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

Back in the day, I had a pet turtle named Gabe. My boyfriend bought him for me in Chinatown and when he presented me with the gift, we realized that we had no idea how to feed or care for him. So off I went to the East Bay Vivarium, where you can learn everything you need to know about reptiles.

Fast forward twelve years and I have a toddler to entertain. The above unnamed boyfriend has his own toddler boy and I have no idea whether or not they are aware of the incredible outing that is the Vivarium. No admission required, as it is a retail store, and you can get much much closer to the animals that you can at the zoo.

From boas and pythons to turtles and tortoises, they've got them all. And the animals are almost always eating - some are vegetarian and some... not so much. There is a creepiness to browsing the Vivarium that will likely go unnoticed by your preschooler. After all, she probably thinks that talking to a store employee who is walking around with a rat on his shoulder is a real treat.

Located next to Berkeley's 4th street (on 5th street), going there can be followed by snacks on 4th Street or even ice cream cones at Sketch for those who ate all their lunch.