Toymasters was first opened in 1989. It is an old-fashioned toy store that carries many specialty toys not often found in big box stores. It carries a large variety of boys' and girls' items from dolls and dress-up accessories to magic kits and puzzles.
Santa Monica Camera offers cameras and camera accessories for amateurs and professionals alike. The shop is an authorized dealer of Canon, Casio and Pentax products, with warranty and repair service available. The knowledgeable staff can help customers get hard-to-find accessories. Digital and film photo finishing is available, and portraits and product photos can be taken in the store. Photos can also be taken here for INS documents and passports for any country. Video duplication and transfer service is also available.
Founded as an observatory in 1883, Chabot Space & Science Center provides a place to explore the universe without leaving Oakland. Kids and adults alike can learn what astronauts eat on the International Space Station, learn how to tame "monster" storms in Bill Nye Climate Lab and discover the relationship between the sun, moon and stars. The museum also hosts special events that include lectures, night hikes, children's "Star Stories" and a Lego lab. Chabot Observatories offer celestial viewing day and night.
Best and worst time to go to Chabot Space & Science Center
Friday and Saturday nights, guests can check out the stars and one of the best views of the East Bay from the Observatory deck. Night viewing starts when the skies go dark and lasts until 10:30 p.m.
Must see/do at Chabot Space & Science Center
Take a gander through one of the observatory's three telescopes: Nellie, Rachel and Leah.
Admission to Chabot Space & Science Center
Adult $16; Youth (ages 3-12) $12; Seniors (65+) and Students (13-18 or with college ID) $13; Members Free.
Parking and Public Transportation Chabot Space & Science Center
Free parking at Chabot Space & Science Center. AC Transit offers limited service from Fruitvale BART to the museum.
Food at Chabot Space & Science Center
Bean Sprouts Café offers healthy sandwiches, soups and salads.
Insider tip for visitors to Chabot Space & Science Center
Extend your stay in the Oakland hills. After a full day of hands-on exhibits, take a stroll along one of the trails through adjacent Redwood Park.
Author's bio: Heather Johnson is a freelance writer living in Oakland, California.
Located inside the St. Andrews Shopping Center, Wonder Works is a toy and game shop that has something for people of all ages. It features an interesting section of "wonderful things for big kids," which is its toy and game section for adults and late teens. Visit the website to shop online, view in-store merchandise, and to learn more about the store and the company.
Established in 2000, Orion is a great place to visit if you are interested in science, astronomy, nature and space. In addition to telescopes (from 50mm to 14" large lens) and binoculars, it also offers accessories, eye pieces, lenses, filters, microscopes, science kits, books, space and science board games, as well as many fun and curious items like Moon Globes, Laser Stars or the Galileo Weather Ball.
