Oakland
There are tons of things to do with kids in Oakland, CA. From parks and playgrounds to annual events, family-friendly brewpubs, and other insanely useful resources for Oakland parents, we have it here.
Best Kid-Friendly Oakland Places
Upcoming Events for Oakland Kids & Families
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
1:30 pm – 2:15 pm: Music with Mr. Elephant @ Cesar Chavez Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Insect Discovery Lab @ Asian Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm: Duncan Playful Circus @ Dimond Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
6:30 pm – 7:15 pm: Mariela’s Music Time @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Petting Zoo at the Library @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: East Bay Regional Park Nature Program @ Elmhurst Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
More Family-Friendly Oakland Stuff to Know
How to Find Salamanders in Wet Weather at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
Here's a mission for your little explorers and instructions on how to have a successful search for salamanders in the Oakland hills.
Best Resources for Raising a Bilingual Child in the East Bay
For East Bay parents hoping to raise their children multilingual, we have tons of information from reasons why to how to start.
Visit the Grand Lake Farmers Market, choose your own adventure
My favorite farmers market is located on the corner of Grand Ave and Lake Park Ave. in Oakland every Saturday, rain or shine.
Ticket Alert: Monster Jam Brings Monster Truck Action to San Francisco
Tickets for this loud, action-packed, dirty truck adventure are on sale now. If you like truck tricks and crashes, Monster Jam is the best!
Kid-Friendly Mexican Smackdown: Picante vs Tacubaya vs Cactus
Where to eat when the kids want Mexican food in North Berkeley. There are strong reasons for Cactus, Picante, and Tacubaya.
Oakland’s Bouncy Birthday Party Place: Pump it Up
How to throw the easiest birthday party in the East Bay where the kids will be totally exhausted and happy at the end.
Ticket Alert: Return of the Ringling Circus
The new circus has all of the thrills with none of the animals. There may even be too many exciting things at once.
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.
Indoor Ice Skating in Oakland at Oakland Ice
In downtown Oakland, where parking is abundant on weekends, the Oakland Ice Center offers public skating sessions for those who dare to try it.
