--- title: California Outdoor Recreation Areas For The Whole Family description: We're sharing our favorite local outdoor recreation areas in the Bay Area for the whole family so you can get outdoors and get active at the places we travel to at camp during the summer! These California outdoor recreation areas for the whole family are just a start of an active lifestyle. image: https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/Avid4-Stapleton-WEB-337.jpg --- **[What's new about camp in 2024?](https://avid4.com/2024)** [COVID RESPONSE](https://avid4.com/summer-updates/covid-19-policies) [Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew) [Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) [Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-open.svg) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-close.svg) [![](https://avid4.com/img/avid-logo.png)](https://avid4.com/) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-logo.svg) CAMPS LOCATIONS ABOUT US JOBS [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png) NEW CAMPS ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png)](https://avid4.com/programs-overview/) CAMPS - [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) - [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) - [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) Locations - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com/colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ABOUT US - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2/) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press/) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) JOBS - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal?_ga=2.139532913.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/pre-camp.svg) Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?__hstc=100965726.0722881a3a3ce4d5db8cf4dd0fd14c4b.1604422280482.1606238273823.1606253249890.60&__hssc=100965726.64.1606253249890&__hsfp=514153516&_ga=2.132184524.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/user.svg) Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/store.svg) Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ### Overview - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camp](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### States - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) ### [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) ### [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) ### [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) ### Overnight Camps - [Colorado, Boulder Area](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-expeditions) - [Colorado, Mt. Evans](https://avid4.com/mt-evans-camps) - [Colorado, Windy Peak](https://avid4.com/windy-peak-camps) - [California, East Bay](https://avid4.com/california-sly-park-expeditions) - [Oregon, Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-expeditions) - [Wyoming, Curt Gowdy](https://avid4.com/wyoming-curt-gowdy-expeditions) ### [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com//colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) ### [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) ### [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ### Our Core Values - [Live Fun](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Environment](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Truth](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Smart(er)](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Gratitude](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Empowered](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Balanced](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Community](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) ### Need Help? - [Housing Resources](https://avid4.com/jobs/instructor-housing-options/) - [College Interns](https://avid4.com/jobs/college-internships/) - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal) [Day](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family#finder-day) [Resident](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family#finder-overnight) [Expedition](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family#finder-expedition) Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Burlingame Mill Valley Moraga Oakland Palo Alto Boulder Boulder - Valmont Castle Rock Colorado Springs Denver - Greenwood Village Denver - Lowry Denver - Stapleton Denver - Washington Park Golden Highlands Ranch Lafayette Superior Portland Go Grade Entering 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Go Grade Entering 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th Go # California Outdoor Recreation Areas For The Whole Family [Back to Blog Homepage](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/) Posted by [Emily Moeschler](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/emily-moeschler) on April 3, 2018 [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/Avid4-Stapleton-WEB-337.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=California%20Outdoor%20Recreation%20Areas%20For%20The%20Whole%20Family&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/524285/Avid4-Stapleton-WEB-337.jpg) Oh, the places you'll go....at camp this summer! We're sharing our favorite local outdoor recreation areas in the Bay Area for the whole family so you can get outdoors and get active at the places we travel to at camp during the summer! These California outdoor recreation areas for the whole family are just a start of an active lifestyle. One gorgeous morning over breakfast, we were deciding where to go biking when my son told us he had the perfect spot.  He wanted to go “where I went with Avid4 Adventure.”  “Great,” I said, excited for the opportunity to try somewhere new and have Jack show us someplace he’d been without us. The only problem was that Jack didn’t know the name of the place.  He thought it was “kind of near the dog park, but not really” and “it wasn’t far away, and we were on a bumpy road off a busy street.”  So helpful, right?  You’ve all had similar conversations with your kids, I’m sure! ![kid-rock-climbing](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kid-rock-climbing.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=kid-rock-climbing.jpg) **Go where Avid4 Adventure goes** Avid4 Adventure is all about taking kids to areas that are close to campers' communities whether it’s a state park, open space or local recreation areas.  We want kids to experience authentic outdoor sports – like rock climbing on real crags – and ***locations are deliberately chosen so that families can return after camp is over.*** ***![family-exploring-outdoors](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/family-exploring-outdoors.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=family-exploring-outdoors.jpg)*** This year, we thought we’d let you know some of the locations your campers will be experiencing, so you can have an adventure of your own before camp starts! **A few staff favorites in the Bay Area:** **BIKING ** - Corte Madera's **[El Corte De Madera Creek Preserve](http://www.openspace.org/preserves/el-corte-de-madera-creek)** has 36 miles of multi-use trails.  You'll find downhills, uphills, double tracks, single tracks – something for everyone! - **[China Camp State Park](http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=466)** in San Rafael has more than 15 miles of trails for you and your family to explore.  Don’t forget a picnic! - **[Joaquin Miller Park](http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/opr/s/Parks/JoaquinMiller/)** in Oakland has all levels of single track trails as well as open grassy spaces for picnicking and playing games outdoors as a family.  - **[Briones Regional Park](http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones#trailmap)**, nestled between Walnut Creek and Lafayette is another beautiful biking destination with views of Mt. Diablo. See **[the trail map](http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/files/parks/briones/briones_2250w_32c.gif)** for designated mountain bike paths. - **[Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28574)** in the Santa Cruz mountains features several fire roads for biking with stunning views of redwoods all around.  ![kid-biking-on-trail](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kid-biking-on-trail.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=kid-biking-on-trail.jpg) **CLIMBING** - **[Castle Rock State Park](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=538)** in Los Gatos is one of the larger climbing regions in the Bay Area. Read about the various [rock climbing routes](https://www.mountainproject.com/v/castle-rock-area/105733890) to find the one that fits your group's level. - **[Cragmont Rock Park](http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/Parks_Rec_Waterfront/Trees_Parks/Parks__Cragmont_Park.aspx)** is conveniently located in Berkeley and is a perfect spot for rock climbing beginners. ![camper-rock-climbing](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/camper-rock-climbing.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=camper-rock-climbing.jpg) **HIKING** - **[The Tiburon Ridge Trail](http://www.marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/tiburon-ridge)** in Mill Valley offers spectacular views from the summit San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge to Napa and Sonoma to the East Bay. What a great spot to take in nature! - **[Fremont Older Preserve](http://www.openspace.org/preserves/fremont-older)** lets hikers (and their leashed dogs) enjoy open hayfields and a 900-foot hilltop with views of Santa Clara Valley. - Nothing beats **[Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=546)** in the Santa Cruz mountains when it comes to hiking in an area that is truly an escape from urban life. With its 40-acre grove of redwood trees and over 4,600 acres of forest, hiking in this park is a delight. - **[Mount Diablo State Park](http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=517)**, near Walnut Creek, showcases beautiful wildflowers, a [vast trail system](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/mount-diablo-state-park), and a fantastic hike to the summit of Mt. Diablo at 3,849 ft. with amazing views. **WATER SPORTS** - [Crown Memorial State Beach](http://www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach) in Alameda offers 2.5 miles of water fun! Rent kayaks or bring your own equipment – but be sure to remember personal floatation devices! - Canoe, kayak or SUP at Santa Clara’s [Calero Reservoir](https://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks/parkfinder/Pages/Calero.aspx). Weekends can get crowded with jet and water skiers, so if you can escape during a week day, give it a try! - [San Pablo Reservoir](http://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/san-pablo-reservoir/), North of Orinda and East of San Pablo Dam Road, is a great destination for kayaking, canoeing, and picnicking for the whole family. Rentals are located on site. ![kids-kayaking](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/kids-kayaking.jpg?width=300&height=150&name=kids-kayaking.jpg) Avid4 Adventure encourages families to continue the adventure AND not travel far to experience what campers did. So, grab the kids, bikes, paddles, backpacks or whatever and head out to one of our camp favorites! What are you waiting for? Get out and explore! The possibilities are endless for [local outdoor recreation areas in the Bay Area.](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/27-california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family-adventure) [![Learn About Camps](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/524285/8b456381-2d70-4142-87d2-d7188bb3fe4e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/524285/8b456381-2d70-4142-87d2-d7188bb3fe4e)   Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=California%20Outdoor%20Recreation%20Areas%20For%20The%20Whole%20Family&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/california-outdoor-recreation-areas-for-family&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/524285/Avid4-Stapleton-WEB-337.jpg) Topics: [Tips and Tricks](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/tips-and-tricks), [California Outdoor Activities](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-outdoor-activities), [California Family Adventures](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/california-family-adventures) ### NAVIGATION - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps/) - [Policies](https://avid4.com/policies/) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camp/about-colorado-mountain-camp/) - [Contact](https://avid4.com/contact-us/) - [Gear Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.avid4.com/blog) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Staff Portal](https://avid4.com/jobs/staff-portal/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Parent Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?_ga=2.82785814.1896501485.1508936271-1717527764.1507131859) - [Scholarships](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Request Info](https://avid4.com/request-information/) ### GET IN TOUCH **Avid 4 Adventure** PO Box 287, Boulder, CO 80306 [1.720.024.2412](tel:+17202492412) **Social** ### ACCREDITATIONS [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/licensed.png)](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/accredited.png)](https://www.acacamps.org/) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/leave-no-trace.png)](https://lnt.org/youth-program-accreditation) © All content copyright 2018 Avid4 Adventure. Site Design by [Designsensory](https://www.designsensory.com)