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| Outdoor Adventures
Editor’s Note: While all attempts have been made to make these lists as accurate as possible, times and program availability may be subject to change. Please check information in advance to avoid disappointment.
TOP HIKES FOR FAMILIES
Angel Island. The island features 13 miles of off-road trails, including a trek to the top of Mt. Livermore, with its breath-taking 360-degree view. Take the ferry and walk or bike around the perimeter road. www.angelisland.org.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve features a one-mile loop trail in the chaparral habitat. Visit the underground Greathouse Visitor Center to learn more about coal and sand mining. www.ebparks.org.
Canada Road in Woodside. On Sundays, take a walk and teach your child how to ride a bike in a safe and scenic setting along Canada Road in Woodside, which is closed to vehicle traffic that day. www.openspace.org.
The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve features tide pool and seal viewing, or a chance to walk along the beach or a top the bluff for views of the California coastline.
www.openspace.org.
Lake Chabot Regional Park offers a paved 2.75-mile hike or cycling trip to a swinging bridge. Start at the main parking lot off Lake Chabot Road and go along the East Shore Trail. www.ebparks.org.
Point Bonita Lighthouse at the Marin Headlands. The half-mile hike does have slightly steep parts but worth the trip to the active lighthouse. www.nps.gov.
Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Take a 1.5-mile walk or bike ride out to the fishing pier. Features a children's play area. Www.ebparks.org.
Redwood Regional Park features a walk along a stream, a children's play area and the mile-long trek ends at a bridge. Hike begins at the Redwood Gate entrance. Bikes are allowed on the paved trail. www.ebparks.org.
San Bruno Mountain State and County Park. Immerse yourselves in wildflowers and butterflies as you traipse around this park, which also marks one of the highest points on the Peninsula . And magnificent 360-degree view. www.openspace.org.
Sunol Regional Wilderness. Informally referred to as Little Yosemite. As you hike along the 2.5-mile Indian Joe Nature loop trail. www.ebparks.org.
PLAYGROUNDS
Adventure Playground in Berkeley gives school-age kids a chance to try out their carpentry skills on the weekends as they build [their] own playground. Berkeley Marina, 160 University Ave., Berkeley; 510-981- 6720; www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/parks.
Julius Kahn Playground in San Francisco has two play areas including a tot lot. Nestled in forest area, adjacent to the Presidio, it is an ideal spot of picnicking and hiking. West Pacific Avenue, San Francisco; 415-292-2004; www.nps.gov.
Koret Childrens Quarter in Golden Gate Park is touted at the nations first public playground. Recently refurbished, it still boasts the old carousel, along with wave climbing walls and a tree house village. 320 Bowling Green Drive, San Francisco; www.parks.sfgov.org.
Larkey Park in Walnut Creek has a recently renovated playground and shares its 13-acre space with the Larkey Swim Center, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, and the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society. Corner of Buena Vista and First Avenues; www.ci.walnut-creek.ca.us.
Matteos Dream in Concord was designed to accommodate all children, specifically those with disabilities, including those who are wheelchair bound. 4331 Satinwood Dr., Concord; www.childrensplayground4all.com.
Rinconada Park in Palo Alto is a favorite destination for families, with its proximity to the children's zoo, public pool, attractive, grassy picnic area and two play areas. 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto; www.palo-alto.us.
Ryder Park in San Mateo is a popular attraction for families with its new water-themed play area and location along the cities shoreline. www.cityofsanmateo.org. |
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