We visited Bay Play—3,000 square feet of indoor playground, arcade games, a ninja warrior course, bounce house, and climbing walls in West Oakland—on one of the rainiest Saturdays of the year, and I can confirm it’s already a hit with local families. Thirty minutes after opening, it had a line out the door—clearly, we weren’t the only ones looking for indoor fun.
All About West Oakland’s Bay Play
We play-tested Bay Play with a two-year-old and on a separate visit twin toddlers and a six-year-old.
The Bay Play grippy socks are required, so if it’s your first time there, be prepared to buy some at check-in (but you can keep them for future visits).
Parent tip: Complete the waiver before you arrive to speed up the check-in process.
Bay Play is a massive space with something for everyone, especially if you’re hosting a party or just need to burn off some kid energy. Much of the space is dedicated to arcade games—more than I expected—with games like air hockey, skeeball, and whack-a-mole, complete with a prize wall and counter. My two-year-old loved the flashy lights and hopping from one game to the next, though we mostly stuck to the play areas. The six-year-old was begging for playtime on these games. All those flashing lights make it sooooo irresistible, parents should probably be prepared for the additional cost or constant complaining.
Parent tip: Be prepared to deal with the allure of the arcade. Make agreements before you enter.
The tree-themed jungle gym geared toward ages 0-8 featured obstacle courses and slides, and kept my toddler occupied most of the time. There’s a free climbing bouldering wall with a soft landing pad that he used like a trampoline a few times. The six-year-old loved this giant playground area while the twin toddlers felt overwhelmed and a little bit jostled. Your experience will vary a lot based on the crowds during your visit.
Find another indoor play space for East Bay kids >>
The most impressive features of Bay Play are the rock walls–harnessed rock climbing for older kids that looked like serious fun. None of our children felt comfortable trying these stunning climbers.
The layout is thoughtful, with plenty of picnic tables throughout for parents to hang out. There are two bathrooms, two vending machines, and even a couple of massage chairs.
Parent tip: the upstairs area is available for parties, and we spotted a couple of pizza parties in full swing while we were there. The whole vibe makes it feel like a birthday party dream location—tons of space and lots to do.
Overall, I’ve heard this place is best for older kids who can really take advantage of the arcade and climbing walls, but my two-year-old had a blast in the areas suited for his age. It’s definitely worth checking out, especially on a rainy day when everyone is bouncing off the walls at home.
We’ll be back—with socks packed! If you’re looking for a fun, active outing (or a birthday party venue), Bay Play is a solid choice.
Plan your Visit to Bay Play, Oakland
Location: 3275 Ettie St. Oakland
Find plenty of parking in the unmarked lot behind the building. Street parking is more challenging.
Tickets: The Day Pass (ages 4+) is $24.95 and Toddler Pass (3 & under) is $19.95. Adults/Chaperones are free. Free entry with the purchase of a $100 arcade card.
Hours: Expanding as of this writing. Check the schedule on the website.
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