If you had to think back to a sweet memory would you have a specific day or an event in mind? We take many day trips and as much as I wish I could tell you that each one of them was magical, I can’t. It is not always the locations or weathers fault. Sometimes it’s our fault because one of us is too tired or not in the mood for a day outing so the day trip doesn’t go as planned. Sure we tend to always have fun but we could have had enjoyed our time out far better if simply our attitude was in the right place.
Last Sunday we spent the day in Berkeley, California and we had such a blast. This was a sweet memory day trip and the best part was that everything we did was free. After this day trip we were convinced that “the best things in life are free” (Coco Channel). Wouldn’t you agree? Friends, smiles, hugs, kisses, laughter, love, and memories are all free.
I told my husband that I knew where I wanted to move after this day trip because Berkeley has so much to offer, they seem to have it all.
Indian Rock
Can you imagine having a two/three story boulder next to your backyard? Well for some residence in Berkeley this is their reality. Indian Rock is on a 1.18 acres public park and is free and open for anyone who desires to climb, watch the sunset, or see a beautiful view of the Bay Area. We came early so it was still a bit chilly. Eve climbed up once and then wanted to stand in the sun for the rest of the time. While the rest of our children climbed up and down this massive rock.
Bay Area Book Festival
We love books and we came to Berkeley specifically for the book festival everything else that we did was extra. They had over 100 booth venders so we could support writer’s by purchasing one of their books. We enjoyed that they had something for everyone here. We were surprised that it was not overcrowded. Our kids liked the Family Fest Zone because it was geared for families such as ours. There were rides that children could go on and crafts that they could create. Listening to authors read their own book to children was fun and put a desire into our kids hearts to write their own book. Our Elizabeth got inspired and came home after the book festival writing daily her own little story.
Berkeley Poetry Walk
As we were walking from the book festival to our car we decided to walk through the Berkeley Poetry Walk. There are many poems written throughout the sidewalk. Some of these poems were funny while others touching and sad. Our son loves to write poems and he can spend hours reading poetry.
Located at 2030 Addison St, Berkeley, Ca 94704
Regional Parks Botanic Gardens
We favor being close to nature far more than anything else. In this botanical garden we were able to see a little bit of everything from cactuses to red woods. All the sections of this park are dedicated to parts of California so we got to see all of the native plants of California in just a few hours. There is plenty of space for you to enjoy a picnic at. This park was opened in 1940 and there are 10 acres to enjoy.
Located at Shasta Rd, Berkeley, Ca 94708
Adventure Playground
This playground looks horrible, dangerous, beat up, old, and unsafe. However, this was the coolest playground we have ever been to. I have actually dreamed of a playground like this for my children. This playground is made from recycled materials and the best part is that your child can add to the playground. They can build more structures and can paint them with any of the colors that they have available. We did not build this time but definitely next time we come we plan on getting dirty. Our kids loved the zip line. In this park children feel like they are able to build anything and are praised for their creativity. If you pass by Berkeley this is one stop you don’t want to miss.
Located at : 160 University Ave, Berkeley, Ca 94710.
Thank you for reading our post. Have you ever been to Berkeley, California?
Angela Tolsma
A book festival sounds amazing!! That is totally something I would do! I love Botanic Gardens! Always so pretty!
Kimberly
These photos are breath taking!! What device do you use to capture these images?
Amber Nelson
That adventure playground looks awesome! It really looks like you had a great time, making some awesome memories.
Pam
Looks like you guys had a great time and I love that Elizabeth was inspired to start writing!!
Karen Morse
That’s awesome, there’s plenty of things to do in Berkeley! I would love to follow the poetry, that’s so creative and a nice way to have something to read as you walk. The botanical garden seems fun as well! So many places to enjoy! Can’t say no to a book fair as well!
Amanda Love
I’ve never been to Berkeley before and I think it’s awesome that it’s family friendly and packed with activities! I could get lost in that book fair and come out a happy kid! Lol.
Kristina
Beautiful pictures and I love California. I’ve never been here but next time I go to California I’ll definitely have to check this place out!
Tereza
I love reading about your adventures so much, and what a lovely photographs you’ve captured too! So much happiness! x
Sona Jain
Such beautiful pictures. I have only been to San Francisco and San Jose in California. Never been to Berkeley but it looks wonderful!
Carolyn
Looks like an amazing day. I went to Atlanta for the day a month ago and told my sister that instead of spending money on an attraction to just look up a cool park and we had a great time. I think even better than what we were thinking of buying tickets to do because we all were so much less stressed.
Cindy Ingalls
The adventure playground looks amazing. I would love to spend time there. I also love a good book festival. I’ve attended a few and it’s so much fun to hear authors speak and find new great reads.
Louise
It looks like you had a fab time. And your photos are fab! I hope I can get some great shots like this when I take my kids away on holiday next month 🙂
Louise x
Rachel
Aww loved reading your post, you have a lovely family. I have never been to California, but would love to go. Places look so nice to visit. I live in the UK x
Jeanine
Berkeley looks lovely. I’ve never been to California but have heard lots about it and seen lots. I would love to visit someday, lots to do and for free. Thats awesome.
Akim
Your kids are so happy! You have a wonderful family because you both are great parents.
Michelle Paige
I’ve never been to Berkley but it looks like a lot of fun! We are always trying to find fun and free things to do around town.
Michelle | She’s Not So Basic
Krystle Cook
These all look like such amazing things to do. It’s so awesome what all you can do here for free!
jenny
These all sound like really fun activities. I live in Florida so we never get to hike up mountains or even just steep rocks haha. I would love to take my kids on a hiking adventure
Renee @ The Good Hearted Woman
Looks like some wonderful places to visit. Every time I’ve ever been in Berkley, we’ve been in a rush, so I’ve never seen this side of it.
Caitlin
What an awesome day trip! I would have gone just for the book festival 🙂 And what a cool playground.
Sheri
Really beautiful locations and what amazing shots you were able to get. Looks so pretty. This is a great list!