Grab & Go Kids Planner: Stargazing and Fort-Building

1.

Where/When: , 160 University Ave., Berkeley; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go: This unique Berkeley outdoor workshop is where kids 7 and up can go to climb on the many unusual kid-designed structures and built forts, boats, and towers. Ride the zip line or hammer, saw and paint. Younger children can come along, but parents must stay within arm's reach.

Pricing: Free; $10 for drop-ins if you want to leave your child age 7 or older for up to three hours while you run errands, advance registration required.

2. Stargazing

Where/When: Foxboro Park, 1025 Canterbury, Hercules; Saturday

Why Go: The public is invited to explore and learn about the night sky through large and small telescopes and binoculars, with assistance from local amateur astronomers. Come and enjoy the experience of great nights under the stars.

Pricing: Free  

3. Tilden Regional Park

Where/When: Grizzly Peak Road, Berkeley; open daily, 8:30 a.m.-dusk

Why Go: Tilden is a family favorite for kids on both sides of the Caldecott tunnel. It’s open all summer, and the little ones can ride the steam train and the merry-go-round, or feed the animals at the Little Farm.

Pricing: Free admission; $2 per ride  

4. Summer Sounds in the Park

Where/When: Fernandez Park, Pinole; Thursday 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Why Go: Start the weekend early on Thursday night with Vocal-ease, who perform music from the 1940s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. Bring a blanket and the whole family can enjoy the park.

Pricing: Free

Where/When: Lawrence Hall of Science, Berkeley; daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Why Go: Explore their world like never before in Dinosaurs Unearthed. Scientists, engineers, and artists designed these creatures to be as lifelike as possible. The gigantic animals open their jaws, blink their eyes, move their limbs … and more. You will walk among roaring, stomping, realistic-looking animatronic  dinosaurs, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, Stegosaurus, Apatosaurus and many more.

Pricing: $11 kids, adults $17; discounts apply