Junipero Serra County Park - San Bruno, CA

We have been scouring the area for parks we haven't yet discovered when all of a sudden we start seeing signs pointing us to Junipero Serra County Park. So we go...

Nestled behind the cities of Millbrae and San Bruno on 108-acre site, Junipero Serra Park affords a spectacular panorama of the Bay Area with unequaled views to San Bruno Mountain, San Francisco Airport, San Francisco Bay and Mount Diablo. Visitors are drawn to the Oak Foothill plant community, spring wildflowers, El Zanjon Creek, and the peaceful retreat the area affords from surrounding urban development.

A small visitor center is located at the Park Headquarters. It has exhibits which show the various habitats contained within the Park. An overlook near the Park Headquarters provides and unequaled view of South San Francisco and San Bruno Mountain.

Newly renovated Meadow View Playground provides kids spectacular 54-foot-long double slides and several climbing structures: a large cable net play structure, a smaller climbing apparatus, and climbing boulders. Positioned near the top of the park, adjacent Buckeye and Meadow View picnic areas and the Bay View Shelter, this area offers a unique view of the bay with a birds eye view of landings and take-offs at San Francisco International Airport. There is also an old fashion wooden playground closer to the entrance to the park.

Frontierland Park - Pacifica, CA

Frontierland Park is nestled up against the hills of Pacifica with lots of open space and picnic, BBQ, horseshoes and playground amenities. There is one large-group picnic area that can be reserved. There are also have several individual picnic tables which are first come, first serve.

Friendship Playground was dreamt up by a group of Pacifica parents in 1999. They wanted a playground that would capture the wonder and excitement of childhood. In June of 2001, over 1200 volunteers came together for four days to build a wonderful playground.

The tot lot area is perfect for little ones. It provides lots of chances for imaginary play. The whole playground is tanbark, so it is really hard on wheelchairs and strollers.

San Francisco Zoo - San Francisco, CA

We just had to take a trip to the San Francisco Zoo now that the remodeled 36,000 square foot playground is open! Check out my older post for more information about the zoo: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/05/san-francisco-zoo-san-francisco-ca.html

Our new van is here! (MobilityWorks) - Burlingame, CA

We bought a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew with a brand new VMI Northstar conversion! Can't wait to put some miles on it. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ryder Park - San Mateo, CA

More easy family time at this wonderful park.
Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/09/ryder-park-san-mateo-ca.html

Pumpkin Patch - Redwood City, CA

Disneyland - Anaheim, CA

This is our second family trip to the happiest place on Earth. We stayed at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel with a view overlooking California Adventure Park. With the many many wheelchair accessible rides, we kept busy the whole time. But by far, the highlight had to be KISSES FROM BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!

Swimming at Lantern Cove - Foster City, CA

No description needed. Just look at the smiles on those faces!

UCSF Pediatric Transplant Picnic (McNears Beach) - San Rafael, CA

We were invited by BFF Gia and her family to attend the annual UCSF Pediatric Transplant Picnic. Several hundred people gathered for a picnic at McNears Beach in San Rafael to celebrate something much bigger than just the end of summer. Each family there was celebrating the life of a loved one who has undergone an organ transplant surgery at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.

There were so many activities, including live music and kayaking on the San Francisco Bay! We spent several hours at McNears Beach.

Set in a beautiful sheltered cove with mature landscaping, this 55 acre regional park is located along the shores of San Pablo Bay in San Rafael. The fishing pier is extremely popular. Facilities include a swimming pool, snack bar, sand volleyball courts, several group picnic areas of varying size, expansive turf areas, and newly renovated tennis courts. The pool and the snack bar operate during the summer season only. The narrow, bayside beach offers a fun, safe place for general beach recreation and easy carry-in boat access for kayaks and canoes. McNears is a designated "trailhead" on the San Francisco Bay Area Water Trail, an ongoing effort to create a network of launch and landing sites to inspire people in human-powered boats and beachable sail craft to explore the San Francisco Bay. The pier and parking are accessible. McNears has something for everyone.

San Francisco Zoo - San Francisco, CA

When it's minutes away and you have easy access to membership passes, it is really difficult to pass up on opportunities to go to San Francisco Zoo!

Check out my older post for information on San Francisco Zoo:  http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/05/san-francisco-zoo-san-francisco-ca.html

Gull Park - Foster City, CA

We had some time to kill so we headed back to Gull Park. Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2013/05/gull-park-foster-city-ca.html

Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo - Palo Alto, CA

It has been almost two years since our last visit to Junior Museum & Zoo, so it was definitely time to go back!

Check out my older post for more information on Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/12/palo-alto-junior-museum-zoo-palo-alto-ca.html

Gull Park - Foster City, CA

We had a call from some friends that were close by. We met up at Gull Park in Foster City. Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2013/05/gull-park-foster-city-ca.html

Coyote Point County Park - San Mateo, CA

We went to Coyote Point today but it was a little too hot. We ended up taking a nap under the shade of the umbrella while Kate exhausted herself on the castle and dragon playground.

Check out my older post for more information on this awesome park:  http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2013/01/coyote-point-park-san-mateo-ca.html

Ryder Park - San Mateo, CA

We had some time to kill today so we went to Ryder Park. Check out my older post for more information:  http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/09/ryder-park-san-mateo-ca.html

Chabot Space & Science Center - Oakland, CA

Founded as an observatory in 1883, today Chabot (set amid beautiful redwood parklands in the Oakland hills) offers visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays, and Planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life here on earth. Combined with a full program of activity-filled classes, workshops, Space & Science Camp, outreach programs and special events, Chabot Space & Science Center has become the Bay Area's go to destination for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn about space and earth sciences.

Chabot Space & Science Center is one of Northern California’s leading centers for informal science education. Each year thousands of students from throughout the Bay Area visit Chabot on field trips.

This was originally a trip mainly for big sister, Kate. But it ended up being lots of fun for all of us! We especially liked the Mayan movie projected on the ceiling.

Independence Day Celebration - Foster City, CA

Hiller Aviation Museum - San Carlos, CA

We heard it was Open Cockpit Day at The Hiller Aviation Museum, located at the San Carlos Airport. The museum is an aircraft history museum. It was founded by Stanley Hiller, Jr., in June 1998 and is endowed by members of the Hiller Family (owners of the Hiller Aircraft Corporation, an early helicopter pioneer). It specializes in Northern California aircraft history and helicopter history. The museum is also an affiliate within the Smithsonian Affiliations program.

This museum has more than 45 aerospace vehicles along with companion descriptive displays concerning the history of flight. It is a great way to spend a few hours or maybe more during their special events.

Gilroy Gardens - Gilroy, CA

We spent Fathers' Day at Gilroy Gardens with all the dads in the family. It was also cousin Rory's birthday.

Swimming at Lantern Cove - Foster City, CA

Bay Trail - Burlingame, CA

Big sister, Kate, wanted to fly a kite today. There's possibly no better place than the Bay Trail next to San Francisco International Airport! Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2012/05/bay-trail-burlingame-ca.html

Charles F. Kennedy Park - Union City, CA

We attended a birthday party for a friend at this cute park in Union City. Aside from seeing good friends, a big highlight was the playground modeled after the Golden Gage Bridge.

Ryder Park - San Mateo, CA

We decided on an easy day lounging in our favorite park, Ryder Park. Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2011/09/ryder-park-san-mateo-ca.html

Gull Park - Foster City, CA

We decided to check out new parks in Foster City. We had no idea that the beach was so close!

Gull Park offers a sand beach and two playground areas, as well as swings, slides, a large lawn area, and restroom facilities on 3.1 acres.

Quail Lodge and Golf - Carmel, CA

Yet another work related weekend for Mommy so we got to stay at Quail Lodge Golf Resort in Carmel, California. When work was finished we headed into nearby Monterey to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Central Park & Downtown - San Mateo, CA

During a visit from Grandpa Howard, Auntie Theresa, and cousins Hannah and Austin, we decided to show them downtown San Mateo and all the lovely shops, restaurants and bakeries before heading into Central Park.

Central Park is a San Mateo landmark.  From the beautiful gazebo where hundreds of weddings have taken place to the Bianchi mini train that is a perennial favorite of anyone under five, Central Park is San Mateo’s signature park. It has lighted tennis courts, a playground and baseball field.

The Japanese Tea Garden is one of the finest tea gardens in California and was designed by landscape architect, Nagao Sakurai of the Imperial Palace of Tokyo.  It features a granite pagoda, tea house, koi pond and bamboo grove. The Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful throughout the year, but be sure to visit in the late Winter and early Spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

The Mini Train that operates in Central Park is a childhood delight. Weather permitting, it typically runs year round on weekends from 11am-3pm, and additionally on weekdays from 11am-3pm between June 15 and August 15 .

Conservatory of Flowers (Golden Gate Park) - San Francisco, CA

We tried unsuccessfully several times to find this place in Golden Gate Park and time our visit during their visitors' hours. FINALLY!

The Conservatory of Flowers is a greenhouse and botanical garden that houses a collection of rare and exotic plants in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California. With construction having been completed in 1878, it is oldest building in the park. It was one of the first municipal conservatories constructed in the United States and is the oldest remaining municipal wooden conservatory in the country. For these distinctions and for its associated historical, architectural, and engineering merits, the Conservatory of Flowers is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Places. It is a California Historical Landmark and a San Francisco Designated Landmark.

Washington Park - Burlingame, CA

BFF Gia showed us this hidden little gem within walking distance to her home, but also conveniently close to The Original Royal Donut.

Port Royal Park - Foster City, CA

Since Kate had no homework, we took an afternoon walk to the closest neighborhood park, Port Royal Park.

Check out my older post for more information:  http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2012/01/port-royal-park-foster-city-ca.html

Coyote Point Marina - San Mateo, CA

We decided to go for a nice long stroll along the San Francisco Bay (Bay Trail). We started at Ryder Park and ended at Coyote point Marina before heading back. Roundtrip was 2.0 miles.
















Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2012/05/bay-trail-burlingame-ca.html

Sonoma TrainTown - Sonoma, CA

BFF Gia and her family invited us to meet up with them at Sonoma TrainTown.

The Sonoma TrainTown Railroad is a tourist railroad and small amusement park in Sonoma, California. Its logo is based on the logo for the New York Central Railroad. Its main feature is a 15 in (381 mm) gauge miniature railway, which closely corresponds to a 1:4 scale model of a standard gauge railroad.

Called "an endearing and surprising modern tribute to trains", TrainTown is "an obsessively accurate model railroad". It has been described as "the most well-developed miniature railroad" in the Americas. It operates in "a wooded 10-acre park on a 20-minute ride past waterfalls and beautifully detailed houses, over a trestle and through several tunnels, all precisely one-quarter the size of the real thing." It carries up to 90 passengers on each ride, and includes four miles of track.

TrainTown features an operating replica of a New York Central Hudson locomotive, but numbered 5212, which no New York Central steam locomotive was ever numbered. This is considered by some to be the "most beautiful steam locomotive of the 1930s".

The park features a 46 foot Ferris wheel, carousel and vintage amusement rides and a petting zoo.

Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park - Foster City, CA

We needed to get out of the apartment for a little while for some fresh outdoor air. Since this is pretty much in our backyard, we decided on a return visit to Leo J. Ryan Memorial Park.









Check out my older post for more information: http://jillianmichelestevens.blogspot.com/2012/06/foster-city-lagoon-foster-city-ca.html

Burlingame Avenue - Burlingame, CA

After a tip from a friend lead us to Burlingame for a kids only haircut place that specializes in special needs kids, we decided to stay a bit to roam the streets of downtown Burlingame with all its lovely shops and restaurants.

Yerba Buena Gardens & Children's Creativity Museum - San Francisco, CA

Mommy had a work related overnight stay at the InterContinental San Francisco so we all joined her. After she was done with work, we made our way out to enjoy the beautiful day in The City.

We made our way to Yerba Buena Gardens, where we found Children's Creativity Museum (formerly Zeum), a hands-on, multimedia arts and technology museum for kids of all ages. It aims to nurture the "3Cs of 21st-century literacy - Creativity, Collaboration, and Communication - in all youth and families". Children's Creativity Museum is well known for its technology-based exhibits which allow youth to produce their own media through various interactive, creative processes: animation, digital art, live performance, and music production. Children's Creativity Museum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), community-based organization.

Coyote Point Park - San Mateo, CA

Coyote Point is a regional recreation area that provides a wide variety of opportunities: picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, bicycling, jogging, fishing, boating, and sailing. Kids will love the giant, castle-and-dragon-themed Magic Mountain Playground. Spectacular natural history exhibits of the Bay Area can be found at CuriOdyssey, where you can observe and listen to live animals at the Wildlife Habitats. Stroll along the beach promenade, visit the marina and its breakwater, or explore the saltwater marsh. See shorebirds, colorful boats, windsurfers, and planes from the San Francisco International Airport.

Birthday Party at Diddalidoo - San Bruno, CA

3rd birthday at Diddalido with lots of family and friends!