Berkeley Parenting Network: This is a great resource for SF Bay Area parents (not just Berkeley parents). Looking for parenting advise and recommendations? Look no further!
PEN: Parent Education Network, Educating parents on learning disabilities
Go City Kid --Look here for loads of family-friendly activities, after school fun, and outdoor adventures in San Francisco.
The Busy Parent's Guide to Healthy School Snacks: some ideas for making healthy snacks for your kids, either for school or for home
Things to do in San Francisco:
Alcatraz Island -- Visit the famous penitentiary, turned tourist attraction, in the San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz once housed the most notorious criminals in America!
Angel Island State Park -- Official site for the Park. Look here for information about visiting or click on the "historical sites" button and find out about Angel Island's history including its use as an immigration station.
Aquarium of the Bay -- Explore the wonders of the Bay as you walk through 300-feet of crystal clear tunnels surrounded by sharks, eels, octopus and thousands of marine animals indigenous to its waters. It is an adventure of discovery and learning that brings you face-to-face with San Francisco's fascinating marine life. Naturalists are on hand to answer questions and encourage exploration.
The Asian Art Museum -- It is the largest museum in the western world exclusively devoted to the arts and cultures of Asia. The Asian's permanent collections represent over 40 Asian countries spanning 6,000 years of history. Their Web page has times, admission costs, and a map to help you find your way.
Bay Area Hiker-- One of the best hiking websites around! Click on the location and find loads of hikes; descriptions and photos. You'll be amazed at how many wonderful places there are to explore.
California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco -- Visit the famous Academy of Sciences in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park! It includes the Morrison Planetarium, the Natural History Museum, and the Steinhart Aquarium.
The Exploratorium -- Check out the world's largest hands-on science exhibit, located at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Go City Kid --Look here for loads of family-friendly activities, after school fun, and outdoor adventures in San Francisco.
The Golden Gate Railroad Museum-- Choo, Choo! All Aboard! The Golden Gate Railroad Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of steam and passenger railroad equipment, and the interpretation of local railroad history. You can even rent your own locomotive!
The Legion of Honor displays an impressive collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an unforgettable setting overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Click here to find out what their current exhibits are.
M.H. de Young Museum -- Set in Golden Gate Park, the de Young Museum is San Francisco's oldest public museum, dating back to the 1894 Midwinter Exposition. Checkout their Web page to find out admission prices and free days.
Mission Cultural Center-- Offers low cost after school , weekend and summer classes of art, music, drama. Located on Mission & 24th st.
The Museum of the City of San Francisco -- A Resource Center for Bay Area History. Their Web site has pictures and records from the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906, and the San Francisco Fire Department's official reports on the Loma Prieta and Oakland Fire Storm. The museum is located in The Cannery at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
Randall Museum--Low cost family classes age 2 1/2-5, youth classes 6-12 years including daily spring break drop in classes, saturday art classes and summer camp sessions, teen & adult classes as well. Located at 199 Museum Way above Castro and 17th street. Great place for a picnic and a view of the city.
San Francisco Bay Area Transit Information -- Look here for schedules of any Bay Area public transportation organization. It even has a schedule for the ferries that tour the Bay.
The San Francisco Sunday Chronicle Section Kids' Page -- Includes listings for theater, events and attractions. Updated weekly, this page has the hours and contact numbers for so many things to do, you'll wish the weekend lasted all week!
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park -- The museum features ship models, nautical artifacts, and a maritime bookstore. The Hyde Street Pier at the foot of Hyde Street offers free "Young Salts" activities for children, including stories, sea chanteys, knot making and art projects.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art -- Take a look at art with artists, and also a self-guided tour of the Museum's online gallery.
San Francisco Zoo -- Take a virtual tour of this wonderful zoo, or look up the schedule and ticket information to see it live.
Zeum -- This unique museum provides young people access to digital and multimedia tools for exploring and creating art.
Overnight Summer Camps
AwesomeMath College campus based program for mathematically gifted students from around the globe held at the University of Texas at Dallas. Not reviewed.
Age: 7th-11th grade
Info (972) 883-2437 or (214) 549-6146 www.awesomemath.org (05)
Berkeley Boosters P.A.L. Outdoor Adventures: 3 day cycling trip or 5 day and backpacking trips both with whitewater rafting.
Age 11-17,Cost $50-150/wk,
Info 845-7193 http://berkeleyboosters.org (04)
Cal Adventures: Speciality overnight adventure camps backpacking in Yosemite, rock climbing near Tahoe, sea kayaking Tomales Bay, or whitewater rafting on the South Fork of the American River.
Age 13-17
Info 843-6157, www.oski.org (03)
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp: Resident music program at cabin camp the heart of a redwood grove at Cazadero in western Sonoma County. Youth sessions focus on instrumental music – concert band, jazz band or orchestra plus all-camp chorus. Also swimming pool, basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, arts and crafts and other diverse camp activities. Family camp incorporates many different performing arts and includes Kid City for campers under 6 so their parents can take classes during the day. Not reviewed.
Age 5-12th grade plus family camp for all ages
Info 527-7500 www.cazadero.org (06)
Camp Chrysalis: Camping and backpacking programs in Big Sur, Mendocino and Sierra state parks and forests. Environmental education, hiking, swimming, singing, whittling, games. Well organized, great locations, experienced staff.Fine for first time overnight campers as well as experienced ones. Good way to gain sense of independence.
Age 8-14
Info 843-6157, www.campchrysalis.com (06)
Camp Concord: Cabin camp in the Sierras between the shores of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. Youth, teen and family camps with traditional outdoor activities and adventures. Rafting, archery, canoeing, arts & crafts, swimming, horseback riding, camp fires, s'mores, volleyball, soccer, and more
Age 8-15 plus family camp for all ages
Info: (925) 671-3273, www.cityofconcord.org/recreation/camp/index.htm (06)
Digital Media Academy: College campus program of creative technology camps at Stanford University and other locations around country (University of Texas, Austin, San Diego, CA and Burlington, VT). Learn video game design, music video production, extreme sports filmmaking, 3D animation & more. Stanford accredited camp – which means student have the option of earning Continuing Studies credit. Not reviewed.
Age: 13-19
Info: 866-656-3342 www.digitalmediaacademy.org (06)
Echo Lake Youth Camp: Tent cabin overnight program near South Lake Tahoe and Desolation Wilderness run by City of Berkeley. Canoeing, fishing, photography, swim, arts, crafts, basketball, volleyball, campfires, talent shows, ropes course, dancing, lodge, nature center, dining hall.
Age 8-14 Info 981-5140 www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/camps/echocamp.html (2016 Center St. 7 AM - 6 PM) (02)
Hayward La-Honda Music Camp: Resident music program in cabin camp at the San Francisco YMCA Camp Jones Gulch in San Mateo County near La Honda. Orchestral, band, ensemble and chorus programs both classical and jazz, plus arts & crafts, swimming, softball, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, hiking on miles of trails, canoeing, climbing tower, archery, ping-pong, dances, social recreation and horseback riding.
Age 6th -12th grade,
Info 537-4871 www.lahondamusiccamp.com (02)
Hidden Villa Farm & Wilderness Camps: Cabin, tent and backpacking camps featuring hiking, arts & crafts, sports, environmental projects organic gardening and ranch/farming projects at the Hidden Villa environmental center near Los Altos.
Age 9-18,
Info 650-949-8650 www.hiddenvilla.org (03)
iD Tech Camp: College campus program of technology & computer studies at UC Berkeley, St. Mary’s of Moraga and other college campuses around the country. Web design and graphic arts, multimedia & game creation, Programming and robotics (10+) digital video and movie production options (10+). Ulitmate frisbee, swimming, chess tournaments, basketball, kick ball, soccer, scavenger hunts and board games also included for balance. Girl specific week available. Also a day camp.
Age 8-17
Info 888-709-TECH www.internaldrive.com (03)
Innerspark - California State Summer School for the Arts: Arts College campus training program in animation, visual arts, dance, music, film/video, theatre and creative writing for talented artists at California Institute for the Arts in Valencia, California.
Info: www.innerspark.us (06)
Lawrence Hall of Science Camps: Backpacking science trips and wildlife biology and marine biology research stations camps around California with interactive science explorations and recreation.
Age 10-14 (backpack) grade 9-12 (research station), Dates 6 day sessions
Info 510-642-1334 www.lhs.berkeley.edu (02)
Oxbridge Academic Programs Summer college campus sessions in Oxford, Cambridge and Paris with a wide range of courses.
Age 8th – 12th grade,
Info www.oxbridgeprograms.com.
Plantation Farm Camp: Cabin camp. Riding, arts & crafts, swimming, drama, kayaking, frisbee, soccer, hiking, singing, barn dance, cookouts, tidepooling, beachcombing, fishing, boating, sheep shearing and other farm chores, at Cazadero near the Russian River in Sonoma County.
Age 7-16,
Info 707-847-3494 www.plantationcamp.com (02)
Pt. Reyes Science Camp: Group cabin camp at Pt Reyes National Seashore in Marin. Environmental education, hiking, beach exploring, crafts, science projects & 1 night backpack trip (4 nights for 13-16).
Age 7-16,
Info 415-663-1200, www.ptreyes.org (02)
Camp Quest West: Cabin camp. Freethought for the children of atheists, humanists, skeptics and others with a naturalistic worldview. Swimming, boating, campfires, hiking, crafts, skits along with critical thinking, science and respect. Held at Camp Watanda about 70 miles north of Sacramento, in the California Gold Country
Age 9-14,
Info 650-949-3192 www.campquestwest.org (07)
Rotary Nature Center Adventure Camp Backpack, rock climb and boating. Day camp two days at Lake Merritt then 3 days/2 nights backpack in Point Reyes.
Age 6-14,
Info 238-3739 www.lakemerritt.org (00)
Sierra Friends Camp: Cabin camp in the Sierras. Experience rooted in Quaker values of compassion for oneself, others, and the natural world. Arts and drama activities, non-competitive sports and games, fun and physical daily chores, sharing music, stories and reflection around campfires, swimming in the pond and the nearby Yuba River. Plus two- to three-night age appropriate hiking and camping trips to develop self-confidence through physical challenge, appreciation of nature and spirit, skills in camping and sustainable living, cooperation and teamwork.
Age 9-14,
Info 530-273-3183 www.sierrafriendscenter.org (06)
Snow Mountain Camp: Cabin camp. Riding, tennis, drama , water skiing, vaulting, rock climbing, backpacking, arts & crafts, mountain bikes, canoeing, archery, swimming, ropes course, BMX bikes, wake boarding, campfires, talent shows, dances near Grass Valley/Nevada City in Sierra foothills. Review (1-00 with confirmation in 02) Well organized program, good staff (many from Australia!) and facility. Some kids from Asian countries. Loved it (even a 7 year old). Smaller, more intimate than some. Learn independence, getting along with others, planning activiites. Good for outdoorsy kids willing to experience new situations.
Age 7-16
Info 530-265-4439 www.snowmountaincamp.com (02)
Tech Trek: College campus math/science program for girls to develop self confidence at Mills College and Chabot Space and Science Center in Oakland. Hands-on activities and labs in classes such as Biology, Geology, Engineering (bridge building), Marine Biology, Orienteering (math), Solar Energy, Physics (roller coasters, hot air balloons), Forensics, Chemistry (manufacturing make-up!), Math and Geometry, Computers (film editing) and Space Science, plus field trips and visits from professional women in different fields. Not reviewed
Age 8th grade, Dates 1 week sessions 6/25-7/1, Cost scholarship supported by AAUW, D
Info 916-448-7795, www.aauw-ca.org/program/techtrek.htm (06)
Camp Unalyee: Cabin & backpacking camp in the Trinity Alps of Northern California. Archery, dance, arts and crafts, cooking, nature study, orienteering, rock climbing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, day hikes, sweat lodge, ultimate Frisbee, basketball, volleyball, soccer, swim races and capture the flag, climbing wall, stargazing, plus backpacking trips. Bus service from bay area included.
Age: 10-17, Dates 2 wk sessions
Info (866) 805-6901 www.unalayee.org (06)
Camp Winnarainbow: Circus cabin camp. Circus and performing arts, swimming (incl. 350' water slide), arts & crafts in Laytonville .
Age 7-14
Info 510-525-4304 www.campwinnarainbow.org (03)
Yosemite National Institute: Environmental education cabin camp and backpacking in Yosemite.
Age 13-18,
Info 415-332-5776, www.yni.org (02)
YMCA Camp Gualala: Cabin camp. Eco art, sports, outdoor exploration in Sonoma.
Info 510-665-3231, www.baymca.org or uccr.org/gualala2.htm (01)
YMCA Camp Jones Gulch: Cabin camp.
Info: www.campjonesgulch.org/programs_main.htm (01)
YMCA Camp Ravencliff: Cabin camp. Archery, swimming, songs, games, arts and crafts, wilderness hikes, canoeing and spending a night in the back woods cooking their food over a campfire and sleeping under the stars in Southern Humboldt on the Eel River.
Info 510-222-9622, www.baymca.org or www.ymcaeastbay.org (05)
Family Camps
Shady Creek Family Camp: Cabin camp in the Sierra foothills near Nevada City, CA. Week and mini week family camp program. Arts/crafts, archery, high and low ropes course, sports, pool games, talent show, Luau Night, s'mores around the campfire, boating (inner-tubing, waterskiing), hiking, offsite trips to historic gold mine, tie-dyed t-shirts, tournaments. Plus Kids Corner for children and Parent's Night Out.
Age: Infant to 80. Dates: 1 wk or 4 day/3 night,
Info: 800-826-7310, http://shadycreekcamp.com/familycamp.html (05)
Camp Mather--Owned and operated by the City of San Francisco, located in Yosemte. This camp features family cabins, tents, activities for kids, meals and plenty of R & R. An urban family retreat!!
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