Previous Outings P-Z
Rain or shine, let's meet outside the front entrance
of the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo at noon.
On the map, it says this location is 37 miles from Montclair. However, it may be easiest to make the trek if we RSVP and also team up and carpool to take advantage of HOV lanes. It looks like a great place for kids to play, and seems good for moms with new babies who might want to stroll in an enclosed environment.
Not sure about lunch options, so let's plan to bring our own and eat at
noon, while waiting for other moms to show up before we enter.
Location: 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301;
Phone: 650.329.2111
Hours: Tue-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun 1pm-4pm; closed Mon
Cost: Admission free; donations welcome
Parque Ninos Unidos/S.F. Mission Neighborhood
This BRAND NEW, very popular tot lot has a grassy area where we can
Meet together, and some fun new play structures such as a rope-climbing dome, and new seesaws. Many may wish to make BART part of the experience for the day, while others may wish to drive. Let's meet at 11:00 on the grass at the Folsom and 23rd Street playground. Nancy will pick up lunch for the group at Pollo Supremo, ~$8 per adult, and ~$3 per child*.
Lunch will be: roasted chicken, Moro rice, fried plantains (green- potato-like, and ripe-banana-like), beans, and tortillas. Nancy will make a salad for the gang, and bring paper plates & plastic utensils. You bring what you want to drink. After a yummy lunch and lots of play at the playground, let's take a walk just a few blocks away to two Mexican bakeries that are across the street from each other at 24th Street and Alabama (La Victoria and Dominguez Bakeries.) This is where you'll find the best macaroons in town, and the kids will enjoy picking out other goodies with the tongs on the trays. If we're really into feeding our sugar addictions, we can walk a bit further down 24th St. to the St. Francis Fountain, (an historic ice cream/soda fountain place that has just gone under new management around a year ago,) and have ice cream, root beer floats, etc.
*Lunch prices are estimates. I will not know exact amounts until I
have RSVP's. (So RSVP's will be important.)
Directions:
For those taking BART, get off at the 24th street BART station. Walk
East down 24th Street, 4 blocks to Folsom. Go left onto Folsom for 1 block. The park is on the corner, taking up the whole block.
Driving, take Bay Bridge, 101 South to Cesar Chavez exit. Follow Cesar
Chavez (straight off ramp, NOT right) 6 blocks to Folsom, and turn right. Go 4 blocks to the playground. Park on the street. Check signs for street cleaning, to avoid a ticket!
What to Bring:
-Money for lunch, bakeries and/or fountain
-Drink for yourself and child(ren)
-Picnic blanket
-sun screen, sunglasses, sun hats
-strollers for walk from BART, and to bakeries.
Time:
11:00 until meltdown.
Lunch at 12:00. Bakeries (and maybe the Fountain?) after playtime.
Pease Farms for Fruit Picking
Brentwood
First meet time: Meet at Pease ranch at 11:00 for berry picking.
At Pease Ranch you can choose from different varieties of Cherries:
(Bing, White Rainier, Chinook, Early Burlat,
Jubilee, Van and many more varieties), Olallieberries, Blackberries,
Boysenberries, and Loganberries.
Phone (925) 634-4646.
25081 Marsh Creek Rd.
(One Mile West of Hwy.4 and Two Miles east of Walnut),
Second meet time: For lunch we'll head on over to
Pee Wee Muldoons at 12:30
8900 Brentwood Blvd # C,
Brentwood, CA 94513
Phone: (925) 634-7850
Latecomers can do the fruit-picking after lunch.
RAINY DAY BACKUP
Pump It Up
470 Boulder Court, Pleasanton.
http://www.pumpitupparty.com/pleasanton.html
Piedmont Park
711 Highland Avenue
Piedmont
Hear Ye! Hear Ye!
Lords and Ladies of MondayMamas Land!
Their Royal Highnesses Princess Michaela, Princess Hana,
Princess Allison and Prince Ryan request the honor of your presence at the royal celebration of their birthdays.
When: Sunday, May 2nd, 2004, from 12:00p.m. to 3:00p.m.
Where: Piedmont Park at 711 Highland Avenue
Let us all gather between the fountain and the enchanted play area.
A light lunch faire, beverages and cake will be provided during the festivities.
What to bring: Blankets and a change of clothes for your little knight or lady
(just in case he or she decides to take a royal dunk in the fountain)
Fourth of July Parade:
First Meet Time: 9:30 am at the Rotary Pancake Breakfast
Vereran’s Building, 401 Highland Avenue, Piedmont
Second Meet Time: 10:45 pm. --in time for the 11:00am Parade
Look for the Vawters as part of the Piedmont Neighbors and Newcomers Club!.
Third Meet Time: 12noon at Piedmont Park
Play and Picnic in the Park to the music of Dave Martin’s House Party!
Fourth (and Last!) Meet Time: later, tbd
If people want to meet somewhere for fireworks at night,
we can schedule that as a fourth meeting time.
Parade tips...
I strongly recommend that you put out chairs the night before
to hold your parade watching spot.
The Parade goes along Highland Avenue and ends just past Piedmont Park.
You might want to put out blankets on the grass at Piedmont Park
to hold your picnic areas as well
(know that these might get wet. I plan to put out a tarp and switch to blankets later.)
Be sure to wear hats and wear sunscreen!
Piedmont Pool
777 Magnolia Avenue,
Piedmont
If you haven't been to the Piedmont Pool before, it is very kid-friendly. There are 3 pools: a baby pool, a mid-sized pool which is 2.5-4ft deep, and a grownup pool with diving board, etc. Water toys are allowed and swim diapers are required.
When: 11am-2pm.
Cost: The cost will be around $5 per child (parents are free). I will know the exact number when I know about how many of us there will be.
Lunch: We will be ordering pizza from a local place that delivers.
Things to bring: Money for admission and a pizza lunch, swimsuits, swim diapers, towels, sunscreen, and hats.
Pier 39 & Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco, CA
Let's take the ferry to Pier 39 today.
We'll head out from Jack London Square at 11am
to arrive at Pier 41 at 11:45am.
Ticket prices are $10.50 per adult; kids are free.
FREE PARKING is available in the garage at Washington St. and the Embarcadero, park on garage levels 3 and above.
For FREE PARKING you must validate your parking ticket
onboard the ferry. (For more information on the ferry,click here.
We'll head directly over to Boudin's for lunch,
stopping to give the kids a good look at the resident
sea lions along the way.
There is outdoor seating at this sandwich/salad/soup restaurant,
so those who wish to bring their lunches
instead can sit with the group with no worry.
By 1:30, we'll visit the Aquarium of the Bay,
located right at Pier 39.
By 3:30, we'll head back over to pier 41
to catch the 3:45pm ferry. It will put us
back in Jack London Square at 4:40 pm.
This was a fun event last year.
Please RSVP to the yahoo groups page,
so people who are attending know what size group to expect.
Pixieland Amusement Park
2740 E. Olivera Road,
Concord
Let's meet at the Pixieland Amusement Park in Concord
for a fun day of kid's rides.
The first group should meet at 11 a.m. at the front entrance.
The second group will meet at the snack bar area at 1 p.m.
PRICES:
Admission is free. Parking is free
$1.25 for a single ride ticket
$11.00 for a book of 10 ride tickets
Wrist Bands $14.00 (Unlimited Rides)
All rides require one ticket per person per ride.
PHONE: (925) 689-8841 HOURS: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
In case of rain, please meet at the Concord Jungle
at 1975 Diamond Blvd. In Concord (925-687-4386)
Early Meet Time: 12:30 at Play Café (directions are on the website)
Late Meet Time: 3:30 at the Discovery Center
Play Café Address: 4400 Keller Avenue • Oakland • CA 94605 •
(510) 632-4433 • http://www.playcafewebsite.com/
Discovery Center Address: 2521 High Street (not too far off 580), Oakland, CA
(510) 535-5657 http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/facilities/discovery.asp
The Play Café offers food and coffee for the adults
and a great play area for the kids.
We’ve set an early meeting time for this because it’s a café
and it seems like a good place for lunch.
We can linger for hours, and enjoy our coffee
while the kids play dress up!
Visit this site for a review of the café: http://www.voxpublica.org/archives/001779.html
And just a few exits down 580 from the café,
“The Discovery Center offers free hands-on activities in physics, rockets, electro-mechanics, woodworking, telescopes, microscopes, woodworking, art, computers, animals and more.” This sounds formidable, but what is remarkable about this center is how child-friendly everything is. Known as “science in the hood,” you’ll be amazed at what they can accomplish with limited resources. The programs are designed for ages 6 and up, but our children did great with close parent supervision and participation. The staff there is very dedicated and helpful. There is a playground and ball field next to the Center (Brookdale Park,) if children need to get their gross-motor sillies out.
What to bring:
$4.25 per child for admission to Play Cafe, extra money for food/coffee.
While officially there is no charge for the Discovery Center,
we strongly encourage donations ($5-8) since our charitable giving
will help the Center in the face of severe budgetary setbacks.
We also have a list of materials to keep in mind if anyone has any of these items,
or if shopping at any bargain places or sales,
we can keep this program in mind,
and bring some materials to donate whenever we visit.
Note that some of the items are recycled:
Clean wood scraps, Magnets, Nails, Screws, Paper clips, Non-toxic tempera paint for projects, Paint brushes all sizes, Food coloring, Plastic water bottles, Computer paper, Paper mache supplies, Scissors, Colored plastic straws, Tape, Glue, Plastic bins, 12 oz. Cottage cheese or deli counter containers or something like that size that is stackable, Laundry Detergent scoops (plastic measuring cup, 8 oz approx. size), School supplies: notebooks, pens, pencils, rulers, staplers, scissors, etc. (stay away from magic markers please.)
First meet time: 11:00am at Alameda Post Office Station
Address: 2201 Shoreline Drive, Alameda, CA 94501
Second meet time: 12:30pm, Picnic Lunch at Lincoln Park in Alameda
Address: 1450 High St, Alameda, CA 94501
You can park in the lot if you enter at 1425 Fernside,
which is on the back side (baseball field).
Have you ever wondered what happens to that letter
after you drop it off at the mailbox?
Well, let’s take our kids and find out together
as our group gets a special tour of
the Alameda Post Office Station.
After our tour, we can cross the street and spend the afternoon at the beach.
What to bring:
--A letter for your child(ren) to mail.
-- Sunscreen, hats, towels, .
--Sand toys, kites
--Snacks!
Pump It Up
Boulder Ct.,
Pleasanton
925/600-9663
Bouncy! Bouncy! Bouncy!Bouncy!
Fun! Fun! Fun! Fun!
If your child is a fan of Bouncy Houses, get ready for some fun!
Pump It Up is a warehouse of Bouncy Houses!
Monday, 10am-11:30 is their designated time for little ones 5 and under.
So come on out to Pleasanton and we'll bounce 'til we drop!
Cost: $6.00 per child
Parents play for free!
After lunch, we'll head over to Orloff Park for a picnic lunch and park date.
Address: 1800 Santa Rita Rd
Latecomers can join us there around noon.
Pyramid Brewery Tour
901 Gilman St.
Berkeley, CA 94710
Telephone: (510) 528-9880
Friday, April 30, Pyramid Brewery Tour & Lunch - 10:45am
(+Possible late Aquatic Park visit)
Let's meet at the Pyramid Alehouse in Berkeley at 10:45 a.m. for a special 30-minute Monday Mamas group tour of the brewery that starts at 11 a.m. We have a lunch reservation in their dining room thereafter at approx. 11:30 a.m. For those who are not watching their alcohol intake closely, there are 15 beers on draft! The tours cover the brewing process, the history of Pyramid Breweries, and of course, some tasty samples. Thomas Kemper Soda samples are offered to those under 21, so the kids and pregnant ladies definitely also have some samples to enjoy.
Directions:
From South:
Take I-880 northbound to I-80 towards Berkeley/Sacramento. In Berkeley, exit at Gilman Street. Turn right at exit, the brewery is ahead on the left between 7th and 8th Streets.
From North:
Take I-80 westbound to Gilman Street exit in Berkeley. Turn left at exit, the brewery is ahead on the left
If the kids still have boundless energy and the weather is good, we can head from there over to Aquatic Park around 1ish.
Randall Museum
199 Museum Way,
San Francisco
03/19/04
Let's start out early on Friday morning for enriching preschool fun
at the Randall Museum!
Their special Friday Frolics Toddler Drop-In.
The program consists of enjoying an art or science activity,
meeting an animal, learning a story or song, and sharing a snack.
The program goes from 10 am - 12 noon
and is appropriate for ages 2-4 with an adult.
There will be a charge of $5/person/visit.
The museum is located at 199 Museum Way, San Francisco.
Those who arrive late should catch up with the early group by contacting
people at the Museum via cell phones.
Meet at 11am at Roberts Park’s awesome play structure.
website: http://ebparks.org/parks/robrec.htm
Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA,
about 1/2 mile north of Skyline's intersection with Joaquin Miller Road.
Roberts Park has a large play structure (lots of climbing and sliding down),
a vast green lawn, accessible restrooms, and picnic tables.
We can let the kids play in the play structure, have a picnic lunch, and then
cool off and down with a nature hike through the redwood grove within the park.
Parking fee:
$5 per vehicle
Please bring:
your lunch and picnic blanket,
hats, sunscreen,
balls, lawn toys,
and other summer essentials
Rodeo Beach & the Marine Mammal Center
A Beach Day in the Spring? Why not?
(I am of course writing this in February,
dreaming of a clear sunny dry day in April!)
Let's venture out to the Marin Headlands,
at Rodeo Beach and The Marine Mammal Center.
When and Where: Monday, April 26th
Early meeting time: 11:30am. Rodeo Beach
Later meeting time: 1:00pm. The Marine Mammal Center
Even later meeting time: 2pm. back at Rodeo Beach
Backup plan: Hilltop Mall, 11:30am at the play area.
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.
The Marine Mammal Center:
Admission: FREE
All outdoors;
More seals in April (yeah!)
Set up in 1975 to rescue and care for injured marine mammals, the Center has cared for many patients including sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals. Weak, injured, and sick animals are taken to the facility to mend and recover their strength before being released back into the wild.
We can view the mostly-volunteer staff feeding and caring for the animals in the rescue pens, and the kids will hoot over the amazing noises that make up sea lion conversation.
Directions:
From 101-S, Take last Sausalito exit (same as exit to get to BADM);
Make a left at Conzelman Road and follow signs for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) and Marin Headlands;
Follow this road until it forks at McCullough Road.
Stay right at the fork, heading downhill and inland (You will pass by the Marin Headlands Visitor Center on the left);
Turn left at Bunker Road at the bottom of the hill.
Follow Bunker Road past the stables and cross over Rodeo Lagoon.
There are parking spaces on the left side of the road and a lot farther along. Try to find a space along the road, close to the truss bridge that leads to the beach.
To the Marine Mammal Center:
About halfway past the lagoon, you will see a road going uphill on your right with the Marine Mammal Center sign displayed. Take the right fork and head up the hill.
Thanks for planning Pen!
Safari West
Can you believe it? We’re going on SAFARI!
Adapted from their website:
Our group safari will be a 90-minute adventure led by
a resident naturalist. The first 45 minutes will be
aboard the African Queen, a 25' long trailer adapted
with benches and a thatched grass roof that’ll take us
on a journey through the savannah grasslands and
breathtaking views of Watusi Lake. The second 45
minutes of the tour will be on foot and will cover the
inner compound where we will spot elegant cheetahs and
encounter giraffes that stick their necks out for us
and primates that go ape over us and the birds in
their open-air aviary winging over to see us.
“Safari west is nestled on 400 acres in the heart of
California's
wine country, and is home for over 400 exotic mammals
and birds. Not a zoo, not a drive-through park, it's a
wildlife preserve where the whole family can
experience some of nature's most
beautiful animals in a natural habitat. Safari west is
dedicated to raising awareness of our exotic neighbors and promoting
understanding through in-person contact.
If your only experience with a
zebra or giraffe has been at a zoo, you should see these beautiful animals
in their natural habitat."
For the walking portion, I'd recommend wearing (only
front packs) the littlest of kids and babies. I told
them we had small ones (of course we’ll be the
youngest class ever to do a tour) and to go slow but
it could be a long walk for little legs.
Things to bring and not to bring per their website:
For your comfort, slacks or jeans, walking shoes,
sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Shorts are
advisable during summer hours. In the spring, you'll
want to have a jacket on hand. Don't forget your
binoculars. Please leave pets at home.
They have safety guidelines on their website which
would be good to read prior to arrival:
website:
http://www.safariwest.com/index.php?page=page20040311165532
and they may want us to sign a release of liability as
we did at the horse fair.
Some additional guidelines for the ride portion are:
NO FOOD and TOYS aboard and children must be seated at
all times. The ride will be bumpy so children under
the age of two must be on an adult’s lap throughout the ride.
Cost: Children under the age of three are free.
Children 3-12 are $10 each and adults are $18 each.
Everyone can pay individually at the office once we arrive.
Let's meet at noon for a picnic lunch (bring your own)
on their lawn. They sell lunch but require
reservations (buffet: $10/child,$18/adult) which you
can make if you’d prefer.
The drive there takes longer than what mapquest or
google will tell you so give it some extra time. Start
time for the tour is 1pm.
Directions: From San Francisco (North on HWY 101)
• Take the River Road exit. The approach to the exit
is also marked Calistoga/Mark West Springs Rd.
• Exit freeway and turn RIGHT. You will be on Mark
West Springs Road heading East toward Calistoga.
• Remain on this road for 7 miles.
• At Franz Valley Road, Turn LEFT directly into our
entrance.
180 Woz Way, San Jose
First Meet Time: 11am. Main Entrance
Second Meet Time: 12:30 for lunch at their cafeteria.
Oh! The places you’ll go!
The San Jose Discovery Museum has a new exhibit.
Explore the magical world of Dr. Seuss in a 3,500 square foot exhibition
based on themes from Oh, the Places You'll Go! and other Seuss classics.
This, along with the museum’s permanent exhibits,
including Bubbalogna, the Wonder Cabinet
and my personal favorite, Waterways, will surely entertain our kids.
Would you, could you, on a train?
Absolutely! Did you know that you can take the train from one of many east bay locations
and end up less than a mile from the San Jose Discovery Museum?
Stations include 3rd St at University in Berkeley,
Jack London Square, and Emeryville, to name a few.
Click here to find out how. http://www.amtrakcapitols.com/schedules/trip_planner/
Address: 180 Woz Way, San Jose
Website: http://www.cdm.org
What to bring: Admission, Adult $7, Child $7, Infant under 1 is free.
Extra money for lunch at the café.
Possibly a change of clothes incase your little one climbs into the Waterways Exhibit.
San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park
9900 Broadmoor Drive,
San Ramon, CA
Meet time at 1:00
at the San Ramon Olympic Pool & Aquatic Park.
There's a special wading
pool with lots of fun features to enjoy.
The pool is open on weekdays in the summer
for recreational use from 1pm-5pm.
Address: 9900 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon
(925)973-3240
Cost: $1.75 1-6 yrs, $2.25 7-17 yrs, $2.75 ages 18+
Silliman Family and Aquatic Center Silliman Activity Center
6800 Mowry Avenue, Newark CA
(510) 739-2620
**Note: The Main Activity for this day is scheduled LATE in the afternoon.
1st Meeting time: 1:30pm Lunch at New Park Mall's Food Court
2nd Meeting time: 4:00pm back at the Silliman Family and Aquatic center
**Another possible meeting spot is Birch Park. See below for directions.
Let' meet for a late lunch/snack at the Food Court of New Park Mall in Newark.
After eating, we can do a LEISURELY stroll of the mall.
There are rides (bring lots of quarters),
Disney Store, Target, Macy's, Old Navy
(get your shopping lists ready!)
We'll post a phone list of moms going to this event
so you can call and hook up at any point in time.
The Silliman Family Aquatic Center opens its recreational swim
hours on Fridays at 4pm.
After the mall, we will head over to the Aquatic Center.
This is a great opportunitiy for Dads to come and join the group.
What to bring:
Swimsuits, towels, toiletries, change of clothes
Admission fees:
Adults: $6
Children 3-12: $3
Children under 3: FREE with paid adult
Directions to New Park Mall
From Oakland, take 880-South
Take the Mowry Ave. Exit, head West.
The Mall is at 2086 NewPark Mall, Newark
** To Birch Grove Community Park, Newark, (Meet from 11am)
From 880-South,
Take Mowry Ave. Exit. Turn Right on Mowry.
Turn Right on Cherry.
Turn Right on Robertson.
Turn Right on Birch (a cul-de-sac)
To get to Newark's Silliman Aquatic Park from Birch Grove Community Park:
Go back to Robertson, and turn Left.
Turn Left on Cherry.
Turn Right on Mowry.
Silliman Aquatic Park is on the left side of the street.
6800 Mowry Avenue, Newark CA
Directions to Silliman Family and Aquatic Center (if going straight)
From Oakland, take 880-South
Take the Mowry Ave. Exit, head West.
Stay on Mowry.
The Aquatic Center is at 6800 Mowry Avenue.
During this harvest month, let’s go experience life in the country and to learn something about farming in the process.
Our day will be spent (among other things):
*Taking a hayride to the pumpkin patch*
*Listening to live music*
*Exploring a Miwok Indian village*
*Visiting barnyard animals*
*Running through a corn maze*
*Lunching at their picnic area*
*Learning something from the educational displays*
*Enjoying a barn show*
*Picking fresh veggies*
*Riding in a wagon through the fields*
*Planting our own seedlings*
And most importantly, spending the day with good friends…
First Meet Time: 11:15am at visitor barn for Smith Family Farm musical program
(starts at 11:30) & tractor/hay ride to the pumpkin patch
where we each get to pick out our very own pumpkin
(included in the admission price).
Second Meet Time: 1 (ish) pm meet at the hay bale maze for picnic a picnic lunch.
If this doesn’t suit us, we there is also a picnic area
with tables we can head to, once we’re there.
Third Meet time: 2:15 pm at u-pick area (tomatoes, squash, eggplant, etc.)
Pay for what you buy.
They have wagons to use for the kids or the veggies.
Kind of fun rolling them through the crop-area.
Location Details:
Address: 4430 Sellers Ave, 3 miles NE of Brentwood
Phone: (925)625-3544 or (925)625-5966
Cost: $7.50 per person--admission price INCLUDES activities
and any PUMPKIN from the pumpkin field!
FYI, Fruit stand open from until 5pm for picked tomatoes, apples, broccoli, squash, gourds, cabbage, peppers, corn, beans, and more.
Web: http://www.smithfamilyfarm.com/pumpkin.html
Springhaven Farm Horse Fair
6969 Collier Canyon Road
Livermore, CA
First meet time: 10:30 AM
Those who really need to get out of the house can meet early
at the Dublin Sports Grounds playground, on Dublin Blvd off of 580.
Second meet time: 12 noon -- Lunch
Lunch at the Red Tractor,
4920 Dublin Blvd, (Hacienda exit off 580.)
In the spirit of the farm and down-home cooking,
let’s enjoy simple, hearty meals at this fun place.
It’s not huge. We might have to squish, but the food, prices and theme fit
well with our event for the day!
Cafeteria style, breakfast-all-day, kids meals, “farmhouse” cooking
with rib-sticking side dishes. Check it out at: http://www.redtractor.com.
Third meet time: 1:30pm
Arrive at horse ranch for the Horse Fair.
Again, from Nancy...
My friend, Sheila Newton, co-owns this horse ranch in Livermore.
Her 12 year old daughter and her horse-loving friends
are planning a very special day for our little ones.
Let’s arrive at 1:30 for music and crafts by Lisa Fitch,
one of the moms of the girls.
At 2:30, the girls arrive from school,
and will engage our kids in some wonderfully creative activities.
Here are a few:
-go “fishing” for carrots, and then feed the carrots to the horses.
-“brush” the horses with cotton mitts that the kids may keep and use for their own bath time play.
-make no-bake oatmeal treats and feed them to the horses.
-“decorate” the horses (colored leg wraps, ribbons braided into the manes, etc,)
dress in costumes and take a picture on the horses.
-release ladybugs on the property to help the plants with pest control.
-Rides on the horses!
-and surprise performance!
What to bring:
-$5 per child to pay for the activity costs and a little bit extra for the girls.
(They would like to do these “Horse Fairs” as a fundraiser in the future,
and are so excited to try out some of the activities with us!)
-A change of clothes in case your kid gets dirty
-Closed-toe shoes (over the ankle)
that can get dusty or muddy.
Rain boots will work great.
Mid-afternoon snacks for your children.
RSVP to Nancy nshinds@yahoo.com by May 6th,
so Sheila and gang can get proper amounts of supplies.
This is a rain or shine event.
They have covered areas for the activities if raining.
Strawberry Canyon Pool
Berkeley, CA
Let's meet at 12 noon at the Strawberry Canyon Pool in Berkeley.
Bring your picnic lunches and sun/swim gear for a wonderful day of swimming. First people there, please secure an area on the lawn
(preferably with some shade, bring umbrellas if you have them)
for the larger group.
Admission fees are $5 for adults,
$3 for kids (not sure of ages, might be 12 and up).
Directions: Just east of UCB campus,
Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area Fields
are located at the Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area (SCRA),
on Centennial Drive.
The SCRA is east of Witter Rugby Field and Memorial Stadium.
Sulphur Creek Nature Center
1801 D Street, Hayward
510/881-6747
Come on, vamonos! Everybody let's go!
Let's celebrate Cait's 2nd, Elizabeth's and Michaela's 3rd and Colin's 5th birthdays with some very special guests!
When: Friday, February 6th. 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M.
Let's not miss our animal friends! Please arrive promptly at 1:00 P.M.
Where: Sulphur Creek Nature Center
1801 D Street, Hayward 510/881-6747
What: Birthday celebration for our February birthday boy and girls.
Light lunch and snacks will be provided.
Please RSVP to Nancy by Jan. 31st. Sulphur Creek needs to know in advance the number of children attending the party.
Hope you all can join us!
Sunset Cruise on the Angel Island-Tiburon Ferry
21 Main Street, Tiburon
Moms' Night Out...
Names of those with prepaid reservations will be read off from
a list when they start boarding at 6:15pm.
It's not too late to join us.
Even if you decide at the very last minute,
they say they always have room for walk-ups!!
Advanced reservations are recommended
Please call 415/435-2131 and make your OWN reservations
if you are planning to join us on the Sunset Cruise.
It costs $10.00 per person.
The cruise leaves Tiburon at 6:30pm and returns at 8:30pm.
Babies are most certainly welcome too.
They recommend that we arrive at the
ferry terminal around 5:50pm."
Angel Island Tiburon Ferry Terminal
21 Main Street, Tiburon
Take note of the different parking lots shown on the map (see weblink) as different parking lots have different rates (move your mouse towards a parking lot in the map and it will show you the parking rate).
(Parking rates range from $5 to $10, depending on your proximity to the Ferry Terminal. There are several lots within walking distance --one block-- of the terminal.)
***CARPOOLING is definitely a good idea!
Directions:
If you are on US 101 heading Northbound: Take the Mill Valley / Tiburon Exit, turn right, and follow Tiburon Blvd 4 miles into downtown Tiburon. Turn right on Main St. The ferry is located on the left at 21 Main St.
If you are on US 101 heading Southbound: Same exit as above, except take a left over the overpass. Instructions from overpass are the same as above.
From the East Bay: Start on Interstate 80 or 580. Take 580 West to the Richmond - San Rafael Bridge ($3 toll westbound, no toll eastbound). After crossing the bridge, follow the signs to Sir Francis Drake Blvd / 101 South. You will pass by the Larkspur ferry terminal on the left. Get on 101 South. After about 2 miles, take the Mill Valley / Tiburon Exit, turn left over the overpass, and follow Tiburon Blvd 4 miles into downtown Tiburon. Turn right on Main St. The ferry is located on the left at 21 Main St.
Click here for custom driving directions.
Please bring:
--drinks for yourself.
Wine or alcoholic beverage in general is allowed on board.
You can also purchase this on board.
for DINNER potluck:
--appetizer-type/finger food to share:
some ideas:
-fruit/veggie platter;
-sandwich tray,
-sushi,
-cheese and crackers,
-any special dish you might want to make/pick up (surprise us!)
***If you like, you can grab some deli-type of food from several supermarkets along Tiburon Blvd .
Eating Utensils:
I don't know if they provide this on board.
Let's just assume they don't.
I will bring plates, forks, napkins, cups.
Clothing:
Dress in layers. As we are still at the height of Bay Area Summer,
do not forget to bring a windbreaker/warm jacket
just so we're prepared for a cold, foggy evening.
Dessert:
We will have some decadent dessert and coffee
after the cruise
at Servino Ristorante, 415/435-4079 www.servino.com
9 Main Street, Tiburon, CA
Totland
Virginia at McGee
Berkeley,
Let's check out this newly renovated park!
Bring your lunch to Totland at the
corner of Virginia and McGee in Berkeley.
Plan to meet around 11:00 and stay for a couple of hours.
For added excitement, consider taking the BART choo-choo
to the North Berkeley Station.
4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
First meet time, place: 11:00am to ? at Tumble and Tea
Address: 4210 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland
http://www.tumbleandtea.com/tumbleandtea.html
This from their website...
Tumble & Tea is a full service children's indoor playspace,
designed to provide support for the caregiver during the joyful yet stressful years of early childhood.
While other play facilities focus entirely on creating a stimulating environment for children,
Tumble & Tea will additionally provide amenities for the caregivers,
thereby creating a positive environment for everyone,
and a stronger platform for caregivers to nurture their children 7 days a week.
Hours:
M, they're open until 6pm.
Cost/Admission to Play Park:
Adults: Free
Pre-crawlers: Free
Kids: $10 All-Day Pass
Additional siblings: $2 each
Parking
Free parking on street
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden and Redwood Grove
200 Centennial Drive, #5045
Berkeley, CA 94720-5045
The Garden has over 12,000 kinds of plants from around the world,
cultivated by region in naturalistic landscapes
throughout its 34 acres.
Admission is $3/adult,
$1/child three and older.
It's located on the same street (centennial) as LHS,
you usually pass it on the way up to LHS on the right.
Meet just inside the entrance kiosk by the garden shop at 11:30 a.m.
Bring your picnic lunch, sunhats,
and if desired some non-plant-destructive toy to share
(bubbles come to mind...).
Strollers don't work particularly well so it's best for the big ones to walk and little ones to be in some type of carrier.
In case of rain, please meet at Lawrence Hall of Science's café at noon. For directions, click here.
UC Berkeley Dinosaurs and Campanile Visit
1st meeting time: 12:00pm in front of the Campanile, aka. Sather Tower
Next, how about a little visit 307 feet up high??? We'll meet in front of the Campanile at Noon for lunch. We'll hear the 61 bells in the carillon played at Noon while we eat.
The music is over within 10min (in case you want to show up at 12:10pm AFTER the noisy chimes). After lunch, we'll take the elevator to the top observation deck. The cost of an elevator ride is $2 general admission (over 18) & free to kids under 18.
2nd meeting time: 1:30pm at Museum of Paleontology located in the Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB)
How about checking out dinosaurs? The exhibit is open to the public free of charge.
However, the exhibit is small but worth it for our young little ones. One of the main attractions is the large T-Rex dinosaur located on the ground floor.
Call (510) 642-1821 for visiting information.
If no meltdowns yet, how about taking a bus ride around the campus to see the sites. Then we can go for a sweet treat afterwards? Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's are both within walking distance (Center/Oxford Streets).
Things to bring:
Bring your lunch, stroller (if you like) & $2/per adult for Campanile elevator ride. If you are planning on picking up lunch on the way, there are many restaurants along Shattuck and Center Street.
Directions:
1- via BART train: take Berkeley Downtown exit and walk towards campus on Center St. Ask any student for directions to the VLSB. It should take you less than 10min to walk from BART to VLSB. You may also take the UC Shuttle on Shattuck & Center for an extra treat.
Bart info.
UC Shuttle info.
The UC Campus Shuttle is open to the public for $0.25 and circles the UC Berkeley campus, serving the downtown, hills, south side, and north side.
During peak hours, shuttles stop every 8 to 15 minutes. Hours of operation:
7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
2- via car: take 80 hwy, exit on University and drive east towards the mountains, until you hit Oxford.
Rainy Day Plans:
Just in case the weather gets wacky, let's meet at the Museum of Paleontology at 12:00pm and then head over to Habitot at 1:30pm.
Vincent Park
Richmond, CA
Let's venture outdoors this winter --for FREE!!
Nothing like winter fun under clear blue skies (or at least that's what we're hoping!)...
So, let's revisit Barbara & Jay VINCENT PARK in Richmond and have an easy playdate at this kids' park by the bay. There is a great walking trail around the area that would be terrific for the kids who might want to use their tricyles.
When: 11:30pm
What to bring:
your own lunch. (There's a Quizno's on the way to the park, off of Marina Bay Parkway)
your kids' tricycle(s)
Please dress yourself and your kid(s) in layers.
It's almost always windy there so it's good to come prepared.
HOWEVER if it's raining or just plain grey, cloudy and lousy,
let's head over to IKEA instead.
Same time. Meet at the Restaurant for a Swedish meatball lunch (or whatever you fancy).
Have your shopping lists ready :-)
Directions:
Get on 580-West, then 80-East,
and then again on 580-West heading towards San Rafael/Richmond Bridge.
Take the Marina Bay Pkwy Exit,
Turn left at the light and go straight for about 3/4 mile
(pass the railroad tracks, pass all the condos and apartments on your right. ).
You will eventually pass Shimada Friendship Park on the left
and just past that, the street will veer off to the right and
Marina Bay Pkwy becomes Peninsula Drive.
There's a housing development on your left and the bay on your right.
Follow the street till it ends at the park on your left.
Washington Park
740 Central Avenue @ 8th Street
Alameda
Let's meet at the partially enclosed play area.
The play area has 2-3 different levels of challenge for the kids.
When: 10:30- melt-down time
What to bring: sunhats, sunscreen, blankets, and a picnic lunch
Wee Play
1228 Solano Avenue
Albany
When: 3:00 - 6:00 pm
This is when the play center has open play.
No reservations are required. Just drop in after naptime.
Cost: $5.00 per hour
Dinner: After the kids have worked up an appetite, let's get a bite to eat at the Kensington Circus Pub. The pub is located at 389 Colusa Avenue in Kensington.
Where The Wild Things Are/Yerba Buena Gardens/Zeum
Let's bring our little wild ones to downtown SF!
What: Metreon's Where The Wild Things Are and Yerba Buena Gardens vicinity
When & Where:
Early meeting time: 11:00 am at Where the Wild Things Are, 4th Floor of the Metreon
Lunch meeting time: 1:00 pm, In the Night Restaurant, right outside Where the Wild Things Are
OR
on the ground floor at A Taste of San Francisco®. This food is lined with five Bay Area restaurants. Enjoy fresh sushi, teriyaki and tempura at Sanraku, enormous burritos and nachos at Luna Azul, the best pasta and pizza at Firewood Cafe, great salads and home-style cooking at Buckhorn Grill and noodles from around the world at Long Life Noodle and Jook Joint. Meet at the general seating area in front of the restaurants.
Late meeting time: 2:00-ish pm, playground at the Zeum (corner of Howard and 4th Streets)
At the Metreon's Where the Wild Things Are, kids become a character in Maurice Sendak's beloved story. Watch them wind their way through the goblin kitchen and mirror maze, swoosh down a tree slide, make a giant Wild Thing dance.
Watch what you step on: this is a hands-on and feet-on world of discovery.
Admission prices:
$4.00 for adults
$6.00 for kids 4 and up
FREE for kids under 4
After the wild romp and eating at the Metreon, we can head over across Howard Street to the Zeum where the kids can shake their sillies out at the playground (which has slides, a climbing structure, a sandbox and plenty of running space. No swings though.) or ride the Carousel until meltdown time.
Getting There:
The Metreon is located at 101 Fourth Street in San Francisco (corner of Mission and 4th Street).
You can either take BART or drive into SF.
If taking BART:
get off the Powell Street Station and head towards Yerba Buena Gardens/4th Street.
Walk towards 4th Street and Mission.
If driving:
take 80-West;
take Fremont Street Exit;
turn Left on Howard;
turn Right on 5th Street;
turn Right on Minna St (about halfway between 5th and 4th streets). Enter parking garage. Try to find a spot close to the elevators at the East end (at the 4th Street side) of garage.
Parking rate at the Yerba Buena Gardens/5th Street & Mission Garage: $2.00 per hour.
If possible, try to carpool. (save some $$$ on parking!)
Whole Foods Tour
3000 Telegraph Ave
Berkeley, CA
510-649-1333
“Explore Our World” - February Field Trip
So, how does food get from the farm to our dining table?
Let’s find out by asking the good folks at Whole Food Market to explain.
We’ll begin our Monday with a romp in the park.
Anytime after 11:00
Willard Park, Berkeley
Address: Derby Street between Hillegass Avenue and Regent Street
in Southeast Berkeley.
Pack a picnic, but leave room for those samples
that Whole Food offers to provide.
2’ish
We’ll head over 5 blocks to Whole Food Market for a 2:30 tour.
Theresa, the marketing director,
informed me that the staffers love leading preschool groups.
Derby Street between Hillegass Avenue
and Regent Street in Southeast Berkeley.
Meet in the enclosed tot play area.
Zeum
corner of 4th and Howard,
San Francisco
Every Friday, Zeum offers FREE workshops for preschool kids
(for children age 3-5 and parents/guardians).
Here’s the info:
Join us for a new program designed to guide young children
though an adventure in the arts!
Professional educators will lead a series of workshop activities
that encourage children to explore their creativity,
develop language and motor skills and build confidence.
Parents will also receive professional tips
on how to foster their child's creativity at home.
Each week, the drop-in sessions begin with story-time,
followed by a related hands-on art activity
ranging from painting and collage to creating art using a computer.
Let’s try it out!
Schedule:
11 - 12:00 meet at the circle playground (bring a bucket to take
advantage of the water maze)
you can pack a picnic or pick up lunch
from Moe's Cafe or carousel concession on site
12 - 1:00 early group attend first Little Zeum workshop
1 - 2:00 explore Zeum (later arrivals can easily find group)
2 - 3:00 those who missed workshop can attend second session
others can return to the playground (has nice centralized view of
kids so mamas can easily converse)
3:00 reconvene to take a spin or two on the carousel and then head over
to the skating rink or the bowling alley.
General admission to Zeum:
Adults $7
4-18years old $5
50% reduced admission if you’re a member
of another Bay Area ASTC organization
(like Lawrence Hall of Science)
Directions and Maps:
Zeum is located at the corner of 4th and Howard,
on the rooftop at Yerba Buena Gardens - across the street from METREON
By Car
Park at the 5th and Mission Garage, on Mission Street between 4th and 5th, or the Moscone Garage, on 3rd Street between Howard and Folsom.
Coming North on Interstate 101
North on 101 to 80 East. Take the 4th Street exit and then left on Bryant. Left on Third and another left on Howard. Zeum is located at the corner of Howard and Fourth streets.
Coming via the Bay Bridge
Take the Fremont Street exit to Howard Street. Turn left on Howard. Zeum is located at the corner of Howard and Fourth streets.
Coming via the Golden Gate Bridge
Take Lombard Street exit to Van Ness Avenue. Turn right on Van Ness Avenue. Travel south to Grove; approximately two miles. Turn left on Grove Street. Continue past Market Street and onto 8th Street, heading south to Folsom. Turn left on Folsom, then left on Third and left on Howard. Zeum is located at the corner of Howard and 4th streets.
Via BART
Disembark at the Powell Street Station. Exit to 4th and Market streets. Head south on 4th Street for two blocks. Turn left on Howard Street. Zeum is on the corner of Howard and 4th streets.
Web Links:
Map of rooftop site:
Map of Yerba Buena as a whole:
Website for skating rink and bowling alley:
Yerba Buena Garden site: