Now that my son is in kindergarten, I have a little more free to get out for some hiking during the week. I didn’t realize how much I’d missed getting outside for some fresh air and exercise with my girlfriends. To celebrate, on Saturdays, I’m going to begin posting images from one of the hikesContinue reading “Silent Saturday: Martin Canyon Creek Trail”
Category Archives: Travel
Climbing the Wall…
An awesome way to burn some kid energy is to head out for some rock climbing… park style. For a list of our favorite parks in the San Francisco East Bay with fun rock wall features, see my post… Outdoor Climbing Walls. Photos taken at Val Vista Park, Pleasanton.
Water Play! Val Vista Park, Pleasanton
It was HOT earlier this week! Tuesday was a perfect afternoon to spend at one of our local parks with great water features… Val Vista Park in Pleasanton, California. For more parks in the San Francisco East Bay that have great water play areas, check out… Ten Fun East Bay Parks with Free Water Features
The Sky Ride, Oakland Zoo
On a busy day at the Oakland Zoo, it’s nice to escape the crowds with a trip on the Sky Ride. The ride take about twenty minutes, with beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay. Some animals can only be seen from here… the herds of elk and bison. They roam the hills behind theContinue reading “The Sky Ride, Oakland Zoo”
Oakland Zoo, August 2012
Bliss… the BMX Park
When given the option of what to do, 9 times out of 10, my 5-year-old son will ask to go to the local BMX course to ride his bike. Strangely, I just realized I haven’t written about this yet!! We’ve been taking him to ride on the course since he was three years old. AtContinue reading “Bliss… the BMX Park”
Butterflies, California Academy of Sciences
On Monday, my son and I enjoyed a fun visit to the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. It was our last outing before his first day of school. I think the highlight of this visit was the baby ostriches! So many, and so cute!! My son also wanted to go into the EarthquakeContinue reading “Butterflies, California Academy of Sciences”
Family Time: A Ride in the Redwoods
The highlight of the weekend for my son? A Sunday afternoon bike ride with his dad…. While my husband and son were riding, I enjoyed a nice, quiet walk through the redwoods. Lovely…. Location: Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
Kids ‘n Carousels
What is it with kids and carousels? I’ve given up trying to figure out what children love about them. I only know they do. Does your child have a favorite? Do you have a favorite memory of one from childhood? Please share! *** Links to carousels in the San Francisco Bay Area Creativity Carousel, SanContinue reading “Kids ‘n Carousels”
Climbing the DNA Structure, Lawrence Hall of Science
No visit to the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley is complete without reserving some time to climb on the DNA sculpture out front. We love museums, but after all that indoor time, it’s fun for kids to get outside and move their bodies. This one is a favorite! Have you been to the TonyContinue reading “Climbing the DNA Structure, Lawrence Hall of Science”
A Beautiful Day!
Another beautiful day at Blake Garden with friends… Related articles Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington (anaturemom.com)
Wow! Adventure Playground, Berkeley
Bored of the usual playground facilities? Then check this one out! The Adventure Playground in Berkeley is a special place, unlike any other park we’ve experienced. The structures are all built by children (with parental and staff supervision), using provided tools (hammers, nails, saws, and paint). This place encourages serious creativity! It’s best for kidsContinue reading “Wow! Adventure Playground, Berkeley”
Great Hike: Saddlebag Lake to the Conness Lakes
Now this was a super-fun hike. How many hikes begin with a ride across a lake on a water taxi?? This was a first for our son… he’s never been on a boat! The views from the lake were gorgeous. My husband and I love hiking above the 10,000 foot level (the trail starts atContinue reading “Great Hike: Saddlebag Lake to the Conness Lakes”
Campground Critters
Ellery Campground (near Tioga Pass, Yosemite)… We returned last evening from a camping trip in the Sierras. I’ll write about our adventures soon!
John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez
I’ve always loved this quote, and it’s one I experience each and every time I head out into nature. For anyone who knows me, it should come as no surprise that John Muir, one of the greatest conservationists in history, is one of my heroes. What is surprising, however, is that I’ve never visited theContinue reading “John Muir National Historic Site, Martinez”
Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington
Take a child out into nature, and what are they naturally drawn to play with? It’s pretty universal… sticks and rocks. So this is the perfect playground for a child… an area filled with sticks and rocks, inviting the child to stack, build, and create. Imaginations went wild this day. In additional to the simpleContinue reading “Create With Nature Zone, Blake Garden, Kensington”
Tunnel Play, Blake Garden, Kensington
We visited the Blake Garden in Kensington (near Berkeley) this week with a group of friends. This garden is not only lovely for adults, but is kid-heaven! The children had a blast playing in this tunnel! My next post will be about the “Create with Nature Zone” at these gardens… awesome!
Swim in a Lake!
The weather is heating up here in the San Francisco East Bay. Take a break from the local swimming pool, and cool off in a nearby lake instead. Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore has two swimming areas, East Beach and West Beach. Swimming is free, but there is a $6.00/vehicle park entry fee. IsContinue reading “Swim in a Lake!”
Flowers, Blake Garden, Kensington
Photos from visit to Blake Garden, Kensington, August 1st, 2012
Fun Kid Hike: Kule Loklo Trail, Point Reyes
One of our goals this summer was to take our son to see a lighthouse. There are a few in the Bay Area, but my favorite has always been the Point Reyes Lighthouse (see my post from yesterday: “Point Reyes Lighthouse“). My husband and I wanted to slip in a short hike during theContinue reading “Fun Kid Hike: Kule Loklo Trail, Point Reyes”
Suburban Nature Explorations 