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
Thursday, April 16, 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 – 11:15 am: Children's Day/Book Day @ Melrose Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Malinky Music @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
10:30 am – 11:15 am: Mariela's Music Time @ Asian Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
10:30 am – 11:00 am: Toddler Storytime and Playtime @ Rockridge Branch | Oakland Public Library, Oakland
More Family-Friendly Oakland Stuff to Know
Lunar New Year in the Bay Area is a Family-Friendly Celebration
As the Year of the Horse approaches, a handful of wonderful kid-friendly Lunar New Year celebrations pop up around the Bay Area.
Summer Fairs and Festivals for Bay Area Families
Here is a list of outdoor street fairs, carnivals, county fairs, and festivals to pencil into your Summer plans from May to August.
Oakland Public Schools: A Guide to OUSD Enrollment
Helpful information about Oakland public schools for families making ranking and enrollment decisions.
Favorite East Bay Food Halls for Families
Choose your own dining adventure at a food hall. Here are our favorites with dozens of meal choices to please even the pickiest taste buds.
{Shop Local} Where to Get Pinatas in Oakland
Here are four Oakland spots that charmed me with their piñata selections.
Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery Holiday Circle of Lights
This easy evening outing includes a festive holiday light display and it's located near tons of dinner spots.
5 East Bay Spots to Get Even Wetter on a Rainy Day
Outdoor spots to take kids after -- or during -- a rainy day in the East Bay.
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 ...
New Year’s Eve Plans with East Bay Kids
New Year's Eve with kids in the Bay Area includes many options from home to a tot-centric noon year's eve bash and everything in between!Â
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!
