Wondering what to do with your kids here in the East Bay? There are loads of options, from A-Zoo.
ANTHONY CHABOT REGIONAL PARK: ongoing. 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. No fee for parking; Dog fee, $2 per day, No fee for guide/service dogs. East Bay Regional Parks: 888-327-2757, ext. 4502. 9999 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley. 888-327-2757, LEARN MORE.
ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM: GENERAL INFORMATION, ongoing. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tue.-Sun., CLOSED Christmas. Open Memorial Day, Labor Day and July 4. Ardenwood farm is a working farm that dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming techniques from the 1870s.$3-6; free to children under 4 years old. Ardenwood Historic Farm: 510-544-2797. SPECIAL EVENTS: “Toddler Time,” ongoing. Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new animal friend through stories, chores and fun. “Potato Harvesting,” ongoing. Learn the spectacular history of this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds. “Country Kitchen Cookin’,” ongoing. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood’s wood burning stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your favorite oldtime snacks. “Horse-Drawn Train Rides,” ongoing. Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull Ardenwood’s train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood Station or Deer Park. “Animal Feeding,” ongoing. Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs, check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock. 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. 510-796-0199, 510-796-0663, LEARN MORE.
BAY POINT LIBRARY: “Monthly Craft Night,” ongoing. 4-5 p.m. Last Friday of every month. Each month features a different themed craft. Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Bay Point. 925-458-9597.
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM: ongoing. AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM: The museum’s permanent exhibition of internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which is a Model 48 “Torpedo” four-door sedan. ONGOING EXHIBITS: “International Automotive Treasures,” ongoing. An ever-changing exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles. “A Journey on Common Ground,” ongoing. An exhibit of moving photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one. ONGOING EVENT: Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided tours of the museum’s exhibitions. $5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. 925-736-2280, 925-736-2277.
CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER: GENERAL INFORMATION, ongoing. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. State-of-the-art facility unifying science education activities around astronomy. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing and films. $14-$18. Chabot Space & Science Center: 510-336-7373.
TIEN MEGADOME SCIENCE THEATER: Ongoing. A 70-foot dome-screen auditorium. Show times subject to change. Call for current show schedule. Price with paid general admission is $6-$7. Theater only: $7-$8. 510-336-7373; 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. To purchase tickets online, CLICK HERE.
CHILDREN’S FAIRYLAND: “The Nutcracker Prince,” December 1-2, 8-9, 11 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m. The classic holiday story is brought to life through a delightful puppet show. “Children’s Theater Holiday Program,” December 2, 12:30 and 3 p.m. A celebration of a wide variety of holiday traditions sending out a message of peace, joy and light. GENERAL INFORMATION, ongoing. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wed.-Sun. A historic 10 acre park with rides, animal attractions, gardens, special events and more. $10. SPECIAL EVENTS: “Arts and Crafts,” ongoing. Noon-3 p.m. Event features arts and crafts projects for children and their families. $6. “Animal of the Day!” ongoing. Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:20 p.m. Come up close and learn about Fairyland’s creatures. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland.
CRAB COVE: 1231 McKay Ave., Alameda. LEARN MORE.
FLAX ART: 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland. LEARN MORE, 510-867-2324.
FOREST HOME FARMS: ongoing. Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. 925-973-3281, LEARN MORE.
HABITOT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: A museum especially for children ages 7 and under. Highlights include “WaterWorks,” an area with some unusual water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library. ONGOING EXHIBITS: “Waterworks.” A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station and a water table, designed to teach about water. “Little Town Grocery and Cafe.” Designed to create the ambiance of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant. “Infant-Toddler Garden.” A picket fence gated indoor area, which includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food, gardening and agriculture. “Dramatic Arts Stage.” Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair here. “Wiggle Wall.” The floor-to-ceiling “underground” tunnels give children a worm’s eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net covered openings and giant optic lenses. SPECIAL EXHIBITS: ongoing. $9. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley. 510-647-1111, LEARN MORE.
HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER: “Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh,” ongoing. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join an expert birder to go “behind the gates” to areas of the marsh that are not open to the public. “Weekend Weed Warriors,” ongoing. 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and older. Registration required. “Nature Detectives,” ongoing. 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Registration required. 22380 Foothill Blvd., Hayward. LEARN MORE.
JACK LONDON SQUARE: “Holiday Tree Lighting,” November 30, 5 p.m. Free. Ring in the holiday season with this annual event featuring a 55 foot tall fir tree with 5,000 lights, music and more. 70 Washington St., Oakland. LEARN MORE.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY: “Shabbat Celebration for Young Children,” ongoing. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Join other families with young children to share this weekly Jewish holiday of joy and renewal. 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. 510-848-0237, LEARN MORE.
JUNIOR CENTER OF ART AND SCIENCE: ongoing. A center dedicated to encouraging children’s active wonder and creative response through artistic and scientific exploration of their natural urban environment. The center’s classes, workshops, exhibits and events integrate art and science. EXHIBITS: Three educational exhibits are mounted in the “Children’s Gallery” each year. A docent-led tour, demonstrations, hands-on activities and art projects are available to school groups throughout the year. “Jake’s Discovery Garden,” ongoing. Jake’s Discovery Garden is a new interactive studio exhibit designed for preschool-aged children and their adult caregivers that teaches young visitors about the natural environments found in their backyards, playgrounds and neighborhoods. SPECIAL EVENTS: ongoing. Free; programs and special exhibits have a fee. September through May: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June through August: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 558 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. 510-839-5777, LEARN MORE.
LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK: ongoing. 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. LEARN MORE.
HOLT PLANETARIUM: ongoing. Shows on Saturdays and Sundays. Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in addition to general admission. University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. LEARN MORE.
LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE: 1 Centennial Dr., Berkeley, 510-642-5132. LEARN MORE.
MUSEUM OF CHILDREN’S ART: A museum of art for and by children, with activities for children to participate in making their own art. ART CAMPS: Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per day. CLASSES: A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12, led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. OPEN STUDIOS: Drop-in art play activities with new themes each week. “Big Studio.” Guided art projects for children age 6 and older with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5. “Little Studio.” A hands-on experience that lets young artists age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media. Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5. “Family Weekend Studios.” Drop-in art activities for the whole family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child. FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS: Special weekend workshops for the entire family. “Sunday Workshops with Illustrators,” Sundays, 1 p.m. See the artwork and meet the artists who create children’s book illustrations. Free. EVENTS: ongoing. SPECIAL EVENT: “Saturday Stories,” ongoing. 1 p.m. For ages 2-5. Free. Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. 510-465-8770.
OAKLAND ZOO: GENERAL INFORMATION, Oakland Zoo is managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC), a non-profit organization leading an informed and inspired community to take action for wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 partners and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to conservation-based education and saving species and their habitats in the wild. Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the national organization that sets the highest standards for animal welfare for zoos and aquariums. $10-$24 General Admission. Park hours for entry: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. 510-632-9525. LEARN MORE.
PIXIELAND AMUSEMENT PARK: GENERAL INFORMATION, ongoing. Call or check website for current schedules; hours can depend on weather conditions. This amusement park for children features pixie-sized rides such as a dragon roller coaster, swirling tea cups, a carousel, red baron airplanes, an antique car ride and a miniature train among other attractions sure to please the little ones. Classic carnival-style food and souvenirs round out the experience. Admission to the park is free; ride tickets are $2.25 each. Day wrist band for unlimited rides are $28. 2740 E. Olivera Road, Concord. 925-689-8841.
POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE: ongoing. The 2,315-acre parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay. Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park’s shuttle bus to reach the 1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole. $5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog (guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted. Giant Highway, Richmond. 510-562-PARK, LEARN MORE.
PREWETT FAMILY WATERPARK: GENERAL INFORMATION, ongoing. Check website for current schedule. There are pools and water slides for all ages, from the Tad Pool for toddlers to Boulder cove for older swimmers. In addition to fun pools and slides there are fitness pools for lessons and exercise, lawns for relaxing, locker rooms, community room and kitchen. Lap lanes are open year round. Food and beverages are not permitted in the park. Picnic tables are available outside the park. $5-$14. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 4701 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 925-776-3070, LEARN MORE.
ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE: ongoing. East Bay residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills. Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. 510-562-PARK, LEARN MORE.
SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA: ongoing. The 296-acre park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume water slide, with picnic grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: 925-829-6230. $6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1 through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton.