Events Listings
Kids-East Bay Through October 3
"GOING 4 GREEN FESTIVAL," -- Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. A
family-oriented street festival and celebration all about going green,
featuring vendors, games, presentations, food, crafts and more. See website
for complete details. Event takes place at Jack London Square, Oakland.
"ROCKRIDGE OUT AND ABOUT STREET FESTIVAL," -- Sept. 26. A street
festival featuring live music, fashion shows, kid's fun, wellness activities,
food and drink, dancing and more. Event takes place on College Avenue between
Alcatraz and Manila.
Free.Noon-6 p.m.www.rockridgeoutandabout.com.
ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
"Kidsfaire," Sept. 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. One of California's largest
children's events, featuring acres of fun with nonstop family entertainment
including Clowntown, Sports City, and visits from Barney. See website for
complete details. $5-$8. www.thekidsfaire.com.
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. (925) 426-7600,
www.alamedacountyfair.com.
ARDENWOOD HISTORIC FARM Ardenwood farm is a working farm that
dates back to the time of the Patterson Ranch, a 19th-century estate with a
mansion and Victorian Gardens. Today, the farm still practices farming
techniques from the 1870s. Unless otherwise noted, programs are free with
regular admission.
ONGOING PROGRAMS --
"Blacksmithing," Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Watch a blacksmith turn iron into useful tools.
"Horse-Drawn Train," Thursday, Friday and Sunday. A 20-minute
ride departs from Ardenwood Station and Deer Park.
"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3-4 p.m. Help slop the hogs,
check the henhouse for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
"Victorian Flower Arranging," Thursday, 10:15-11:30 a.m. Watch as
Ardenwood docents create floral works of art for display in the Patterson
House.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Potato Harvesting," Learn the spectacular history of
this New World native as you dig with your spade and help find the spuds.
"Country Kitchen Cookin'," Sundays, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy the flavor of the past with treats cooked on Ardenwood's wood burning
stove. Sample food grown on the farm and discover the history of your
favorite oldtime snacks.
"Horse-Drawn Train Rides," Thursday, Friday and Sunday,
10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Meet Jigs or Tucker the Belgian Draft horses that pull
Ardenwood's train. Check the daily schedule and meet the train at Ardenwood
Station or Deer Park.
"Toddler Time," Tuesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Bring the tiny
tots out for an exciting morning at the farm. Meet and learn all about a new
animal friend through stories, chores and fun.
"Animal Feeding," Thursday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Feed the pigs,
check for eggs and bring hay to the livestock.
$1-$5; free children under age 4. Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont. (510) 796-0199, (510) 796-0663,
www.ebparks.org.
ASHKENAZ
Alphabet Rockers, Oct. 3, 3 p.m. $4-$6.
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. (510) 525-5054, www.ashkenaz.com.
BAY POINT LIBRARY
"Monthly Craft Night," 4-5 p.m. Last Friday of every
month. Each month features a different themed craft.
Riverview Middle School, 205 Pacifica Ave., Pittsburg. (925)
458-9597.
BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM -- The museum's permanent exhibition of
internationally renowned automobiles dated from 1897 to the 1980s. The cars
are displayed as works of art with room to walk completely around each car to
admire the workmanship. On long-term loan from the Smithsonian Institution is
a Long Steam Tricycle; an 1893-94 Duryea, the first Duryea built by the
Duryea brothers; and a 1948 Tucker, number 39 of the 51 Tuckers built, which
is a Model 48 "Torpedo'' four-door sedan.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"International Automotive Treasures," An ever-changing
exhibit featuring over 90 automobiles.
"A Journey on Common Ground," An exhibit of moving
photographs, video and art objects from around the world exploring the causes
of disability and the efforts of the Wheelchair Foundation to provide a
wheelchair for every person in need who cannot afford one.
ONGOING EVENT --
Free Public Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. Docent-led guided
tours of the museum's exhibitions.
$5-$8; free for children ages 6 and under. Wednesday-Sunday, 10
a.m.-5 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Danville. (925) 736-2280, (925)
736-2277, www.blackhawkmuseum.org.
CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER State-of-the-art facility
unifying science education activities around astronomy. Enjoy interactive
exhibits, hands-on activities, indoor stargazing, outdoor telescope viewing
and films.
Center Admission: $14.95; $10.95 children 3-12; free children
under 3; $3 discount for seniors and students. Telescope viewing only: free.
Wednesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday,
11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Also open on Tuesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. after June 29. 10000
Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510) 336-7300, www.chabotspace.org.
CHILDREN'S FAIRYLAND A fairy tale theme park featuring more
than 30 colorful fantasy sets. Designed especially for children ages 10 and
under, there are gentle rides, a train, the "Peter Rabbit Village,'' puppet
shows, story-telling and lots of slides and animals. Admission price includes
unlimited rides, special shows, guest entertainers and puppet shows.
OLD WEST JUNCTION -- Children's Fairyland's newest attraction is a
Wild West-themed town sized just for children, with a livery stable, bank,
jail and a water tower slide.
PUPPET SHOWS -- Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
All shows are at the Open Storybook Theatre. Free with regular Fairyland
admission.
ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER -- Activities on Saturday and Sunday, noon
to 3 p.m.
ANIMAL OF THE DAY -- Saturday and Sunday, 1-1:20 p.m. at the
Humpty Dumpty Wall. Learn about one of Fairyland's animal friends.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Arts and Crafts," Noon-3 p.m. Event features arts and
crafts projects for children and their families. $6.
"Animal of the Day!" Saturdays and Sundays, 1-1:20 p.m.
Come up close and learn about Fairyland's creatures.
$6; free for children under age 1; $2 for a Magic Key. No adult
admitted without a child and no child admitted without an adult. Summer (June
through Labor Day): Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and
Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Fall and Spring: Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; Winter: Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CLOSED DEC.
25-JAN. 4. 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 452-2259, www.fairyland.org.
CRAB COVE VISITOR CENTER At Crab Cove, you can see live
underwater creatures and go into the San Francisco Bay from land. You can
also travel back in time to Alameda's part. The goal is to increase
understanding of the environmental importance of San Francisco Bay and the
ocean ecosystem. Crab Cove's Indoor Aquarium and Exhibit Lab is one of the
largest indoor aquariums in the East Bay.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Sea Siblings," Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Explore
the natural world and take part in a theme related craft. Designed for the
3-5 year old learner. Registration is required. $4. (888) 327-2757.
"Sea Squirts," 10-11:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Discover the wonders of nature with your little one. Registration is
required. $6-$8.
"Catch of the Day," Sundays, 2-3 p.m. Drop by to find
out more about the Bay and its wildlife through guided exploration and
hands-on fun.
Free unless otherwise noted; parking fee may be charged. 1252
McKay Ave., Alameda. (510) 521-6887, www.ebparks.org.
DUNSMUIR HOUSE AND GARDENS HISTORIC ESTATE Nestled in
the Oakland hills, the 50-acre Dunsmuir House and Gardens estate includes the
37-room Neoclassical Revival Dunsmuir Mansion, built by coal and lumber baron
Alexander Dunsmuir for his bride. Restored outbuildings set amid landscaped
gardens surround the mansion.
ESTATE GROUNDS -- Self-Guided Grounds Tours are available
yearround. The 50 acres of gardens and grounds at the mansion are open to the
public for walking Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Booklets and maps of the
grounds are available at the Dinkelspiel House. Free.
GUIDED TOURS -- Docent-led tours are available on the first Sunday
of each month at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. (except for July) and Wednesdays at 11
a.m. $5 adults, $4 seniors and juniors (11-16), children 11 and under free.
Dunsmuir House and Gardens, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland.
(510) 615-5555, www.dunsmuir.org.
FOREST HOME FARMS The 16-acre former farm of the Boone
family is now a municipal historic park in San Ramon. It is located at the
base of the East Bay Hills and is divided into two parts by Oak Creek. The
Boone House is a 22-room Dutch colonial that has been remodeled several times
since it was built in 1900. Also on the property are a barn built in the
period from 1850 to 1860; the Victorian-style David Glass House, dating from
the late 1860s to early 1870s; a storage structure for farm equipment and
automobiles; and a walnut processing plant.
Free unless otherwise noted. Public tours available by
appointment. 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. (925) 973-3281,
www.ci.sanramon. ca.us/parks/boone.htm.
HABITOT CHILDREN'S MUSEUM A museum especially for children ages
7 and under. Highlights include "WaterWorks,'' an area with some unusual
water toys, an Infant Tree for babies, a garden especially for toddlers, a
child-scale grocery store and cafe, and a costume shop and stage for junior
thespians. The museum also features a toy lending library.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Waterworks." A water play gallery with rivers, a pumping station
and a water table, designed to teach about water.
"Little Town Grocery and Cafe." Designed to create the ambience
of shopping in a grocery store and eating in a restaurant.
"Infant-Toddler Garden." A picket fence gated indoor area, which
includes a carrot patch with wooden carrots to be harvested, a pretend pond
and a butterfly mobile to introduce youngsters to the concept of food,
gardening and agriculture.
"Dramatic Arts Stage." Settings, backdrops and costumes coincide
with seasonal events and holidays. Children can exercise their dramatic flair
here.
"Wiggle Wall." The floor-to-ceiling "underground'' tunnels give
children a worm's eye view of the world. The tunnels are laced with net
covered openings and giant optic lenses.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS --
$6-$7. Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Tuesday. 2065 Kittredge St.,
Berkeley. (510) 647-1111, www.habitot.org.
HALL OF HEALTH A community health-education museum and
science center promoting wellness and individual responsibility for health.
There are hands-on exhibits that teach about the workings of the human body,
the value of a healthy diet and exercise, and the destructive effects of
smoking and drug abuse. "Kids on the Block'' puppet shows, which use puppets
from diverse cultures to teach about and promote acceptance of conditions
such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, leukemia, blindness, arthritis and
spina bifida, are available by request for community events and groups
visiting the Hall on Saturdays.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"This Is Your Heart!" An interactive exhibit on heart
health.
"Good Nutrition," This exhibit includes models for
making balanced meals and an Exercycle for calculating how calories are
burned.
"Draw Your Own Insides," Human-shaped chalkboards and
models with removable organs allow visitors to explore the inside of their
bodies.
"Your Cellular Self and Cancer Prevention," An exhibit
on understanding how cells become cancerous and how to detect and prevent
cancer.
Suggested $3 donation; free for children under age 3.
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 2230 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510)
549-1564, www.hallofhealth.org.
HAYWARD SHORELINE INTERPRETIVE CENTER Perched on stilts above a
salt marsh, the Center offers an introduction to the San Francisco
Bay-Estuary. It features exhibits, programs and activities designed to
inspire a sense of appreciation, respect and stewardship for the Bay, its
inhabitants and the services they provide. The Habitat Room offers a preview
of what may be seen outside. The 80-gallon Bay Tank contains some of the fish
that live in the Bay's open waters, and the Channel Tank represents habitats
formed by the maze of sloughs and creeks that snake through the marsh. The
main room of the Center features rotating exhibits about area history, plants
and wildlife. Part of the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District.
ONGOING EXHIBIT --
"Exploring Nature," An exhibit of Shawn Gould's
illustrations featuring images of the natural world.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Waterfowl of the Freshwater Marsh," 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join
an expert birder to go "behind the gates'' to areas of the marsh that are not
open to the public.
"Nature Detectives," 11 a.m.-noon. An introduction and
exploration of the world of Black-Crowned Night-Herons. Ages 3-5 and their
caregivers. Registration required.
"Weekend Weed Warriors," 1-4 p.m. Help the shoreline to
eliminate the non-native plants that threaten its diversity. Ages 12 and
older. Registration required.
Free. Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4901 Breakwater Ave.,
Hayward. (510) 670-7270, www.hard.dst.ca.us/hayshore.html.
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE EAST BAY
"Shabbat Celebration for Young Children," Saturday,
10:30 a.m.-noon. Join other families with young children to sharethis weekly
Jewish holiday of joy and renewal.
1414 Walnut St., Berkeley. (510) 848-0237,
http://www.jcceastbay.org/.
JUNIOR CENTER OF ART AND SCIENCE A center dedicated to
encouraging children's active wonder and creative response through artistic
and scientific exploration of their natural urban environment. The center's
classes, workshops, exhibits and events integrate art and science.
EXHIBITS -- Three educational exhibits are mounted in the
"Children's Gallery'' each year. A docent-led tour, demonstrations, hands-on
activities and art projects are available to school groups throughout the
year.
"Jake's Discovery Garden," Jake's Discovery Garden is a
new interactive studio exhibit designed for preschool-aged children and their
adult caregivers that teaches young visitors about the natural environments
found in their backyards, playgrounds and neighborhoods.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
Free; programs and special exhibits have a fee. September through
May: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
June through August: Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 558
Bellevue Ave., Oakland. (510) 839-5777, www.juniorcenter.org.
LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK The 315-acre lake offers
year-round recreation. Services include canoe and boat rental, horseshoe
pits, hiking, bicycling, picnicking and seasonal tours aboard the Chabot
Queen. For boat rentals, call (510) 247-2526.
Free unless noted otherwise; $5 parking; $2 per dog except
guide/service dogs. Daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro
Valley. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.
LAWRENCE HALL OF SCIENCE
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"NanoZone," Discover the science of the super-small:
nanotechnology. Through hands-on activities and games, explore this
microworld and the scientific discoveries made in this area.
"Forces That Shape the Bay," A science park that shows
and explains why the San Francisco Bay is the way it is, with information on
water, erosion, plate tectonics and mountain building. You can ride
earthquake simulators, set erosion in motion and look far out into the bay
with a powerful telescope from 1,100 feet above sea level. The center of the
exhibit is a waterfall that demonstrates how water flows from the Sierra
Nevada Mountains to the Bay. Visitors can control where the water goes. There
are also hands-on erosion tables, and a 40-foot-long, 6-foothigh, rock
compression wall.
"Real Astronomy Experience," A new
exhibit-in-development allowing visitors to use the tools that real
astronomers use. Aim a telescope at a virtual sky and operate a
remote-controlled telescope to measure a planet.
"Biology Lab," In the renovated Biology Lab visitors may
hold and observe gentle animals. Saturday, Sunday and holidays, 1:30 p.m. to
4 p.m.
"The Idea Lab," Experiment with some of the basics of
math, science and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations
of magnets, spinning and flying, puzzles and nanotechnology.
"Math Around the World," Play some of the world's most
popular math games, such as Hex, Kalah, Game Sticks and Shongo Networks.
"Math Rules," Use simple and colorful objects to
complete interesting challenges in math through predicting, sorting,
comparing, weighing and counting.
HOLT PLANETARIUM Shows on Saturdays and Sundays.
Programs recommended for ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. $2.50-$3 in
addition to general admission.
$6-$12; free children ages 2 and under. Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
University of California, Centennial Drive, Berkeley. (510) 642-5132,
www.lawrencehallofscience.org.
LINDSAY WILDLIFE MUSEUM This is the oldest and largest wildlife
rehabilitation center in America, taking in 6,000 injured and orphaned
animals yearly and returning 40 percent of them to the wild. The museum
offers a wide range of educational programs using non-releasable wild animals
to teach children and adults respect for the balance of nature. The museum
includes a state-of-the art wildlife hospital which features a permanent
exhibit, titled "Living with Nature,'' which houses 75 non-releasable wild
animals in learning environments; a 5,000-square-foot Wildlife Hospital
complete with treatment rooms, intensive care, quarantine and laboratory
facilities; a 1-acre Nature Garden featuring the region's native landscaping
and wildlife; and an "Especially For Children'' exhibit.
WILDLIFE HOSPITAL -- September-March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The
hospital is open daily including holidays to receive injured and orphaned
animals. There is no charge for treatment of native wild animals and there
are no public viewing areas in the hospital.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
$5-$7; free children under age 2. June 16-Sept. 15: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wed.-Sun.; Sept. 16-June 15: noon.-5 p.m. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun.
1931 First Ave., Walnut Creek. (925) 935-1978, www.wildlife-museum.org.
MUSEUM OF CHILDREN'S ART A museum of art for and by children,
with activities for children to participate in making their own art.
ART CAMPS -- Hands-on activities and engaging curriculum for
children of different ages, led by professional artists and staff. $60 per
day.
CLASSES -- A Sunday series of classes for children ages 8 to 12,
led by Mocha artists. Sundays, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
OPEN STUDIOS -- Drop-in art play activities with new themes each
week.
"Big Studio." Guided art projects for children age 6 and older
with a Mocha artist. Tuesday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. $5.
"Little Studio." A hands-on experience that lets young artists
age 18 months to 5 years see, touch and manipulate a variety of media.
Children can get messy. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5.
"Family Weekend Studios." Drop-in art activities for the whole
family. All ages welcome. Saturday and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. $5 per child.
FAMILY EXTRAVAGANZAS -- Special weekend workshops for the entire
family.
"Sunday Workshops with Illustrators," Sundays, 1 p.m. See the
artwork and meet the artists who create children's book illustrations. Free.
EVENTS --
"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For children ages 2-5. Free.
SPECIAL EVENT --
"Saturday Stories," 1 p.m. For ages 2-5. Free.
Free gallery admission. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Saturday-Sunday, noon-5 p.m. 538 Ninth St., Oakland. (510) 465-8770,
www.mocha.org.
OAKLAND ZOO The zoo includes a Children's Petting Zoo, the
Skyride, a miniature train, a carousel, picnic grounds and a gift shop as
well as the animals in site specific exhibits, which allow them to roam
freely. Included are "The African Savanna,'' with its two huge mixed-animal
aviaries and 11 African Savanna exhibits; the Mahali Pa Tembo (Place of the
Elephant), with giraffes, chimpanzees and more than 330 other animals from
around the world; "Simba Pori,'' Swahili for "Lion Country,'' a spacious
1.5-acre habitat offering both a savanna and woodland setting for African
lions; "Footprints from the Past,'' an anthropology exhibit showcasing four
million years of human evolution and an actual "footpath'' of the first
hominids to emerge from the African savanna; "Sun Bear Exhibit,'' a
stateof-the-art space the zoo has developed for its two sun bears; and
Siamang Island, a state-of-the-art, barrier-free area that emulates the
gibbons' native tropical rain forest habitat. Also see the Malayan Fruit Bats
from the Lubee Bat Conservancy in Florida that are now roosting in trees at
the zoo. In addition there are special exhibits and events monthly.
ONGOING EXHIBITS --
"Valley Children's Zoo," The three-acre attraction
offers a completely interactive experience for both children and adults. The
exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters, reptiles, insects and
more. Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"Endangered Species," An exhibit of photographs about
the most endangered animals on the Earth and what can be done to save them.
At the Education Center. Open daily during zoo hours. ONGOING EVENTS --
"Valley Children's Zoo," Daily, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The
three-acre attraction will offer a completely interactive experience for both
children and adults. The exhibits include lemurs, giant fruit bats, otters,
reptiles, insects and more. Free with regular Zoo admission.
"Wildlife Theater," Saturday, 11:45 a.m.; Sunday, 1:45
p.m. On Saturday mornings listen to a story and meet a live animal. On Sunday
afternoon meet live animals and learn cool facts about them. Meet in the
Lobby of the Zoo's Maddie's Center for Science and Environmental Education.
Free with regular Zoo admission. (510) 632-9525, ext. 142.
SPECIAL EVENTS --
"Bedtime with the Beasts," through Sept. 19 and Sept. 25 through
Sept. 26, 7 p.m.-9 a.m. An overnight program for youth (ages 6-18) and their
chaperones. An Oakland Zoo education specialist will lead your group on an
evening hike around the zoo where you'll get to see what the zoo is like
after all of the guests leave. Program includes an optional educational
wildlife video and continental breakfast. $60 per person; Minimum group size
15, pre-registration required. (510) 632-9525.
$7.50-11; free children under age 2; $6 parking fee. Daily, 10
a.m.-4 p.m. Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland. (510) 632-9525,
www.oaklandzoo.org.
POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE The 2,315-acre
parkland bordering Pinole, Richmond and San Pablo offers views of Mount
Tamalpais, the Marin shoreline and San Pablo Bay. There are trails through
meadows and woods, and along the bluffs and beaches of San Pablo Bay.
Visitors can hike, ride bikes or take the park's shuttle bus to reach the
1,250-foot fishing pier at Point Pinole.
$5 per vehicle; $4 per trailered vehicle; $2 per dog
(guide/service dogs free). Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., unless otherwise posted.
Giant Highway, Richmond. (510) 562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.
ROBERT SIBLEY VOLCANIC REGIONAL PRESERVE East Bay
residents have several volcanoes in their backyard. This park contains Round
Top, one of the highest peaks in the Oakland Hills.
Free. Daily, 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. 6800 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.
SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA The 296-acre
park includes an 80-acre lake and a four-flume waterslide, with picnic
grounds and a swimming beach. Water slide fees and hours: (925) 829-6230.
$6 per vehicle; $2 per dog except guide and service dogs. May 1
through Labor Day: daily, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; shortened hours for fall and
winter. Stanley Boulevard, one mile from downtown, Pleasanton. (510)
562-PARK, www.ebparks.org.
SULPHUR CREEK NATURE CENTER A wildlife rehabilitation and
education facility where injured and orphaned local wild creatures are
rehabilitated and released when possible. There is also a lending library of
animals such as guinea pigs, rats, mice and more. The lending fee is $8 per
week.
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Toddler Time," Learn about animals by listening to
stories and exploring. Themes vary by month. Call for schedule. $7 per
family.
"Day on the Green Animal Presentations," Meet an
assortment of wild and domestic animals. Wildlife volunteers will present a
different animal each day from possums to snakes, tortoises to hawks.
Saturday and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
CHILDREN'S EVENTS --
Free. Park: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Discovery Center:
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Animal Lending Library: Saturday-Sunday,
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: daily, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 1801
D St., Hayward. (510) 881-6747, www.haywardrec.org/sulphur_creek.html.
USS HORNET MUSEUM Come aboard this World War II aircraft
carrier that has been converted into a floating museum. The Hornet, launched
in 1943, is 899 feet long and 27 stories high. During World War II she was
never hit by an enemy strike or plane and holds the Navy record for number of
enemy planes shot down in a week. In 1969 the Hornet recovered the Apollo 11
space capsule containing the first men to walk on the moon, and later
recovered Apollo 12. In 1991 the Hornet was designated a National Historic
Landmark and is now docked at the same pier she sailed from in 1944. Today,
visitors can tour the massive ship, view World War II-era warplanes and
experience a simulated aircraft launch from the carrier's deck. Exhibits are
being added on an ongoing basis. Allow two to three hours for a visit. Wear
comfortable shoes and be prepared to climb steep stairs or ladders. Dress in
layers as the ship can be cold. Arrive no later than 2 p.m. to sign up for
the engine room and other docent-led tours. Children under age 12 are not
allowed in the Engine Room or the Combat Information Center.
ONGOING EVENTS --
"Limited Access Day," Due to ship maintenance, tours of
the navigation bridge and the engine room are not available. Tuesdays.
"Flight Deck Fun," A former Landing Signal Officer will
show children how to bring in a fighter plane for a landing on the deck then
let them try the signals themselves. Times vary. Free with regular Museum
admission.
"Protestant Divine Services," Hornet chaplain John
Berger conducts church services aboard The Hornet in the Wardroom Lounge.
Everyone is welcome and refreshments are served immediately following the
service. Sundays, 11 a.m.
"Family Day," Discounted admission for families of four
with a further discount for additional family members. Access to some of the
areas may be limited due to ship maintenance. Every Tuesday. $20 for family
of four; $5 for each additional family member.
"Flashlight Tour," 8:30 a.m. Receive a special tour of
areas aboard the ship that have not yet been opened to the public or that
have limited access during the day. $30-$35 per person.
"History Mystery After Hours Tour," 7 p.m.-10 p.m.
Explore the USS Hornet after hours and learn the history of this ship while
it is illuminated in red lights used for "night ops." Also, hear stories
about the ships' legendary haunts. Reservations required. (510) 521-8448
X282.
$6-$14; free children age 4 and under with a paying adult. Daily,
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pier 3 (enter on Atlantic Avenue), Alameda Point, Alameda.
(510) 521-8448, www.uss-hornet.org.
WATERWORLD CALIFORNA `
$19.95-$31.95 General Admission; Season pass: $39.99-$59.99. Park
closes in October and reopens in May. 1950 Waterworld Parkway,, Concord.
(925) 609-1364, www.waterworldcalifornia.com.
