Things to Do with Kids in Berkeley — 28 Family-Friendly Places

A unique junkyard-style playground where kids build forts, paint structures, and zip-line. One of the last adventure playgrounds in the US. Kids use real hammers, nails, and saws under supervision. Gloriously messy and creative.

A beloved free petting farm in Tilden Regional Park where children can feed goats, cows, pigs, sheep, and chickens. Bring celery and lettuce to feed the animals. Clean bathrooms and a small playground nearby. Open 365 days a year. The Tilden Merry-Go-Round, steam trains, and Lake Anza (swimming in summer) are nearby.

Touchstone climbing gym in Berkeley featuring extensive bouldering and rope climbing areas. Offers kids classes, camps, climbing teams, and clubs with trained youth instructors.

Ride a real miniature steam train through the redwood groves of Tilden Park. The trains run on 15-inch gauge tracks and are powered by real steam engines. A Bay Area tradition since 1952 that kids of all ages absolutely love.

A free botanic garden in Tilden Park showcasing California's botanical diversity since 1940. Explore varied landscapes from oceanside bluffs to Sierra Nevada mountains to desert ecosystems. A living museum of native California plants.

A stunning 34-acre garden with over 10,000 plant species representing nine geographic regions worldwide. Offers monthly family events, nature crafts, and the award-winning Green Stuff Summer Camp for kids grades 1-6.

A beloved swimming lake in Tilden Regional Park with a sandy beach sheltered from the wind. The shallow water is perfect for not-yet-water-safe toddlers, with lifeguards during swim season. Includes free life jackets to borrow and a grassy picnic area.

Youth theater classes at the Tony Award-winning Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Programs include Play Creation Adventures for grades 1-3, acting intensives for grades 6-8, improv classes, and summer camps for grades 1-12.

The East Bay's premier music education center offering private lessons, Suzuki strings from age 3, group classes, chamber ensembles, and summer camps. Also home to the Crowden School, a K-8 school with daily music instruction.

IB Mandarin immersion preschool and elementary school in Berkeley. Pre-K is 100% Mandarin immersion, transitioning to 80% in Kindergarten. An inquiry-based approach through the International Baccalaureate framework.

Enriching the lives of thousands of Bay Area children since 1982 with chess instruction. Offers after-school classes, camps, and programs throughout the Bay Area. One of the most established youth chess organizations in Northern California.

Spanish immersion preschool for ages 2-6 with campuses in Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Lincoln Highlands, and Montclair. Full Spanish immersion environment with play-based curriculum nurturing bilingual development.

A 740-acre nature preserve with naturalist-guided programs, Story Stroll hikes, Little Farm visits, apple cider pressing, and hands-on nature activities. A beloved outdoor learning destination for Bay Area families.

Kids yoga in Berkeley introducing children to yoga through games, stories, dancing, and music. Classes encourage movement, breathing, and mindfulness in a playful and non-competitive environment for all ages and abilities.

Mandarin Chinese after-school programs, weekend enrichment, and summer camps for elementary through high school students. Serving Berkeley, Albany, and surrounding East Bay communities with quality Chinese language education.

A nonprofit connecting students with nature through environmental education programs in collaboration with teachers. Inspires environmental action, builds science skills, and creates lasting connection with the natural world.

UC Berkeley's public science center perched in the hills with panoramic Bay views. Hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, outdoor science park, and a giant DNA model. The Forces That Shape the Bay exhibit is spectacular.

East Bay location of the beloved revolving sushi chain on University Ave. Same fun conveyor belt experience with prizes for kids. Fresh sushi, tempura, gyoza, and desserts available.

Legendary Indian chaat and street food spot in a warehouse setting on Berkeley's 4th Street. Counter service with cafeteria-style seating. Also houses an Indian grocery market with spices and snacks.

Beloved East Bay taqueria with locations on Solano Ave and in Rockridge. The kids' menu features tiny burritos with just beans and cheese that little ones adore. Fresh, affordable Mexican food in a casual setting.

Outdoor beer garden in West Berkeley with a massive sandbox and play area for kids. Craft beer on tap and food available. Dog-friendly and very family-welcoming with Astroturf lawn and water fountain.

Berkeley Mexican restaurant with drive-through, indoor, and outdoor dining options. Fresh, flavorful food that kids love. Casual and family-friendly with quick service perfect for busy families.

Berkeley taqueria right next to a tot lot where kids can play after eating. Outdoor seating area and generously sized burritos that can feed a whole family. Perfect park-and-eat combo spot.

A beloved Berkeley toy shop since 1962, Mr. Mopps' is filled with carefully curated toys, stickers, books, stuffed animals, and party supplies. They famously avoid TV and movie-licensed products, focusing instead on imaginative, creative play.

A festive Saturday farmers market at Center St and MLK Jr Way featuring food demonstrations, Berkeley Library storytimes, local produce, live music, fresh pretzels, and family-friendly events. Adjacent to the library and BAMPFA.

A legendary Berkeley game store carrying board games, card games, puzzles, science kits, plush toys, and outdoor activities. A massive selection from family-friendly classics to advanced strategy games, with knowledgeable staff to help find the perfect game.

A beloved independent bookstore on charming Solano Avenue with the biggest kids' section among their three Bay Area locations. The children's area features cozy chairs and stuffed animals for little readers to enjoy.

A well-stocked REI store serving the East Bay since 1975 with outdoor gear for the whole family. Full kids' section with camping gear, hiking boots, rain gear, bikes, and clothing. Also offers family outdoor classes and workshops.