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

The food in the Bay Area is like no other place.  We are food snobs, and we raise our children to be the same.  (Ok, there's totally a class thing going on here, but I'm not going to get into that.)  The point is, you can not visit Berkeley and miss out on our fresh, local produce, so I'm going to start Day 2 of your vacation at the Temescal Farmer's Market.

Park on Hardy Street, a dead ending street off of Miles Street in Rockridge. Head for FROG Park at the head of the "greenbelt" and let the kids play for a while.  Then, following the creekside path, take your time to walk toward the Farmer's Market. Ask anyone meandering on the path for directions.  Let your kids dawdle along the creek if they're old enough, or keep them focused on finding the frog illustrations imprinted in the cement if they are too young for creek play.

Enjoy the music AND COFFEE at the Farmer's Market, and if you're staying with friends, or you're local, make sure to grab some fresh flowers (super cheap!) and a sweet potato pie for later in the day.  The individual-sized pot pies are amazing - we always take home a couple for the freezer.  I'm partial to the thai curry flavor.  Head to the mexican food to feed the kids.

Once the kids are fed and tired out, head over to College Avenue.  If you've got a stroller sleeper, stick 'em in the stroller to catch some zzzzzs while Mom and Dad enjoy the funky modern shops of Rockridge.  There's plenty of food over there if you didn't get enough at the Farmer's Market.  For the non-napper, spend a few minutes of quiet time reading at Diesel Books or at the train table at Rockridge Kids.

Mommy needs coffee? Kiddo needs more playtime? Skip College Avenue and try Tumble and Tea, and indoor cafe with a playspace for kids.  Food is pretty good and the play area is clean and dynamic, keeping kids from 1-5 totally occupied while parents recharge with lemonade or plug in with free wireless.

For a casual dinner, try Cactus Taqueria for cheap and delicious Mexican fare or Crepevine for another kid-friendly environment, both on College Avenue.  For more interesting and a little more of a special occassion feel, head back over to Temescal and try to get in to Pizziaolo or Dona Tomas, both on Telegraph near 51st Street.