Tips for Traveling with Kids in Oakland, California, United States

1. Children's Fairyland

A storybook theme park with over 50 rides and attractions, including puppet shows and live performances.

Storybook Setting: Ideal for immersing kids in classic fairy tales.
Live Performances: Offers shows that entertain and educate young audiences.
Interactive Activities: Children can interact with familiar fairy tale characters.

Home to over 700 native and exotic animals, including a children's petting zoo and a gondola ride for panoramic views.

Diverse Animal Populations: Provides unique encounters with various species.
Kid-friendly Activities: Offers educational programs and activities for children.
Stunning Views: Enjoy beautiful vistas of the Oakland hills and San Francisco Bay.

Ice skating rink with public skate sessions, figure skating lessons, and hockey programs.

Water-themed play area with fountains, slides, and sprinklers during the summer months.

Water Fun: A refreshing escape from the heat on hot summer days.
Interactive Play Equipment: Engaging and fun for kids of all ages.
Nearby Picnic Areas: Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy before or after playtime.

Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, workshops, and educational programs.

Engaging Exhibits: Encourages curiosity and learning about various scientific concepts.
Workshops and Programs: Offers age-appropriate activities for kids of all ages.
Location: Conveniently located at the Oakland Airport, making it a great stop before or after travel.

Waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and outdoor events throughout the year.

Outdoor Events: Offers family-friendly festivals and concerts.
Restaurants with Kids' Menus: Variety of dining options that cater to kids.
Waterfront Views: Enjoy the scenic views of the San Francisco Bay and nearby ships.

Museum showcasing California's history, art, and natural environment.

California Focus: Provides an in-depth look at the state's rich cultural heritage.
Family Programs: Offers interactive activities and exhibits for kids.
Outdoor Space: Enjoy the beautiful California Garden, which includes a children's garden.

Nature preserve with hiking trails, picnic areas, and redwood groves.

Hiking Trails for All Ages: Offers easy and challenging trails suitable for different ages and skill levels.
Redwood Groves: Experience the majesty of California's iconic redwood trees.
Picnic Areas: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Interactive baseball museum with games, exhibits, and autograph sessions.

Baseball Fun: A great place to learn about the history of the Oakland A's.
Interactive Games: Offers fun and engaging activities for kids.
Autograph Sessions: Opportunities to meet A's players and get their autographs.

Interactive escape room experience with different themed rooms for various age groups.

Escape Rooms: A fun and challenging team-building activity.
Themed Rooms: Different rooms cater to various interests, such as spy or pirate themes.
Age Groups: Offers age-appropriate escape room experiences for kids and families.

Hands-on art and technology museum with interactive exhibits focused on creativity.

Art and Technology Focus: Provides unique opportunities to explore both art and technology.
Interactive Exhibits: Engages children in creative problem-solving activities.
Special Events: Offers family-friendly workshops and events throughout the year.

Science museum with a focus on astronomy and space exploration.

Space Focus: Offers an in-depth look at the universe and space exploration.
Planetarium Shows: Enjoy immersive, educational shows about the night sky.
Observatory Tours: Opportunities to view the stars and planets through large telescopes.

Outdoor dining and shopping destination with a variety of restaurants and shops.

Diverse Restaurants: Offers a range of cuisines, from vegan to carnivore options.
Unique Shops: Features independent and locally-owned businesses.
Outdoor Seating: Enjoy dining in a beautiful, urban setting.

Recreational area with boating, fishing, hiking trails, and picnic areas.

Boating and Fishing: Enjoy a day on the water or cast a line for fish.
Hiking Trails: Offers scenic trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Picnic Areas: Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Outdoor pool with swimming lessons, aqua aerobics classes, and lap swim sessions.

Swimming Lessons: Ideal for teaching kids how to swim or improving their skills.
Aqua Aerobics Classes: Offers fun and energetic workouts for all ages.
Lap Swim Sessions: Opportunities for families to swim laps together.