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

30+ Best Things to Do in Oakland With Kids

Oakland Zoo For Families (Is Membership Worth It?)

The Best Places in Piedmont, CA to Go With Kids

Upcoming Events for Oakland Kids & Families

Friday, October 23, 2026

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Shabbat & Play @ Temple Sinai, Oakland

Saturday, October 24, 2026

9:30 am – 11:00 am: Game Design Classes @ The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment (The MADE), Oakland
10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Halloween Parade and Harvest Festival @ Lakeshore Avenue District, Oakland
10:00 am – 12:30 pm: Valkyries Watch Party @ Oakland United Beerworks, Oakland
10:15 am – 11:45 am: Cereal Cinema @ The New Parkway Theater, Oakland
10:15 am – 10:30 am: Halloween Storytime for Toddlers @ Piedmont Ave. Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland

More Family-Friendly Oakland Stuff to Know

Exploring Oakland’s Jack London Square with Kids

Things to do with kids in Oakland's Jack London Square, from food to play, there's a lot to do and see.

Friday Nights At OMCA families gathering

Friday Nights @ OMCA with Kids April through October

Friday night food trucks, gardens, live music, and a family-friendly vibe with twinkle lights within walking distance from Lake Merritt. Yes!

East Bay Farmers Markets Guide for {510} Families

Kid-friendly farmer's markets in the East Bay & tips to keep your produce fresh.

Children's Creativity Museum looks fun from the outside

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 ...

open gym toddler jumps in a small foam pit

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.

Spotlight on EBI’s Inquiry-Driven, Play-Based TK Program

For East Bay Families seeking a school to nurture their child's natural curiosity, EBI offers an inspiring play-based pre-kinder program.

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.

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.

child on long bench doing a puzzle he doesn't know he's at a cafe

Where to Grab (Hip) Coffee with Kids in the East Bay

I've frequented a lot of coffee shops in Berkeley and Oakland with kids in tow, here are some of our favorites and why!

Children’s Fairyland in Oakland: Rides and More

Spring hours and pricing updates: Children's Fairyland is a beloved storybook theme park for kids under age 8 at Lake Merritt in Oakland.