Previous Outings I-O

Ice Skating at Berkeley Iceland
Address: 2727 Milvia St., Berkeley CA, 94703

Meeting Time:  3:00pm for a 30 minute lesson for the kids,
 followed by “free skate” time.
Cost:    $30 lesson to be split by attendees,
plus $7 for skate rental and freeskate per child. 
Adults pay $7 for free skate time and $4 skate rental.

 Please show up early so that you can rent skates before the lesson. 
Remember this is only a 30 minute lesson – DON’T BE LATE!!

Itty Bitty Kiddie Gym
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church
1330 Lakeshore Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94606

When: drop in from 10am-12pm

Cost: $7.50 per hour (the cost drops to $5 per hour if we can get 10 people to attend)

Lunch: Bring a bag lunch. While we are eating in their patio area, the kids can play in an enclosed area.

Japantown

we're going to japan town in the city on monday. apparently, it is
only one of three left in all the continental u.s. news to me, as i've
frequented the san jose and los angeles ones most of my life.

Parking: there is a lot underneath japan center. One entrance is off
geary on the right after laguna street, another is on the other side
(from geary, right on Webster, right on post, entrance on the right).
Japan Center Mall layout: if you've never been there, check the
directory. The mall's broken up into three parts, miyako, kentetsu,
and kinokuniya.

Meeting spot and time: 11am at Café Hana, it's the first snack food
place (tables and chairs outside and a man-made koi pond) as you enter
the kentetsu mall. Kentetsu mall is the one that has benihana in it.
Miyako mall has a bank and a little gadget market.

After we meet up, we can stroll toward the Kinokuniya bldg which has
the bookstore in it.

Lunch: those of us able can dine in one of the many restaurants near
the bookstore. Takeout and eating on the benches in the courtyard is
also possible and something I'll most likely do.

Click here for directions
It's a good indoor place to meet on a drizzly day. Hope to see you there!

The Japanese Tea Garden

Rain back up: The Conservatory of Flowers

Let's meet at 12 noon near the fountain and benches in the Music Concourse.

The Music Concourse is the big bandstand
between the Japanese Tea Garden and the California Academy of Sciences.

Bring your lunch and we can picnic outside on the benches or on the lawn.
At 1 p.m. we'll head into the Japanese Tea Garden.
Admission is $3.50.
After walking around the gardens, let's settle in at the teahouse
and have a pot of tea and bowl of snacks
(cost approx. $2.95) before heading home in the pre-rush hour traffic.

In the case of rain,
let's meet with our lunches at the Conservatory of Flowers (indoor)
For more information and driving directions, click here:

Carpooling is recommended for this trip,
so you can not only enjoy the long ride with a friend,
but also use the diamond lanes on the way home.

Jelly Belly Factory
One Jelly Belly Lane,
Fairfield, CA

Jelly Belly Factory Tour
Carpool is highly recommended as it's about an hour drive.
Meet at the Visitor Center at 11:30am.
After the free 40-minute walking tour (stroller accessible), we'll "lunch at the Jelly Belly Cafe
where you can order Jelly Belly-shaped pizza and hamburgers".
There's also a "Java Bar for espresso drinks and an ice cream counter for truly decadent ice cream cones"

Joan's Pumpkin Patch
4351 Mines Road,
Livermore

Since Joan's farm is such a fabulous place,
and since so many of you Friday Mamas can't join us on Mondays...
we're visiting the farm twice!

I called Joan to ask about a group package.
Here's what she said...

'For $4.50 each child, we can get a Joan's Farm Package.
Included in this package, each child will receive feed for the animals,
get to participate in a story telling, song-singing extravaganza
led by Joan herself, get a mini-tour of the farm,
and get to go into the pumpkin patch to pick out
their very own pumpkin, gourd, or corn.
And then the children are free to roam the pumpkin patch
for the rest of the afternoon...'

Let's plan to meet for a picnic lunch around 11:15.
We'll meet the same place we met last year
(cross a little bridge going toward the animals,
and turn left to find lunch benches).

I'll have my cell, so call me if you show up and can't find the group.
(925)768-4745

What to bring:
A picnic lunch or money for the Snack Shack
$4.50 for each child (adults and babies are free)
Extra money if you want to purchase
any other pumpkins, corn, etc...

Directions:
Take 580 East.
Take the North Livermore Avenue exit off 580,
go south through Livermore about five miles,
turn right on Mines Road,
go 1.4 miles to Joan's Farm (on the right).

Hope to see you there!

Joaquin Miller Park

There's a new park we need to try out.
Let's meet there at 11:30 with our picnic lunches
and blankets for a day outside.

Directions: Get there on HWY 13.
Exit on Joaquin Miller and head uphill.
Look for the park on your left side,
you'll need to make a U-turn somewhere around when you see
Butters Street (on the right) to get to the park.
There's plenty of parking on the street.
If you get to the sign for the entrance of the
Woodminster Amphitheater, you've gone too far up the hill.

Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio

1st Meeting time: 11:30am at Kids 'N' Play Pottery Studio
Address: 1824 Fifth Street, Berkeley (nearest cross street is Hearst)
OR if not going to the studio,
11:30am at Cody's Bookstore 1730 Fourth Street, Berkeley,
at the Children's books section and meet up with others in the group.

2nd Meeting time: 1:00pm Lunch at Picante
Addres: 1328 6th Street, Berkeley

3rd Meeting time: 2:30pm, Dreamland play area, Aquatic Park, Berkeley**

**If it rains, NO 3rd meet time.

This from Ajoke...
"Kevin arranged a special class just for us at 11:30am.
I explained the nature and age group of ourkids,
which is why he decided to give us our own time
and arranged for more staff to be on to assist and tailor the activities.
Kevin Neiman is a ceramic artist and author of the book Kids 'N' Play Ceramics Book.
We do not need to RSVP with Kids N' Clay; however, I would like a number for
Picante so that I can make an adequate reservation."

The special workshop at Kids 'N' Clay is from 11:30am to 12:45pm.
Cost is $25 per child.
We can divide the group so some moms can go with the younger kids/siblings to Cody's Bookstore just a block and a half away for some quiet time reading at the Goodnight Moon stage or shop/stroll in the Fourth Street shopping strip.

We'll pick up the kids after their class and drive to Picante for lunch.

Directions to Kids 'N' Clay
From Oakland/Richmond
get on I-80
Exit University Avenue, get on University Avenue
head East towards the hills.
Left at the traffic light on Sixth Street
Left on Hearst.
***you can find parking on the street OR
go to the Public Parking on 4th Street across from Spenger's

Kids N Dance Trial Class
First Meet Time: 12:10pm. Kids N Dance Studio. 3841 Mac Arthur Blvd., Oakland
Second Meet Time: 1:15. Avenue Terrance Park .4369 Bennett Place, Oakland

"A Unique Dance Alternative for Children"
* playful warm ups,
*costumes,
* imaginative story dances,
* improvisation

Kids N Dance has now opened a studio in the heart of Oakland,
"The Laurel District."  This a an exciting up and coming area between highway 580 and 13.

The teachers are opening the doors to our group during their lunch break!
They will put together a program for our wide range of ages (1 to 5)
and give us a sample of why this progam is called a "Unique Dance Alternative."

Meet at 12:00 for our 12:10 discounted trial class.
Address: 3841 Mac Arthur Blvd., Oakland
Website: http://www.kidsndance.com
What to bring: Cost $11.50 ages 1 and up.
Wear comfortable clothes and socks.

Special note: We need a minimum of 8 paying children!

After our class we'll head over to Avenue Terrance Park in Oakland for a little outside time.
Please be aware that this park has no public restrooms, so plan accordingly!
Address: 4369 Bennett Place, Oakland

Click here for a map from Kids N Dance Studio to Avenue Terrance Park.
(less than a mile away.)

Kennedy Park
19501 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward, CA
510/670-7275

Let's enjoy a beautiful spring day at Kennedy Park.

What to bring: Bring $$$ for the rides. Tickets are about $1 for each ride.
The rides include: Pony Ride, Train Ride, Merry-Go-Round, Bounce and Triple Pines Ranch.
Kennedy Park concessions are open from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weather permitting.
Children ages 12 months and older AND accompanying adults must have tickets for the Merry-Go-Round, Triple Pines Ranch and the Train. Tickets can be obtained at the snack bar on or before the date of use.

Lunch: Bring your own lunch or buy burritos, corn dogs, hot dogs, etc from the snack bar.
They only take *cash*.

Lake Anza
Tilden Park, Berkeley

Let's take the kids swimming at Lake Anza!

Just over the hill from Berkeley, Tilden Park's Lake Anza is a favorite getaway. Its sandy beach is open to the sun and sheltered from the wind, with lifeguards posted during the swim season.

When: Monday, July 21st. 10:30 A.M.
Where: Lake Anza, Tilden Park
Let's meet inside the entrance. We'll set up a blanket on the grassy area.

Entrance fees:
Children (ages 1 to 16): $2.50
Adults: $3.50

Parking: free

What to bring: your lunch and drinks, blankets, sunscreen, swimsuits, sand toys, towels, hats and other beach paraphernalia!
There are changing rooms and a refreshment stand around the entrance for your convenience.


Directions to Tilden Park's Lake Anza:


1. From Oakland, get on 580-West;
2. From 580-West, take 80-East (Sacramento);
3. Take Buchanan St. exit (next exit after Gilman); at first traffic light, turn Right on Buchanan St.
4. After crossing San Pablo Ave. (past the Shell & Arco gas stations), Buchanan becomes Marin;
5. Stay on Marin;
6. At the Marin Circle (roundabout with fountain), go counterclockwise and turn Right on Marin (steepest street);
7. Turn Left on Spruce;
8. IMMEDIATELY crossing Grizzly Peak Rd., turn Left on Canon Drive. You are now entering Tilden Park;
9. At the split, bear Right onto Central Park Drive; Follow signs to "Lake Anza";
10. Turn Left on Lake Anza Dr.

From Richmond, get on 80-West (San Francisco);

1. Take the Albany Exit; turn Left at the STOP sign, go under the freeway and
2. bear Left onto Buchanan St.
3. Follow directions 4 through 9 above.

Lake Chabot Boat Trip with Naturalist, Fishing Clinic

Early meet time: noon - 2. Castro Valley Park and Community Center 18988 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley near the corner of Quail, close to Kerri's house. The Quail Street entrance is the most convenient unless you need to make a potty stop, and then the Lake Chabot Road entrance is best.

Computerized directions never show the best route from 580 S, take the 150th exit, make 2nd left at Fairmont/150th. Go over the hill, and Fairmont turns into Lake Chabot Road. Pass Lake Chabot Regional Park, Pass Seven Hills Road, and make a left on Quail, 1/2 block, right into parking lot.

From 880, take 238 east, take Castro Valley Blvd Exit, Left on Castro Valley Blvd, Left on Lake Chabot Road, Right on Quail at the vacant grocery store.
This is a great park with a new play structure except the bathrooms are a bit far away. (at the baseball field, near the Community Center parking lot.) Bring sand toys.

2:30 - 3:30 at Lake Chabot Children’s fishing clinic

3:30 at Boathouse Coffee Shop or else on boat - Katie Dilworth's birthday cupcakes & song

3:45 - 4:45 Boat Trip w/ naturalist

Address:
Lake Chabot Regional Park Boathouse
Lake Chabot Road
Castro Valley, CA 94546

Main activity is a boat trip, and we’re last minute putting togther a little fishing clinic - please RSVP if interested in fishing. You can bring fishing polls or rent them there (most likely the "rent" will be free. Technically fishing pole rental fees are $5.00 but manager stan will “cut us a deal,” he says. (He’s never charged Roger). Children don’t need fishing licenses, and we’ll get a list of how much adults can help them. Bring or buy bait there. (He always charges us for that.) No fishing poles are allowed on the boat (gets caught in engine.)

From 580, take the 150th exit, make 2nd left at Fairmont/150th. Go over the hill, and this turns into Lake Chabot Road. After the stopsign, look for Lake Chabot Regional Park entrance. I avoid the $4.00 parking fee by parking outside the park entrance and walking in (about 1/4 mile). Strollers can be left at the dock. Meet at the boathouse coffee shop, for cake and fishing.

Rainy day backup: Because the boat has a canapy, the boat ride can go on if it's not too miserably windy, and the cupcakes can be eaten indoors at the coffee shop. Early meet time: Chabot Space and Science Center - meet in Children's play room at 1, or for cheaper rainy day activity, meet at 1 at the MacDonalds on Castro Valley Blvd which has an awesome indoor play structure.

From 580 take Strobridge exit, and MacDonalds is on Strobridge near Castro Valley Blvd. To continue on to the lake, go right on Castro Valley Blvd, Left on Lake Chabot Road. I avoid the $4.00 parking fee by parking outside the park entrance and walking in (about 1/4 mile).

What to bring: Fishing polls & bait optional, sand toys, warm clothes

Fees: For boat trip, we’ll split $75 among whover shows up, and if we have too many cancellations, we’ll assess a small cancellation fee. The boat holds 25 people, so it’s $3.00 each if we can fill it up (doubtful - we only have 12 so far, so it’s probably going to be more like $6.00 each.). Okay to bring a friend!

Parking $4.00 which I avoid by parking outside the gate on the street.

Lakeside Park
at Lake Merritt
600 Bellevue Ave
Oakland, CA

We'll gather at Lakeside Park at Lake Merritt 600 Bellevue Avenue
in front of the duck pond at 11:30am.
Bring bread crumbs to feed the ducks.
And then we'll head over to the nearby playground
for a picnic lunch and playtime.
Don't forget your lunches, blankets and sunscreen.

Lawrence Hall of Science
is on Centennial Drive in the Berkeley hills
east of the main UC Berkeley campus.
It is just above the UC Botanical Gardens.

1st meeting time: 11:00am

Meet at the Young Explorers area. According to the LHS website...

Young kids and preschoolers, LHS has a space just for you¿with puppets and a puppet theater, blocks and structures to build, books to read, and an insect zoo to keep you company. Come play, build, and learn in YEA!, our new Young Explorer's Area.

2nd meeting time: 12:30pm

Meet at the Bay View Café. Buy food at the café or bring your own lunch.

General Admission:

Adults (ages 19 through 61) $8.50
Student/senior/disabled (ages 5-18; 62 plus) $6.50
Child (ages 3-4) $4.50
LHS Members and Children 2 and under free

Lincoln Park/Harrison Center
1450 High Street
Alameda

This from Dominique...
03/10/03

Let's spend a day at a nice little park in Alameda that I have visited on occasion.
It is called Lincoln Park/Harrison Center. They have a toddler play area and bigger kid play area; both are great for our kids. There is also a little picnic area. This place will be great in the summer due to the shade it provides, but you may need a coat for these cool winter days.


You can park in the lot if you enter at 1425 Fernside, which is on the back side (baseball field).
It is easy to get there.
Just take 880 and exit at High St., cross the bridge and it is the park with the iron gate.
If parking in the back, you will need to turn left just before the park.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum
1931 First Street
Walnut Creek, CA

Let's visit Lindsay Wildlife Museum,
a wildlife rehabilitation and educational center that focuses on native California wildlife and natural history. Exhibit hall daily programs may include a bald eagle or bobcat feeding, stage presentations with live wild animals, petting circles for "pocket pals," and a discovery room for young children.

When: Friday, March 7th at 12 noon

Where: Inside the Exhibit Hall, Discovery Room

Lunch: Let's meet for lunch at 11:30. Bring your own for a picnic lunch outside the exhibit hall.
There is no restaurant at the museum.

Entrance Fees:
$6 for adults
$5 for seniors 65+
$4 for children ages 3-17
Always FREE for members and children under 3 years old!

In case of rain: Since the museum is indoors, we can still visit BUT we'll have to skip the group picnic lunch (since we can't eat outside in the rain!) so grab something to eat before heading to the museum.

Little Farm
at Tilden Park,
Berkeley,

Cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, ...OH MY!
It's time once again to visit our farm animal friends at
Tilden Park's Little Farm.

Where: Little Farm Visitor Center (officially called the Environmental Education Center), at the front lawn
When: Monday, May 19th. 11:30 A.M.

What to bring: Your lunch and drinks, picnic blankets, sunscreen, hats
Since this IS Hana's actual birthday, Pen will bring some birthday treats for the kids (and moms too!).
No need to rush to the store and get lettuce for the animals; Pen will bring enough for everyone.

What to wear: Dress in layers. In case it had been raining on the days prior to May 19th, it might be good to wear rainboots to brave the mud.

For our picnic lunch, we will stake out a spot between the Visitor Center and the Farm. After our lunch, we'll head over to the farm and give the animals THEIR lunch. If time allows, we'll take a little walk around Jewel Lake.

Rainy Day backup: Let's romp at Hilltop Mall, one of Hana's favorite indoor spots, same time. Bring your lunch or grab something to eat in the Mall.


Directions to Tilden's Little Farm and Environmental Education Center:
From 80-East

* Take Buchanan St. exit.; turn RIGHT at first traffic light
* Stay on this street; Buchanan St. becomes Marin Ave. after crossing San Pablo Ave.
* Go halfway counterclockwise at the Marin Circle (roundabout with water fountain) and turn RIGHT onto Marin (steepest street);
* Turn LEFT on Spruce;
* IMMEDIATELY after crossing Grizzly Peak Blvd., make a LEFT on Canon Drive;
* You are now entering Tilden Park. Follow the signs to the "Nature Area";
* At the split, turn left and head towards the Nature Area.
* Park in the lot and walk towards the farm.

Loma Vista Farms, Vallejo
Location: 150 Ranier Ave. Vallejo CA 94589

Meeting time: We are expected at 11:00 am.
Cost: $3 for children 4 and up; children under 4 yrs. are free
What to bring: bag lunch, jackets, sunscreen, possibly rain boots if it’s been raining lately, cut carrots for the four-legged animals, and bread for the two-legged animals.
We will be free to roam the farm and enjoy it at our leasure.

Loma Vista Farm is a real working farm, garden and outdoor classroom for children in the Vallejo Unified School district. Run on 5 acres by the students themselves, the farm is home to many animals including horses, a cow Nubian and Pygmy goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, peacocks, ducks, geese an organic garden, kitchen classroom and a greenhouse. The farm serves over fifteen thousand preschool, elementary and special needs children a year, providing an intriguing environment for education in science, art, math, reading, nutrition, human relation skills and agricultural literacy.

The farm has been in operation for the last 30 years, but because of the current fiscal crisis, the Vallejo School Board had to make a difficult decision to eliminate funding in recent budget cuts. These cuts will close the farm if action is not taken to save it. If anyone is so-inclined, they can send donations to Friends of Loma Vista Farm, 150 Ranier Ave. Vallejo CA 94589

Directions:
Take 80N thru Vallejo to Hwy.37.
From Hwy. 37 take Fairgrounds Drive North.
At Corcoran Ave., turn Left.
Go one block past the four way stop and take a Left at Ranier btwn.
Loma Vista Play Yard and the MIT Academy. General entrance is on the left.

 
RAINY DAY BACK-UP:
The Jungle, Concord
Address:  1975 Diamond Blvd. 
Concord, CA
925/687-4386
Meeting Time: 11:00am

Marina Park,
San Leandro

Meet at 11:30 am with your lunches and picnic blankets.
We'll grab a place under a shade tree and the kids can play on the equipment.

Directions: Take 880 to the Marina Blvd. exit.
Follow Marina Blvd. to the end,
where it curves around and becomes Monarch Bay Drive.
Take Monarch Bay Drive to the first parking lot on the right,
after Fairway drive.

We'll be at that first children's play area,
where we've visited before and there is some water play too.
You might want to bring an extra
change of clothes, sunscreen and a towel for the kids who decide to get
really wet.

For a map of the park, click here.

The Marine Mammal Center
Marin Headlands
www.tmmc.org
phone: (415) 289-SEAL

1st meet time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am, TMMC
Later meeting time: 11:15 am at Rodeo Beach for lunch and playtime

Admission: FREE;
however our class will be $80.00/split by the number of children that attend
All outdoors; our class will be outdoors and will not be cancelled if it’s only drizzly or lightly rainy, so everyone one should be dressed accordingly.

**If it is very rainy, the class will be re-scheduled for a future Monday.

Our Program will be:
Pinniped Patients
Visit The Marine Mammal Center's hospital, which rescues over 600 marine mammals each year. Students will observe and learn about our pinniped (seal and sea lion) patients and will explore the natural history and conservation of pinnipeds and sea otters. Students study and handle tanned pelts and bones.
Program length: 45 minutes for Pre-K/K
Group size: Up to 35, including chaperones
Rates: All tours and classes are $80.00 for Pre-K/K).

 After our program, we’ll head to Rodeo Beach (see directions below).
If it is drizzling, let’s head to BADM (see rainy day backup plan below).

What to bring to the beach:
your lunch, beach blanket, sand chairs, sand toys

Things to know:
Rodeo Beach: It is a vast, open beach with ROUGH surf.
Not particularly ideal for swimming BUT wonderful for general sand play,
stone collecting and endless running!

Just a word of CAUTION to keep a watchful eye in case your kid(s)
wants to get close to the water.
'Might help to give a pep talk about the limitations of the beach.


Directions:
From San Rafael/Richmond:
Take 101-South
Take Sausalito Exit (last exit before Golden Gate Bridge);
Tunnel  Approach (more direct!!):
1. Stay to your right as if you are heading into Sausalito.
2. Follow the sign to the Marin Headlands.
3. Wait for signal and enter tunnel. This is Bunker Road.
Follow Bunker Road past the stables and cross over Rodeo Lagoon.
(SEE directions BELOW to The Marine Mammal Center or to Rodeo Beach.)

  To reach The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC): About halfway past the lagoon,
Bunker Road splits in two.  Bear right onto Old Bunker Road heading uphill
and follow signs to The Marine Mammal Center. Park along right side of road.

To go to Rodeo Beach from TMMC: Drive down the hill back onto Old Bunker Road.  Make a sharp Right onto Mitchell Road heading downhill towards Fort Cronkhite.  You'll see parking spaces on the left side of the road across old white military barracks.
Try to find a space along the road, close to the truss bridge that leads to the beach (that way, you don't have to walk too far to get to the beach).

To go straight to Rodeo Beach:  While on Bunker Road after crossing Rodeo Lagoon, Bunker Road splits in two. Bear Left on Mitchell Road heading downhill entering Fort Cronkhite.  You'll see parking spaces on the left side of the road across old white military barracks. Try to find a space along the road, close to the truss bridge that leads to the beach (that way, you don't have to walk too far to get to the beach).

 From San Francisco/South of Golden Gate Bridge:
Just after you cross the Golden Gate Bridge,
take the first exit off Highway 101 at Alexander Avenue.
Tunnel  Approach (more direct!!):
1. Stay to your right and follow Alexander Avenue as if you are heading into Sausalito.
2. Turn left after approximately 100 yards there will be a Marin Headlands sign.
Follow road and stay to the left.
3. Wait for signal and enter tunnel. This is Bunker Road.
Follow Bunker Road past the stables and cross over Rodeo Lagoon.
(SEE directions ABOVE to The Marine Mammal Center or to Rodeo Beach.)

 RAINY DAY BACK-UP:
The Bay Area Discovery Museum
www.badm.org

East Fort Baker
Address: 557 McReynolds Road
Sausalito, CA 94965
Click here for a map and directions.

1st Meeting Time: 11:00 am, Tot Spot
The early birds can explore the expanded Tot Spot
or take advantage of some of the other programs.
2nd Meeting Time: 12:30 pm
Let's meet for lunch at the Discovery Café. Bring your lunch or buy food at the café.
The revamped menu is inspired by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse and the Edible School Yard.

Cost: $8.50 for adults and $7.50 for children.
Children under 1 and members are FREE.

McInnis Golf Center
350 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael   
415-491-5995

Time for us to let the children loose on a mini-golfcourse! 
This one sounds like fun...
"Our family fun center includes an elaborate 20-hole miniature golf course
with water hazards, lavish gardens, and artist-designed obstacles. 
Nearby, The Snack Bar has a menu suited for casual, outdoor meals!"
www.mcinnisparkgolfcenter.com
Address: 350 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael   
415-491-5995

1st meeting time: 12:30 for lunch at the snack shack

2nd meeting time:  2:00 at the golf course.

 Mini-golf is $5.75 for children 12 and under,
adults are $6.50

If it starts raining while at San Rafael,
We will move to the play area in
front of the Theatres in Northgate Mall.
Address: 5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael, California 94903
If any great movie is playing, we can check it out.if not,
kids can just play in the small play area and we can walk the mall too***.  

Directions to McInnis Park Golf Center 
Take the San Rafael Bridge to 101 North.
Exit Lucas Valley Rd./Smith Ranch Rd.
Take the Smith Ranch Rd. Ramp
Go straight on Smith Ranch Rd. to the Golf Center.
 
Directions to Northgate Mall (Rainy Day backup)
from HIGHWAY 101 NORTH
Take the Freitas Parkway/Terra Linda Exit.  There will
be a freeway sign indicating the exit is one (1) mile
away.  As you take the exit, veer left.  Stay left and
turn left at the second light to Northgate Drive.
(The left lanes actually turn in that direction).

Mc Near's Beach
Located off San Pedro Road
along the shore of San Pablo Bay

McNear's Beach is on the bay just east of San Rafael.
Marin's most popular park offers a swimming pool (wading pool for small kids and a deeper pool for swimmers), tennis courts, family and group picnic sites, a sandy beach, lawn areas, snack bar and a 500-foot long fishing pier.

When: 10:00am - ?

The park and pool open at 10:00am. Reba and Alexa will be there at 10:00am.

Where: Mc Near's Beach is located off San Pedro Road along the shore of San Pablo Bay. From Highway 101, take the Central San Rafael exit and go east on Second Street (which becomes San Pedro Road) to Cantera Way.

We should meet on the grassy side next to the pool. There is some shade there.

Lunch: Bring your own picnic lunch.

Cost: $4.00 per person to swim
$7.00 parking fee (Reba encourages people to carpool.)

Memorial Park

Katie N., Tyler, Luca, Dylan, Adrien and Maya invite you to come
celebrate their birthdays on Sunday, August 28th!

Come magicians, merlins, fairies, and goblins & enjoy a Magic Show with
Alex the Magician!!!!

Location: Memorial Park at 1325 Portland Ave. in Albany

Time: 2pm Don't miss the show, come early !!!!

What to bring: Blankets, sunscreen, chairs

We'll enjoy cake and drinks after the show!
Please note lunch is not provided.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park

Come experience this 38-acre shoreline park,
built last year by the Port of Oakland on the site
of the former Oakland Naval Supply Depot.
Wait until you see the stunning views of the bay (especially SF)
that have not been available to the public
for the past 100 years,
though more interesting to Miles is close proximity to cranes,
shipping containers and particularly the dredgers
working to restore wildlife habitats.
There are numerous nifty features, including great hills to roll down,
flat, car-free space ideal for trikes, bikes,
roller skates, large fields and “the only beach in Oakland.”  

Two meeting spots, about a four minute drive apart: 

11:30, Point View Park play structure and “Room with a View”
(historical exhibit in the train pier switching tower) 

12:30, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park & Point Arnold (see map below) 

Lunch: Sandwich Bar: build you own.
Pack some drinks and grab a sandwich filling or two—
whatever you have handy in the fridge or cupboard;
I’ll bring bread, condiments and spreaders, plus plates and napkins.

Activity: We’ll take advantage of the park’s nice breezes
by highlighting fun with wind: kites, bubbles and crafts
(all of which I’ll provide, though you’re welcomed to use your own kite).  

 Bring:
* drinks and sandwich fixin’s 

* long-sleeved clothes— in likely case of strong winds
and handy for rolling down hills without itches  

* bikes or scooters (very optional for SUV and minivan mama)  

Directions:

Located at the end of 7th Street in the Port of Oakland (past West Oakland Bart)
Point View Park: follow signs to berth 40,
(use 4001 7th St. as yahoo map reference, though past this)

Shoreline Park and Point Arnold: 2777 Middle Harbor Road,
at intersection of Middle Harbor Rd. and Seventh St.

You should really bring both driving and park map with you
because there are a few areas where one might get off course.

See park service website for helpful map of park
and texts of directions (along with fascinating background material):
http://www.ebparks.org/parks/midlhar.htm

This site has interesting info and nice color pictures.
http://www.waterfrontaction.org/learn/parks/mhp.htm

 
The planning and design of this park,
which opened last year, was done with extensive community
involvement based on key goals:
creation of a place for learning about the local history, natural environment,
maritime activities and stewardship for the environment.

Monarch Butterfly Tour
13699 Aurora Drive
San Leandro, CA

The majestic monarch butterflies are coming back to the Bay Area for the winter. Let's give our kids an opportunity to see these beautiful insects up-close! Our guided tour will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The naturalist will first discuss the best ways to spot the butterflies and will go over the procedures for the monarch walk. We will then go inside the library for a craft activity and a brief lecture (both will be geared towards preschool children). Then it is back outside for a short walk to the monarch's wintering site at the Monarch Bay Golf Course. There, we will observe the butterflies in flight or clustered on tree branches. After viewing the monarchs, we will return to the library for a brief wrap-up.

Where: Mulford-Marina Branch Library
13699 Aurora Drive (on the corner of Aurora and Fairway)
San Leandro

Directions:
From 880, exit Marina Blvd. West. Drive on Marina Blvd. for about a mile.
Turn left on Aurora.

When: 11:30 pm (Since this is a scheduled event, please be on time.)

Preparing for the program:

Only the naturalist and the volunteer docents can pick up the butterflies to show the children.
Encourage your child to observe the butterflies from a safe distance.

Wear shoes that can get dirty and clothes that can protect you from the wind and light rain.

Lunch: After the tour, let's head over to Marina Park for a picnic lunch. Let's meet at the play area near the intersection of Monarch Bay Drive and Fairway Drive. Park in the large lot near the play area.

Mosswood Park,

This fun, spacious playground has a water play area.
Meet on the playground beginning at 11:30,
bring a picnic lunch.
Corner of Broadway and W. MacArthur Blvd.,
in Oakland, across the street from Kaiser,
next door to the Mosswood building.

After the park, we could head over to Piedmont Ave.
for a bit of nostalgia at Le Boulanger for coffee and cookies.

Museum of Children's Art
538 Ninth Street
between Washington & Clay
Oakland
Consider BART, AC Transit or the Ferry!

When: 11:00 a.m.

Lunch plans:

After _MOCHA we can walk over to the City Center complex at 12th and Broadway to have lunch. Let's sit in the center's outdoor eating area. You can bring a bag lunch or grab a bite to eat from one of the nearby restaurants. (Some of the City Center restaurants include La Salsa, Max's Diner, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Quiznos, and Briazz.) If it rains, we will try to find an inexpensive restaurant that can accommodate all of us.

What to bring:

This is a very hands on experience, so wear your painting clothes. Come on down to paint, draw, pound clay, and spill stuff!

COST: $3 per child, or FREE to _MOCHA members

Muir Woods

Come all you tree lovers and meet at Muir Woods to walk and enjoy the forest.
The primary trails along the canyon floor are level and paved.
Bridges along Redwood Creek create leisurely 1/2 hour, 1 hour, or 1 1/2 hour loops.
All of these walks take you on a journey beneath 1000 year old old-growth coast redwood trees.
It can be cool so bring a jacket.

Meet at 11:00am at the Visitor's Center. (It is located at the main entrance to Muir Woods National Monument.

For those latecomers meet for lunch at the Aramark Cafe at 12:30. (The cafe is on the first right once you enter the park's main entrance. The cafe sells deli-type food items.)

Entrance Fee
$3.00 (Individuals 17 years of age and older)

FREE for those of you who have a National Parks Pass or Golden Pass (Age, Eagle and Access)
(NOTE: When using your pass it is per car.)

Directions
Muir Woods is located 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Take Highway 101 to the Highway 1/ Muir Woods Exit. Follow the signs to Muir Woods. Roads to the park are steep and winding.

Oakland Children’s Library storytime and “tour”;
lunch and play in Oakland’s Asiatown

Library: Important emergent developmental concepts
for preschoolers include classification and systems of organization.
Who better than a children’s librarian (the adorable Shani) to foster these principles? Come to the Children’s Room,
which was beautifully renovated this spring,
to hear first-hand about sequencing processes
and functions [just what happens after something goes into the drop box?]
or any other questions you and your child might have.
Oh yeah, and you’ll hear a story and look at books too.

To allay concerns, the Children’s room is in a discrete area,
even on a separate floor,
from the rest of the library and filled with reading nooks
and delightful new furniture—
so while we’ll still need quiet voices and soft feet,
we’ll have some latitude.

Asiatown: I’ve longed to bring the kids back to the
Lincoln neighborhood park and the wonderful climbing boat
(from our fortune cookie field trip).
Now is our chance to take advantage of this rich cultural area,
including its great eateries. 

 First Meet time 12:00 (though feel free to come earlier
and check out books and videos)
Oakland’s Main Library, Children’s Room
Address 125 14th St Oakland,
entry to Children’s Room on Oak St. (next to Lake Merritt)

Around 1:00, Second meeting spot, when kids are finished
in the library and/or lunch is collected.  
Lincoln neighborhood park 
Address:10th and 11th Streets, and Alice and Harrison Streets
— 5 blocks from library 

Lunch, head over 3 blocks past the park
Address: Webster, between 8th and 10th

Bettina's personal recommendations:
bahn mi—Vietnamese sandwiches: (Cam Huong, 920 Webster);
tale-away dim sum, steamed buns,(ABC Bakery, 388 9th);
bubble drinks.

Bring: an active mind and an active body, in that order.

Oakland Zoo
It is time to take a walk on the wild side!
Let's learn about the animals at the Oakland Zoo.

When: 11:00 a.m.

Where: Meet at the Flamingo Plaza near the main entrance of the zoo.

Directions:
The Oakland Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605, off Highway 580.

From Contra Costa, take the Westbound Highway 24, to Highway 13 towards Hayward/580. Take 580 East to the Golf Links Road/98th Ave exit. Left at the light, under the Freeway, Zoo is on your right.

From San Francisco, take 80 to 580 Hayward/Stockton. Exit on Golf Links Road/98th Avenue exit. Left at light, Zoo is on your right.

From the south, take 880 North, take Hwy 238 to 580 West. Exit on Golf Links Road/98th Avenue. Right at light, Zoo is directly on your right!

Lunch plans: Let's meet back at the Safari Café at 12:30 p.m. You can bring your own lunch or buy lunch at the Café.

Cost: Adults - $7.50
Children (2-14) - $4.50
Children (under 2) - free

Parking - $3.00

Members are free. If you do not have a membership with the zoo, let us know. Many moms in the group have family memberships that allow them to take at least two guests for free.

Orinda Community Park
26 Orinda Way
Orinda

Let's try a new park!!!

Let's meet in the enclosed play area.

The Park, which includes a large open grass area and two playground areas (one featuring a new water play area), was listed as one of the top ten parks in the Bay Area. It is large (but fenced in), with lots of shade, various play areas for big and little kids AND it's within walking distance to Starbuck's (reason enough to go) as well as other places to eat and shop. It's also close enough to walk from the Orinda BART station.

When: Let's plan to meet at 11am.

Lunch: You can either bring a bag lunch or pick something up at one of the nearby eateries.