Tilden Nature Area

Tilden Nature Area in the Berkeley Hills is the East Bay's answer to the perennial parenting problem of 'my kids need more nature' — a 740-acre wild park accessible from Berkeley in about 15 minutes that consistently surprises families who expect something more manicured and less wild.

The 4. 8-star rating across 1,575 reviews reflects that Tilden delivers on its promise of genuine outdoor nature rather than nature-themed amenity. The trails wind through oak woodland, redwood groves, chaparral, and stream environments that feel nothing like city parks — kids who are used to manicured urban green spaces tend to respond with visible excitement when they step into actual wild terrain.

For families with young children, two features make Tilden especially family-friendly. The Environmental Education Center has hands-on nature exhibits designed for young children who aren't quite ready for long hikes but want to engage with the natural world. The adjacent Little Farm — a free petting farm where kids can feed goats, pigs, and chickens — is one of the most beloved free family activities in the East Bay.

Bring lettuce leaves from the grocery store to feed the goats; it's practically required.

Trail distances and difficulty vary widely, making Tilden accessible to families with toddlers who need short flat walks and families with older kids ready for multi-mile hikes with elevation. The Regional Parks Botanic Garden is also within Tilden Park and showcases California native plants in a garden setting — free for most visitors.

Parking is free. The park is open 5AM-10PM daily. Dress in layers — the Berkeley Hills run significantly cooler than the East Bay flatlands.