Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground in Berkeley, CA

Contacts

QR code, vCard

Telephone:	+1 510-981-6720
Website:	www.cityofberkeley.info
Address:	160 University Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94710 b/t Marina Blvd & Seawall Dr West Berkeley
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	320 ftUniversity Av & Bait Shop 810 ftUniversity Av & Marina Blvd 860 ftSeawall Drive & University Av
Categories:	Parks Playgrounds

Download QR Image Download vCard

Map

Streetview

Activate map

Bussiness info

Bike Parking	Yes
Good for Kids	Yes

Dogs Allowed

Today

Today	11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Local time (Berkeley)	–

Business hours

Monday	–
Tuesday	–
Wednesday	–
Thursday	–
Friday	–
Saturday	11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday	11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Description

Specialties

The Adventure Playground and Shorebird Park Nature Center is reccommendated for 7 years and up. The Adventure Playground environment offers low risk creative play elements. Children earn their tools by cleaning up trash, nails or naily wood off the ground. They learn how to use tools in the Small tool area by the front. Parents are our biggest alies– You MUST actively supervise your children. Parents are asked to help at the tool area and shoveling sand at the bottom of the zip line. Children who are 6 years old or older can ride this if they are able to stop themselves at the bottom of the pile. Groups (more than 5 children regardless of how many adults are there) need to make reservations at least two or more weeks in advance. We can always use volunteers.

The Nature Center nearby is a green demonstration building with information of green products as well as a small hands on area with local animals displayed. During the school year we teach environmental education classes. The lottery is in August for the school year. For programs: Birds, Marine mammals, fish, Bay scientist, Low tide, Sailing and Research boat trips

History

Established in 1979.

The Adventure Playground was started in 1979.

Summer hours; 7 days a week until mid. Aug M-F 9 – 5, Sat.& Sun 11 – 5.

School year hours: weekends 11 – 4 until daylight savings then 11 – 5.

Groups of 5 or more need prior reservations. Individual children, 7 years and up can be dropped off for up to three hours for $ 10 payable by cash or check at the Nature Center. The registration form and waiver can be downloaded off the website.

Summer programs in A.P. include fishing, creative building, crafts and special activities. Nature Center classes of Marine biology, boating, canoeing and waterskiing will open for registration in March call for the specific date.

The Nature Center was started 1979. The Environmental education programs for teachers and their classes k-12, Birds, marine mammals fish, Bay Scientist, Intertidal programs, Research boat trips, and sailing.

Meet the Manager

Patty D.

Manager

The City of Berkeley Marina enterprise funds the Adventure playground and the Shorebird Park Nature Center from monies that are made here at the Berkeley Marina. Patty Donald created the education programs and has run the Adventure Playground for the past 35 years with wonderful creative staff. Patty was recently awarded the Jefferson Award for public service, and the Coastal hero award from the State for her work with the Coastal Clean-ups. We encourage all of you to volunteer either in the Adventure Playground or with our education programs as a docent. Or if you can get a group together and come down and do a shoreline clean-up to pick up the plastics that are detrimental to the health of our wildlife. Come to our internation shoreline clean-up in Sept .

Please respect the parks, pick up the trash that you bring and more. Do not collect plants or animals from the shoreline, this is their home you are just a visitor. Welcome and enjoy.

Related places

Nearby

Browse nearby places:

160

ICRI International Headquarters

125 University Avenue 2nd Fl, Southwest Ste

270

Cal Sailing Club

124 University Ave

280

Cal Adventures

124 University Ave

320

Hana Japan Steak & Seafood

Berkeley Marina 235 University Ave

330

UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism

121 North Gate Hall University of California

350

Berkeley Pier

University Ave

20 reviews of Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground

No registration required

Joseph A.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

This park is one of the greatest places in the East Bay to bring children and adults of all ages to enjoy hours of free entertainment with an excellent marina view. I like this playground because everything is hands on and also because children are encouraged to use their imagination to build their surroundings. I think it’s great that children come here to play, but while doing so they also learn to share, problem solve, and build teamwork with one another.

Thais D.

Place rating: 4
Contra Costa, CA

Great place. Super fun and creative. Always changing a bit with new creative additions and layers of paint. Good place for different age groups and for kids who are at different levels of climbing, swinging, building, painting etc. One less than 5 stars bc I do need to keep an eye out for the kids I come with bc there are places where injury could happen. more so than other venues for kids I think. Its not totally relaxing bc of this but worth it bc its such a rootsy, home grown, where the wild things are. kind of vibe. The magical feel to it, keeps us going back.

Cl a.

Place rating: 3
San Francisco, CA

Great playground — too bad the staff is unprofessional and unknowledgable. It says you have to pay for groups — but don’t! They don’t check.

David B.

Place rating: 3
Mountain View, CA

This place has been there since I was a kid and with the exception of a few new things, has barely changed a bit. The premise of the place is to let kids play as they do, climb, slide etc but also help build and continually change things. Kids can get a hammer, nails, saws, and paint and build to there hearts desire.
Make sure you come ready to get dirty and everyone’s tetanus shots are up-to-date, as it means occasionally there’s a nail poking out and I accidentally put my hand in some green pant, but there is staff walking around looking for some of those things so it really isn’t that bad.
All time high for the kids was probably the cool zip line that ends in a soft pile of sand. Its definitely an adventure and the kids won’t forget it.

Maygan C.

Place rating: 5
Newport Beach, CA

Let’s get messy but have fun
This park is so awesome for 6 years and above
The zip line are the best
We were at the park at 9 am and we have the whole park to ourselves
Free guided fishing and crabbing at the mariners were just a 8 minutes walk away
(Slot limited and first come first serve only)
Call in advance to find out the daily activities schedule
Will not disappointed
(This is not a park for you if you are one of those OVERPROTECTIVE parents who freak out if u see your child holding a sharp nail and hammer, the kids are also welcome to clean up the shoreline)

Carol L.

Place rating: 1
Santa Monica, CA

Closed often! If you are visiting from out of town and hoping to bring your kids for a fun excursion, have a backup plan. Unilocal hours are wrong.
Make sure to check the website for hours!

Fabianne T.

Place rating: 5
San Jose, CA

Love this place we had an amazing time, my son and I created so many things. It so nice to see a wonderful staff willing to help kids and parents and what is best of all that it is FREE.

John H.

Place rating: 1
Carson, CA

It’s a fun place but a dangerous place!
I was having a great time with my family and the staff were very supportive and helpful until my son twisted his ankle while stopping in a sand pile at the end of a zip line.
Staff members helped my son and offering a bandage and ice but the real problem is if some accident occurs they will not give you a copy of accident report until they have reviewed it and then they will send you a copy of it.
The staff are required to fill out an accident report which I did but they wouldn’t let me have a copy of it!
Even police give you a copy of your citation!
How can you deny a person a copy of an accident report, especially when it’s about your own child?
I asked them repeatedly for it and their supervisor Patty Donald said that,“for training purposes they are not allowed to give copies away.“
I was very calm about asking Mrs. Donald for the accident report but she was getting very emotional about it but she was really just not telling the truth thinking I would accept that.
Now if I went and snatched the paper they would have called the police on me!
I informed her that «it’s a real life situation not a training exercise and the situation is about me and I’m entitled to personal information about my son and what happened to him.»
Luckily my son is fine but I’ll never go back to Adventureland again and I’m also going to report them to the better business bureau other state agencies.
She gave me a phone number of her supervisor and told me to call her.
So my advice is to stay away from the place, and if you are brave enough to go there watch your children carefully because there are people using hammers and nails and saws and if something happens to your child they will not allow you to keep any documentation about what happened that is written in a report.

Melissa S.

Place rating: 5
Sacramento, CA

I took my niece here last week and we had a fun time. She loved the monkey bars and painting.
Bathroom– Right Out the back door and clean. For a public park it’s hard to believe how clean it is.
Cost– Can you believe it? Totally FREE!!! A park that is staffed and with activities like no others.
Safety– I’m still surprised at how safe this is. We wore close toed shows as suggested and had no issues. No nails through our shoes, no splinters, nothing.
Clothing– I’d suggest you follow the guidelines and wear close toe shoes for safety, tennis shoes vs dress shoes too. We wore shorts and old t-shirts and didn’t mind the paint splatter.
Bring– they don’t allow food in the park or sell food so I’d bring a snacks to eat during breaks outside the park. There is an outdoor market at the entrance to the marina if you forget to bring food. The ice cream guy also comes around with his push cart. I’d also bring handy wipes for your hands while in the park or just wipe dirty hands on your pants. That is what we did. We touched lots of wet paint and went opps and just went on playing. I also suggest water bottles. They have a drinking fountain if you forget next to the restrooms. Bring either a blanket or chairs to sit on the grass while you eat or watch your kids outside the park.
zip line– that looked like fun, but it was for 6+ and there was a line so we passed. Next time we’ll be all over that.
Nails– If you want to gather nails they have a magnet. We picked up trash. So much easier and quicker
Playground– There is a regular playground right outside the park that is also fun.
Weather– When I went the first two times it was freezing cold and windy. This time was warm. Bring a sweatshirt just in case and some sunscreen. You never know what the weather may bring.

Krystal J.

Place rating: 5
Pittsburg, CA

This place was really cool! Parent of a 10 and 5 year old. They loved the actual park, the park next to it and the view of the water. Perfect summer day!

Peter N.

Place rating: 4
Oakland, CA

I was sure I’d done a review of this place, but I guess not. I’ve been to the location many many times (it’s next to the Cal Sailing Club), and have observed kids there many times. This is definitely a Berkeley institution with hammers, nails and kids making stuff. The zip line is of course the favorite.
The rest of it is a bit run down, and my son wasn’t in a hurry to return after a visit last year. Still, you won’t find too many other places like this. The center itself I’ve never been in, but I imagine it’s a great exhibit for the local birds and kids. The park itself is usually very busy, no matter the weather, with picnics and the like.

David S.

Place rating: 4
Mill Valley, CA

My kids loved this junk pile turned playground. Truly unlike any playground I’ve ever seen. It’s almost like something out of a movie. I’m still getting over how cool and creative it is. You mix some hammers and some saws with piles of wood, plastic, boats, crates, surfboards, and nets combine it with some nails and colorful paint and more than a sprinkle imagination, put it in Berkeley — and what do you get? The Adventure Playground.
Volunteers obviously spent a lot of time putting together some basic play areas but the rest looks to be organically constructed by visitors.
Love the fact you have to earn the right to get tools and supplies by picking up trash or hazardous items.
I dinged this place one star only because there are some young kids running around with hammers and nails. It’s a little bit unsafe and you definitely need to watch your kids.
Best of all, it’s all free.
There plenty to do in the surrounding area as well.

Manny H.

Place rating: 5
Berkeley, CA

This is the kind of thing you can only expect to find on Berkeley. A playground where kids (and their parents) can build with wood, nails, and paint… For free. Kids can also ride on a zip line, cargo net and a number of areas that have been built over the years.
By far, a family favorite we will keep coming back to until our element year old grows tired of it.

Donna G.

Place rating: 5
Oakland, CA

I am an aunt of a now 35 year old nephew whom I use to bring to this park. He will attest that this was his favorite place to be as a kid. He regaled his adventures to my sons later in in life. I started bringing them when they were 8, 6 and 5 years old. Along with my niece who is the same age as my middle son, they would pick up the loose nails, splinters of wood to earn points, tools and set their imagination free! Kids allowed to be kids… with paint, saws and hammers. My sons even loved the summer programs and helping to run the tool shed. Safety (picking up sharp things from ground), creativity (building), exercise (running, climbing, zip-lining), working together.
Children need an environment that allows them to be kids. It is strongly encouraged by myself and others to let your child explore this playground without you needing them to pose for a picture every few seconds, telling them what to do, cheerleading, getting that helicopter in motion over their lives. They learn by interacting with other children. As close as my boys were, they would interact with other kids to create their world. The staff are on the scene and are on their game.
My sons are adults now, and middle-son is now a proud poppa of his own son. He cannot wait to take him to this treasured and valuable resource.
TIPS: Seasonal park. Open on weekends, weather permitting during the fall to late spring. Open weekdays mid-June to August. Wear clothes and closed toe shoes you do not care about. Bring a sweatshirt, gets chilly off the water. Cover car seats with an old blanket or beach towels. Good for children 5 and up, boys and girls.

Valeria R.

Place rating: 5
San Francisco, CA

This review is being contributed by my 11-year-old.
~~~~~~~~~~~
OMG it was amazing. They had a zip line. You could build things with a hammer and nails. But to earn tools you had to find at least 5 wood splinters or loose nails on the ground and trade them in. Also, if you found a nail sticking out of a plank of wood (this is called a «Mr. Dangerous») you could earn extra.
The zip line was my favorite part because you got to stop yourself on a pile of dirt. But you had to be careful not to get turned around because then the dirt would go up your pants.
My friend and I made a couch out of wood and painted it neon blue. It was fun.
~~~~~~~~~~~
In summary, my kid came home filthy and exhausted with only minor injuries. Just like the good ol’ days!

Emily B.

Place rating: 5
Fairfield, CA

This place is a hazardous unstable crazy fun and exciting playground. I came with my family and one other family. Our children are all 4 years old. They had an absolute blast and although the goal is to find hazardous materials to earn tools and paint we found that they had the most fun they have had in a long time.
We hope to come back early enough to build next time but our girls did get to paint. They all found wood with nails and instantly got to chose their paint. They had a absolute blast, as did we.
Is it normal to let children run around and play like this, no but that’s the best part. They all have common sense on what to touch and what to stay away from. They have a zip line and this time our girls said no but maybe next time they will take the plunge.
Our family will be coming much more often.

Christina F.

Place rating: 5
Belmont, CA

The way Adventure Playground is hyped up on here and online had me thinking I was going to walk into this crazy wasteland where there would be fire coming out of old oil barrels and kids running around with chainsaws and nail guns. Which makes you wonder why I thought it would be a good idea to come for the first time alone with my 3.5 year old and 10 month old boys. But I’m glad I did, because honestly I thought it was a few notches above a Home Depot weekend kids workshop (in a good way) — I didn’t feel like it was unsafe at all! So for those of you who think that this playground is only for school aged children, don’t wait — your little tyke can definitely have fun at this place (although it probably *is* better suited for toddlers 3+ so you don’t worry as much about them picking up a nail and swallowing it). I thought there would be a lot of loose kids since you can technically drop off 6+ year olds alone for a few hours, but on the couple of occasions I’ve been there, there has been plenty of adult supervision all around from both parents and staff.
For a «free for all» building environment, it’s actually pretty darn clean. My kid had to walk around a while in order to get the bits of trash needed to claim some tools and paint. (Tip: just go to the front gate. The inside of the playground may be clean, but evidently folks just dump their trash by the chain link fence.) There’s lots of random «graffiti» all over the place but it almost seems planted and relatively wholesome. Left to their own devices I’m sure most older kids would paint up some pretty inappropriate things, but I think the staff does a good job quickly taking down any naughty bits and replacing them with yawners like «soccer is awesome» and «cleveland rocks.»
Weather permitting, this would be a great place for a kid’s birthday party — come early and save the park tables out in front and let the kiddos roam between Adventure Playground and the more sanitized playground next door while the adults can still enjoy the active marina setting.
Cool space, wish there were more places like it! It’s the type of place where you can pretend like you’re not a helicopter parent and pat yourself on the back while hovering next to them on a makeshift rope swing. The only thing I don’t like is that there isn’t too much monitoring to keep out the questionable adults who come here childless and just sit and watch the kids creepily. But I guess if anything were to happen, the kids here are armed with hammers and saws, so just train your kiddos where to whack if necessary, and you’re good!

Linda M.

Place rating: 5
Hayward, CA

I am part of the radical «Free Range Parenting» movement. The general philosophy is that kids are not in constant peril, as 24 hour news stations would have us believe, and needn’t be bubble wrapped or even constantly supervised. We believe some reasonable risk taking and independence, with guidance, is healthy for growth into confident, capable adults.
This place was made for parents like me. In fact, I had read an article about a similar playground in the U.K. and was jealous that there was no such thing in the U.S. Not only was I wrong, but this gem has been around for decades! In our own backyard!
I didn’t tell the kids where we were going. When pressed for a clue, I said… they might have a zip line. Without a harness. Littlest M wasn’t having any of that. Uh-uh. No way. I told her she didn’t have to if she didn’t want to.
When we arrived, the first thing was the make shift wood shop area. They could earn hammers, saws (yes, real saws), paint, «metal detectors» to find nails, and more. Then they could go to work and make what they wanted. Little M set to work on a coat rack. They soon found that hammering and sawing are not as easy as they seem, but they didn’t give up and had a blast with their creations. There were some whacked thumbs along the way, but recovery was speedy.
Littlest M still didn’t want to do the zip line. Until Little M did it. How much fun is it to launch off a tower on your own power, zip down a slope, land ungracefully in a pile of dirt, and then run the zip line back to the next kid in line? Super fun.
They did some more exploring, then got a pail of paint and started painting everything. Littlest M got red paint spatter all over herself, and then went into zombie mode with her creepy new outfit.
Unobtrusive volunteers are watching over, but rarely intervene, except with a suggestion or two when kids are having trouble.
Love, love, love this place!

Terry T.

Place rating: 5
Hercules, CA

Adventure Playground
Would it be unseemly for me to go play in the adventure playground? Yes, I suppose it would be. It would not be nice of me to grab the tools and scoop up the nails for free paint. I would hate to break the zip-line. So for now, I just take my camera and photograph all the wonderful junk.
Entry is free. You do have to sign a disclaimer when you enter. For the protective adults this might not be the place for you to take your kids. There are nails on the ground, tools that might cut or scape your children. They might end up bruised. There is paint everywhere, and a lot of dirt. There are places for them to climb and swing, and barrels to roll around it. However, I always see happy kids. They are covered with paint, they hammer, they saw and they are having a great time!
The Nature Center
Nice building and interesting displays

Ron L.

Place rating: 5
Concord, CA

Easy five stars, no question about it.
The Adventure Playground is a unique play area in the Bay Area. It’s designed on the fly, built, and upgraded by kids who grab a hammer, nails, saw, paint, and have fun to their heart’s content. No nurses, bandages, or hand sanitizers on site.
This is a different approach. Most playgrounds have the structures already set in place, hoping that the kids will have fun with it. At the Adventure Playground, they make their own fun. A have-fun-while-learning, learn by doing and making mistakes approach. It’s not pretty, it looks rundown and dirty, and the experts can make it better. But the kids love being creative, play-acting with what they’ve done, and it’s a joy to them to come back to this ever-changing park to see their additions still there. Not surprisingly, this is located in Berkeley, a city that embraces the different approaches.
I didn’t see any micromanaging parents either. All that I saw had the attitude of «cut them loose, and let’s see what happens.» That’s good for the kids. Good for the parents, too. With so many options of what to do, it’s quite revealing to see what the child naturally gravitates toward, so now it’s clear where their interests lie. In my girl’s case, she was here for two hours and spent most of it painting, painting, painting.
Zip line, too. Fun, especially watching the unplanned acrobatics at the end :-)
Thank God the lawyers haven’t shut this place down. Parents, bring your kids here!

Shorebird Park Nature Center & Adventure Playground

Berkeley, United States