What do Studio Grow, Sadie Dey’s Cafe, Habitot, and even the Berkeley YMCA have in common? They’re all fighting for my rainy day toddler entertainment dollars.
Whitney challenged me to go to them all (not a problem, I was making the rounds anyway) and write up my opinions. Several years later, it has led to an entirely new website of just East Bay activities for kids, but that’s just because we’re in love with making lists, blogging, and building online communities. Enough about me; what are you going to do? I challenge you to do the same for your hometown so when the rains pour down or the snow piles up, you’ll have some options.
Second-hand children's store with play area? Yes, please!
I’ve got the dirty details on Berkeley toddler hot spots (tot spots?) over on 510Families.com. Each has something good to offer depending on your circumstances.
In addition to the play-for-indoor-playtime spaces, the totally-free destinations that I like to frequent include:
- Target for train-watching and errands (ours is next to train tracks!)
- Mega outdoor shopping center for Barnes & Noble (train table!) and the pet store
- Independent bookstore with children’s nook
- Whitney’s house and her set of different toys
- The library for official story time or just to enjoy a safe space and some books we don’t own
Can I ask what store in pictured above (the consignment store with playspace)?
Thanks!
Solano Kids at 1820 Solano Ave in Berkeley, CA.
Our local mall has an indoor playground, which is free… if you can avoid retail temptation.
Although I LOVE to be included on your awesome site I have to make a clarification. Because we keep our cafe small for a reason, rainy days are NOT the best time to visit SadieDey’s if you do not like crowds. We encourage all of our guests who are looking for the best SadieDey’s experience (a place where where they can get a rest, enjoy some organic food and coffee and take advantage of the Mother’s Helper and activities) to visit us on dry days. Although there are many places to take kids in the Bay area, there are not a lot of indoor options, so we get overrun with the overflow of families looking to head indoors on these days. Happy Parents make Happy Kids, and we want to help make Happy Parents.
KIDSPACE in Pasadena, CA it is not a free place but it is the best place ever. For ANY age of kid. Not as much for the infant but 12 months and up. It is a ten dollar entry fee for everyone above 12 months of age. It can be rainy day or sunny day because they have indoor and outdoor exploratory and imaginative play areas. YAAAAYY kidspace.