5 Kid Friendly Activities To Try This Fall (East Bay)

We hate to admit it but alas, summer is officially over. And while we're still fondly dreaming of warm nights, watermelon slices, and that *perfect* beach sunset, fall in the East Bay is no slouch when it comes to kid and family friendly activities.

Whether it's a local playground or petting zoo, the East Bay is jammed packed with opportunities to share the best of what fall has to offer.

Take a look at our picks for the top 5 kid friendly activities to try this fall.

1 . Junior Center of Arts and Science (Oakland)

Nestled next to Lake Merritt, the Junior Center of Arts and Science (JCAS) aims to offer kids and families a hands-on approach to art creation and experimentation.

 Junior Center of Arts and Science (Oakland).jpg

Photo used from http://juniorcenter.org/

Open to visitors Tuesday - Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM, families can look forward to animal discovery rooms, a reading library, play space, and sunny decks (just to name a few).

Plus, families with kids 1-5 can sign up for their fall programs including workshops, field trips, and community activities. Registration for workshops begins September 21.

Check out more information here or try these preschooler Fall science experiments at home.

2. Tilden Nature Area & Little Farm (Berkeley)

What does the fox say? Find out for yourself at the Little Farm, the 60+ year old staple of Tilden Nature Park.

Families are encouraged to bring lettuce or celery to feed the variety of animals that call Little Farm home—including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens and pigs.

The rest of the 740-acre preserve houses 10 miles of hiking trails. Avid nature lovers will surely appreciate the blend of native and introduced plant communities from oak/bay woodlands to eucalyptus forests.

Happy group of kids playing at the park

Need a little down time? Families who venture down the 750-foot boardwalk will find themselves at the historic Jewel Lake, a perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the surrounding wildlife.

Tilden Nature Area is open daily between 5:00 AM - 10 PM while Little Farm is open daily between 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM.

Plan your visit

3. Alameda Farmer's Market (Alameda)

Is there anything more quintessential to fall than a good ol' fashioned farmer's market?

The Alameda Farmer's Market, organized and run by the Pacific Coast Farmer's Market Association, offers the very best of the season's fruits and veggies from local farmers and ranchers around the Bay area. A perfect (and tasty) spot for the entire family.

The Alameda Farmer's Market is open year round every Tuesday and Saturday.

Learn more or try these tempting yam recipes in your kitchen with your preschool kid.

4. MOCHA (Oakland)

The Museum of Children's Art isn't just a great space for kids to learn, explore, and express themselves through hands on art activities, but a trusted staple in the Oakland neighborhood for over twenty-seven years.

Little children painting and playing at kindergarten

Families will have no shortage of activities to engage kids with, from the museum's Open Studio (including six different stations like Imagine Lab and Great Wall of Paint) to submitting their most inspired works to My First Art Show, open to all ages and mediums.

Located on Clay Street, MOCHA's is open Monday - Friday between 10 AM - 1 PM. My First Art Show submissions will be accepted through September 20th.

Learn more

5. Temescal Creek Park (Emeryville)

While it may be tempting to pull out your phone and snap a photo of the picturesque views of the Bay or surrounding wild life, we encourage you to truly unplug and enjoy all that Temescal Creek Park has to offer.

Playgrounds in Oakland offer kids and easy (and free!) way to interact and play. Definitely plan on bringing Fido along as Temescal offers gated dog parks for man's best friend.

Smiling asian girl on a playground, horizontal

Locals love the park for its natural beauty and family-friendly vibe making this truly a hidden gem of the East Bay.

Temescal Creek Park is situated between 47th Street & Adeline in Emeryville.

 

Did our list spark any to-dos for your fall? Leave us a comment below and let us know!