Out and about

BY TOR HAUGAN

Not-so-single ladies

Here’s a fun fact: Many entomologists prefer the term ladybird beetles (or lady beetles) over ladybugs, since the insects aren’t true bugs. But they are, apparently, true ladies To see the red-andblack beauties up close, take a low-key hike in Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland hills in winter, when the area is teeming with the bugs — er, insects. The little guys have been spotted on the Stream Trail between Prince Road and Tres Sendas, and on the French Trail between Tres Sendas and West Ridge Trail.

Not that Rock City

No, you won’t see any abandoned automotive plants or aging rock stars made up as cats or starmen in this Rock City What you will see is stunning rock formations hewn from the elements over the course of many years Young ones will have a blast as they turn into tiny explorers at this spot, located in Mt. Diablo State Park. Visitors can get to Rock City by hiking from the park’s south entrance and following the Summit Trail. Rock City is just a short walk past the Live Oak camping area.

For details, call 925-837-2525

Aplayground for everyone

Kids of all abilities play alongside one another at Matteo’s Dream. The playground, at Concord’s Hillcrest Park, was funded and built largely by volunteers, who helped turn the dream of Concord resident Liz Lamach, who spearheaded the project, and her son into reality Lamach’s son, who uses a wheelchair and is blind, is the park’s namesake.

The playground, fun and accessible for all children, is at 2050 Olivera Road.

Petit artiste

At this stage, your little one’s artistic creations might be more in line with the style of Jackson Pollock than that of Vincent van Gogh. Whether you have an abstract artist or an impressionist on your hands, check out the East Bay’s awardwinning Richmond Art Center, where kids from preschool age on up can explore their inner artist and express themselves in a variety of creative ways.

Richmond Art Center is at 2540 Barrett Ave For details, including information about classes, call 510-620-6772.