Habitot Children's Museum Berkeley
A vibrant, hands-on museum for children aged 1-5, sparking creativity and exploration through interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play.
Habitot Children's Museum Berkeley
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, hands-on museum for children aged 1-5, sparking creativity and exploration through interactive exhibits.
"The best fun place for toddlers in the Bay Area!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets via Eventbrite beforehand.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is limited. Explore nearby paid lots or a slightly further shopping plaza for free spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Art Studio
Art Room
Unleash creativity with chalk walls, painting, and craft projects. Perfect for little Picassos!
NASA-Inspired Space Station
Space Exhibit
Budding astronauts can push buttons and explore a spaceship. Blast off into imagination!
Water Play Zone
Water Area
Splash and play with bubbles and water. Non-slip mats ensure safe, bubbly fun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Age Appropriateness is Key
Tickets & Parking Pointers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets via Eventbrite beforehand.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is limited. Explore nearby paid lots or a slightly further shopping plaza for free spots.
Activities for Small Children Around the Bay?
Ideas for places to go to entertain 6mth old during a rainy weekend??
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring with your little ones!
🧼 Bring a Change of Clothes
Water play and art projects can get messy – be prepared for fun spills!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets via Eventbrite beforehand.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Street parking is limited. Explore nearby paid lots or a slightly further shopping plaza for free spots.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be on your feet exploring with your little ones!
🧼 Bring a Change of Clothes
Water play and art projects can get messy – be prepared for fun spills!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Habitot being a fantastic, engaging space for toddlers and young children aged 1-5, with friendly staff and creative exhibits like the art studio and water play. Some note it can get crowded and is best suited for its target age group, with older kids potentially getting bored.
"Visited the Habitot Children’s Center for the first time over the weekend and it was such a cute place for little ones. This is definitely a place that children ages 1-5 could have a great time. I would highly suggest buying your tickets on Eventbrite before hand as there are sometimes discounts available. Also, it’s located in a shopping strip that has plenty of shops and stores to choose from. The only downside is that the street parking is limited due to there being so many places to choose from. The Habitot center has great activities for children like a chalk wall, painting, NASA inspired gadgets, and much more. If you’re looking for a family friendly activity, check this out."
Rhett Burden
"Went to the current pop up location in Emeryville. Small space but my almost two year old son enjoyed it nonstop for a little over an hour, which is how much time we often spend in a museum. One from had a spaceship with lots of buttons he was eager to press and explore. The other room had different art projects for varying ages/skills. My son attempted to make his own rocket, which he then could've practiced launching but didn't want to. Another table had homemade very soft play dough. And the last art table we explored had painting. The staff were super friendly and just the right amount of engaging. You can buy tickets online through event brite or pay in person using cash or your smartphone. I paid $12 for my son, and accompanying adults were free. Parking was either on the street (very busy) or in a nearby lot - both paid (but there was a shopping plaza a little bit away with free parking, too."
Natalya B
"A good place to take kids, maybe 3 and under. My almost 5 year old got bored within an hour while my almost 3 year old had a great time at each station. Tickets run about $12 for everyone (12 months and older). They offer membership as well.
It's a pretty small space and can get pretty crowded fast. It provides a look into what a big children's museum experience would be like for children. It has several areas that would interest children - water play, art studio, cafe, train/car table, face painting, farm area etc. There is a small area for crawlers and pre-walkers as well. All the areas bleed into each other and the main walkway can get busy with everyone walking about and the children riding the toy cars.
The workers are nice and friendly.
There is no parking available on location but there are parking garages within walking distance. There is a small gift shop at the front."
Alexis Rae MacGregor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Habitot is located in Berkeley, California. Public transport options like BART are available, with stations a short walk away. If driving, be prepared for limited street parking and consider nearby paid parking garages.
Parking can be challenging. While some street parking exists, it's often limited. Paid parking garages are within walking distance, and some visitors suggest looking for free parking at a shopping plaza a bit further out.
Yes, Habitot is accessible via public transport. The nearest BART station is within walking distance, making it a convenient option for those traveling from other parts of the Bay Area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are typically around $12 per person (12 months and older), with accompanying adults often free. Memberships are also available. Booking online through Eventbrite may offer discounts.
Yes, you can pay in person using cash or your smartphone, but buying tickets online in advance via Eventbrite is recommended for potential discounts and to ensure entry.
Discounts may be available when purchasing tickets online through Eventbrite. Some reviews suggest looking for these deals.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or Eventbrite page for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While not always explicitly stated, booking tickets online in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends or holidays, to secure your preferred entry time.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Habitot is primarily designed for children aged 1 to 5 years old. Older children may find the exhibits less engaging after a short period.
Exhibits include an art studio with chalk walls and painting, a NASA-inspired spaceship, a water play area, a farm area, a train/car table, and a dedicated space for crawlers and pre-walkers.
The museum is a relatively small space and can get crowded quickly, especially on weekends. Weekday mornings tend to be less busy.
Yes, there is a small area specifically designed for crawlers and pre-walkers, ensuring even the youngest visitors have a safe and engaging experience.
The staff at Habitot are consistently described as nice, friendly, kind, and helpful, with the right amount of engagement for young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there's a mention of a 'cafe' area, specific policies on bringing outside food might vary. It's best to check their guidelines or plan to dine before or after your visit.
Some reviews mention a 'cafe' area, suggesting that light refreshments or snacks might be available for purchase. Confirm this directly with the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, especially for personal memories. However, always be mindful of other visitors' privacy and avoid intrusive photography.
Capture your child's joy at the art studio, their wonder in the spaceship, or their splashes in the water play area. The colorful exhibits offer many delightful moments.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Toddlers (1-3 years)
Keep in mind that the museum is designed for exploration with your child, so be ready to get hands-on. Weekday mornings are ideal to avoid overstimulation from crowds. Bringing a change of clothes is a smart move, as water and art are central to the experience!
preschooler (3-5 years)
Encourage them to try the face painting if available and explore the farm area. Remember to book tickets online for potential savings and be prepared for the parking situation. The friendly staff are great at encouraging participation and making the experience fun.
Budget-Conscious Visitors
Membership options might also be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple times a year. Pack your own snacks and drinks to save on potential cafe purchases, though confirm their policy on outside food.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Habitot with Toddlers
For the aspiring astronauts, the NASA-inspired spaceship offers a chance to push buttons and imagine soaring through space. Parents often note that their children can spend a significant amount of time engrossed in these interactive experiences. While the space is described as relatively small, this can be an advantage for parents keeping an eye on their little ones, as most areas are visible from a central point.
It's important to note that while the museum is fantastic for its target age group, older children might find the exhibits less stimulating. Planning your visit during weekday mornings can help avoid the larger crowds that tend to gather on weekends, ensuring a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Practicalities: Tickets, Parking, and More
Parking is a common point of discussion among visitors. While some street parking is available, it's often limited and can be competitive. Many visitors opt for nearby paid parking garages. A tip from seasoned visitors is to explore a slightly further shopping plaza, which may offer free parking, saving you some money.
When it comes to what to bring, consider packing a change of clothes, especially if your child is eager to dive into the water play area or get creative in the art studio. Comfortable shoes are a must for both parents and children, as you'll be actively exploring the exhibits. The staff are consistently praised for being friendly and helpful, contributing to the positive atmosphere of the museum.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit