The Preschool Set in Alameda

Photo by Tanya Little

Families with young children will find Alameda, California one of the most welcoming and beautiful places to raise a family. The tree-lined streets, numerous parks and variety of family-friendly activities attract young families from all over. Pre-school age children are growing and developing at a rapid rate. Their need for nearly constant stimulation can wear out the most energetic parent. Fortunately, Alameda offers a wide array of family-friendly activities to occupy your pre-schooler’s days.

The Crab Cove is a popular destination, especially during low tide. Kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the tidal pools and discovering everything from star fish to crustaceans, clams and baby fish. Mature trees provide ample shade and the mud flats give kids plenty of room to run and many opportunities to safely encounter the wonders of nature, under parental supervision, of course. Parents should be sure to call ahead, to be sure to attend at the best time for exploring the flats. If inclement weather threatens, the Cove’s visitor center offers large aquariums teeming with native aquatic life and exhibits even the tots will love.

Nothing brings out a child’s artistic expression like a trip to Color Me Mine, a public studio that allows residents to purchase ceramics which can then be decorated with a variety of paints and glazes to create a uniquely beautiful project. Pre-school age children are particularly interested in smearing, patting and brushing on colors, and Color Me Mine is the perfect place to indulge their creative urges. Play clothes are suggested. Painting is a messy activity, but the memories you create will last long after the brushes have been rinsed and the paint wiped away.

Perhaps you’re looking to spend a quiet afternoon at the park. Alameda parents agree that Ida Krusi Memorial Park offers one of the finest play areas in Alameda. Preschoolers will enjoy a cement area for riding tricycles, a sand area, and an extensive age-appropriate climbing structure. Trees offer shade and the park offers picnic tables for those who wish to bring a lunch. Krusi Park is set up with a larger play area for older siblings within sight of the toddler and preschool area, so busy parents need not fear losing track of an older child while their younger sibling plays in the smaller area. Public bathrooms make Krusi Park a convenient stop for busy parents and their active preschoolers.