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Kids activities in Berkeley

Berkeley runs on library storytimes, hands-on science and campus events, most of them free and most of them mid-morning.

What's on for kids in Berkeley

Activity ideas that work any day in Berkeley

  • Build a Birdhouse

    Build a Birdhouse

    Build a real wooden birdhouse that will become a home for birds. This project involves hands-on skills like measuring, cutting, and assembly, which are very satisfying for kids who enjoy creating something tangible. Seeing birds eventually use the house they built adds a wonderful sense of accomplishment and connection to nature. You’ll start by carefully measuring and cutting the wooden pieces to size, then assembling them with nails or screws. Next comes painting and decorating the birdhouse to make it both attractive and weather-resistant. Finally, choose a safe spot to hang your new bird home. To extend the fun, research what types of birds live in your area and design your birdhouse to suit their needs.

    10-13 · Outdoor · 120 min

    Open
  • Backyard Camping Night

    Backyard Camping Night

    Gather your gear and transform your backyard into an outdoor adventure. Kids this age will love the independence of setting up their own temporary home, even if it's just steps from the back door. There's a real sense of accomplishment in pitching a tent, cooking a meal over a fire, and staying up a little later under the stars, creating special memories with family. Start by choosing a good spot for the tent and working together to set it up. Next, plan and prepare a simple dinner that can be cooked over a fire pit or on a camp stove, like hot dogs or s'mores. As dusk falls, settle in for stargazing, sharing stories, or playing quiet games. To stretch the fun, try identifying constellations or sleeping bags under the open sky if the weather permits.

    9-13 · Outdoor · 240 min

    Open
  • Start a Comic Book

    Start a Comic Book

    Unleash your inner storyteller and cartoonist by creating your very own comic book. Kids this age love to invent worlds and characters, and seeing their ideas come to life visually is incredibly rewarding. You’ll get to design heroes, villains, or everyday characters, and then craft a short, exciting narrative that’s entirely your own. It's satisfying to hold a finished story you imagined and drew yourself. First, brainstorm your characters and a simple plot. Then, sketch out a few comic panels on paper, focusing on the action and expressions. Add dialogue and narration using speech bubbles and captions. Once your pages are complete, you can staple them together to form a mini-comic. For a longer project, try expanding your story into multiple issues or even designing a unique cover.

    9-13 · Indoor · 90 min

    Open
  • Giant Rainbow Bubble Bonanza

    Giant Rainbow Bubble Bonanza

    Forget tiny bubbles. Today, we're making monster-sized, shimmering bubbles that will float all across the yard!

    4,5,6,7,8 · Outdoor · 40 min · About $5–$10

    Open

Questions parents ask about Berkeley

What can you do with a toddler in Berkeley on a rainy day?
Berkeley has an unusually full weekday morning calendar — library storytimes plus hands-on science programs — so a rainy Tuesday is easier here than most Bay Area cities. The indoor list for Berkeley shows what's scheduled.
Are these activities free?
Library and community events are free. Campus science and museum programs usually charge per child, and often cap the group size, so book ahead. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.
How often is this page updated?
Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.
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