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
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Read to a Dog! @ Lakeview Branch | Oakland Public Library, OaklandThursday, May 14, 2026
10:00 am – 11:45 am: Garden Playdate @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland10:00 am – 11:30 am: Play Cafe @ 81st Avenue Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Storytime and Playtime @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm: Baby Brigade @ The New Parkway Theater, Oakland
Friday, May 15, 2026
4:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Oakland Greek Festival @ Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, OaklandMore Family-Friendly Oakland Stuff to Know
DIY Outdoor School: Redwood Regional + Botany Exploration
We took this Montessori-inspired leaf classification activity out to the local trails to extend the learning and heighten our environmental awareness.
What the City of Oakland is Offering for Kids and Families This Summer
May 28 briefing by Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf covered summer camps, summer learning, swimming pools, free meals, libraries, and slow streets.
Now Open: Tennis Courts
I love to see the families and kids out playing tennis again. Where to go and how to do it safely in the East Bay.
7 Instagram-Worthy Wall Murals in the East Bay Kids Will Love
Stunning street art wall murals around Oakland that will make you want to get your camera out, where to find them, and who made them!
Archery in Oakland at Redwood Bowmen
Bring your own bow and arrows to this archery range among the redwoods. Officially for archers 10 and up.
Places Where Kids Can Rock Out: Music Camps and Classes in Oakland and Berkeley
Afterschool classes and summer camps that offer group music classes in the rock genre to school-aged kids in a handful of East Bay locations.
Bay Area International Children’s Film Festival in Oakland
Hey movie lovers, the Bay Area International Children's Film Festival 2020 (BAICFF) takes place this February in Oakland. It goes beyond screen-time.
Let’s Gather! Crafty Workshops for Kid-Free Adult Fun in Oakland
Gather is a craft workshop space in Oakland with a full schedule of events for adults who want to make things with their hands.
Resources for Raising a Bilingual Child in the East Bay (Tips from a Mom)
Stephanie is passionate about languages and speaks Spanish, French, Portuguese, some bits of German, Armenian, Russian, and Arabic.
Kid-friendly Beer Garden: Arthur Mac’s Tap and Snack
Arthur Mac's Tap and Snack is a modern retro family-friendly beer garden near the Macarthur Bart station in the Temescal District of Oakland.
