Activities for Toddlers in Piedmont Area
Hi there! I'm new to the area and my nanny and I are looking for activities during the week? Things like readings at Libraries, music classes, art classes, etc. In the city we did a couple classes at Peekadoodle -is there something like that in the area?
Thanks! We live in the Dracena Park area in Piedmont.
Jan 16, 2017
Parent Replies
Welcome to Piedmont! We must be neighbors of sorts as we are also in the Dracena Park neighborhood. The Piedmont branch of Oakland Public Libraries (80 Echo Ave) hosts a cute toddler story time on Wednesday at 10:15 am. It's held in the small brick building to the right of the library trailer.
Piedmont Recreation Department puts on Kindermusik classes and all sorts of activities (sports, arts, swim, etc.) for people of all ages. Their catalog of classes is available online and you can filter to your child's age and interests, days of the week, etc.: http://www.ci.piedmont.ca.us/recreation
We moved to Piedmont a year ago (1 yr & 2 weeks, but who's counting ;P) and signed my then 3.5 yo son up for the soccer and sports classes through Piedmont Rec and found it a great way to meet other moms and playmates for my kids.
If your nanny drives, the story time at the Claremont branch of Berkeley Library is always lively and fun (albeit, very popular so sometimes at capacity). My 2 yo loved Gymboree classes on Lakeshore Ave.
Other drop-in activities we enjoyed for some indoor running around when these rainy days seemed never ending:
Hi there, welcome to Piedmont. We are nearby in Lower Piedmont. Our nanny takes our 2 year old to Kindermusik through the Piedmont rec dept. They have classes Wed and Thurs morning and you can sign up through the PRD website. They also do storytime at the Rockridge library, and when the weather is nice, Fairyland. Recently, we purchased membership at the Rec Room in Berkeley so they go there several times a week. It's only $50/month for an unlimited number of visits. They have storytime and activities there, too. I haven't personally been but after visiting several of the local play spaces our nanny liked this one best.
Welcome! We are on Piedmont/Dracena park border and I also have a toddler. There's a piedmont playgroup that meets weekly. If you are into nature activities, there's tinkergarden nearby. I think the rest was covered by the previous posts.
Hope his helps,
Ella
Kindergym with Dawn Margolin at Temple Beth Abraham is of legendary status in the East Bay. I first heard about Kindergym from a couple of mom friends (who all said I "had" to go) and have found it to be such a wonderful part of both being a parent and having a very active toddler. My son loves his "gym" and Dawn has created such a wonderful, warm, diverse, welcoming, educational, fun and safe environment. She herself is a force for good and acceptance and this energy feeds the environment at Kindergym. Not only does it get the wiggles out when my son gets to swing, climb, slide, jump and play from station to station, but I get to talk with other parents, get to know my community and learn more about being the kind of parent that is present for my child in a way that I hope I can sustain. We love Kindergym, love Dawn and love being a part of this extended family.