A not-for-profit organization called Bananas is widely suggested as a referral agency for qualified child care in the area.

Activities

The area offers many fun and educational activities for our younger future scientists. Here are some suggestions.

Lawrence Hall of Science: From Bugtopia to Outer Space

Man and small child doing science activity with Slinky — Curiosity Corner, especially for ages 2-6

Tegu lizard at Lawrence Hall of Science — Tegu lizard

In the hills above Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and just a taxi ride from the campus area (or an AC Transit bus ride Monday through Friday) is the Lawrence Hall of Science. This interactive, kid-friendly museum is open daily 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The scenery may be worth the trip all by itself!

One of the prime attractions at LHS in the SORMA timeframe will be a Sunday, July 20 Trapeze Arts Show… and best of all, that’s a $5 day! Dinosaurs, rocket launches, and the ever popular Animal Discovery Zone are among the exhibits and activities. Photos courtesy Lawrence Hall of Science

Tilden Park: Uphill From Us, the Jewel of the Easy Bay Parks District

Adjacent to the bustling city is a little something wild: Tilden Park, east of the ridgeline in the hills above the campus. There you’ll find everything from a golf course, to a native-plants garden, to children’s favorites such as a rideable steam train and a merry-go-round, to beautiful, hikeable open space and lots of it. A taxi or rental car is the most practical way to get to Tilden’s central features of this extensive park, including the steam-trains area and other kids-oriented features, from downtown Berkeley.

Chabot Space and Science Center: Even the Sky Isn’t the Limit

An eight mile taxi ride from the hotel takes you to the furthest reaches of the cosmos at Chabot Space and Science Center. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Check their events calendar for more details. Photo courtesy Chabot Space & Science Center

More Resources

510 Families, named after the area code of the East Bay (the Five-One-Oh), has ideas on fun activities and other family matters.

Also of Interest: NPSS Cares Grants

We offer a limited number of family care grants in order to assist attendees with any additional financial burden (above their normal family-care-related expenses) due to SORMA West 2025 attendance.