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

Yesterday at breakfast, Holden challenged us by saying that fish don't live in the ocean because "the ocean is water and water is liquid and fish aren't liquid". Hmmm, interesting.

So, we asked, where do fish live? He said "aquariums like at the doctor's office and at school". Hmmm, interesting again.

I'm not sure we can fix this notion by visiting some of the great small east bay aquariums but at least it's an outing!

Our top picks for up-close fishies:
Albany Aquarium: at 818 San Pablo, boasting healthiest and widest variety of fish and aquatic plants to the San Francisco Bay Area. Nearby lower Solano shops and other errands.

99 Ranch "Aquarium" and Grocery Store: 3288 Pierce Street in Richmond, 99 Ranch is actually an Asian Market, but there are so many live fish, the kids don't realize it's a grocery store; calling it an aquarium helps get the errands done. Fellow preschool parent, Chris, tells me, "there are some nice restaurants in there, a great candy store. you can also grab reasonably priced sushi supplies from ranch 99 to take home and make some sushi".

Lucky Goldfish: in Oakland's Chinatown, they promise the largest selection of saltwater and freshwater fish and invertebrates, and also carry other small animals.