Here in the US, we are so fortunate to have many national, state, regional and local parks to explore and enjoy. One such park is the stunning Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park, located in the Berkeley hills, just to the east of San Francisco. Families across the Bay Area know Tilden well and have been enjoying the park’s beauty and attractions for generations. Tilden offers great activities for anyone and everyone. In the 2,079 acres, you’ll find the Botanic Garden, a popular golf course, a variety of hiking trails, several lakes to picnic beside or swim in, choice camping spots, small to large picnic areas that are perfect for birthday parties, and all sorts of wildlife, from birds to cougars. The highlights of the park, for my family at least, are the Merry-Go-Round, the Redwood Valley Railway (steam train) and above all, the Little Farm.
Most of the park is open year-round and it’s picnic spots are ideal for birthday parties, family reunions, company team-building days. The outdoor Botanic Garden and indoor Brazil Room are beautiful choices for weddings and other events. Any day of the week, there’s something happening at Tilden. We went to the park with friends this past weekend. If you have kids under the age of five, the Little Farm is where you want to spend much of your time. They have a really neat visitors center, which you see my daughter and I entering in the photo above. The farm itself is home to cows, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, and a few wild turkeys have made their home there as well, having figured out how great the digs are. If you arrive early in the day (they open at 8:30am most days), you will even get to pet the rabbits and chickens. The cows and goats are very friendly. You can pet them, but they’re mostly interested in the food you’re offering. Visitors are allowed to feed the animals lettuce and celery. We routinely buy about 5 bunches of organic (it’s Berkeley, so we feel obliged to buy organic) celery, and give the lion’s share to the cows and goats. Celery is easier to give the animals than lettuce, as one’s fingers can be kept further away from the eager chompers. My daughter absolutely loved feeding the cows, as seen below. She also experimented (causing many gasps on my part) with hanging on to the celery until the very last second. Just for kicks. The cows were good sports, and they let me pet them while they chewed.
After meeting and greeting the various animals, including 2-1/2 week old piglets(!), we spent a little time in the playground just a few feet from the Little Farm. Then, we headed over to the Merry-Go-Round, which celebrated it’s hundredth birthday last weekend. Yes, we missed it. There was a big party with games and activities and all kinds of fun. We just happened to be busy last weekend. Anyway, the whole family had a few fun rides, and then conked out in the car during the ride home. Just the Merry-Go-Round, Little Farm and Visitors Center took up much of our day. We usually try to find time for a ride on the steam train, but were too tired last weekend. It is a pint-sized 15 minute train ride for kids of all ages that takes you through a breathtaking little corner of Tilden Park. I’m adding a picture (below) of what it looks like, so you can see how old and quaint the train is, in the awesomest way possible.
We have yet to explore much of Tilden park, but just based on the places we’ve been, it is hands down one of our favorite spots in the whole Bay Area. If you’re planning a party, a wedding, a corporate event, or even just a family weekend, then check out Tilden Park if you’re in the Bay Area, or simply check out your local regional park, wherever you are in the US. Preserved nature generally provides an ideal setting for most gatherings. Also, spread the word to increase awareness of beautiful local parks. They all need our support and encouragement.
Brynn is a content writer for Discount Party Supplies. Brynn is currently a stay-at-home mom, bringing up her firecracker of a daughter, Romy. She plays violin in a San Francisco Bay Area symphony, and though she doesn’t have time to host many parties with a toddler at home and another baby on the way, Brynn helps friends plan parties and has even successfully catered a party or two.
