Outdoor Activities During Covid

8 parent questions ▼

Parent Q&A

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  • In search of toddler social activities - Covid risk averse fam

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    May 10, 2022

    In search of toddler social activities for a very covid risk averse family. 

    Our toddler is 2.5 years old. We are looking for structured (in age appropriate ways) a daycare or any indoor activities.

    Our risk tolerance and mitigation efforts have been on the extreme side of caution. We JUST started going to the grocery store since March 2020. So we’re at that level of comfort right now. We are looking for activities or classes that align with a cautionary approach as much as can be controlled when getting unvaccinated kiddos together.  

    Specifically, our child has an interest in dance classes in case you have any leads on some that are outdoors for her age. 

    Pt. Richmond, Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley are the range we can manage. 

    Thanks in advance for a roundup of any ideas.

    Have a great day, 

    JV

    May 10, 2022

    There is an outdoor dance class starting Saturday at John Muir Elementary in Berkeley. You can find out more info and sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfA1MRg_OZJmg9VwlyUUM9ls3V2-ag4lmlWpfw6B_R90sm-Pw/formResponse

    The Berkeley Public Libraries hold outdoor story times. Epworth Church (also in Berkeley) has a play group for under 3s. 510 Families has a great compilation of toddler activities too :)

    May 11, 2022

    My daughter went to outdoor music classes at Live Oak Park in Berkeley.  Families sit on picnic blankets, kids dance, very fun. My daughter loved it. I would rate it very covid conscious. 

    https://www.musictogether.com/

    May 15, 2022

  • Trick or Treating in 2021?

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    Oct 12, 2021

    What is the general consensus among Berkeley parents about trick or treating this year? Fauci has advised that the risk is minimal, and my kids really want to do it. As a parent new to Berkeley (the lower hills, specifically), would it be an imposition to take my kids out trick or treating?

    Fauci Says It’s Ok

    Oct 12, 2021

    We plan to skip trick or treat again this year as kids are not yet vaccinated. We were happy with what we did last year and plan to do the same. Dress in costumes and walk around the hood checking out decorations. Many houses put out candies. If they were doing social distancing trick or treating, we got treats. (Some people had shoots, others had 6 ft long scoops or a bucket of candies outside). We roped off our house to show that we don’t want visitors but did leave a large bucket of candies and hand sanitizers outside for kids to take. We had a backyard day time Halloween gathering with 2 other families that were in our social bubble so that kids can play (masked and outside) and kids did scavenger hunt and jack o lantern piñata as well as pumpkin carvings. We also prearranged a trick or treat with a couple of neighbors. We had more candies than we could eat and kids had a blast. None of us missed the traditional trick or treat and felt this was very fun. 

    Oct 13, 2021

    We live in University Village and residents here have started a list for which buildings will be participating. I will be taking my daughter trick-or-treating for her first time. I think risk is minimal. If nothing else, some folks will leave candy outside. Have fun!

    Oct 13, 2021

    I think trick or treating will absolutely be “on” this year. 

    Oct 13, 2021

    I’d say go for it! We are going to stay outdoors and wear masks, and (as you said) according to many experts I’ve read that risks are very low. 

    Oct 13, 2021

    God I hope kids will be trick or treating this year. I definitely plan to take my kids out. Being outside is safe and this community is very highly vaccinated. I have zero concerns about the health implications of trick or treating.

    Oct 13, 2021

    I'm doing it, if I can find a neighborhood that seems into it. Short, masked, outdoor interactions (that can also be distanced if we step back after knocking) are super low risk. People who are uncomfortable can choose not to answer the door, or put up a sign to please not knock. 

    Oct 13, 2021

    We're in West Berkeley and plan to let our kids trick or treat this year. 

    Oct 13, 2021

  • Kids' swimming time this year?

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    Mar 24, 2021

    Hello BPN, my 9 year old is desperate to swim, but all of the places we used to take him for lessons or open swim time are closed due to Covid.  Is there anywhere you can recommend for this spring or summer?  We'd be willing to drive anywhere in the greater Bay Area if we can make the timing work.

    Mar 24, 2021

    Aquatech in Concord and Alameda are open for group lessons. We went there prior to pandemic and they are reasonable and clean.

    Mar 31, 2021

    My kids love to swim, too! If you live in Berkeley or El Cerrito, you can sign up for family swim at the public pools. The shallow end is reserved for one family for 45 minutes. It's wonderful. But slots fill up within one minute of registration opening each week, so being a resident (and thus getting priority) is necessary. It's also necessary to be on your computer, signed into your account, and ready to click the ready the moment registration opens. I have a weekly alarm set on my phone.

    For swim lessons, Strawberry Canyon Pool just opened up registration for summer swim lessons, and Albany Pool is currently hiring swim instructors, so my guess is that they are planning for summer swim lessons as well.

    Mar 31, 2021

    Hi! The El Cerrito Swim Center opens up a calendar to reservations at certain points in the month. Twice our family has gone for a 45-minute reservation and the pool is blocked off into zones so it felt very safe to me. 

    Mar 31, 2021

    Try Ohana in the Oakland hills. My 5 year old loves it there. Nice outdoor pool.

    Mar 31, 2021

    Aquatech in Alameda has open swim times and lessons. It's a really nice facility.

    Mar 31, 2021

  • Swimming Pools in Covid Times?

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    Dec 2, 2020

    Hi all - 

    Does anyone know of any swimming pools (ideally outdoors, heated) that are open this winter for lap swimming or children's swimming lessons, despite covid? I am pregnant and can't do any form of exercise really other than swimming. I would be willing to pay $ to join a private club or gym if that's the only way to get access to a pool, since I assume pools are making people comply with covid-safe protocols like reserving lap lanes in advance and having low capacity. I have heard that the Bay Club in Walnut Creek has pools and is open, but are there any other places out there that have swimming going on right now that anyone can suggest? 

    Dec 2, 2020

    Indoor pools have been closed in most of the Bay Area since March, and I wouldn't anticipate them opening anytime soon the way COVID is going. Hotels/motels "may" be the only exception. If you talk to a gym and they tell you their pool is open, they are most likely in violation of the health order. Sorry - I miss swimming too!

    Dec 4, 2020

    Sorry, reading more, I thought you were asking about indoor pools. Outdoor pools currently can open with reservations for lap swim and there are some doing it, such as Albany USD and City of El Cerrito. I suspect the future shelter in place orders will close all pools though. I don't believe children's lessons are taking place as there are bans on youth sports (maybe?? the rules are changing so quickly)

    Dec 4, 2020

    Hi, the El Cerrito Swim Center's outdoor lap pool is open for adult lap swim. Reservations are required (all online) and there are a host of health and safety procedures and rules in place. I've been going for months and its been amazing to have it. The only reservation system is a bit tricky to master but once you get it, its not bad.   Lakeridge Athletic Club in El Sobrante also has an amazing outdoor pool that you can become a member of. 

    Dec 9, 2020

    This summer, my daughter was taking lessons at Lakeridge Athletic Club on San Pablo Dam Rd, Richmond.  It's a lovely, outdoor pool with a terrific view.  They have very few amenities due to Covid (showers are closed).  For lessons, you pay a very reasonable fee for 4 lessons.  They have memberships too and have dedicated days and times to sign up for the lanes.  Again, fees are reasonable and the initiation fee was something like $200.  They are small so you will likely have to call to get the latest info.

    Dec 9, 2020

    The Hills Swim and Tennis Club currently allows outdoor lap swimming with a reservation system for 30 min. blocks. They are technically governed by Contra Costa County even though they have an Oakland address (I don't think Alameda County has any outdoor pools open but not positive). Since you have to buy a membership from an existing member and then pay the monthly membership fee, this is not the most realistic option unless you are willing to spare no cost to be able to swim! That said, we love being members there, and their swimming and other outdoor exercise options have been key to maintaining our sanity during the pandemic.

    Dec 9, 2020

    Berkeley, Albany, and El Cerrito public pools are open for lap swim. Berkeley and El Cerrito also are open for family swim. But it is hard to get spots--likely impossible if you are not a resident of each respective city. We are Berkeley residents and have had good luck getting family swim spots, but you have to register literally the minute registration opens each week. I am not aware of any swim lessons, but we are teaching our younger child ourselves during family swim. Good luck!

    Dec 9, 2020

    Aquatech in Alamda is open. we have been going there for swim lessons. I believe they have some open hours swim (albeit at inconvenient times, like during school hours or late on the weekends). but we love it for class and they have very strict protocols.  Good luck!

    Dec 9, 2020

    Try Lakeridge Club in El Sobrante. They have a large outdoor heated pool and until the recent orders were doing adult swim and private lessons by reservation. It's a beautiful facility!

    Dec 9, 2020

    Claremont Country Club pool is open.
     

    Dec 9, 2020

    Both El Cerrito and Albany outdoor pools are open. If you live a resident, you get priority, but then a day later registration is open to anyone. They are remaining open during the new stay at home order. Also Clarke Memorial in Walnut Creek. I don't know what I'd do without swimming! It's very Covid safe.

    Dec 9, 2020

    I know the Oakland's Dimond Park pool has been open; my son loves exploring Sausal Creek. I'm pretty sure you need a reservation, don't know if it's heated; beautiful setting though - such an amazing park!

    Dec 9, 2020

    The shelter in place order has not closed outdoor pools. Harbor Bay Club in Alameda is still open for lap swim with reservations. They're pricey but their pool is at the estuary and is absolutely lovely. Aquatech swim school in Alameda and Concord looks to still be open for swim lessons.

    Dec 11, 2020

    Ohana Aquatics is still doing children's swim lessons, but not recreational swimming. The pool is kept very warm. 

    Dec 15, 2020

  • Recommendations for Covid-safe experiences for older babies

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    Oct 21, 2020

    Seeking suggestions for Covid-safe new experience for older, non-walking babies (I have 10 month twins).  We are very Covid risk-averse - both parents work from home, groceries delivered, no socializing with other people (even outside/social distanced), avoiding crowded places.  We've been doing pretty well in a routine that is focused around our home, our backyard, walks around the neighborhood, picnic blanket at the local park, and hikes.  But earlier this week, we had to go to the hospital for an x-ray for one of the girls, and I was struck by how intently she was taking in everything that was going on around us (the elevator, the people, the Xray machine) -- and it made me think that maybe they are missing out by not being in new/stimulating environments on occasion. But I'm a bit stuck in thinking of what those environments are right now that aren't a Covid risk -- again, we are VERY risk averse (so pumpkin patches or visitng Lake Merritt for example are outside our comfort zone). The are crawling and climbing, but not walking yet, and love to put anything and everything in their mouths.

    Oct 21, 2020

    I would maybe look for an outdoor play group in a couple months. I agree it's time for you to start casually thinking about this, but i don't think 10 month olds are going to be harmed by hanging out at home with the fam.

    Oct 23, 2020

    We are cautious about Covid but still allow family members to visit, our 3 year old is in preschool, and we take the kids (occasionally but rarely) to Target or other stores.  With that being said, we primarily have our 10 month old at home - not because of Covid - just because it's hard to get kids out of the house!   We aren't worried about it.  With our 3 year-old, she predominately became interested in other activities around 1.5 years or so.

    Oct 28, 2020

    My son was about your babies' age when the pandemic started. He finally puts less things in his mouth now, but he still does, so I get that part. Since your babies aren't walking yet, I think you have an advantage here when going out. I would go to parks with big spaces to spread out on a blanket with your own toys (the Berkeley Marina, Memorial Park in Albany, Dover Park in Berkeley are good examples that have space). That way, they can see other kids from a distance and not be as isolated. It's awkward when another child comes up and wants your toys, but parents around here seem pretty respectful of boundaries right now. It's great that they have each other, but being exposed to children and adults other than what they are used to, even from a distance, is important for their development. It's a process we all have to figure out and get comfortable with. 

    Oct 28, 2020

  • Outdoor story time or toddler group activities?

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    Oct 9, 2020

    Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows of outdoor storytime or similar activities for toddlers in the east bay? My daughter is 14 months old and doesn’t get a chance to be around kids much. I’d love to have her do an outdoor activity that is socially distanced and safe during Covid but will still let her see / be around other kids. Any tips / ideas would be appreciated! 

    Oct 9, 2020

    Following! I'm also looking for something like this.

    Oct 14, 2020

    Speaking as a volunteer storytime reader: me and some of my colleagues have discussed this a lot over the past several months, and nobody I know of has found a way to do it safely. When family groups all have to sit six feet away from each other, you quickly reach a point in terms of crowd layout where the storytime reader simply can't be loud enough to reach the back row, or the book isn't visible. That, and the epidemiological x-factor of a bunch of wiggly kids in one place, masks halfway on, all being encouraged to yell and wave their bodies around (plus the bigger problem at every storytime, misbehaving parents).

    Doesn't mean nobody's doing it! But I haven't heard of anyone doing it and I'd personally hesitate to bring my own kid to one, as much as I love storytime. That said, Alameda County just loosened their restrictions on playgrounds, so that may be a better option for now.

    Oct 22, 2020

    I suggest you form a pod with one or two other families with similarly aged kids, and do regular storytimes with them in someone's backyard or at a park. 

    Nov 27, 2020

  • Yosemite during the pandemic

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    Jun 27, 2020

    Has anyone been to Yosemite since it reopened?  We have reservations for late July at Yosemite Valley Lodge and are trying to decide whether to go or cancel.  We have never been to Yosemite so this would be our first time to experience Yosemite Valley.  We have two kids aged 4 and 9.  We are also about to move out of state so this may be our last chance to go when the trip is fairly easy logistics-wise.  However, we're wondering if it's worth it to go now with all of the restrictions in place.  The shuttle around the Valley is closed, it seems that the ranger program and most museum/educational buildings are closed, we would have to wear masks everywhere, etc.  We want to rent bikes, but I'm worried about them being disinfected.  Same with common areas in the hotel and using public restrooms around the park.  Any thoughts/opinions?  For those who have been there, how restrictive and/or safe does everything feel?  Thank you!

    Jun 27, 2020

    Oh, definitely cancel, and then transfer your reservations to me!

    In all seriousness, I don't think you'll ever have a better opportunity in Yosemite. With the restrictions on travel to the Park it's going to be amazing compared to the usual summer crowds. Disinfecting bikes? What on earth do you intend to do with them? Just keep your 4-yo from licking them too much :) !! It's too bad about the museums and visitor centers but there is still a lot to see just outdoors.

    We just got back from Lassen and it was fabulous - camping and hiking and swimming. We found that people (park staff, fellow campers, folks in the surrounding communities) were kind, open, generous, and friendly, and we all found ways to maintain appropriate distances. When you see someone approaching on the trail, your group or the other one pulls off at the nearest wide spot on the trail (some people pull up their mask - whatever you're comfortable with), and you pass each other - it's just like driving up one of the narrow roads int eh Berkeley Hills. You will be in a place of wonder and beauty and you will be sharing it with other people who are appreciating one of the most spectacular treasures of nature in the US. I envy you guys - definitely do not give up on Yosemite!

    Jul 1, 2020

    I haven't been there since the pandemic began, so you can take this with a grain of salt, but I want to say that the opportunity to be in Yosemite Valley when it is operating with limits on its normal number of visitors seems like such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime chance that you would be crazy to pass it up. Bring your own sanitizing wipes or bleach solution and a rag, and disinfect the rented bikes yourself. Wipe down anything you're worried about. Wear a mask and hold your breath while you go pee in a shared restroom. I think you can find ways to manage the risks when you are in an environment that mostly allows you to be outdoors. The ranger programs are nice, but they aren't really why you go to Yosemite. You're there to just take in the beauty of nature, and you can do that without a museum or ranger-guided activities. If you guys are able to ride bikes, you don't need the shuttle. Ride around, take in the gorgeous views of this very, very special place, and glory in all of it. Do I need to send you some photos of how crowded Yosemite Valley typically is in July?? :) You should go!

    Jul 1, 2020

    We went to Yosemite three days after it opened. I think it’s an amazing time to go to Yosemite because they’re limiting the amount of cars coming into the park to 1000 cars, where in a typical summer day there was a 6000 car limitation. We stayed in cabins at Evergreen Lodge.   The cabin aspect was nice because you weren’t really indoors with other people and you could order your breakfast or dinner to go and eat outdoors at their picnic tables.  We brought a lot of snacks with us so we wouldn’t be reliant upon food at the park. The market was open but I’m not sure what else will be.  

    Jul 1, 2020

    Hi I just posted but I want to add a little more now that I read your question all the way through.... Bathrooms were open. Parking at the various locations was easy enough so the shuttle not operating was not a problem.  We did not look into bike rentals but I would think it would be easy enough to disinfect bikes if you are worried about the level of prior disinfectant.  You may want to bring your own bike helmets. 

    Jul 1, 2020

    Hello! We were just in Yosemite, staying at the Yosemite Valley Lodge for one night, last week. Here's some thoughts in case helpful: 

    1) The Lodge felt very safe, everyone took distancing seriously. For example, at check-in, they even asked if my husband and I share a last name (we don't), and took down both of our information because they are conducting contact tracing if anything happens. They have at least a 30 hour window in each room between stays.

    2) The rooms do not have AC, but very strong fans (helpful, as it was HOT!). Not having AC was actually a relief, as I didn't worry about air circulating from room to room.

    3) The whole Valley was really quiet--SUCH a treat for the summer. We rented bikes, all disinfected, and easily biked through the whole valley without having to worry about crowds.

    4) We only did the Valley and Tenaya Lake. The only time I felt a little worried about crowds was at Lower Yosemite Falls. Almost everyone had masks on. Other than that, we were pretty much on our own, which was incredibly refreshing after 3+ months stuck at home!

    5) All that said, I was still pretty anxious. Likely because it was our first time really out and about, and not because of anything with the park. The public restrooms were the most nerve wracking-not exactly a pleasant experience in normal times, but felt stressful in COVID-I also have a younger child (3), so that was part of the restroom nerves. We brought our own food, which worked our really well, but was of course, something else to plan for. All the restaurants are open, but we didn't go.

    If you can go and take some time when you get back before seeing other people, I think it is totally worth it. It was quiet, beautiful, and seeing the incredible views was what our family needed after this tough spring. I felt safe and our family was fine, my main concern is always inadvertently exposing others. So, if you can shelter at home after, I would say, go. Hope that helps :)

    Jul 1, 2020

    This is a tricky one.  From what we know the virus has a hard time spreading when you are outside.  I would not be concerned when you are outside. It's when you are inside eating and sleeping that would prevent me from going.  I would make it a day trip.  Or go camping with your own tent and camping equipment.

    With the virus spreading like it has been the past couple of weeks more people have it and is spreading faster that it has been in the past.

    Jul 1, 2020

    My husband and I just went to Yosemite last weekend. It seemed crowded to me, but everyone said it was not compared to pre-covid summers. We usually go in the winter. Not having the shuttle was a bummer, but renting bikes seems like a great plan. The hike to Yosemite falls is very close to the lodge and a must. We hiked the Mist Trail, which was lovely. It was one-way from 9-4 and a really big hike, so would probably be better to do it later so you can turn around at 4:00. We felt ok using the bathroom, but always had a mask on, washed hands well and used hand sanitizer after. Almost everyone wear a mask when close to others. Food is mainly available at the base camp eatery which is close to the Lodge, we only ate outside. You could also bring the food to the table in your room. We found most of the other grills weren’t open or closed early at 5:00. It was hot, swimming in the river is a great option. We love Yosemite and go often. It is different with covid. It’s a bummer to not go in the visitor center and things like that, but the appeal is the outdoors, and that’s the same. 

    Jul 1, 2020

    My family sent three days in Yosemite the week after it opened. It's a great time to go. In the summer it is usually really unbearable with crowds and traffic everywhere but now it is relatively quiet, and very easy to get away from people and social distance. Shuttles are not operating but parking was easy everywhere we went. Even better if you have bikes. We rented a cabin in Wawona to avoid shops/dining halls and it worked out beautifully. You don't need visitor centers or museums at Yosemite - everything you want to see is outdoors.

    Jul 8, 2020

    Was just through the park and in the eastern sierra. Its a great time to go, they are being HYPER vigilant about the number of people even allowed to drive through the park, cleaning etc. If you take the precautions you do at home you will be in great shape.

    Jul 31, 2020

  • Where to go for kids to ride a bike

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    May 3, 2020

    I do not mean to offend anyone.

    We have strictly adhered to social distancing. I have not even taken kids out for a walk and we rely 100% on contactless delivery.

    When I tend to the front yard, I wear a mask.

    I am sad that my kid learned to ride a bike a week before the SIP order and his shiny new bike is sitting in the garage. He’s wobbly and isn’t a proficient rider yet. He keeps asking when he can go out and ride his bike again...
     

    We used to go to a local elementary school to practice riding. I think it’s closed now.

    Is there a good place to go to practice bike riding in Oakland/Berkeley/Alameda or do we just need to be more patient?

    We don’t have flat streets in our neighborhood to practice riding. Seriously regretting buying a house on a hill...

    May 3, 2020

    Just walking around my neighborhood the past few weeks I've seen a few places that would be good for little kid bike riding but you'd probably need to park nearby and walk over with the bikes. The Claremont hotel is closed right now and their lower parking area is accessible to little kids on bikes - I saw some there today. There's a small employee lot in front and a larger one in back near the tennis courts. There are a lot of paved plazas on the UC Berkeley campus - maybe look on google maps for likely spots. Clark Kerr campus has some open areas near where the Cal Youth camps were held. Saw some tricycles and scooters there. Good luck!

    May 4, 2020

    I would try Kensington Park (there is a small circular track excellent for learning how to ride, or empty basketball court), or one of many empty parking lots at various schools, etc. As long as you keep distance, you should give you intrepid bike rider a welcome respite from the long and difficult time at home. Good luck!

    May 4, 2020

    There are many nearly empty parking lots to choose from - the BART stations, shopping areas, etc. Basketball courts are a good option too. There are several streets closed to through traffic in Oakland as well and those are decent options. I have seen some people in Berkeley put up signs in the street that kids are playing to “soft close” the block so their kids can practice riding in the street - not legal, but effective and frankly a better use of street space at this point.

    If you’re serious about physical distancing, I would not recommend the Bay Trail, Ohlone Greenway, or popular parks. Many people are still using those and they do not distance (and many are still not wearing masks either). Nor would I recommend sidewalks, they are too narrow for proper distancing. I’ve been taking my kids on residential streets in Berkeley and Oakland, but they were solid riders before the shelter in place started. I really wish Berkeley would soft close some streets like Oakland is doing to create an abundance of space for kids to walk and bike where there isn’t crowding. But the city doesn’t seem interested. 

    May 5, 2020

    Some people are using BART parking lots (Rockridge, North Berkeley).  It might be too crowded, then again, skateboard parks are reopening, so there might be more space for bicycle riding kids!  It's great to hear that!

    Also, I walk by golden gate fields--they have a huge parking lot.  No cars allowed, but I see bike riders going through there.  It's not very crowded. 

    good luck!!!

    May 6, 2020

    I've taken my daughter to the MLK shorelin epark near the oakland airport and also the middle harbor shoreline park near the port of oakland. Both are pretty flat and great for learning to ride a bike. Also there wasn't a lot of people so social distancing was easy. The caveat was that this was a month ago when the weather wasn't as nice as it is now.

    May 6, 2020

    The Rockridge BART station parking lot is blissfully empty and a great place for beginning riders. Sometimes there are skateboarders/riders using the lower half, but the upper half has always been empty when we're there.

    May 6, 2020

    I think BART parking lots especially North Berkeley could work also perhaps school parking lots could work. In regards to SIP it is fine and encouraged for kids to get outside to run, play, ride scooter etc. They need that. 

    May 6, 2020

    You could try the DMV parking lot after 5 pm, and that overflow parking lot at the Claremont Hotel is a great idea (it's on Tunnel Rd). Also, here is a map of closed streets in Oakland, which we've been walking, jogging, and biking on. Depending on time of day, they can be pretty deserted: https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=b2f8989fdb514d2fb511067a11ad65f0&extent=-122.2896,37.8028,-122.2366,37.83

    May 6, 2020

    We have had good luck bike riding and scootering at office building parking lots in our neighborhood. In fact, our daughter really prefers the open space of a parking lot to paved paths and tracks that require more precise steering.

    May 6, 2020

    We've been walking to a local church's parking lot. We go early in the day and never see anyone else there (except once, an employee of the church stopped by to pick up mail or something and yelled out that she was happy to see us there). 

    May 6, 2020

    We go to Kensington Hilltop School and to 1000 Oaks School to ride. We wear masks.

    May 6, 2020

    We've been doing stroller pushing sessions with my toddler out near Almanac/Bladium in Alameda.  It's EMPTY. Like post-apocalypse empty.

    If you have a car to get out there, it's super easy, but buses are still running out there as well.

    May 6, 2020

    Cesar Chavez is nice because it's fairly contained.

    May 6, 2020

    Lots of young kids and parents ride in the north Berkeley Bart parking lot.  They are quiet and empty for making big loops.  Lots of space for social distancing.  

    May 6, 2020

    I've seen families riding & scootering in front of Studio One near OakTech.  And 42nd St is blocked off for peds & bicycles.  Also West St in W-Oak.

    May 6, 2020

    I agree with the posts re: empty office parking lots. Other places we've been to recently are:

    1) the Cal campus, which is huge, largely unoccupied and has lots of bike paths and parking lots that aren't being used; and

    2) Tilden Park, where numerous roads and lots are blocked off. Lake Anza Road and the Lake Anza parking lot are both blocked off, and there is convenient parking at the Merry Go Round. The Little Farm parking lot is also closed to cars, and there are spots to park just outside of the gates.  

    May 6, 2020

    Aquatic Park is a great place for kids learning to ride. After they get proficient enough to steer and keep clear, there is the Bay Trail nearby. I am there every Sunday and there are lots of family groups, and solitary riders, of course.

    May 6, 2020

    Head over to the Cal Campus. It’s quite empty but open. The plaza in front of Zellerbach Hall and Sproul Plaza are two large flat places to practice. Also many wide paths on campus with few pedestrians right now. It’s perfectly legal to exercise outdoors under the current order. We take our kids out for walks or bike rides every day. Please don’t feel bad about doing it!

    May 6, 2020

    Go down by the marina--there are huge empty parking lots that are great for bike riding for kiddos! 

    May 6, 2020

    Bella Vista Park in Oakland has a circular green surrounded by an asphalt pathway. I'm not sure how much use it has been getting, though.

    May 6, 2020

    Middle Harbor Shoreline Park has long, flat stretches of pathway with beautiful views of San Francisco, and hardly anyone around--probably because the grass is covered in goose poop always. But it's ideal for little bike riders.

    Most church parking lots in my North Oakland neighborhood are closed, and there are much BIGGER empty parking lots if you take 24 to the Orinda exit, turn right and just head down Moraga Way. At both Holy Shepherd and St Mark's, I've seen a couple of kids at a time riding around.

    May 6, 2020

    I went for a picnic on the UC Campus last Sunday off Bancroft Avenue near Hertz Hall.  There were lots of parents teaching their kids to ride.  It's the part of the campus across from Cafe Roma at the end of College.  It was wonderful to watch the kids take off.

    May 6, 2020

    Have you tried the old naval base in Alameda, lots of open, flat space. What about the parking lot by Golden Gate Fields? Bay Trail? All are great options. 

    May 6, 2020

    Schools should be closed and locked.  They fear large thefts and vandalism.  Try the Berkeley Marina of Golden Gate Fields.  

    Thanks for wearing a mask and keeping your distance.  This is something we all need to be doing.

    May 6, 2020

    Head out to the end of distillery row at the naval base in Alameda. There is a killer open paved area where can kids can rip around freely 

    May 6, 2020

    Alameda is a great place to go bike riding.  The whole island is flat.  We're on the east end, and the streets are empty enough to practice social distancing easily.  I go jogging every day in the neighborhood, and the side streets have very few cars on them these days so it seems to me a safe place for kids to practice riding.

    May 6, 2020

    I taught my kids to ride on a gentle hill at UC Berkeley. The campus isn't completely empty but when I walked through last week there were few people and lots of safe wide paved areas without cars.

    May 6, 2020

    Try the parking lot at Little Farm in Tilden. It's blocked off, but there is parking along the street and I've seen kids practicing biking, roller skating, etc. in the blocked off parking lot. It's large, flat and paved. Just no bathrooms so be prepared!  I've also seen people making use of BART parking lots and UC Berkeley parking lots.  The are some above the Lawrence Hall of Science and various ones sprinkled throughout the campus that might work too.  Good luck!

    May 6, 2020

    I'm not sure where you are located but Emerson in Oakland is still open and great for riding. Also, have you checked out Oakland's 'Slow Streets?'

    https://www.oaklandca.gov/projects/oakland-slow-streets

    Our daughter was maybe a little further along than your son (pretty confident riding around a playground but very scared of cars so hadn't ridden on city streets). We've actually found SIP to be a great opportunity to teach her how to ride on the street with fewer cars. Oakland is blocking off more and more streets and we are able to get to one of them by riding about 10 blocks from our house, but you could also just drive to the nearest one and bring your bikes. There are still occasional cars and you have to stop for cross traffic but in the space of a few weeks our kid has become fairly comfortable sharing the road with cars as well. We bike 4-5 days a week and it's been a pretty amazing transformation. Not everyone out there is wearing masks but our whole family does. I highly recommend checking one or both of these out.

    May 6, 2020

    Go to the parking lot of a closed business. I know there’s an empty large parking lot at Planet Fitness at MacDonald Ave. And King Middle school in Berkeley is open from 11AM-1PM Mon/Wed/Fri for food distribution. Lots of space there to socially distance and ride a bike. Good luck!

    May 8, 2020

    8th and Virginia, basketball courts, lots of parking on street

    May 9, 2020