University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley
Under-6s get in free, and the draw for that age is not the plants so much as the lizards and spiders they will find along the paths. Lots of climbing up and down.
200 Centennial Drive
Kid essentials
How kid-friendly is it?
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Nearby places
Design Quest for building and testing things, an Animal Discovery Room, and one of the best views of the bay from the terrace. Open Wednesday to Sunday; $20 covers everyone from three upwards.
A scaled-down steam train that loops along the ridge in Tilden, $4 a ride or five for $16. Weekends and holidays year round, 11 to 6, closing at nightfall in winter.
The big white hotel in the hills, with pools heated all year, a kids' pool and a Kids' Club with childcare for guests.
Smashburger spot that started as a backyard pop-up during the pandemic, with fries, shakes, salads, and an Impossible burger.
Counterculture hot dog stand on Durant since 1966, with a board of griddled sausages from kosher-style franks and bockwurst to lemon chicken and a veggie wienie.
Big, cheap plates of pasta you build at the counter, a long enough menu for picky eaters, and tables outside.