East Bay Regional Park: June 2026 Park Explorer


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June 2026

Stay Safe in Summer Months

The summer season’s longer days, school breaks, and warm weather inspire an uptick in visitation to East Bay Regional Parks. When enjoying time outdoors, please plan ahead for the heat by bringing extra water, being courteous to fellow visitors, and following all fire safety rules.


Be mindful of both heat and water safety precautions you can take during summer activities. Summer Safety Tips.

Trails Challenge: Beat the Heat

Wondering how to work on the 2026 Trails Challenge in the hotter summer weather? In the warmer months, be sure to head out early in the day to avoid the hottest hours and always pack lots of water and energy snacks for the longer trails. Some trails are generally cooler because of abundant tree cover or bay breezes. Below are a few suggested trails to tackle during the hotter months:


Easy | Ardenwood Historic Farm | 0.8 mi.

Level, wheelchair-friendly paths wind through gardens, orchards, and fields rich with history.


Easy | McLaughlin Eastshore State Park | 2 mi.

Waterfront trail offering a scenic, flat out-and-back route perfect for walking, biking, and birdwatching.


Moderate | Roberts Regional Recreation Area | 5 mi.
Redwood groves provide welcome shade on stretches of moderate incline. 


Moderate | Lafayette-Moraga Regional Trail | 7.5 mi.

This out-and-back paved trail has an abundance of shade, making this a popular hike year-round.

Enjoy June Pride Month Programs in the Regional Parks

Join the Park District in celebrating diversity in parks and creating welcoming spaces for everyone to enjoy. From guided hikes to Tilden's Pride in the Park event, there are fun and inclusive activities for all to enjoy. Pride Month Programs and Activities.

Celebrating Juneteenth with a Free Park Day: Friday, June 19

Join the Park District in celebrating Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We're celebrating with a Free Park Day and special naturalist-led programs on Friday, June 19. Juneteenth Programs and Activities.

Wildfire Readiness

With California now in the official wildfire season, the Park District continues to lead local efforts in prevention and preparedness. In May, our Fire Department hosted teams from several local fire agencies for three days of wildland firefighting training in Tilden Regional Park (pictured). Held annually with partner agencies for more than 25 years, the drill supports a coordinated response in and around this heavily wooded area with elevated fire risk.


In June, Park District Fire and Stewardship staff also hosted a one-hour public webinar on the District’s wildfire resilience strategy and recent vegetation management projects. Watch recorded webinar.

IN THE PARKS

Pride in the Park at Tilden Nature Area: June 6

Join a fun, family-friendly day in the park to kick off Pride month. Bring a picnic and enjoy activities, crafts, and community vendors in this beautiful natural setting next to the Little Farm. All are welcome. More info.

 

Pride in the Park event schedule:

• 11am to noon - puppet show: "Warrior Princess" with the Rabbit Hole Children's Theater

• 12:15-1pm, Drag Story Hour with Ms. Wyldflower and Atlas Stone

• 1-3pm, face painting

• 1:30-3pm, silent disco

• 1:30-2:30pm, goats and bunnies

• All day, crafts, games, and more

Bird & Butterfly Festival at Coyote Hills: June 7

The 26th Annual Bird and Butterfly Festival is happening Sunday, June 7, from 10am to 3pm at Coyote Hills Regional Park. Celebrate the vibrant array of birds, butterflies, and local pollinators. Tour the Nectar Garden, watch puppet shows, and learn about pollinators at special presentations. Enjoy family-friendly nature crafts and live music from Steady Eddy and the Shakers. Carpools and bikes are encouraged. More info.

All Abilities Day at Crab Cove: June 13 

Stroll the shoreline of Crown Beach in Alameda and enjoy All Abilities Day on Saturday, June 13, from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy hands-on nature crafts, multi-sensory activities, a guided tour, and food available to purchase from Food Truck Mafia. More info.

Historic Hay Harvest at Ardenwood Farm: June 14

Join the fun at Ardenwood Historic Farm's old-fashioned hay harvest on Sunday, June 14, from 10am to 3pm. Help load the freshly mown hay and haul it back to build a big stack. Learn the difference between hay and straw while bringing in this year’s crop. Ardenwood admission fee applies. More info.

Brazilian Room Juneteenth Celebration: June 16

Head to Tilden Regional Park on Tuesday, June 16, from 4 to 8pm for Juneteenth at the Brazilian Room Seasonal Celebration. This open house event will be a great time to view the venue and meet with approved caterers and preferred vendors for snacks, music, photo ops, and a good time! Bring your friends and family to this special Juneteenth celebration. More info.

Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest at Crown Beach: June 20

Enjoy a day at the beach with friends and family at the Crown Beach Sandcastle and Sculpture Contest on Saturday, June 20, from 9am to 1pm. Build a unique work of art or stroll through to admire others' creations. Categories include castles and sculptures by youth, families, and adults. The event is co-sponsored by the Alameda Recreation & Parks Dept., Alameda Youth Committee, and the Bay View Women's Club. The contest takes place by the Otis Drive parking lot. More info.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Parks and Community Resource Fair, Concord: June 27

Join the Park District at the Parks and Community Resource Fair in Concord on Saturday, June 27, from 10am to noon. Learn what the Park District and the partnering community-based organizations can offer while enjoying food, music, and activities for all ages at this free event. Find out more about Regional Parks, community groups, and job opportunities in the outdoors, while providing thoughts on the District Plan. More info.

Return of the Terns at Crown Beach: June 27

Enjoy a special day dedicated to the endangered California least tern at Crab Cove on Saturday, June 27. View an outdoor presentation about their fascinating behaviors and the reasons for their success at the largest colony in the northernmost part of Central California. Presentations are at 10:15am, 11:30am, and 12:45pm.


Reserve a spot to view the nest site teeming with several hundred pairs of terns and their chicks, accessible only on the tour bus (space limited), which leaves from the Doug Siden Visitor Center at Crab Cove after each presentation. Sign up for a bus ride to the colony.

Bus Kids to Nature

For many Bay Area kids, visiting a park isn’t as simple as hopping into the car. Reliable transportation is often the greatest barrier between youth and local parklands, waterways, and open spaces. With your support, the Regional Parks Foundation helps remove that barrier—covering bus costs, camp scholarships, and the trained naturalists who guide young participants every step of the way. Donate today.

FEATURED ACTIVITIES

Spend Father's Day in a Regional Park

Celebrate Father’s Day outdoors with a picnic, hike, bike ride, or planned program at a Regional Park. Whether you’re gathering with family or enjoying a quiet day in nature, East Bay Regional Parks offer plenty of ways to make the day memorable. Father's Day in Regional Parks.

Celebrating Summer Solstice

Take advantage of the longest day of the year and enjoy a guided program about the summer solstice.

Summer Solstice Hike at Coyote Hills

Saturday, June 20, 10am-noon


Summer Solstice Walk at Big Break

Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, 2-3pm


Celebrate the Sun at Del Valle

Sunday, June 21, 2-4pm

Regional Parks Botanic Garden’s Final Plant Sale of the Season: June 6

Don't miss the last plant sale of the season at the Regional Parks Botanic Garden in Tilden Regional Park. The sale takes place on Saturday, June 6, from 10am to 2pm. Coinciding with the plant sale, the garden will also be reducing their inventory of California native ferns. More info.

Otter Weekend at Big Break: June 6 and 7

Head to the Delta on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7, from 11am to 1pm to enjoy Otter Weekend at the Big Break Visitor Center. Play like otters in hands-on stream tables and get creative with an otter craft. Use your imagination to learn more about one of the Delta's most charismatic mammals. More info.

The Wonders of Plant Galls at Black Diamond Mines: June 14

Ever notice strange spheres, diamonds, or star-shaped growths on leaves and branches? These curious forms are called galls—remarkable structures created through intricate relationships between plants and animals. Learn about galls on a guided walk for ages 8 and up. More info.

Ohlone Cultures at Sunol: June 20

Sunol Regional Wilderness is an important place to Ohlone Peoples. Learn about the rich cultural history of the first people who have called this place home for time immemorial on Saturday, June 20, from 1 to 3pm. Gain appreciation for the Ohlone Peoples' thriving lifestyle during a presentation at the Visitor Center, followed by a guided walk. More info.

Bugs for Lunch at Tilden Nature Area: June 21

Insects play a very important part in our ecosystem. On Sunday, June 21, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm, learn about animals that rely on insects for food (including us), then make old-fashioned ice cream ...topped with bugs! Meet at the Tilden Nature Area Visitor Center. More info.

Micro Hike at Coyote Hills: June 27

Slow down and discover Coyote Hills in a whole new way—under a magnifying glass. On Saturday, June 27, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., young explorers are invited to search for tiny wonders all around them, from bugs under logs and forests of moss to spider webs and other small details in nature. More info.

Stargazing at Del Valle: June 27

On Saturday, June 27, from 8:30 to 10pm, experience the wonder of the stars, planets, and beyond at Del Valle, one of the East Bay’s best summer night sky spots. After a short walk to the stargazing area, settle in to sit back, look up, and enjoy the view. Registration is required. More info.

Amazing Maize at Ardenwood: June 28

Be a-maized by corn! Head to Ardenwood Historic Farm on Sunday, June 28, from 11:30am to 12:30pm and enjoy a corny treat from the woodstove as you learn some history of this important grain. More info.

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East Bay Regional Park District | 1 (888) EBPARKS | info@ebparks.org



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East Bay Regional Park District | 2950 Peralta Oaks Ct | Oakland, CA 94605 US


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