Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, nestled in the redwoods, is a peaceful nature escape for those who prefer calm and quiet. Park at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area, and then follow the paved trail to find the playground and bathrooms. Keep going. Redwood Regional contains the largest remaining natural stand of ancient coast redwoods in the East Bay — surrounded by many newer, “second growth” redwood trees. You’ll find many lovely well-marked paths, wildlife, and so many flowers.
TLDR; Our favorite hike for small kids is the Stream Trail.
Kid-friendly hiking at Redwood Regional Park
When open, we stop at the playground for a bit, but my boys prefer following the Stream Trail for a short hike. We admired the towering trees, found a family of bunnies, and collected sticks and leaves. The trail is flat and easy, perfect for young and newly adventurous hikers.
There are several entrances to Redwood Regional Park, however, to find the playground, park at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area.
Canyon Meadow Staging Area
7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619
If you scout this spot on a map, you’ll see that Joaquin Miller Park, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, and Roberts Park all border on one another. Don’t worry about keeping them straight! Just point your GPS towards the staging area (aka parking lot) at which you want to start your hike.
Redwood Glen Trailhead at Big Trees Trail
Oakland mom, Hannah, loves the area just off the Redwood Glen trailhead, which is technically in Joaquin Miller Park. All around this area, neat stick shelters are built from fallen branches. Her children love claiming one for their own and having snacks and juice like a “tea party” in the woods.
Redwood Heritage Viewing Deck
Another place to stop is the old-growth redwood heritage viewing deck and interpretive exhibit (located in Roberts Regional Recreational Area, within Redwood Regional Park), as they are a great window into the redwood forest’s past. The viewing deck and exhibit are found along the Roberts Ridge Trail as you hike to the Redwood Bowl. The closest access point is the Redwood Bowl Staging Area parking lot. (View location on map)
Learn more about the old-growth redwood tree viewing deck and education project from Save the Redwoods League >
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park Playground
The playground is small and unremarkable, but it’s a great way to generate enthusiasm on the way to the hiking part of the journey for those who are allergic to the word “hike”.
Plan your visit to Redwood Regional Park
The published price of parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends and holidays, and free during the week, however, we have been a number of times and never found a staff person in the booth to pay. Find out about trail closures, special programs, detailed maps, and facilities updates on the East Bay Regional Parks District website.
Favorite times to visit
During the wet, winter season the train can get too muddy, but when it is just right, there is a magical spot to view thousands of ladybugs. (Add this to your child’s bucket list!) The very observant may also find salamanders. On a sunny day after a period of rain, you’ll have the best luck with these nature quests.
Extend your outing to Oakland’s Redwoods
Chabot Space & Science Center is located within these regional park areas, very close to even more trails to explore. From the museum, you can walk on numerous hiking trails, so consult a map and plan an all day adventure, combining space and nature.
Redwood Bowmen is an archery facility run by East Bay Regional Parks District, who offer classes there as well as open hours. The facility does not have rentals for open hours, so learn more before you go.
