With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to get to Tilden Regional Park.
From hiking, swimming, riding trains or merry-go-rounds, or just enjoying the peaceful nature, there’s plenty for everyone to do.
Want to make a whole day of it, with or without the kids?
Jen Vanya of the East Bay Regional Parks District helped us create the following itinerary, though there’s a lot here, so feel free to bounce around at your leisure.
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Tilden Nature Area
With more than 700 acres of land, the preserve includes plants and woodlands, grasslands, forests and streams. Walk, run, hike, swim, picnic – choose your own adventure.
“You could spend hours there and do a nice amount of activities with young kids until they’re tired out,” Vanya said. “There’s even a little garden to see there. And a big lawn with picnic tables.”
2. Environmental educational center
Located within the nature area, this historic building highlights the diverse resources of the region.
“We have so many exhibits,” Vanya said. “And that’s where the naturalists will start most of their programs. You can look online at the regional, natural activity guide. If you filter on their calendar by Tilden, you’ll find the programs they’re running out of there.” (See below for some options.)
3. Little Farm
This historic farm has lots of animals, including cows, chickens, pigs, ducks, sheep, rabbits and goats, and the kids can sign up for feeding programs. From 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, children can volunteer to help with farm tasks and perhaps taste some of the food.
4. Jewel Lake Loop Trail
Here’s an easy, 1-to-2-mile trail with minimal elevation that will only take 30-60 minutes to complete, all while enjoying the remarkable wildlife all around.
“There are spots for people to stop and observe Jewel Lake, too,” Vanya said. “If you’re there at the right time of day you can sometimes see turtles on a log. They have environmental exhibits as you walk out there that show the progress of the watershed as it moves through the park. There’s a boardwalk through that hike which is a nice space for parents to take the kids so they can feel the kids are on a path and don’t run off into the woods.”
5. Botanic Garden
If the kids still have energy, check out one of the garden’s scheduled tours such as the butterfly walk, birdwatching program or other events listed on the calendar.
6. Lake Anza
Cool off here at this lovely beach that’s loaded with picnic areas and a concession stand for all-day relaxation. But be sure to check online first to make sure the water quality is good for swimming.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors.
7. Merry-Go-Round
The Tilden’s Herschell-Spillman Merry-Go-Round is an antique carousel with hand-carved animals and calliope-style music.
The fee is $4. Reservations encouraged.
Andrew Brosnan, of Alamo, then 2, rides the historic carousel in a Santa outfit previously at Tilden Regional Park near Berkeley.
8. Steam Train
At the southern end of Tilden is the Redwood Steam Train, a scale model of an actual steam train that Vanya recommends to people of all ages, not just kids. It’s only 12 minutes long and goes through a forest that “has grown up over the years,” she said.
Hours and prices vary, so check online ahead of time.
Additional tips:
Vanya recommends checking out the new restaurant attached to the golf course, The Overlook. Otherwise, bring lots of food, she said, as there aren’t many places to purchase grub.
Be sure to check online ahead of time to make sure hours are consistent; ebparks.org/parks/tilden.
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