African American Museum & Library  
125 14th St., Oakland
(510) 238-4980

The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is dedicated to discover, preserve, interpret and share the historical and cultural experiences of African Americans in California and the West for present and future generations.  The museum portion, located on the second floor, regularly hosts traveling and original exhibitions that highlight the art, history and culture of African Americans.  Click here for information on current and upcoming exhibits.  Closed Sundays and Mondays, the facility is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 12:00 to 5:30.  But to be sure, call or visit their website.  MAP

 

Chabot Space & Science Center  
10000 Skyline Blvd.
Oakland, CA  94619
(510) 336-7300

"Wander through a kaleidoscope of whirling galaxies and stars to the outer reaches of the universe... Marvel at the wonders of our neighbors, the Moon and Mars... Explore natural processes and patterns like craters, volcanoes, and atmospheric turbulence..."

Chabot Space & Science Center (CSSC) is an innovative hands-on teaching and learning center focusing on astronomy and the space sciences and the interrelationships of all sciences. Its observatory, planetarium, exhibits, and natural park setting are a place where a diverse population of students, teachers, and the public can imagine, understand, and learn to shape their future through science.  Check out the latest exhibits!

 

 

Children's Fairyland USA
Lakeside Park, Oakland
(Corner of Grand & Bellevue Avenues)
(510) 452-2259

Live animals, free rides, daily puppet shows, and 10 acres set in fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Weekends feature performing artists and crafts. Admission $5. Children under 1 are free.

 

Habitot Children's Museum
2065 Kittredge Street, Berkeley
(510) 647-1111

The little museum with heart.  Here's a great space for preschoolers and toddlers to practice hands on learning and self-motivated exploration.  Mind the hours though -- they're a bit different from most museums.

 

Hall of Health
2230 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley
(510) 549-1564

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
(510) 8881-6751

Lawrence Hall of Science
U.C. Berkeley Campus, off Grizzly Peak Blvd.
(510) 642-5132

A very nice science museum for the East Bay!  Changing exhibits keep it fresh, so be sure to visit their site for current exhibits and events. 

Oakland Zoo
977 Golf Links Road, Oakland, Ca
(Inside Knowland Park)
(510) 632-9525

Phoebe Apperson Hearst
Museum of Anthropology 
102 Kroeber Hall
(510)643-7648

Founded in 1901 and nurtured heavily by Phoebe Hearst, the museum and its shop are open to the public  10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday, and 12 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Sundays. The Museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, National and University Holidays.  The museum offers rotating exhibits intended to showcase different aspects of its vast collection.  Click here for current exhibit information.

The Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology is located in Kroeber Hall at the corner of Bancroft Way and College Avenue on the campus of the University of California in Berkeley. Gallery entrance through the museum gift shop.

Admission:
General admission $4.00
Seniors (minimum age of 55) $3.00
Students (with student ID) $1.00
 Always free to children under 12.  And free to everyone on Thursdays!  
 

Tilden Regional Park 
Enter via Wildcat Canyon Road
or Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley, CA
Map
 

Tilden Regional Park has something for nearly everyone:  wildlife, hiking and horseback riding trails, swimming, picnicking, pony rides, farm animals, a carousel, stream trains, and botanic gardens.   A number of group picnic areas are available; to reserve one of these, or for camping information, call (510) 636-1684.  For information about swimming at Lake Anza, call (510) 843-2137.  The park also encompasses an 18 hole golf course that features a driving range, pro shop, practice green, restaurant, and the Tee Clubhouse coffee shop. Phone (510) 848-7373 for fee information and reservations.
 

Redwood Valley Regional Railway offers 12 minute train rides through scenic redwoods.  Tickets are $1.75 for single riders or $7.00 for a family group of 5 persons.  The Railway closes at sundown.  Visit their website for more information and directions.

The Herschell Spillman Merry-Go-Round features a calliope and beautifully hand-carved and painted wooden carousel animals to ride.  A snack stand, restroom, drinking water facility, and parking are available.  The carousel is open weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Tickets are $1 per ride, or $10 for a book of 13 tickets.  For more information call (510) 524-6773.

The Little Farm and Tilden Nature Area EEC offer children the chance to get up close with farm animals and to learn about nature.   The EEC offers exhibits about local watershed and other natural features of the area.  Parking for both facilities is available in the parking lot at the north end of Central Park Drive.  For more information, call 525-2233.

Pony rides will not be available Summer 2005, while repairs and upgrades are made to the facility.

 

Looking for more East Bay places to go?
Check out our list of Fun Places to Go in Fremont!