With its fantastic new ‘Barrier Free’ playground for both disabled and able-bodied kids, hiking trails, and towering redwoods, Roberts Regional Rec. Area is a gem of Bay Area parks. Its 82 acres are clean and well-kept, and it even has a heated swimming pool, so be sure to add it to your ‘must-do’ list of outdoor summertime adventures!
When to go: Go between April and October if you want to swim (there’s plenty of shade from the trees in hot weather).
Approximate travel time: The park is located a few miles east of downtown Oakland, over the ridge on Skyline Boulevard.
What to see: The redwoods themselves are an awe-inspiring sight, and on a clear day the views over to San Francisco and the Bay from the lookout point atop the ridge are spectacular.
Where to have lunch: Enjoy a home-made lunch at one of the picnic areas nestled among the redwoods.
How to dress: Take a layer along if you go outside of the summer months.
Bonus: Find out more about/see pictures of the very special playground at www.barrierfreeplayground.org
Cost of trip: Inexpensive. Parking is $5, pool fees are only $2 for ages 1 to 15, and babies under 1 are FREE.
Online: www.ebparks.org/parks/roberts
—Annie Sheldon
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