parks
Whimsy Willow: Fab Play Space & Garden in Alameda
Whimsy Willow in Alameda is an art studio and play garden with plenty of space to run around and be creative in big and small ...
Secret Spots: John Hinkel Park in North Berkeley
There's a terrific playground at John Hinkel Park, plus paths to explore for those who like a climb.
Hikes for Tykes: Exploring the Regional Parks
Hikes for Tykes offers guided toddler-friendly nature walks and exploration in various East Bay Regional Parks.
Park Profile: Totland in Berkeley
We love Totland for toddlers, and especially for parents who are on their own with a new second baby. Swings, climbing things, spinny rides, and ...
Thousand Oaks Tot Park
A Pandora's Box of toddler fun, Thousand Oaks park offers an easy-to-manage playground for little ones who don't know there's more to see beyond its ...
Berkeley Park Profile: Dream Land at Aquatic Park
Dream Land in the Aquatic Park area of Berkeley is a whimsical and adventurous playground that will inspire and excite your little ones' senses.
Free & Cheap Activities in Tilden Regional Park
Tilden Park has fantastic free activities for families. Some of our favorite family places in Tilden Regional Park are totally free. Which ones do you ...
When are Lake Temescal and Lake Anza Open for Swimming?
Lake Temescal and Lake Anza are open weekends until Memorial Day, then daily all summer. But wait! Check the water quality before you go.
Codornices Park in the Berkeley Hills
Codornices Park in Berkeley has so many features that my visits have changed completely as my kids have grown older with new parts to enjoy.
Worth the Drive: Heather Farm Park & Playground in Walnut Creek
One unique feature of the colorful Heather Farm playground in Walnut Creek is a set of turf covered mounds that children can slide down on. ...
Angel Island with Kids: Family-friendly Hike, Tram Ride and More
Looking for a mini vacation? It's in the Bay, literally! Visit Angel Island with the kids for a ferry ride, outdoor time, beautiful views and ...
Gem of the East Bay: Rock City Trail at Mt Diablo State Park
Rock City is a fun place to explore, climb, and maybe even spot tarantulas!
12 Things to Do at Memorial Park in Albany
Memorial Park in Albany is home to so many family-friendly resources and events, that all parents in communities north of Berkeley should know about it.
Park Profile: Updated Montclair Park
Montclair Park in Oakland is a fantastic park for kids of all ages. There are two playgrounds, a skate park and unique Wild West area ...
25 Things to Do With Kids in Alameda
Our favorite places to go and play with children in Alameda... Wondering what to do with kids? Here's your list of 25 go-to spots.
It’s Free! Indian Rock Park
Wear athletic shoes and bring a camera because Berkeley's Indian Rock will make you want to scale it and start snapping pictures immediately.
Berkeley Park Profile: Cedar-Rose Park
Cedar-Rose Park in North Berkeley has a little fenced-in tot lot, wide open field, and big kid playground making it a great option for mixed ...
Park Profile: Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont
Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont is a cozy little neighborhood beauty with attractions for kids of all ages. Parking can be tricky.
Half-Day Trip to CuriOdyssey at Coyote Point
CuriOdyssey is a science playground and zoo best suited for the smallest children at Coyote Point in San Mateo.
Profile: Fremont’s Central Park
Fremont's Central Park offers tons of space to run and play, picnic, boat, and exercise, there is a unique playground unlike any I've seen.
Berkeley Park Profile: San Pablo Park
Visit Berkeley's oldest park for new play structures, big fields, baseball, basketball, tennis, community center, and room to run.
The Temescal Farmer’s Market, Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt & Frog Park
This Oakland playground is filled on Sundays with folks who have walked over from the Farmer's Market. Try it any day of the week!
Golden Gate Park, Koret Children’s Playground and Carousel
Koret Playground at Golden Gate Park has a mix of nostalgic features I loved as a child (cement slide, carousel) plus newer playground structures.
Gilman District in Berkeley with Kids
Gilman District in Berkeley, Gilman between the freeway and San Pablo Ave is awesome for families with kids for lots of places to eat, shop, ...
Park Profile: Kennedy Park in Hayward
The park is a farm-themed paradise for little kids with a carousel, train, teacup ride, and petting zoo on weekends. Target is right across the ...
Park Profile: Cerrito Vista Park
El Cerrito's Cerrito Vista Park is great for adventurous kids. Paved tracks around the large grassy field is excellent for scooters and bicycles.
Things to do at Washington Park in Alameda
This park has play areas, soccer, tennis, basketball, and is home to affordable summer camps for Alameda kids.
Field Trip to the Hills and Tunnels of Black Diamond Mines
Thank you to Annie Burke sharing her terrific tips for exploring Black Diamond Mines with kids in tow. There’s something cool about exploring an ...
Go Outside with Kids, Really Outside
Feeling quite tired of playgrounds (I hear you!), Berkeley mom of two Annie Burke started taking her family and friends out to some less-traveled parks ...
Oakland playground: Union Point Park
This playground, located very close to Pump It Up in Oakland, will keep tots entertained for a while, and when it gets old, you can ...
Day trip idea: Howarth Park in Santa Rosa
Howarth Park has enough attractions to keep you busy all day long, and though it’s further away than Tilden Park, it’s almost definitely sunny there, ...
Parents’ guide to Piedmont parks
6 places to play in Piedmont
Pint-sized train adventure to Martinez
Tired of the small tracks? Let’s go BIG ride a real live train! A preschooler’s big train escape in the East Bay You can begin ...
