Kid things: part 1
Have kids? Have friends with kids? Want to know which places to avoid because you don’t like kids? We’ve got you covered.
I’ve invited my friend Jen along for this one. She’s an actual, professional writer, and she lives in Oakland with her 1.5 year-old identical TWIN boys (adorable photos below). Having two toddler age kids gives you instant cred in my book.
Here are Jen’s thoughts on places to take your kiddos in the east bay:
Not gonna lie, it takes strength, will, and resolve to get out of the house with toddler twins. But below are a few places that are worth the extra grey hairs. And, bonus! They are all spots where you can meet up with friends (even the child-free ones) and actually have a conversation (kinda).
With toddlers in tow, a play area in a beer-serving establishment is clutch. Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack, right across the street from MacArthur Bart, is one such place. It’s an outdoor beer garden that serves wings, pizza, and draft pints (impressive tap list) out of a converted shipping container. They have fare for kids too—even those little organic veggie pouches you buy at Whole Foods. Our boys had a ball in their play area (and were very intrigued by the retro arcade room).
In the Laurel District, the newly-opened East Bay outpost of 4505 Meats has a similar thing going. There’s a dedicated spot for stroller parking (hark!), a contained play area, and shaded tables where you can enjoy plates of smoky pulled pork, 4505’s famous chicharrones, and local draft beers. And in a super-pro move, they even give out free soft serve for kids.
Remember the days when you could leisurely stroll the farmer’s market in search of the perfectly ripe peach? I don’t, I haven’t slept in two years. But! The Temescal Farmer’s Market, which goes down in the DMV parking lot, is a great spot to head on Sunday mornings with kids. It’s stroller and baby-carrier central. They have coffee. They have multiple local bakeries on the scene (like my favorite, Starter Bakery). They have live music toddlers can twerk to. And the best part is that Frog Park, one of the coolest playgrounds in Oakland, is just a short walk down the path. Mega Peter Pan Lost Boys vibes at this place. It’s a great weekend 1-2 combo that gets you home by naptime.
The East Bay has some great hikes. I’ve done basically none of them since having twins. However, Inspiration Point in Tilden Park is paved (meaning, stroller-friendly) and features gorgeous views of the Bay. It can get your heart rate up a bit, especially if you are pushing a double stroller and wrangling a 110 lb dog (perhaps overly ambitious to bring the dog). If your kids are of push-able age, it’s a good one to head to for a stroll/catch-up with a friend.
- Jen
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Thank you so much to Jen for these expert recommendations and for having the courage to leave the house with not one, but two little people at the same time.
Stay tuned for part 2.
Like what you’re reading? Share with your friends! Want to live in the East Bay? Here are some cute houses open this weekend.