I love its proximity to the Berkeley marina and it seems like a nice place to go running or biking. It's perfect for photography buffs too (or aspiring ones) since you can practice your macro and landscape photography with blooming flowers, watery reflections, tots and slightly older tots (like me) on the Dreamland playground, and even a sunset if you come in the evening. I'd be wary about coming here at nighttime though, since other reviewers have mentioned the presence of some shadier folks in the foliage. Verdict: it's not a bad place to go if you've already explored the shops on 4th Street and need someplace to go before dinner on the marina. read more

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Enter from Addison coming from the fourth street area. Ignore that other side that makes most of us shake our heads at why there is not crack down on that sort of activity so close by. But coming to and from the fourth street area you will not know or see the other side. Great walking area around the lagoon. Lots of green and water and you can almost ignore the freeway. Great toddler and bigger kid park area - Dreamland for Kids with nice custom wooden structures. The toddler thinks he is a big kids here... it is fun park for him to explore! The sand box could use a dumping of sand here it as this area is so hard that their are no kids in it. Climb to the top of the structures with your tot as the trains go bye and say CHOO CHOO. read more

A great place for a nice long circular run around a body of water, and it sits at the threshold to the bike/ped bridge that gives easy access to our great shoreline. But guys (like me) who are not interested in clandestine sex in bushes should keep downcast eyes at the southern end. Do people who want outdoor sex not have homes to go to? Is it the bushes themselves that are so enticing? Feh-who cares, I just wish that the BPD would push these blighters somewhere beyond our city limits, and allow the kids, rowers, cyclists, runners, disc-golfers (who seem so wonderfully SERIOUS about their sport!) to enjoy this tax-funded place without the wafting creepy pick-up vibe. If nothing else, this vibe has made me appreciate what straight women must go through in our society. Note that other reviewers are correct--this is all pretty much at the SE end. The great playground has a "butterfly garden" behind it--charming. read more

This review is primarily relating to the disc golf course. The park itself has some nice places to walk, sit, look at the water, and a playground for kids. There is also quite a bit of trash, freeway blight, and apparent transients. This windy park is a 3 with high upside when clean. The disc golf course is one of the roughest ones I've ever played, both figuratively and literally. There are several holes where you are throwing over part of the bay or risk landing in murky swampland. There are also blind shots on popular walking trails. The first time I played the course, I decided that it was the worst course I had ever played. It didn't help that the decided lack of signage made it hard to know where to start and where the tees/baskets are. I decided to go back again and this time armed myself with knowledge (enter on the north side, that's where #1 is and download or take a picture of the map at the beginning). I then decided to play this course in a manner that would allow me to enjoy it. That meant putting the drivers away playing a smart and safe game to avoid the bay and swamp. I'm a very experienced player, but not quite at the pro level where every throw goes exactly where I want it. I also don't have discs that I'm willing to throw into the bay knowing that they'll be irretrievable. Since there are shots with nothing but water between you and the basket, you'll either have to try to go around and save par, or just risk it all and try to make it over the water (with steady gusts coming off the bay). You'll probably only throw it with all your strength on 1 or 2 shots if you're playing it safe. It would be fun to try to bomb over the water each time, but it's about 70% likely your disc is gone forever. If I lived near here, I'd probably make some rounds to practice my short game, but it's too rough of a course to really be able to enjoy. P.S. Be sure to avoid joggers and keep an eye out for the guy fishing for discs. He might sell you one if you're interested. read more

Fantastic playground for kids with enough to keep very small to pretty big satisfied (toddlers through elementary). Directions are not clear from google, but come down Bancroft and turn left when you see water. Good walking/running/child biking/scooting path with nice up/downs for variety. It's well used, so keep an eye out for others on the path. Lots of dogs (on leash, please) and frisbee golfers. You can rent canoes or kayaks, support a local youth program at the aquatic cafe, do some bird watching. I know ppl say keep a look out for men having sex in bushes. We haven't had that issue. It's a city park, and it is big. The downside: The bathrooms aren't great. Port o pottie at the south end and a standard Berkeley metal bowl near the playground that isn't always open or clean. Trash are sometimes overflowing (again, high use). If people really want to keep it up, establish a conservancy. read more

So finally made it out to play some disc golf....and at an awesome location I found an neglected park, total bummer..... unmarked holes and launch pads, basically guessing where to go.....then there is a trail running right down the center of every shot practically.... the difference between this and the morley field course back home in san diego is that they just put up a bunch of baskets in a park here, meanwhile in daygo they designed a course and the trees and topography are part of it.....not like lets put a basket 10 feet away from the water.... going to golden gate next time lets see how that is read more

I like to play disc golf at Aquatic Park. On Wednesdays at around 5pm (April to September) is a weekly tournament. During the other months it switches to Saturday mornings. Check out http://ebdgc.org for details. One note: many of the water shots are challenging because of an almost constant wind -- but when you feel comfortable throwing these shots, you've definitely become a solid player. I prefer Aquatic Park on foggy days because there aren't tons of people in the park on those days and it's easier to get a round of disc golf in. The majority of the disc golfers I run into are very considerate of other park users, so it's disappointing to read about "jerky frisbee players" etc. I do believe, however, that when the course was installed in 1980, drug dealing decreased significantly and the casual sex in the bushes was pushed to the south end of the park--though it would be nice if the city of Berkeley would trim up the caves in bushes on the south end of the park to completely curtail that scene. Aquatic park is a beautiful stretch of land with a fantastic view of the bay. I'd like to see more signage about the disc golf course for both players trying to find their way around and to give other park users a heads up of where discs are flying. read more

Great place to run or bike. It can get windy here as its on the shore but I actually like the air resistance as park of my training. The asphalt road is hard enough to give you good feet propioception but not hard like concrete to bang up your body as you run. It's super smooth for bike riding and visibility is far so people get out of your way early (hopefully you do the same as a courteous bicyclist?). The only major ding I give it is the complete lack of shade. Running out here you can get sunburned if you don't plan ahead. And sometimes the wind is TOO strong, making cycling dangerous when sudden gusts hit you from the side. read more

One star for the disc golf course. There's a great mix of 18 challenging holes - although the course isn't in the best shape. Great views of the city also. This park is situated on marshland, as such the ground can be soggy. Because it overlooks the bay, it can get windy and chilly. The 80 freeway is nearby which makes it rather noisy. Ya and the whole gay hookup thing - creeps me out big time. It's pleasant enough when you're just passing through. In my opinion, there are MUCH better parks to relax in. Head out to Emery Cove or Berkeley Marina instead for a similar experience. Better views, less traffic noise, & less creepiness. Unless you're disc golfer or water skier. read more

I was saddened to see that the ratings for this park aren't getting any better over time, as it seemed when I frequented the area that things were improving. There was a lot to improve from, including homeless encampments, nasty water, bees and more, but towards the end of my Berkeley days they had installed a playground and manicured the landscape a little more and things were looking up. Anyway, I played this course a lot, but it was never one of my favorites. It's main benefit was accessibility. The entire course is very narrow and the threat of water is omnipresent, although that lead to one of my favorite memories of a friend constructing a raft and recovering a driver. So one star for that, but this is really more "Meh" than "A-OK." read more

I never got a "dangerous" vibe from this park, but it does look neglected. I hope what the poster downthread said is true - about how community groups are working on renovating the park - because at the moment, much of it looks like the city just gave up years ago or something. I still give it credit for being a pretty spot, but I think the other side of the freeway (across the Bay Bridge) is a better place to be - Cesar Chavez Park, the Berkeley marina, the trail to Emeryville, and a view of the bay unobstructed by the freeway. read more

This is my go to place for a quick run during lunch. The city finally remodeled the place and made it even nicer! read more

Decent place to run as there is a trail. There is also a frisbee golf course although there is a lot of water so I would imagine you would lose your frisbees. There is also playground structure, and free parking. Its located right by 80/580/880 interchange so there is a good view of the traffic jam. Lots of ducks and people walking their dogs here. read more

I love coming to the Disc Golf course here, but I do wish they marked it better and took care of the launch pads. Great views, but watch out for the water and thick trees! This course is not afraid to eat your discs! read more

Took my kids to this park while staying in nearby Berkeley. It is very well kept and there are several things to do. There is a nice grassy area to run around or just picnic. There is a good sized playground with a little garden to explore. And there is a river full of ducks and geese that you feed or just sit on the bank and watch. There is also a frisbee golf course and a trail that we didn't explore. read more

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This playground is good. It is next to a lake and close to get to from the highway. The ground is mostly tanbark. There are a lot of connected play structures and a bunch of swings. This playground is also next to the railroad so a passing train normally creates a lot of excitement among the children. read more

Berkeley Aquatic Park - Dreamland playground - Parks Near Me - Berkeley, California

I love going here it is Beautiful and Calm. In March went for a day and had a blast with Brother and my Friend. I plan on going here for a very long time. read more

I remember coming to this park as a kid which is always great memories. The park is located in Berkeley right before university Ave. There is a large lake and then the view of the freeway which may or may not be appealing to most. The parking here is on the smaller side which can be bad when it is busy. There is a small walking trail and a large play structure for kids. There are also some picnic tables where you can reserve for a birthday party or family get together. The park itself is on the smaller side and sometimes the cleaning crew fails to show up. Make sure to bring a jacket because it does tend to get windy/cold here during the late evening hours. Overall a cute small park in the area, definitely come check out. read more

My 4 year old son loves this park, and we've been coming here for 2 years. It has everything, from a small and sheltered picnic area next to the tot playground, to big slides, from swings and tire swings to nearby ducks to play with. It's below a train track, so occasional you can watch real trains drive by - exciting! The terrain has wood chips instead of sand, which may be an issue for parents with smaller kids, but, as I said, my son loves this place. read more

Cool place but, can someone deal with the ashby side with the male prostitutes waiting for johns!

The disc golf course here is pretty nice. It's got cement tees, and someone awesome leaves printed maps at the first hole. (Very useful to not get lost). The course is flat but there are lots of trees and water to lose discs in. And don't just casually hop in looking for your disc unless you like being eight inches deep in the mud. Probably not worth schelpping out here if you don't want to play disc golf, though, what with the shady guys looking for sex and all. read more

All stars for the playground, the birds, and the bike bridge. The playground is AWESOME - super safe, very fun for toddlers to pre-teens, a great spot for parties, and is big enough that we can visit over and over and the kiddo always finds a new corner to explore. He also loves the birds in the lagoon - ducks, geese, egrets, and cormorants are the regulars. The bike bridge makes for a simple commute over to Emeryville or down to the Marina. But the rest of the park is still too sketchy for me, even with more community groups in action. Too many men in bushes, and too many overgrown and desolate corners in the pathways. read more

I walk around the lake a lot. The view is unbeatable and the people are nice. Yes, there are homeless and the male meet-ups at the south end, but they don't bother me. If you're not comfortable with an urban scene, drive thru the tunnel and join the baby brigade at Lafayette Resevoir. Or, do what I do, volunteer at BACS, pick up a sweet pit bull for your escort, and you'll both have a good time. The little cafe is a nice touch, and the playground, bicycle program and runners attract plenty of very pleasant folk. read more

I jogged along the water, and I'd have to say this is one of my favorite short walking/jogging paths in Berkeley =) This waterfront is beautiful (or maybe it's because I've been seeing cars and hitting cement for the past half hour before coming here), and I always see lots of happy people playing frisbee + picnicking here. There also seems to be a wooden playground type thing for children, so bring your kids! read more

DISC GOLF! Challenging course, I hate loosing my discs in the water, but there are some awesome holes here. How about hole 2, where you have to thread the disc through a tree topped tunnel until it explodes off a hill into a big clearing. Or the challenge of number 4, over the water the whole way towards the pin which is surrounded on two sides by water. Some of the players down there are excellent, regularly scoring far below par, to my continuous amazement and admiration. So there's gay guys creeping around in the bushes on one end of the park--it's an urban park! That's character! I like the pristine Moraga Commons park too, with it's suburban feel--every blade of grass is perfectly cut and not a condom anywhere; elderly people play bocci ball into the night, haha. But I also like the character of Berkeley's Aquatic park. There are some spectacularly challenging holes that occasionally give you an incredible thrill when you nail your drive just right. One tip: bring some discs you don't mind loosing as the water is a major hazard on many of the holes. read more

What You Do Today Is Important Because You Are Exchanging A Day Of Your Life For It: There you are at this open play space next to the water with fresh ocean air being pulled into your lungs. My son is happy running around discovering new things. The habitat is made of natural wood that you simply do not see in parks today. The play area is well thought out from sophisticated architects rather than builders, offering kids a variety of play areas. Some I had never seen before such as crawl spaces inside the wooden play structures. There are also amazing tire swings and pulleys to hold onto as found in a ropes course. The trails around the park are amazing with incredible butterfly plants and Californian native species cultivated in such a way to peak parents and children's curiosity. Our three years young toddler had an excellent time. The only thing missing from this place is bungee jumping, but that is okay in my books for now. read more

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I've lived in Oakland for 8 years and just discovered this place...I need to get out more. What a wonderful playground for kids and a great grassy area to picnic on! read more

Disc golf here sucks. No signs. Lot's of people. Holes cross each other. and tee pads are sometime not marked. go somewhere else, unless you live here. then go here a lot and fix the place up. Otherwise the holes are technical and have lots of hazards. I lost three discs. read more

I always found this park a little skanky. Others have mentioned the clandestine sex. The dirty water, the view of 880. Yeah, they just don't make it a lovely place to picnic. But if you like Disc Golf, they have a course on the nicer (East) side of the lagoon. read more

Great Park!! Who goes to kids party after-hours anyway!

A hidden gem in the community, as well as a great resource for neighboring communities.

I come to aquatic park to disc golf. It's a long 18hole course.. Being right beside the lake the course has a lot of water hazards.. I myself have lost 4 discs in the lake over the past few weeks. Another draw back is the hiking/biking trail which divides the course in 1/2.. It's hard to keep a good rhythm going when you're always waiting for people to clear. Even with the drawbacks it's still a fun course to play. read more

This review is strictly from a disc golf player's standpoint. The tee boxes aren't clearly marked and there are walking paths everywhere which could lead to a lot of injured people unaware of their surroundings. I stopped playing after hole #2 due to some other park goers taking a nap less than ten feet from the basket. I didn't know it until I walked up for my next shot. I got dirty looks from one of them, picked up my disc and left. Worst course I've ever attempted to play. I would give it 0 stars but the app won't let me, and I only played two holes. Who knows, maybe the back 16 are the greatest ever but I doubt it. read more

When theirs hella traffic on I-80 I post up here has nice views. Cool chill spots to

oh my lord, I love this place! I can have my wife and young daughter playing on that awesome playground, have my 12 year old son play frisbee golf and i get to sneak on over to the other side and get a guy to do the things my wife is only midly interested in doing, if you know what I mean. (nudge nudge wink wink) And its all free. Dog bless amercia read more

It seems like Berkeley is trying to clean this area up, it does need more attention though. There weren't as many homeless there as before although there are still some signs of encampments, alot of trash. The playground looks nice but I'm not very comfortable leaving my car parked there for any length of time while walking. We decided to go to Ceasar Chavez Park, where there is more secure parking and take the 6 mile round trip loop from there, over the pedestrian bridge and around the Aquatic Park. We did enjoy the walk and it was nice to be able to stop at the Seabreeze Market & Deli along the trail. read more

I am a true fan of the Dreamland playground! Never has such a compact area provided so much elbow room and variety to a wide range of kids. The Waterside workshops are truly funky-empowering-radical places to use tools to work on your bike, use commercial grade sewing machines or learn something about wooden boat-building. I still mourn the loss of trees screening the freeway when 80 was widened. I walk the east side path often. I am aware of the swarms of men shaking the bushes. While I think they should be discouraged( maybe a license plate cam in the parking lot?) I don't feel that my 6 y.o. or I are in danger. What is frightening is the Berkeley Animal Shelter volunteer Pit bull walking program. We have seen 3 cases where the walker could not control the dog and serious injuries to dogs and humans resulted. As a walking route to Emeryville from Berkeley it needs enhancing from the end of the East side parking lot to the Emeryville train station. read more

Despite what every source says about Aquatic Park, there's nothing going on in the water. There is no boat rental. I was there today, I walked the entire length of the lagoon, a wonderful Friday afternoon in the summer ==== ZERO ==== watercraft. I found where there used to be boat/canoe/kayak rentals, and I found out Berkeley and California's massive anti-small business bureaucratic system destroyed their operation. The only optimism was "maybe" next year they could clear through the hurdles and red-tape, and for now they're more than happy to charge you to launch a kayak from their dock., you just have to already own one. I guess Berkeley doesn't want to admit it, and the residents don't seem to care, but literally nothing is going on at Aquatic Park now, every website and review that says otherwise is out of date. read more

This is a beautiful public park with a paved trail for users a nice little playground and 18 hole disc golf course and a few benches to stop and enjoy the views. Also nice man made pond for rowing and kayaking, pond also claims a lot of disc due to errant throws. I played this course twice while visiting friends both times early in the morning. Be warned you don't want to go in the bushes close to train tracks looking for a disc. The traffic of men going in and out of the bushes is more than just a little disturbing it's down right alarming. The parks department should cut some of the bushes back so it's not so inviting to men who like sex in public parks. At night "Dangerous" I'm sure you want to be no where near here, unless your a man looking for sex in a public park then I'd bet anything you'll score! read more

it's a crappy park for homophobes, but great for the rest of us!