25 Things to Do With Kids in Alameda

Thanks to the folks at the Downtown Alameda Business Association for helping us put together this super fun list of things to do with kids in Alameda. Here are 25 terrific things to do with kids in Alameda

Where to Play with Kids in Downtown Alameda

Downtown Alameda is centrally located in the Bay Area and a great hangout spot for families. From restaurants and ice cream spots to gift stores and family entertainment centers, there’s something for everyone in Downtown Alameda’s Historic Park Street District.

1. The historic Alameda Theatre hosts first-run films, kids’ deals, and special events. Tuesday is discount day. 2317 Central Avenue at Park Street Website >
2. Swings and Wings sensory-based playspace has equipment and toys curated to encourage skill development through play. 2307 Blanding Avenue Suite E
3. Find new treasures at Toy Safari (the Island’s best toy store with new and used!) or Mommy’s Trading Post (our favorite resale shop). Toy Safari: 1410 Park Street | Mommy’s Trading Post: 1428 Park Street
4. Tiptoe into Tutu School, a boutique-style ballet school for young dancers with classes, camps, and birthday parties available beginning at 18 months. They believe twirling should be a fundamental to childhood. 1419 Park Street Suite F
5. SubPar Miniature Golf. This custom-built mini golf arena is a love letter to Alameda with 19 landmark such as Park Street Bridge, U.S.S. Hornet, and Lake Merritt. Reservations are strongly suggested. 1600 Park Street

6. High Scores Arcade is an interactive museum of fully playable classic games. 1414 Park Street
7. Twirl hosts makery sessions and playtime during weekend hours, camp, parties, and Parents Night Out childcare. 1424 Park Street
8. Books, Inc. has an extensive children’s section with frequent author presentations and events. 1344 Park Street
9. Rocket Reuse has an amazing and ever-changing collection of used kids’ books including a FREE basket. 1355 Park Street

Tasty Places to Eat with Kids in Downtown Alameda

Where to Play & Explore with Kids Beyond Downtown Alameda

10. The Farmers’ Market on Tuesday and Saturday on Webster & Haight [Schedule] is a great one. Grab a Donut Petit treat afterward.
11. Pacific Pinball Museum invites you to try your hand at 100 playable pinball machines with one low admission. 1510 Webster Street
12. Crab Cove Visitor Center. Check out the Bay creatures in the 800-­gallon aquarium system and play at the spacious playground of Washington Park before or after.
13. Cool classes. The City of Alameda offers many classes & camps through the Recreation and Park Department including free tot classes called Wee Play.
14. More cool classes. Find enrichment classes at Village Kids’ Club, swim lessons at Aquatech, music lessons at Ozzy’s Music Academy, and crafting sessions at Michaels.
15. South Shore Center has a colorful play structure, a Color Me Mine pottery painting studio, and active toddler classes at The Busy Bee Activity Center. Nearby is the modern bowling alley, Bowlero Alameda.
16. Corica Park is a 3 par 9-hole course & driving range. For kids enrolled in Youth on Course, games are only $1 or free. One Clubhouse Memorial Road, Alameda
17. Grab a racket. Public tennis courts can be found at three Alameda parks and pickleball is popular at Lincoln Park.

[Look for kid-friendly brewery & brew pub experiences in Alameda]

18. Test drive your newest trike or bike on the many walking paths along the bay or lagoons on Bay Farm Island. Bike your way along the path on Shore Line Drive. Find kid-friendly cycling routes here >
19. Look for little fairy doors. There are doors and tiny villages hidden in plain sight for children to seek.
20. Crown Beach offers a massive expanse of shallow water and great views. Older kids might try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP!). Robert Crown Memorial State Beach, Otis and Westline Drives, Alameda
21. Malaya Tea Room is a lush garden oasis in a small storefront. They serve up Malaysian and English high tea that can be scaled down easily for small appetites. 920 Central Ave, Alameda
22. Sweeney Open Space is a wide open play area with paths and room to run or scooter. 1925 Sherman Street, Alameda
23. Littlejohn Park is a smaller playground with inclusive play features 1401 Pacific Avenue, Alameda
24. The USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier that served in World War II and Apollo recovery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with special overnight adventures available.
25. The Antiques Faire/Flea Market at Alameda Point on the first Sunday of each month is gigantic! Collectibles are 20+ years old, including furniture, clothes, sporting equipment, Matchbox cars, apparel, dolls, and vintage toys. (This is more fun as a baby-wearing outing and less fun as a bored-5-year-old-pulling-your-arm outing.) 3900 Main Street, Alameda

Annual Events Kids Love in Alameda

• Sandcastles. Early June boasts the Sand Castle & Sculpture Contest at Crown Beach.
• The Fourth of July Parade in Alameda is the longest in the nation with 140+ entries of horses, musicians, and decorative floats. Kicks of 7/4 at 10 am from Park Street & Lincoln Avenue.
• Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire includes a kid zone, continuous music, puppet shows, and bungee jumping along with the art and wine. 7/27-28 from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Downtown Winter Market & Hot Cocoa Stroll. After holiday shopping from local shops and artisans, Santa leads a stroll to sweet locations throughout the downtown and businesses provide a warm welcome and treats on 12/7.
• Christmas Decorations to delight. Save one December night to stroll down Alameda’s legendary Christmas Tree Lane and enjoy the community vibe.

7 Upcoming Events for Alameda Kids

Saturday, April 20, 2024

12:00 PM: Alameda's Spring Shindig @ Alameda Point Multi-Purpose Field
1:15 PM: Bohème Out of the Box @ Radium Runway, Alameda Point
1:30 PM: Family Nature Fun Hour: Going Green @ Crab Cove Visitor Center
3:00 PM: Fish Feeding Viewing @ Crab Cove Visitor Center

Sunday, April 21, 2024

12:00 PM: Earth Day Color & Pot @ Alameda Landing
1:15 PM: Bohème Out of the Box @ Radium Runway, Alameda Point
1:30 PM: Family Nature Fun Hour: Going Green @ Crab Cove Visitor Center

Thanks again for all these great ideas for things to do with kids in Downtown Alameda, and beyond! See you around the island.