Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Oakland, CA

Our first guest poster is Jennifer Caleshu, Director of Communications for the Bay Area Discovery Museum.  Jennifer is a mother of two - a newborn and a preschooler.  She encourages us to join the family-friendly fun with her museum at the Pride Parade in San Francisco.  I think it's a great idea - families in all cities with Pride Parades should consider. What could be a bigger thrill than being in a parade?  I am thinking we'll bring Julian's tricycle.

This also seems like a great opportunity to talk about different families and how we are all proud of our households.

The Bay Area Discovery Museum is walking as theTykes on Bikes contingent this Sunday, and we'll be in the family-friendly front of the parade (no naked people nearby!) near other schools and family groups.

We are celebrating families of all compositions, whether 2 moms, 2 dads, mom/dad, single parents, grandparents etc. It is SO MUCH FUN - the generosity of spirit from the crowds is really energizing. You can see some pictures from our contingent last year here: http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=pride&w=7216731%40N07

We'll meet by 10 a.m. on Spear St between Mission & Howard. We will have pinwheels and streamers to wave at the crowds, decorations for your bikes & strollers, plus stickers to hand out. Feel free to come with your own decorated stroller / bike as well. It is likely to be quite warm - bring water and sunscreen, and most importantly, comfortable shoes! We will be marching from Spear up to Market Street , then down Market street to 8th Street . Following the parade is a celebration at Civic Center .

Families coming from Marin might consider taking the ferry, since it will be extremely difficult to park downtown. There is a special ferry trip just for pride leaving at 8:45 am from Larkspur. Details here: http://www.goldengate.org/news/ferry/prideferry.php.
Return trips are at 12:40 pm, 2:40 pm, 4:40 pm and 7:15 pm - last year we made it onto the 12:40 ferry back, but it depends on how long the parade takes, which can vary.

Families who'd like to join them should email Jennifer at jcaleshu@badm.org to let her know they'll be coming.