Alameda
There are tons of things to do on the island of Alameda with kids. We’ve rounded up the best playgrounds, parks, beaches (all free!) plus tons of other activities for families in Alameda.
Best Kid-Friendly Alameda Places
Upcoming Events for Alameda Kids & Families
Saturday, March 14, 2026
12:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Storytelling & Drumming Festival @ Mastick Senior Center, AlamedaSunday, March 15, 2026
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm: Family Storytime @ Main | Alameda Free Library, Alameda3:00 pm – 3:30 pm: Fish Feeding Viewing @ Crab Cove Visitor Center, Alameda
Monday, March 16, 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Pop-N-Play @ Ruby’s Tumbling, Alameda10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building, Alameda
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Wee Play: Drop-In Playtime @ Alameda Veterans Memorial Building, AlamedaMore Family-Friendly Alameda Stuff to Know
Whimsy Willow: Fab Play Space & Garden in Alameda
Whimsy Willow in Alameda is an art studio and play garden with plenty of space to run around and be creative in big and small ...
Gymnastics Classes for East Bay Kids
Lots of local facilities host gymnastics classes for kids of all ages from toddlers through teens.
Best Prenatal Massage in the East Bay
Looking for a massage therapist focused on prenatal massage in Oakland, Berkeley, or the East Bay? Here are 7 best prenatal massage options near you.
Youth Soccer in the East Bay: A Parent’s Guide
Where, how, and when to sign kids up for soccer programs that match their developmental level.
Reserve Your Tee Time: SubPar Mini Golf in Alameda
Beyond the charming indoor putt-putt, kids will go wild for the video games & laser obstacles Luckily, there’s also a full bar with adult beverages.
Date Night: 21 East Bay Parents’ Night Out (PNO)
PNO is a drop-off kid party hosted in which children eat pizza, have dessert, and play with other kids of a similar age until way ...
Taking the San Francisco Bay Ferry With Kids
Riding the San Francisco Bay Ferry from Jack London Square is a fun activity to do with kids -- even if your destination is just ...
Where to Mail Your Letters to Santa
Here's how to send your children's letters to Santa Claus, some with special mailboxes to the North Pole and some ways even easier!
Lucky Strike: Family Bowling in Alameda
Bowlero, a modern bowling alley in Alameda, caters to families by offering bumper bowling, bowling ramps, an arcade, and kid-friendly food options.
Drop-in Art Studios for Families
I love art studios stocked with supplies where I can let my kids get messy without worrying about cleaning up afterward. These drop-in studios fit ...
Lighted Yachts & Boats on Parade for the Holidays
Add these lighted yacht parades to your holiday bucket list. Twinkling boats pass by in a floating Christmas light spectacular.
Best Bay Area Christmas Events for Families
Your Christmas planner of family-friendly Bay Area Christmas event picks for toddlers to teens.
Christmas Tree Lightings in the East Bay & San Francisco
This list of Christmas tree lightings provides festive options for families in the East Bay and beyond.
Best Christmas Lights in the East Bay
We love holiday lights! Whether you stay in the car and do a "drive-by" or get out to stroll, East Bay Christmas light displays are ...
Where to Get Photos with Santa Claus in the East Bay
Where to get your Santa photos in the East Bay, Oakland, Alameda, or Berkeley and our nearby vicinity all month long.
Best East Bay Holiday Lights: Alameda’s Christmas Tree Lane
The best holiday lights in the East Bay are on Christmas Tree Lane in Alameda where the neighbors create a magical holiday experience.
50 Things to Do With Bay Area Kids When School Is Out
Wondering what to do when school is out? Take one of these 50 fantastic Bay Area ideas and build your day around it.
Book Now: Christmas Tea in the Bay Area For Families
Christmas Tea makes a lovely -- often expensive -- holiday tradition for families. We break it down from near to far.
Indoor Fun: 10+ Things to Do on Rainy Days in the East Bay
On a rainy day, here are some great indoor fun East Bay destinations to make your kids happy and run off those ya-yas!
Where to Take Kids Ice Skating in the Bay Area
During the winter season temporary ice skating rinks are set up throughout the Bay Area, making ice skating more accessible than ever.
Ticket Alert: Bay Area Nutcrackers & Other Holiday Performances
Want to see the Nutcracker in Oakland? Here are some lovely holiday performances to choose from including larger- and small-scale theaters.
10+ All-Abilities Playgrounds and Play Spaces Near Oakland
Inclusive playgrounds are designed with innovative features to welcome children of all ages and capabilities. These are within an hour of Oakland.
10 Trunk-or-Treat Events in the East Bay
Trunk or treat events, where kiddos can dress up in their costumes and go tailgating for candy from decorated car trunks, are back.
Go Full Tilt at Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda
On a school break with school-aged kids? Buy admission to this retro amusement hall for a pinball entertainment. It's open Tuesday through Sunday.
Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month for Kids & Families
Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. We found a variety of ways to celebrate with kids in the East Bay.
Spotlight on Wee Play in Alameda
Wee Play is an activity oriented play center put on by the Alameda Parks Department in the Veteran’s Building three days a week.
Checklist: 10 Things to do before you’re 10 in the East Bay
Presenting a fun East Bay bucket list for little kids, a challenge to all you cool Bay Area parents. Have you taken your kid to ...
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding in the East Bay (SUP)
Being in the water on your own floating device is an ideal socially distanced activity. Here are places where you can get your family out ...
Where Do You Take Guests From Out-of-Town?
To show off the East Bay to your friends from back home, where do you go? We've got culture, stunning views, the Bay, and redwoods!
Late Summer Brainstorm: 25 Things to Do that Cost Less Than $10
Summer bucket list of family fun outings that cost less than 10 bucks for one adult and one child
10 Mostly Free & Cheap Outings for Mixed Ages in the East Bay
With kids age two to nine, it is hard to find something for everyone. Here are ten terrific East Bay places that we all love.
9 Playground Ziplines for Bay Area Kids
Our favorite nearby ziplines in the East Bay are in Berkeley and Alameda, but we found a dozen more for adventurous kids to try.
Park Profile: Colorful Krusi Park in Alameda
Krusi Park in Alameda is a super fun playground to bring both toddlers and school aged kids alike. My four kids asked to go two ...
Speer Family Farm Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch
Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch with many carnival amusements for families: hay bales, petting zoo, bouncy things!
Cheap Summer Movies in Alameda
For $10 per person, you can go to every movie in the Kids Movie Series this summer hosted by The Alameda Theatre & Cineplex on ...
Event Alert: Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire
July 26-27, you'll want to be in Downtown Alameda for the Annual Art & Wine Faire. Attending is free, but attractions have a fee.
Best Bay Area Beaches You Can Visit Today
Bay Area beaches are perfect for a mini getaway or day trip. Here are 15 of our favorites within two hours of Oakland with tips ...
Martial Arts Classes for East Bay Kids
There are so many places in Oakland, Berkeley, and nearby that will teach your school-age child the discipline and fitness of martial arts.
Alameda Outdoor Dining With Kids
Where do you like to eat outside with kids in Alameda? Here are some of our community's favorite al fresco dining options on the island.
44 Best Activities for Teens in the East Bay & Beyond
What to do with East Bay teens? Our teenagers' Bay Area favorites include museum deals, hiking, beach day, little farm, & fire pits at ocean ...
East Bay Breweries & Beer Gardens Where Kids Can Have Fun, Too
East Bay breweries where parents can enjoy local beers while kids are entertained by charming environments.
Park Profile: Whale Park in Alameda Point
Alameda has a super playground with tons of space to run, climb and play including a big whale climbing structure, swings, and basketball court.
East Bay Fireworks & Other Fourth of July Events
Parades, pancakes, flags, festivals, & fireworks! Our Fourth of July Guide for East Bay families has it all.
Alameda’s Sand Castle & Sculpture Contest is June 21
Saturday, June 21 is the Alameda Sand Castle/Sculpture Contest at Crown Memorial Beach. Grab your shovels!
Kayaking with Kids Near Oakland
Kayaking can be an easy and enjoyable way for your family to enjoy the Bay waters. Here are places that can get you out on ...
Best Ice Cream in Oakland, Berkeley, and Beyond
Our go to treat is always ice cream. Always. I've rounded up our local favorite places to order up a scoop. Did yours make the ...
19+ Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth With Kids
Celebrate Juneteenth, June 19th, with community gatherings, great meals, lively music, and cultural celebrations. Or a little of everything.
75 Days of Summer Fun for East Bay Kids
The best ideas for family fun all summer long: fruit picking, ice cream, bike rides, beaches, splashing, and concerts!
East Bay Outdoor Movie Round-Up
If your kids can stay up well past 9pm, there are a few outdoor movies you can see for FREE. Most start around 8:15-8:45ish. BYO ...
East Bay Summer Concert Round-Up for Families
If your family loves listening to live music, check out our round-up of outdoor concerts -- most of which are free -- to enjoy this ...
Five Dollar Tuesday at the Movies
$5 Tuesday movie showings for kids and families around the East Bay.
Youth Lacrosse in the East Bay: A Parent’s Guide
A guide to the lacrosse leagues, camps, classes and retail stores in the East Bay.
Book Now: Cool Bay Area Sleepovers You Can Do With Your Child
Lucky kids can try any of these amazing Bay Area sleepovers with you, the super cool parent: museums, amusement parks, and aircraft carrier!
Beyond Books: More to Love from the Library
Visit your local branch for some amazing checkouts and free offerings—from power tools and baking pans to telescopes and a museum outing.
Old-School Fun at High Scores Arcade Alameda
Located on Alameda’s fun section of Park Street, High Scores has 45 game cabinets with the capability to play over 400 classic 80’s games.
3 Best Places to Fly a Kite in the East Bay
Flying a kite involves running outside and a little patience. When your kids tell you that they're bored, you can tell them to go fly ...
Summertime Reading Games Powered by the Libraries
Summer is for reading! Many area public libraries offer summer reading games, community events & many cool kid-sized prizes for reading.
16 Best Boba Places in the East Bay
Check out some of the best boba places in Berkeley, Oakland, & Alameda with a beginner's guide to bubble tea flavors and combos.
Swimming Lessons for East Bay Kids
Let's talk about swim lessons. Here are your East Bay swimming pools that will help teach your child how to swim, arranged roughly from South ...
Get Free Museum Entry with Discover & Go
Powered by our local libraries, Discover & Go gets you and your kids in free to some of our most popular museums and attractions for ...
5 Open Gyms with Drop-in Hours
If your kid is bouncing off the walls, check this list of places where that kind of thing is welcome.
Discover the Miniature, Magical Fairy Doors in AlamedaÂ
You have to look down to find these sweet little fairy doors hiding in plain site in Alameda. A curious toddler will see them for ...
10+ East Bay Yoga Studios with Prenatal Yoga
Stressed, exhausted, or excited about an upcoming birth? Prenatal yoga just might be the place for you.
Cold or Wet Day? Go Indoor Swimming
My kids love to go to an indoor swimming pool even if the weather outside is frightful. Here are some fave East Bay pools.
A Rookie’s Guide to Kids Baseball & Softball in the East Bay
If you're thinking you'd like to give your child the opportunity to play baseball, but don't know how to get started, keep reading. We'll walk ...
Sleep on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier with Live Aboard Overnight
Alameda's aircraft carrier museum offers overnights bunking in real crew quarters & exclusive tour with a USS Hornet sleepover!
Global Cuisine Restaurants for the Whole Family
Thank goodness for these family-friendly restaurants who have helped our kids learn to love new flavors by making it accessible and delicious.
14 East Bay Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free
Did you know there's a handful of restaurants where kids eat free? Skip cooking on Tuesday night and head to one of these places.
4 Kid-Friendly Breweries in Alameda
We love the breweries, wineries, and distilleries that have popped up at the old Navy Base and along Park Street.
26 Places Where Kids Can Ride Scooters
Wondering where your little one can ride a scooter around Oakland? I have 2 scooters and 2 helmets permanently in my trunk, and I know ...
Now Open: Run Around the USS Hornet with Little Ones
While the interior spaces are fascinating for adults, kids only wanted to play and run in the outdoor spaces of the USS Hornet anyway.
Favorite Places to Play a Round of Golf With Kids in the East Bay
There are many local courses that offer Par 3, and most public courses even have driving ranges too where you can practice hitting ball after ...
Where to Play on a Hot Day, East Bay
Our team of experienced parents weighed in on where to go and what to do when it is Just Too Dang Hot. Start with donuts.
Top 3 Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Alameda
Biking is the best way to experience the city of Alameda with your kids. Cross the island on a bike via clearly-marked bike routes. Here ...
Favorite Bay Area Donuts and Doughnuts
From El Cerrito to Downtown Oakland to San Francisco, here are our favorite Bay Area donuts (and doughnuts!)
Indoor Playspace in Alameda: Swings and Wings
A place for toddler activities, equipped with sensory toys, inflatables, and lots of swings, located in Alameda open for drop-in play.
Dance Classes for Toddlers in the East Bay
Ballet and pre-dance classes for toddlers and children under five are both popular and prolific. Find the perfect dance class for your child.
Crown Beach in Alameda Is Perfect For Kids
The water of Crown Memorial Beach in Alameda is shallow for hundreds of feet into the Bay. This results in a huge wave-free baby pool, ...
5 Best Places to Photograph Families in the East Bay
With the input of a professional photographer, we've got a list of fantastic East Bay spots for family sessions.
25 Things to Do With Kids in Alameda
Our favorite places to go and play with children in Alameda... Wondering what to do with kids? Here's your list of 25 go-to spots.
Indoor Birthday Party Place: Swings and Wings Alameda
Swings and Wings in downtown Alameda is a go-to spot for parents looking to host a fantastic birthday party for children aged 1 to 8.
Explore Dinosaur Gardens in the East Bay
Delight in a magical treasure: dinosaur gardens. Perfect to work into a family walk, we found seven locations walking around the East Bay.
17 Toddler-Friendly Hikes in the East Bay
Hiking with a toddler can be a walk down the street, or a quest to find bugs or fairies. We love these East Bay places ...
Littlejohn Park in Alameda has an Inclusive Playground
This fenced-in playground offers fun for kids of all abilities in Alameda no matter the weather.
Crab Cove Beach and Visitor Center in Alameda
Children will enjoy exploring Crab Cove beach in Alameda, but start with the visitor center to get more out of your trip!
7 Playgrounds & Viewing Spots for Boat-Loving Kids
Sail over to these nautical-inspired play structures throughout the East Bay if your kid can't get enough of boats! Plus, details on where to spot ...
Park Profile: Woodstock Park in Alameda
On a quiet street in Alameda, Woodstock Park playground has exciting features: a zipline, platform swings, and a giant rope climbing structure.
Bohol Circle Immigrant Park & Playground in Alameda
A waterfront playground in Alameda is ideal for playing captain of a boat or spotting cargo ships. It's located steps from Target, too!
Best Alameda Beaches for Little Kids
Easy parking, shallow waters, and open space make Alameda's beaches ideal, free outings for families.
Lincoln Park: Alameda’s East End Playground
Lincoln Park, located in Alameda’s East End, is a wonderful place for families come together to play on the new jungle-themed structures and be active.
Best Mini Golf Courses in East Bay and Beyond
We rounded up the most entertaining and creative creatives for a family mini golf outing in the East Bay and beyond.
East Bay Restaurants with Kids’ Play Areas
When restaurants have play areas, or even a small basket of chalk and a chalkboard, it can make a parent's life easier. We are grateful ...
{510} Family Faves with Beautiful Brown Adventures’ Angel
Angel is a Puerto Rican and Indigenous mom of two in Alameda, a doula, and a co-founder of Beautiful Brown Adventures. Here are her faves.
{510} Family Faves with Beautiful Brown Adventures’ Angelica
Angelica, an Oakland mama to a 5-year-old, shares her favorite local places for boba, brunch, & beaches along with a passion for world travel.
Getting Started With Youth Basketball in the East Bay
Here's your guide for East Bay parents whose kids are eager to try basketball with classes, camps, coaches, and neighborhood hoops to visit.
Let Us Plan 10 Summer Adventures for Your Little Kids!
Have you ever spent hours googling for activities to do with kids, instead of going out and doing them? Let us spare you the effort. ...
New Nature-Based Park in Alameda: Chochenyo Park
Chochenyo Park is a cute little nature based Park in Downtown Alameda worth a visit if you're in the area.
Sweeney Open Space Park: Fab Playground in Alameda
Four tiers of rope climbing; a super-sized interactive chime instrument; an extra-wide slide with an AstroTurf-protected landing at the base; and, a zip-line with seat ...
Now Open: Batting Cages in the East Bay
Baseball and softball batting cages are reopening around the Bay Area. They will get your heart pumping and are lots of fun. Batter up!
Reopening: AquaTech Swim Center in Alameda
With lots of precautions in place, swim lessons at AquaTech Swim Center will resume.
Mom’s Night Out idea: Step-by-step Canvas Painting Studios
Painting studios where adults can feel confident about putting their brushes to canvas, including some with kid-friendly painting classes.
Nature Birthday Party Place: Crab Cove, Alameda
Crab Cove nature birthday parties in Alameda are easy! Perfect for children ages 3 to 12 who like to get their hands sandy.
Alameda Parks and Playgrounds
Discover a new-to-you playground or park in Alameda, CA.
Things to do at Washington Park in Alameda
This park has play areas, soccer, tennis, basketball, and is home to affordable summer camps for Alameda kids.
Drop-in daycare at Ruby’s Tumbling in Alameda
Ruby's Tumbling, which offers gymnastics classes to children as young as new walkers (with parent participation), offers a unique childcare solution.
Alameda Adventure Court at South Shore Center
Alameda's South Shore Center's newest addition - Adventure Court Playground - is a win for all. A perfect pit stop after you've shopped.
Party City open in Alameda’s South Shore Center
This superstore has an expansive selection of Halloween items for both store-bought and DIY costumes.
Birthday Party Place: Swim Party at AquaTech
An indoor pool party is one of the more unique children's birthday party ideas, and AquaTech Swim Center in Alameda is the perfect place to ...
Kid Report: Best Skate Parks in the East Bay
Juliette tells us about the best skate parks for skateboarders and scooter riders in the East Bay: Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley, Moraga. Plus San Rafael.
East Bay restaurants for big family groups
When my visiting family was in town, I was at a loss for dining-out options that would be able to accommodate the nine of us. ...
Music Together review: East Bay baby and toddler music class
I wrote up my family's experience trying Music Together for the first time. Basically, we loved it. I wasn't sure it could be as great ...
Back-to-school checklist
Back-to-school prep in the East Bay: hair, shoes, backpack, lunchbox, clothes, what else do you need?
Alameda resale: Lauren’s Closet + Toy Safari
This post is part of a series of consignment shops I visited trying to find terrific kid clothing bargains in the East Bay. Today’s resale ...
New mom challenge: Find bookstore events for babies
Celebrate your local, independent bookstores by discovering a new one, visiting with your well-behaved children and buying a terrific book. Better yet, find out which ...
Love or shove: Off the Grid with a kid?
As I was driving a carpool home from camp last month, I ran across another incarnation of the fabulous Off the Grid series of food ...
5 East Bay outings for a baby in a carrier
Babies in a carriers are a great companions. They go where you want them to; they guarantee that passersby will smile at you; and you ...
Have you been to the Alameda Flea Market?
The Alameda Point Antiques Faire is held on the first Sunday of each month at the former naval air station (so the next one is ...
