Location
160 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94710
Telephone
(510) 981-6720
Website
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=8656Days and Hours Of Operation
Sat–Sun 11am–4pm; closed if raining
Ages Served
7 and up
Description
Adventure Playground is an outdoor facility at the Berkeley Marina featuring unique play experiences and staff who encourage children to play and build creatively, using simple tools. It's designed for children ages 7 and up but younger children are welcome if accompanied by adults. Kids can use the play area featuring low-risk “build your own playground” activities, including hammering, sawing, and painting. They can climb on kid-designed forts, boats, and towers. Kids earn the right to use tools by picking up trash, collecting nails, and finding dangerous items. Kids love the old-fashioned zip line!
There is a picnic area and restrooms available outside the park near a small beach area.
From mid-June to mid-August, Adventure Playground is open on weekdays from 9am–5pm. In these summer months, drop off the kids for a couple of hours of free play time, fishing, creative building, crafts, or other special activities offered by Adventure Playground staff.
Celebrations:
Adventure Playground is a great place to celebrate a birthday. Group reservations can be made for parties of five or more children by filling out the form on the website. Only confirmed paid groups will be allowed to enter. Weekend slots are 11am–1pm and 1:30pm–3:30pm. Fees for 2 hours are $66 for 5 to 10 kids, $94 for 11 to 20 kids, $133 for 21 to 30 kids, and $158 for 31 to 40 kids. Mid-week reservations are possible based on staff availability.
Cost
Free for four children or fewer if accompanied by adults. $10 for children over 7 without an adult and who are registered drop-ins.
Languages Spoken
English
Getting There
From San Francisco, cross the Bay Bridge and take 80 East to Berkeley. Exit University Avenue and head west toward the Bay. Adventure Playground is just before the end of the Marina on the left side. The sign blends in with the fence so it is easy to miss. There is a parking lot next door by Cal Adventures.SFKids Tips
*Call when it's raining to make sure it's open.What We've Heard
"My kids head straight for the zip line for a rush into the sand pile."
--Chris, mother of 7- and 9-year-olds
"When the kids get tired of hammering and painting, they can kick back at the small playground or on the rocky beach."
--Amy, mother of a 6-year-old