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46 KIDS BAY AREA NEWS GROUP GRADE SCHOOLER Not that Rock City No,youwon'tseeany 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. Fordetails,call925-837-2525. 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-and- black 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. Art meets nature Art and nature intertwine at the Presidio National Park in San Francisco. Check out Wood Line, which runs parallel to the Lover's Lane trail. Wood Line is a work of art by Andy Goldsworthy, who also created Drawn Stone, a crack that starts in the roadway and ends at the entrance of the de Young Museum. Wood Line, made of eucalyptus trees that were removed for park projects, winds along the ground and is more than 1,200 feet long. If it's 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on a Sunday or 5-9 p.m. on a Thursday, take the kids to Off the Grid at the Presidio afterward for some top-notch street eats. A playground 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 award- winning 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. Out and about BY TOR HAUGAN ARIC CRABB