Tilden Park Picnic | News | Italian | Marin Italian Language

Tilden Park Picnic

Tilden Park outing and picnic

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas are plentiful in Tilden. Reservable picnic areas include Buckeye (50), Carousel (35), Fern (50), Island (75), Laurel (150), Quarry (35), Big Leaf (50), Lakeview (50), Mineral Springs (200), Willow (100), Orchard (50), Meadows (50) and Padre (150). To reserve a site, or for more information, call (510) 636-1684.

Little Farm

Learn all about Tilden's surprising variety of plants and animals through the nature programs at the Little Farm and the Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Tilden Nature Study Area, both accessible to disabled persons. The EEC is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve at 1 p.m., Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. The Little Farm is open daily, year-round, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Merrygoround

Tilden's Herschell Spillman merry-go-round is a splendid antique carousel with hand-carved and beautifully painted wooden carousel animals to ride. The calliope plays music to make any child's heart sing. The facility offers a wheelchair accessible snack stand, drinking water, restroom and parking. For information call (510) 524-6773. The Merry-Go-Round is open year-round 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, weather permitting; weekends during the Easter season or spring break (beginning late March or early April); summer break (mid-June through Labor Day); and during its "Christmas Fantasy" holiday spectacular nightly Thanksgiving through Dec. 23, 5:30-8:30 p.m. rain or shine. Call to confirm dates and hours: (510) 524-6773. Fee (subject to change): $1 per ride; $10 for 13-ride ticket book.

Steam Train

The Steam Train offers rides along the scenic ridge on a scaled-down steam train. Parking, drinking water, and restroom facilities are wheelchair accessible. For information call (510) 548-6100. Hours: open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (or dark, whichever comes first) on weekends and holidays (Except Thanksgiving and Christmas) year round, plus noon-5 p.m. weekdays June 14 through Labor Day. Fee (subject to change): $1.75 per ride, $7 for 5-ride family ticket, under 2 free. See the bottom of this page for a link to the Steam Train Web site.