“The most important thing we can teach our children is to observe well.” -Ernst Mayer, Evolutionary Biologist Learning about animal tracks and signs, and journaling their observations. *** An awesome, free, naturalist-led class! Tilden Nature Area, Berkeley *** Interested in learning more about nature journaling? I highly recommend the book, Keeping a Nature Journal: DiscoverContinue reading “Silent Saturday: Nature Journaling”
Category Archives: Bay Area Things To Do
Outback Express Adventure Train: Oakland Zoo
For those of you with little ones in the train stage, this is a fun one! The Outback Express Adventure Train at the Oakland Zoo takes passengers on a tour of wild Australia, where you may see emus and wallaroos. Enjoy! Interested in going? You’ll find the train station within the rides area, out frontContinue reading “Outback Express Adventure Train: Oakland Zoo”
Sacramento: California State Railroad Museum
The amazing California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento is a must-see for anyone with an interest in trains or American history. About the museum, from the California State Parks website… The California State Railroad Museum (CSRM) in Old Sacramento is the world-class tribute to the role of the “iron horse” in connecting California to theContinue reading “Sacramento: California State Railroad Museum”
Taking in the View: From the Dublin Hills
My son asked if we could hike at Dublin Hills Regional Park today, so we did! Photo taken August 26th, 2013
Hike/Run/Bike: Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
Earlier this week, we headed to Point Reyes National Seashore for an adventure on the Bear Valley Trail. The trail from the Bear Valley Visitor Center to Arch Rock is just under nine miles. Lush and green year-round, with the reward of gorgeous Pacific Ocean views at the end of the trail, this is oneContinue reading “Hike/Run/Bike: Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore”
Carefree: Mountain Biking, Point Reyes
My husband, a teacher, and our son thoroughly enjoying one of their last days of summer break. And, by the way, the first true mountain bike ride for our boy! Bear Valley Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore Photo taken August 19th, 2013 *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: Carefree
Lake Chabot: Bunny
Photo taken August 3rd, 2013 West Shore Trail, Lake Chabot Regional Park
Silent Saturday: Nature’s Balance Beam
Photo taken July 30th, 2013 Near the Wading Hole, Pescadero Creek San Mateo Memorial Park
Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park
How often do kids get to climb on a really, really large tree? You’ll find the “largest tree” on the Sequoia Trail (at less than a mile long, the trail is perfect for young kids). The trailhead is in the Tan Oak Picnic Area. See trail description and hiking map here.. Sequoia Trail. Note thatContinue reading “Climb on a Giant Tree! San Mateo Memorial Park”
San Francisco East Bay: 10 Great Paved Trails for Stroller Walks, Runs and Kid Bike Rides
The San Francisco East Bay has an abundance of paved trails, all excellent for stroller walks, runs and bike rides with the kids. Here are ten of my favorites! Nimitz Way, Inspiration Point, Tilden Regional Park: This was a favorite of ours during our stroller-walking days. The trail over rolling hills begins at the InspirationContinue reading “San Francisco East Bay: 10 Great Paved Trails for Stroller Walks, Runs and Kid Bike Rides”
Hike / Trail Run: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park
In the coming months, I’m going to be trying out trail runs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Most of these trails will be great for both hikers and trail runners. My personal form of trail running is a combination of both (I prefer to hike the hills and run the flats, rollers and downhillContinue reading “Hike / Trail Run: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park”
Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward
I’ve been wanting to write about the Sulphur Creek Nature Center for a long time now. When my son was two and three, we visited the center regularly for their awesome toddler wildlife classes (for 1-3 year-olds). I found it was the best place in the San Francisco East Bay to give my son hands-onContinue reading “Animal Fun! Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Hayward”
Camping: Ben Ries Campground, Butano State Park
I’m frequently asked what my favorite campground is near the Bay Area. My answer is always, “the one at Butano State Park, just outside of Pescadero, in the Santa Cruz Mountains” We’ve been camping at Ben Ries Campground in the park every summer for several years now, and it’s become a family tradition. The smallContinue reading “Camping: Ben Ries Campground, Butano State Park”
Organic Olallieberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Pescadero
In addition to offering an organic strawberry u-pick, Swanton Berry Farms also grows fields of olallieberries and blackberries. During our visit to the Pescadero area last week, we incorporated a bit of organic olallieberry picking. Curious what an olallieberry is? It’s kind of like a cross between a blackberry and a raspberry, but not quiteContinue reading “Organic Olallieberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Pescadero”
Organic Strawberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Davenport
Gotta love freshly picked organic strawberries!! And it’s all the more fun when we pick the berries ourselves. Strawberry picking at Swanton Berry Farm has become a beloved June tradition for us. Interested in going? The actual picking season (and location) varies slightly each year, so check the Swanton Berry Farm website for current details…Continue reading “Organic Strawberry U-Pick: Swanton Berry Farm, Davenport”
Hummingbird: Harley Farms Goat Dairy
The garden here is gorgeous! Harley Farms Goat Dairy Photos taken June 28th, 2013 *** Like hummingbirds? You may enjoy this post: Hummingbird!
Goats! Harley Farms, Pescadero
I have a weakness for goat cheese, so as soon as I heard about Harley Farms Goat Dairy in Pescadero (and their award-winning goat cheese), I added the farm to our “must-visit” list. After our visit this past week, I’m glad we did… and we’ll definitely be going back! During this trip, we simply walkedContinue reading “Goats! Harley Farms, Pescadero”
Camping: Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park
Mount Diablo is the perfect place for those of you in the Bay Area who want a quick mountain escape, but who aren’t up for the three-four hours it takes to get to the Sierra Nevada’s. At 3000 feet elevation, the views from Juniper Campground are stunning. Of course, this is also a great campgroundContinue reading “Camping: Juniper Campground, Mount Diablo State Park”
Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park
Love this place!! Great for both kids and adults… huge sandstone rock formations to climb, small caves to explore, gorgeous views, fun hiking trails… what’s not to like?? You’ll find Rock City in Mount Diablo State Park, on South Gate Road, near the Live Oak Campground. For more information about Mount Diablo, visit the website…Continue reading “Rock City: Mount Diablo State Park”
This Beautiful World Through His Eyes
I often wonder what he’s thinking… *** WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: The World Through Your Eyes *** You may also enjoy: The Calming Effect of Nature on Children
Suburban Nature Explorations 