway has several play structures throughout, but the one near the corner of Hearst and Bonita offers a fresher take on playground design. Read more about our visit to Ohlone Park >
Totland
A larger fenced-in playground for the 0-5 crowd, the Virgina and McGee location is just two blocks west of MLK Jr Way. With a great playstructure, swings, and plenty of shared push-toys and ride-ons, your tot will have plenty of entertainment.
Other nearby destinations for which we have guides just like this one:
