Public Swim at King Pool
In the white-hot heat of summer, when the asphalt throws up the undulating ripples of a sizzling sun and popsicle juice streams down your fingers, don your swimsuit, grab a towel, and head over to on Hopkins Street where you can cool off in the crystalline waters. One of Berkeley’s three public pools open all summer long, King offers public swim sessions Monday through Friday from 1-3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It’s a pretty good deal with kids costing $2.50 and adults $5.50 (monthly passes and 10-swim passes are also available at slightly reduced rates) and worth every penny as you watch your kids dip, dunk, and dive in merry abandon. Find a spot in the shade, slather on the sunscreen, and soak in the rays
Rambling Along Ashby Beach
Gently breaking waves, the salty tang of ocean air, sand beneath your feet – no, not Hawaii but Berkeley’s local jewel, our own Ashby Beach. For a touch of the tropical right here at home, take a spin down to Frontage Road, park your car in one of the few coveted spots, and climb down the rocks to the thin crescent of sand where you can take a romantic ramble (or a kid friendly romp.) Situated directly beneath the — a ribbon of asphalt travelled regularly by joggers, pedestrians, and cyclists—the beach is a haven for those in favor of taking a relaxed stroll, walking their dogs, or hoping to catch the sunset. So take your shoes off (if you dare) and feel the sand between your toes, salute summer, and hit the beach right here in Berkeley.
Creek Crawling at Codornices Park
For an old-fashioned treasure hunt with a fairy-tale flavor, sneak behind the play structures of and locate the tinkling, twinkling waters of Cordornices Creek, a narrow snake of a stream that hides itself in the rear regions of the park. Meandering under a canopy of tree cover in the cool shade, the creek is chock full of sticks and stones for small hands to gather. Kids hunker down on their haunches like frogs, foraging for special rocks, mud, and other materials with which to further their imaginary play. Pull out the Keens (or other water sandals), put on an old pair of shorts, bring a few snacks, and watch the kids crawl through the creek in delight.
