Black History Month for Kids and Families in the Bay Area

We want to celebrate Black History and Culture Month with our families of young children in the Bay Area. But remember, families can recognize, discuss, and celebrate Black history and joy all year long. Find events, storytimes, dance performances, as well as movies and books!

Special thanks to Children’s Fairyland for sponsoring this guide. Fairyland is celebrating Black joy, history, and culture with education, music, and stories for children all month. 

We’ll be adding new kid-friendly activities as we find them.

Looking for some new restaurants to try? Be sure to peruse our round-up of Black-owned restaurants in the East Bay.

Black History Month Activities & Events in the Bay Area

Fairyland Special Black History Month Celebrations

Children’s Fairyland is capturing the vibrant essence of Oakland’s Black history every weekend in February. Take in the immersive celebration with captivating displays in the plaza and electrifying performances on the Emerald City Stage, featuring local favorite Bonita the Bumblebee, author Tiffany Golden, and the Prescott Circus! See the full schedule of Black History Month events at Fairyland >

On February 17, the Fairyland party will be one that both kids and adults go crazy for. Legendary DJ Lance Rock of Yo Gabba Gabba will take the stage, Ajuan Mance will read her beautiful children’s book, and the Oakland Public Library will release its collection of 9 limited-edition Black History Month library cards at Fairyland.

More Black History Month Happenings for Families

Sunday, June 16, 2024

11:00 am - 7:00 pm: Berkeley Juneteenth Festival @ Ashby BART Station

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Oakland Roots Soccer Game - Juneteenth Celebration @ CSUEB Pioneer Stadium (Hayward)

32 Children’s Activities for Black History Month, Britt Hawthorne

Author of Raising Antiracist Children: A Practical Parenting Guide, Britt Hawthorne shares dozens of activities parents can initiate to help children experience Black History Month. Families with infants to teens will find inspiration from her thoughtful and age-appropriate activities. Britt’s Instagram page is also a lovely resource. See the full list >>

Black History Month Books to Read with Kids

Black Children’s Book Week (February 25 – March 2, 2024)

Black Children’s Book Week is a global celebration of Black children and the people who ensure Black children are represented in books and other children’s media. Learn more about the week and how to celebrate with your children, from joining a virtual event to purchasing books from a local Black bookstore (like The Multicultural Children’s Bookstore or Marcus Books).  See more >>

Oakland Public Library Black Joy Book List for Kids

If you’re seeking children’s books and media that celebrate African Americans, check out the Black Joy book list from the librarians at Oakland Public Library. See the recommendations here >>

Oakland Public Library Black Superhero Comic Book List for Kids

Celebrate Black representation in comics for children (and adults), from DC to Marvel and others. See the full list >>

Oakland Public Library Black Panther Syllabus

Teachers and students can explore the Oakland Library’s Black Panthers syllabus featuring books, films, audio, and lesson plans for grades K-12. Check it out here >>

Special thanks to Children’s Fairyland for sponsoring this guide. Fairyland is celebrating Black joy, history, and culture a little extra this month. 
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