Things to do with kids in Berkeley

Things to do with kids in Berkeley

1. Do

   Adventure Playground

   This "junkyard" playground for school-age kids is a top-10 playground according to the National Geographic magazine. Kids can build with real tools, paint their creations, and play in the water and mud. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and clothes that you don't mind being ruined. Tools are collected 30 minutes before closing time. Zipline is taken down 15 minutes before closing time. Reservations are required (and expensive) for groups of five or more children, including if you plan to meet another family at the playground.

   Year-round Sat Sun 11AM–5PM, and summer Mon–Fri 9AM–5PM, closed on holidays and for rain·Up to 4 children with parents: free; more than 4 children: $75 to $180; one child without parents: $10 for three hours

2. Do

   Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center

   If you can name a type of dance, than the odds favor it being done here, and possibly taught as well. Music and dance from the world. Veggie-friendly food, wine and beer, and kids are always welcome.

   Tue-Sat 10AM–5PM

3. Eat

   Picante

   Delicious, taqueria-style Mexican food. Fantastic, home-made tortillas, savory moles, extensive vegan and vegetarian menus and stiff margaritas all in a large family-friendly dining room. Online ordering. Outdoor dining only.

   Daily 11AM-9PM

4. See

   The Lawrence Hall of Science

   The Lawrence

   Offers many hands-on science exhibits, especially good for children. Since 1968, the Lawrence has been dedicated to creating innovative science learning experiences. The outdoor plaza (free) is popular for its whale and DNA sculptures to climb on, and features a panoramic view of the Bay Area: San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Oakland and the Bay Bridge. The science center includes a planetarium, a 3D theater, an Animal Discovery Zone, Outdoor Nature Lab, and an area for young explorers.

   Wed-Sun 10AM–5PM·$25, Kids under 3, members free

5. See

   Tilden Park

   Offers several inexpensive activities for families with children. Many kilometers of hiking trails of various difficulties are available for free hiking, and include vistas of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Home to a scale, narrow-gauge working steam train. $8 gets five rides through the woods atop the Berkeley hills, including a tunnel and trestle bridge. Right next door is the Golden Gate Live Steamers Club, maintained and operated by 275 members. This is an entire miniature railroad for hand-built steam engines. Bus 67 from Berkeley BART goes through the park on weekends. Also in the park, Lake Anza is a popular swimming destination for families and summer camps. There is a wonderful Botanical Garden with a very diverse terrain and a great collection of manzanitas and other California native plants. Be sure to check website for updates concerning weather effects, construction and so on. Check website for amenities and trail closures as well.

   Daily 5AM-10PM, unless otherwise posted·See website for specific attraction fees

6. See

   University of California Botanical Garden

   Part outdoor museum, park, and biological research facility for the University of California, the garden hosts over 12,000 different species of plant life.

   Daily 9AM-10AM (members only) 10AM-5PM, closed first Tuesdays·Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and non-UCB students, $7 children 7-17. Children 6 and under, NARM/ROAM/ARM Reciprocal members with card, UCB faculty and students, LBNL, UCOP staff and UCBG members free. (Reservations required.)

7. See

   University of California, Koret Visitor Center

   UC Berkeley, or "Cal"

   90-minute student-led walking tours are offered seven days a week. (M-Sa at 10AM, Su at 1PM). Be prepared to climb the hilly campus terrain. For a break, take a seat in the Doe Library's reading room (but don't bring the kids or bother the students). If you're touring alone, the main attraction is a ride up the Campanile/Sather Tower ($5 adults, $4 seniors and children < 18, free for Cal students with ID), which offers sweeping views of the Bay Area.

   Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM, Sat Sun 9AM-1PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Berkeley (CC BY-SA 4.0).