Kids may be more aware of environmental issues than most adults realize. Some studies have shown that children worry about the state of the environment more than their homework!
Family activities are a good way to introduce children and young adults to a new subject and teach them about good earth stewardship. The EPA has an
Environmental Kids Club with interactive storybooks such as Recycle City, or go to
Earth911.org. But the best way is to get outside and have fun!
Outings & Classes Young children can explore a fantasy world at
Children’s Fairyland (699 Bellevue Ave) or hone their tumbling skills in a preschool gymnastics class at
Head Over Heels Gymnastics (4701 Doyle St, Emeryville). Kids 7 and up can run away with the circus for a few hours or a week-long summer camp at
Oakland Trapeze Arts (1822 9th St).
Cycles of Change offers classes for kids on urban riding, field trips building up to 5-8 day bike tours, and a 6-week urban sustainability program. Their free bike maintenance training program results in kids mentoring a new student and receiving a free helmet. Ask your local bike shop for kid-friendly bike trips, like the Berkeley to Richmond Marina ride.
We love to visit the
East Bay Regional Park District site to get ideas for camping, family outings, classes and more. The
Chabot Space and Science Center has a program called Kids Go Green, which teaches kids through hands-on activities and gives discounts to families who wear green. The
Oakland Zoo has education and conservation programs, including overnights like the Family Sundown Safari, which will appeal to children of all ages.