Good Spot for a Birthday Picnic?

I recommend Montclair park on Moraga Blvd. in Montclair. We just had my son's 2nd birthday party there. You can reserve tables. There's a pond with ducks and geese and two playgrounds - one for kids under 5 and one for older kids. There's also a mini stagecoach with "horses" the kids can climb on. The bathroom facilities are not great, but it is a park after all. And we had pizza delivered from nearby Cybelle's - they delivered to the park at 11:30 a.m. which was nice. It's a nice park and there are picnic tables in shady areas and some in sunny areas.

Try Temescal Park in Oakland. I had my son's b-day and had a blast. There are some picnic sites you can reserve in advance ( they are larger and you have to pay) and some that are first com first served. Go check it out!

Arlington Park in the El Cerrito hills is a nice spot - reservable picnic areas, a reservable clubhouse, shady areas and flat lawn, play structures, sand play area, and tennis courts. Weather can get a bit breezy but is generally pleasant. http://www.yelp.com/biz/arlington-park-el-cerrito

Kennedy Park in Hayward is nice and has covered picnic areas, lawn space with trees, a train, petting zoo, food kiosk, merry-go-round, playground. You can reserve through Hayward Area Recreational Department.

sulphur creek nature center in hayward. It's perfect for the kids and adults alike. free entrance and parking into the park. to reserve a spot though, you will need a reservation. They have great birthday party packages starting at $132.00.

we had my son's 2nd bday there. It was awesome!

I am a HUGE fan of having birthday parties at the Oakland Zoo. For less than $300 you have enterance to the zoo for 12, tickets to the rides, a great shaded spot to set up your party, and 6 parking passes. Plus, the birthday child gets an all day ride wrist band. I purchase the package with the hot dog lunch, and bring "build your own sandwiches" fixings for the adults, plus munchies, fruit and cake. I even take a co-sleeper for my baby guests to nap. It is terrific, and the zoo is super accomodating.

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/activities/birthdays/

i suggest Temescal Park in Oakland as well. we had our son's 1 year birthday party there and it was great!

Arlington Park in EC is great!

I think the Pleasant HIll park is a nice place for a birthday. They have reservation area's and play structures for little guys and bigger kids. I have grown up having party's there.YOu should drive by and check it out or call. The website is www.pleasanthillrec.com ####-###-#### 147 Gregory Lane.

Good luck and Happy Birthday!

We had our son's 1st birthday party at Kennedy Park in Hayward. We bought 100 rides tickets ahead of time for $1 each, and handed them out for our guests to enjoy the Merry-Go-Round, Train, and petting zoo. Everyone had a great time!

Check out the Berkeley Marina. I've done a lot of birthday parties there. You can BBQ and picnic in Shorebird Park, which is right next to Adventure Playground, and right on the edge of the water. If you don't know Adventure Playground, now is the time to find out about it! Kids get to build stuff, paint stuff, climb stuff, and generally have a great time, for free. Shorebird is a very small park, but there are BBQs available if you can get a couple people to go down there early and stake one out. There are some trees with shade, and there's a little toddler play area with a slide and some swings. You can either park in the Cal Sailing Club parking lot, or go around to the big parking lot at H's Lordship's restaurant. It's a great place for mixed age birthdays--- in fact, it's a great place for all kinds of events!

Try Larkey Park in Walnut Creek. The Lindsey wild life museum is right there. Contact the Walnut Creek park and rec department. Lots to do, shade, play equipment, bar b ques, free parking and easy access for all ages and disabilities.

Check out Lake Temescal (Oakland)...they offer reserved spots. There are two playgrounds and plenty of space to run around. Good Luck!

There's also Tilden Park near the Little Farm. I don't know if you can reserve, but there's definitely shade, a play area, pony rides, and the Little Farm nearby. The pony rides cost money... Parking does get to be a hassle by mid-afternoon, though, if not before.