On hot days, we try to find play indoors. Since Bay Play was nearby and appeared to have play our…read moredaughter enjoys, on a whim we stopped in. Completed waivers, selected her play time, and purchased my daughter's admission ticket ($24.94) along with a pair of grip Bay Play socks ($4.00) online. A chaperone ticket is required ($0), additional chaperones are $5 each. Adults either wear their own socks or shoe covers inside of play area. On a Monday at 4:30p there was only one other car parked. Inside there was one child at play. As the day went on a couple more children joined. The kids all played together as one, which was heart warming to see. The restrooms are located at the rear of the play space, at the end of the Ninja Warrior Jungle structure. There are two major play structures, one for bigger kids to climb, swing and play, the other for smaller kids to do the same with play tailored to their petite size. There are three jump spaces with two attached to what appears to be VR simulated devices. There are lots of arcade games for the kids to play, at an additional charge. Outside food is not permitted. Small snacks are allowed. There are two vending machines at the entrance of the play area - one drinks and the other snacks. There are four massage chairs for chaperones to exist in while the littles play. It accepts mobile pay and cards. One chaperone was enjoying herself during our time, eyes shut. There are 2-3 tables at the front of Bay Play with 4 additional tables at the rear closest to the restrooms. For $25, our daughter was able to play from the time of arrival to close (7p). This is definitely an option to consider for play dates or to pop in for something to do. It is located on the border of Emeryville and Oakland. Bay Play is embedded within a neighborhood. There is street parking directly in front of the location.

We needed somewhere for my kiddo and nephew to go on a rainy winter break day and luckily Bay Play…read morewas one of the few kid spots open on New Year's Day. Off the bat, I want to say this is one of the more affordable indoor playgrounds I've been to (some I've gone to will charge for adults?!) and there was no time limit (some places give you a time limit of how long you can play for) so that was a plus. They do require you to purchase their socks (can't be grippy socks from anywhere else) but even with the socks and day pass, I want to say it was only $35? The kids loved running around the swing ropes, the indoor playground with slide, and the big bouncy thingy under the bouldering wall. My only concern about the bouncy thingy by the bouldering wall is there aren't any safety rails or things around it and I can't tell if it's safer with or without it but I definitely needed to stay close by in case he bounced off the entire cushion thingy. If you have highly sensitive little ones or neurodivergent kiddos, this place may be a tad overstimulating with the arcade right smack dab in the middle. Like other reviewers had mentioned, it would be nice if the arcade was slightly away from the physical play so that kids aren't distracted/overstimulated by the arcade screens. We did eventually end our outing at the arcades (spent another $40 on the game card...sigh) but luckily we won a big jackpot from one of the games to make it all worth it! Of note, you can't really wear your shoes in the bathroom which is kinda gross so bear that in mind. All in all, definitely one of the better indoor playgrounds in the Bay Area!

The coaches are nice so it's easier to follow their directions.And the camps there are really good…read morebecause there's a nice schedule.- this is the opinion of my kiddo based on aerial classes and camps.

Customer service 5/5 Environment 5/5…read moreQuality of teachers 5/5 I have been going to Kinetics Art Center for over a month now and it has exceeded my expectations overall. The adult drop in class packages work best for me and I've been consistently attending Sam (primarily silks and lyra) and Megan's (trapeze) classes. I called the front desk to make my initial purchase because there were so many options, I couldn't decide what I wanted based on my schedule. Fortunately, Janelle (front desk) was very patient and helpful, and I ended up getting the 10 class pack. When I got there, it was a bit intimidating because I was more used to smaller studios, but everyone here was so nice. Janell also made sure to check on me to see if I was doing ok when I took my first class. The other students and teachers were very welcoming and supportive to check out other classes, which is how I ended up with taking two classes back to back at-least once a week instead of just one class. In regards to the teachers, "great" would be such an understatement. I love Sam's class because even though it's primarily silks, they'll put one other apparatus (hoop mainly, and recently flying pole!) for us to try out-so it's more than just one apparatus in this one class. I also really like that they'll give us challenging *enough* moves because it's so satisfying to execute steps after struggling so much for it. I also love Megan's trapeze class because she's very flexible with our experiences. This pace is great for me because I don't have alot of experience with trapeze and the ropes on it feel so different from silks! Nikki and Zi have substituted for their classes and they're both amazing as well. I'd highly recommend taking classes here. It's a fun and challenging workout compared to a regular gym...I also love that it's spacious too!

I have two daughters who have many treasured memories from taking gymnastics, aerial arts, dance,…read moreand musical theater at Kids N Dance since they were little. They both developed innumerable skills and grew emotionally in countless ways under the supportive guidance and encouragement from all of the staff there, and especially from the owners. One of my daughters joined the Cirque Masquerade troupe (Expression Arts) in 2023, when she was 16. As in previous years, she has only positive things to say about Esme, Kris, and Marielle during her time in Cirque Masquerade. Like everywhere else in life, we have found at Kids N Dance that while things may not always be perfect, the staff there are all highly skilled at what they do, are compassionate and sincere, and very open to communication. As in other situations in life, rather than avoiding communication, it is always better to reach out with an open mind towards understanding the other's perspective instead of lashing out with negative reviews. Esme is brilliant, caring, and highly skilled, and like all of us, also human and not yet perfect. In our experience, it should be and is possible for mature adults to hold concerns about a perceived problem, and at the same time still recognize and show appreciation for the incredibly hard work that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have all done in order for our kids to be able to put on these magnificent shows. And let us remind ourselves that in situations where we demand curiosity from others, we should hold ourselves to the same standard and demonstrate the same curiosity towards them.

It is unfortunate that I must write this review, but we do so for the benefit of future families…read morethat may be considering Kids n Dance or Expression Arts as an outlet for their children. A little about our experience. Our daughter has taken many classes at Kids n Dance (owned and managed by the same persons who own and manage Expression Arts). As she grew older and developed a passion and skill for circus, she joined Expression Arts and was part of their circus troupe for 3 seasons. For a time, circus was a haven for our child. She built a community with the peer troupers and truly enjoyed the challenge and art of circus. Over the past two seasons, we have increasingly heard of concerns by our daughter about the environment at Expression Arts. While we were receptive to her concerns, we initially tried to ask our daughter to trust the program, embrace the challenges as opportunities to learn, and to believe in the positive intent of Esme, Kris, and Marielle. But over the past season the concerns and experiences have escalated. Numerous troupe members have come forward to raise awareness of troubling experiences endured over the course of years. Some of the concerns raised by troupe members and our daughter directly: Unsafe Physical Environment-Troupe members raised concerns of inadequate warm-up, inadequate breaks, extended time upside-down, and a persistent culture of pushing through pain and injury. During the lead up to performances, the children are often at practice for 6+ hours. Practice increases in frequency until the final few weeks preceding shows, where practice is nearly every day. During the two weeks of performances, troupers were initially asked to do 1 show on Friday, 2 shows on Saturday, and 3 shows on Sunday. Each show is ~2.25 hours. It was only after there were serious concerns raised in a parent conference with Kris and Marielle, that the 3rd performance on Sunday was cancelled. The standards, rigorous schedule, and high-risk performance are a dangerous recipe for the safety of the troupe members. Emotional Manipulation and Inappropriate Behavior- Esme often drifts between friend and coach with the troupe members. This relationship is confusing for the troupe members, with Esme using this bond to instill her values on the children and also playing favorites. Multiple troupe members have noted that Esme can be erratic in her behavior, switching between positive behavior and disparaging and belittling language. In one incident, Esme told our daughter that she must have "ADD" after our daughter offered to help with transitions. In another incident, Esme commented on the body figure of a trouper. And in another incident, she told a group of troupe members that their act was "stupid". In isolation these incidents may be explainable (and Kris and Marielle have attempted to rationalize all of the incidents), but what can't be explained or rationalized is how widespread and consistent the experiences are amongst the troupe members. After a senior troupe member sent a note to the troupe parents about her own traumatic experiences with Expression Arts, numerous troupe members came forward and shared consistent and repeated experiences. What is most concerning about our experience with Expression Arts is not the negligence of Esme, Kris, and Marielle, it is the complete lack of accountability and curiosity to do something about the numerous concerns raised by the troupe members and families. It is our belief that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have the best of intent. We believe they want to provide a safe place for children and to cultivate a thriving community built around circus. We also believe they are wholly incompetent and untrained in how to create this place. The incompetence can be addressed, there are programs like SafeSport which, coupled with Esme's passion for the art, could transform the space. But Esme, Kris, and Marielle first need to face the root of the issue and take the concerns seriously. After the senior troupe member raised concerns about her own experiences, she was abruptly removed from the troupe and essentially called a liar. The parents of the troupe then demanded a conference with Esme, Kris, and Marielle. Esme did not attend, but Kris and Marielle spent the bulk of 90 minutes deflecting and taking no ownership or corrective measures. Despite her initial love and passion for circus arts, our daughter has decided to close this chapter of her life and move on. Despite everything we note above, our sincerest hope is that Expression Arts and Kids n Dance thrives and can be a safe place for our youth to grow and express themselves. For this to happen, two things are needed: 1) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to be curious, vulnerable, and accountable for the harm they are causing to the children. No more deflection. 2) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to pursue the ongoing training to equip themselves to appropriately and safely engage with children and young adults.

I have two daughters who have many treasured memories from taking gymnastics, aerial arts, dance,…read moreand musical theater at Kids N Dance since they were little. They both developed innumerable skills and grew emotionally in countless ways under the supportive guidance and encouragement from all of the staff there, and especially from the owners. One of my daughters joined the Cirque Masquerade troupe (Expression Arts) in 2023, when she was 16. As in previous years, she has only positive things to say about Esme, Kris, and Marielle during her time in Cirque Masquerade. Like everywhere else in life, we have found at Kids N Dance that while things may not always be perfect, the staff there are all highly skilled at what they do, are compassionate and sincere, and very open to communication. As in other situations in life, rather than avoiding communication, it is always better to reach out with an open mind towards understanding the other's perspective instead of lashing out with negative reviews. Esme is brilliant, caring, and highly skilled, and like all of us, also human and not yet perfect. In our experience, it should be and is possible for mature adults to hold concerns about a perceived problem, and at the same time still recognize and show appreciation for the incredibly hard work that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have all done in order for our kids to be able to put on these magnificent shows. And let us remind ourselves that in situations where we demand curiosity from others, we should hold ourselves to the same standard and demonstrate the same curiosity towards them.

It is unfortunate that I must write this review, but we do so for the benefit of future families…read morethat may be considering Kids n Dance or Expression Arts as an outlet for their children. A little about our experience. Our daughter has taken many classes at Kids n Dance (owned and managed by the same persons who own and manage Expression Arts). As she grew older and developed a passion and skill for circus, she joined Expression Arts and was part of their circus troupe for 3 seasons. For a time, circus was a haven for our child. She built a community with the peer troupers and truly enjoyed the challenge and art of circus. Over the past two seasons, we have increasingly heard of concerns by our daughter about the environment at Expression Arts. While we were receptive to her concerns, we initially tried to ask our daughter to trust the program, embrace the challenges as opportunities to learn, and to believe in the positive intent of Esme, Kris, and Marielle. But over the past season the concerns and experiences have escalated. Numerous troupe members have come forward to raise awareness of troubling experiences endured over the course of years. Some of the concerns raised by troupe members and our daughter directly: Unsafe Physical Environment-Troupe members raised concerns of inadequate warm-up, inadequate breaks, extended time upside-down, and a persistent culture of pushing through pain and injury. During the lead up to performances, the children are often at practice for 6+ hours. Practice increases in frequency until the final few weeks preceding shows, where practice is nearly every day. During the two weeks of performances, troupers were initially asked to do 1 show on Friday, 2 shows on Saturday, and 3 shows on Sunday. Each show is ~2.25 hours. It was only after there were serious concerns raised in a parent conference with Kris and Marielle, that the 3rd performance on Sunday was cancelled. The standards, rigorous schedule, and high-risk performance are a dangerous recipe for the safety of the troupe members. Emotional Manipulation and Inappropriate Behavior- Esme often drifts between friend and coach with the troupe members. This relationship is confusing for the troupe members, with Esme using this bond to instill her values on the children and also playing favorites. Multiple troupe members have noted that Esme can be erratic in her behavior, switching between positive behavior and disparaging and belittling language. In one incident, Esme told our daughter that she must have "ADD" after our daughter offered to help with transitions. In another incident, Esme commented on the body figure of a trouper. And in another incident, she told a group of troupe members that their act was "stupid". In isolation these incidents may be explainable (and Kris and Marielle have attempted to rationalize all of the incidents), but what can't be explained or rationalized is how widespread and consistent the experiences are amongst the troupe members. After a senior troupe member sent a note to the troupe parents about her own traumatic experiences with Expression Arts, numerous troupe members came forward and shared consistent and repeated experiences. What is most concerning about our experience with Expression Arts is not the negligence of Esme, Kris, and Marielle, it is the complete lack of accountability and curiosity to do something about the numerous concerns raised by the troupe members and families. It is our belief that Esme, Kris, and Marielle have the best of intent. We believe they want to provide a safe place for children and to cultivate a thriving community built around circus. We also believe they are wholly incompetent and untrained in how to create this place. The incompetence can be addressed, there are programs like SafeSport which, coupled with Esme's passion for the art, could transform the space. But Esme, Kris, and Marielle first need to face the root of the issue and take the concerns seriously. After the senior troupe member raised concerns about her own experiences, she was abruptly removed from the troupe and essentially called a liar. The parents of the troupe then demanded a conference with Esme, Kris, and Marielle. Esme did not attend, but Kris and Marielle spent the bulk of 90 minutes deflecting and taking no ownership or corrective measures. Despite her initial love and passion for circus arts, our daughter has decided to close this chapter of her life and move on. Despite everything we note above, our sincerest hope is that Expression Arts and Kids n Dance thrives and can be a safe place for our youth to grow and express themselves. For this to happen, two things are needed: 1) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to be curious, vulnerable, and accountable for the harm they are causing to the children. No more deflection. 2) Esme, Kris, and Marielle need to pursue the ongoing training to equip themselves to appropriately and safely engage with children and young adults.

Erica taught my daughter Milena for about 2 years on and off and it was a great experience. I hope…read moreto get them back together at some point.

I have a wonderful and high energy 6 year old son. He started asking for violin lessons at age 2;…read morewe waited until he turned 6. When I first called Alameda String Academy, I was greeted by Erica and she was very understanding about my son's passion and my concern about whether my son could focus enough to make headway. Erica is so professional and aware of her program that I felt confident that we found our match. Erica convinced me that Sarah Wood would be a perfect match for our son. She was absolutely correct. Sarah works so well with our high energy son and I am constantly impressed with his progression. He is learning the violin, he is learning tempo, he is tuning his ear, he is learning the value of paying attention, he is learning the value of concentrating, he is learning the value of sticking with something and seeing the rewards. This is all possible due to ASA's committment to doing the best for my child! As the parent, I am exceedingly impressed with ASA's administrative availability. Erica and ASA are able to keep everything very personal, there is always an individual feel, even with the administrative requirements.

I've been going to Merritt Ceramics since 2019. I have worked in multiple shared-space ceramic…read morestudios over the years, and Merritt is hands-down the cleanest and most well-organized one I have found. ​The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and knowledgeable. I've taken everything at the studio from multi-week wheel throwing courses and one-on-one tutoring to special workshops with world-renowned artists, and I have been impressed with all of them. I am now a 'Daisy' member, which allows me to drop in and work anytime the studio is open. I have learned that I really enjoy sculpting animals. I love working here surrounded by other people who are just as deep into clay as I am. The space is well-equipped with supplies and tools, and the kiln turnaround time is fast. Come join us!

Great creative community, well established studio, very inclusive. Instructors are solid!read more

Awesome place for our learning and development program for our children ! I'm so glad that this…read moreplace exists

Whhhhaaaatttt? 3 stars on Yelp for this AMAZING campus??? Have you SEEN inside it? Take a tour! Art…read morestudio, library and lounge, high tech center, basketball court with full gym bathrooms with showers, kitchen and cafeteria, teen business center, games, pool! C'mon! After school program, annual Rock Around the Block Festival, Galas and Dinners and Auctions for fundraising, super fun year-round events. Clean. Friendly, welcoming staff. Diversity is welcomed and accepted and celebrated. Staff and student body are diverse. Special needs welcome! Highly recommend. 5 stars

Harbor Bay Club is not low priced, but it is worth every penny. It looks like a country club. It…read morehas a huge outdoor pool with 6 lap lanes, tennis courts and pickle ball courts. There is an outdoor hot tub. In the women and in the men's locker rooms there is another hot tub, sauna and steam bath. The locker room is constantly being cleaned, by the hard working staff. There are hair dryers and plastic bags to put your cosmetics in. I use the elliptical machine every time. The room with elliptical machines, stair climbing machine and tread mills looks out over a grassy field , the pool and then the estuary. The club was open during the pandemic because the club designed a way to have air circulating throughout. There are tropical plants inside the club. I like to do Pilates and yoga and there are always rooms available. There are many classes here, Pilates, reformer, yoga etc. There are a lot of rules for this club, which I find refreshing. You will not see anyone filming themselves for TikTok here. That is not allowed. The people are friendly and extremely polite and considerate. The young people at the front desk are always helpful and friendly. It is a very positive Alameda vibe.

"I strongly advise against joining this club. My experience over the last ten days has been nothing…read morebut frustrating. The environment is extremely toxic, filled with arrogant and rude individuals who lack basic manners. The staff here is just as unprofessional and unhelpful. It is not a place for decent people; the atmosphere is mentally draining, and the quality of people frequenting this club is highly questionable. Save your time, money, and mental peace--this place is not worth it."