With the Bay Area’s stunning parklands, numerous urban beaches and gorgeous vista points, there is no shortage of places to access the natural world. But for kids who want more than a jaunt outdoors, there are some excellent resources in the Bay Area that combine educational activities with time in nature. These 7 (+1!) organizations around the Bay Area cater to kids’ love of nature, and some offer programs for adults, too!
1. The San Francisco Botanical Garden at Strybing Arboretum in Golden Gate Park is open daily, 365 days a year and is free to the public. The knowledgeable staff and volunteer docents offer dozens of programs for adults and kids, including hands-on programs in their Children’s Garden (call (415)661-1316 ext. 307 for more info). Check out their calendar of events, which include a regular “Children’s Story Time and Family Walk” among many other classes, walks and presentations. Admission is free and the garden is accessible by public transit.
2. Tree Frog Treks is all about making science and nature fun while “creating critical thinkers who will work to save, preserve and maintain our planet’s biodiversity.” If your kid longs to hold a snake or touch a tortoise, then Tree Frog Treks is the place to be. Tree Frog Tresk (TFT) offers an array of programs, including a summer camp, in and after- school programs, birthday parties and community events. TFT’s “Frog Hall” and office is located near Golden Gate Park, where families can visit the dozens of reptiles and amphibians for free with advanced booking. Accessible by Public Transit.
3. Eco Village Farm and Learning Center is an urban farm oasis whose primary purpose is to teach people how to live in harmony with the earth's ecological systems. Eco Village offers environmental educational programs for youth and adults of SF East Bay communities, focusing on preparing youth and adults from diverse social backgrounds to work together in building healthier communities. To visit the farm, (which has chickens, rabbits, organic produce and more) or learn how you can get involved, please call 510-223-1693.
4. Chrissy Field Center overlooks the restored tidal marsh and Bay vistas near Chrissy Field, and is full of engaging opportunities for kids, adults and families. Check out their “Fantastic Fridays,” with activities for parents and toddlers to explore outdoors, along with their summer camps, youth programs and numerous events. Their “Mystery Trail Challenge” is a free, self-guided nature treasure hunt alongside a coastal trail that is great anytime for kids and parents alike. Accessible by public transit (and also makes for a beautiful bike ride).
5. Bay Area Discovery Museum is located just under the northeast side of Golden Gate Bridge, and is a special outing not to be missed. For the nature loving kid, their outdoor 2.5 acre “Lookout Cove” features natural, cultural and built icons of the Bay Area. Other attractions are their “Wave Workshop,” which recreates the local habitat and marine life under the Golden Gate and “Bay Hall,” an interactive simulation of the Bay Area, with an "Underwater" Tunnel, Fishing Boat and Fisherman's Wharf.
6. Hidden Villa is situated on a gorgeous 1600 acre open space in the foothills 40 miles south of San Francisco. It is a nonprofit educational organization with a rich history that “uses its organic farm, wilderness, and community to teach and provide opportunities to learn about the environment and social justice.” There is something for everyone, including dozens of educational programs, farm tours, concerts, multi-cultural events and workshops on sustainable practices, nature and animal husbandry.
7. The Randall Museum is a unique natural history museum in the heart of San Francisco that is designed for kids and adults to make discoveries about nature and the environment while exploring art and science together. From drop-in programs to scheduled events, there is plenty of hands-on things to do at this beautiful spot, including their Live Animal Exhibit. Admission is FREE and the museum is accessible by public transit.
BONUS!: This one is too good not to mention, and is coming soon! Doors of the newly renovated California Academy of Sciences open on September 27th and admission is free on opening day. In a world-class green building with dozens of permanent and changing exhibits the Academy promises that, “the ocean floor, the rainforest canopy, the farthest reaches of the Universe, and everything in between are yours to explore inside the new Academy.” Kids under 6 are FREE and this new attraction in Golden Gate Park is sure to be a favorite of any nature lover for generations to come.
Greenopia Christmas Gift Guide 2009: Great Green Gifts for Kids Under 5
There's nothing more fun than watching a small child unwrap presents on Christmas morning; here are a few that will make them smile, won't break the bank, and are environmentally-friendly too.
Ecostars Crayons
These 20 star-shaped crayons are made from recycled materials collected through The National Crayon Recycle Program. Non-toxic and (re) made in the USA, the star shape helps more of the crayon get used and gives kids of all ages a multitude of surfaces to draw with. $7.95 from Sustainable NYC.
Wooden Racing Cars
Fun for ages 3 and up, these cute and graphic cars race forwards and backwards and are "ethically made in Thailand from 100% organic recycled rubberwood with lead-free water based paint and non-formaldehyde glue." $10 for two cars, Available at Peek-a-Green.
Prince Lionheart Wheely Bug
This adorable bug is rideable for kids up to 50 pounds, and features multidirectional casters so munchkins can really get around on it. The plywood base is made from 100% sustainable plantation timber and is PVC-free and totally non-toxic. Designed in child-care centers, it's built to last, meaning that it will likely become a hand-me-down so you can recycle it when you're child is done playing with it. $59-$69 at Franklin Goose.
Organic Crib/Stroller Toy
This strawberry is cute to look at, and is safe in baby's mouth too. It's made from untreated organic cotton thread that's "woven into fabric and brightened with nature's own plants and minerals. The fabric is then hand dyed repeatedly in soy-water to set the color." Hung from a crib, high chair, stroller or car seat, it's got a fun rattle inside for fun. At MiYim.
Natural Modelling Dough
If your child loves Play-Doh, this is a great all-natural alternative. Made from flour, water, soybean oil and naturally-derived colors, each dough comes in a recyclable container and can be expected to last about a year. $8.99, Available at Clementine Art.
Recently, Greenopia rated a list of top baby food companies for their greenness. And companies like Tastybaby came out on top for practices like using biodegradable boxes and BPA-free plastic containers.
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With the Bay Area’s stunning parklands, numerous urban beaches and gorgeous vista points, there is no shortage of places to access the natural world. But for kids who want more than a jaunt outdoors, there are some excellent resources in the Bay Area that combine educational activities with time in nature. These 7 (+1!) organizations around the Bay Area cater to kids’ love of nature, and some offer programs for adults, too! 
