Oakland, California offers many attractions for families with kids, including Fairyland, Chabot Space and Science Center, Oakland Museum of California, Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Huckleberry Regional Botanical Preserve, and Lake Merritt. These places offer educational and fun experiences for children.
Oakland, California sits against the backdrop of San Francisco Bay and shares much of the coast’s cool climate. If you’re visiting the area and wondering what there is to do in Oakland with kids, here’s a quick overview of the city’s attractions created especially for the little ones.
The first stop for anyone visiting Oakland with kids should be Fairyland, a 10-acre park filled with classic fairy tales brought to life. Designed 60 years ago and eschewing extreme racing and special effects, Fairyland is a great stop for those wishing to revisit tales of the past. From the pirate ship in Peter Pan to the maze in Alice in Wonderland, the park is a must-see for anyone visiting Oakland with kids.
Another great place for those visiting Oakland with kids is the Chabot Space and Science Center, which includes a planetarium, MegaDome Theater, a virtual space mission that kids can help plan and execute, and a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits who explore the world of underground caves, the odyssey of the moon and the solar system. An entirely different, yet still fun and educational experience for families visiting Oakland with children is the Oakland Museum of California, which features a large education department with hundreds of workshops, festivals, and hands-on activities open to children throughout the ‘year.
Those looking to enjoy the outdoors when visiting Oakland with kids can head to the Robert Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve just east of town. A must for nature lovers, the reserve allows for self-guided tours, stunning coastal views, and the chance to enjoy numerous stone labyrinths. For a more traditional outdoor experience, visit the Huckleberry Regional Botanical Preserve, where hiking, bird watching and exploring are encouraged.
In the summer, people visiting Oakland with children can enjoy Lake Merritt, where a myriad of birds have made the area their personal sanctuary. From the coast you can see a series of artificial islands, created especially for birds. Summer functions are often staged against the water, including concerts, outdoor attractions and flea markets.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN