Your little one can do all sorts of hands-on activities at this adventure-themed playground in Northern California. The Adventure Playground in Berkeley is a place where kids can play with kid-made boats, forts, and towers, ride the zipline, and create new structures from recycled materials.

The playground opened in 1979 and was inspired by the observations of children’s advocate Lady Marjory Allen.
William Newton/Flickr
Allen observed children playing outside and noticed they enjoyed making their own structures and building things. This type of play encourages cooperation and helps children build self-confidence.
The park is really unique in that kids can build things as part of their play experience.
charlie vinz/Flickr
With parental supervision, older kids can use nails, hammers, and washable paint to craft things and let their imaginations run wild. A lot of parents who frequent this park also like that the playground can be enjoyed by elementary-aged children to teenagers.
The zipline is one of the main attractions at this park. This zipline is for children ages 6 and older. There is also a tire swing and a climbing net.
penny/Flickr
Staff and volunteers are on-site to assist families with the many activities in this special park and playground. For the after-school program, children ages 7 and older can be dropped off unaccompanied by an adult and will be watched by staff for just $10 per visit. Aside from the after-school program, minors must have a supervising adult watch them at the playground.

Related Stories

The Massive Indoor Playground In California With Endless Places To Play

The Massive Indoor Playground In California With Endless Places To Play

 Most People Don’t Know About This Underrated Zoo Hiding In Northern California

Most People Don’t Know About This Underrated Zoo Hiding In Northern California

 The 9 Coolest Attractions In Northern California That Not Enough People Visit

The 9 Coolest Attractions In Northern California That Not Enough People Visit
This oh-so-special playground is just one attraction at the Shorebird Park Nature Center and Adventure Playground.
Teddy Cross/Flickr
While guests can only spend two hours at Adventure Playground, access to the park is unlimited. The park has a traditional playground overlooking the bay in Berkeley, plus a marine life exhibit, and a large grassy area where families can picnic and watch local wildlife.
Because this is such a special and popular playground, guests are limited to a two-hour time slot.
penny/Flickr
Reservations are required for groups of five or more. This is also a great place to host birthday parties!
The playground and nature center is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Patrick Buechner/Flickr
The playground is closed when there is "consistent rain throughout the day" so call first if you’re unsure. Hours are sometimes longer in the summer months.

Have you visited the Adventure Playground in Berkeley with your little ones? What did you think of it? Share your experience with us in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Northern California

Featured Addresses
160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA