Kid-Friendly OMCA: Oakland Museum of California - 510 Families

Kid-Friendly OMCA: Oakland Museum of California

There is plenty to enjoy at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), even for little kids–plus, kids ages 12 and younger receive free admission! The Nature Playspace is a top pick; but, there are also galleries with California art, history, and natural sciences to explore, plus rotating exhibitions highlighting local artists and influential recent history. Don’t skip on the outdoor spaces or hallways, which are always worth exploring.

This post is sponsored by OMCA.

Kids 12 and Under are FREE

Did we already mention that OMCA is the best deal for families with kids 12 and younger?! As an engaging museum and interactive play space with gardens and rotating exhibits, free admission for kids is the icing on the cake. OMCA is one of the best mixed-age destinations we can think of!

two adults and a child walking through a large tunnel at OMCA
OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace offers something for all ages | Photo: Leopoldo Macaya

Exhibit halls are filled with interactive elements

The museum has a large outdoor garden and three main exhibit halls: California Art, California History, and California Natural Sciences, plus a special rotating exhibit area. Each hall has engaging features that invite children to touch, explore, listen, or watch. Create an animation; color a map of the bay; crawl through a lava tube; walk into a painting; examine a crab under a microscope; dress up as a gold miner; step into a railcar; or, listen to stories from across the state.

OMCA Animation Station
Make your own animation videos | Photo: Maureen Burke

The activities appeal to kids 2-8 years old. Many areas have more than one interactive station that allow various ages to play near each other, making it easier to monitor multiple children at once. Green “OK to touch” signs help children and adults know when to jump in and explore.

The exhibits present the good and bad of California’s past, present, and future. Parents can use the visit as a way to further educate children about topics such as climate change, being water smart, colonization of Indigenous lands, keeping the Bay healthy, Black history, and more.

OMCA spanish exploration area
Kids can touch, watch, listen and explore at OMCA’s exhibits | Photo: Maureen Burke

Top picks at OMCA from a 2-year-old and 5-year-old

My kids (2 and 5 years old) had a blast at the museum. We visited on a weekday afternoon and had the museum to ourselves. There was plenty of space to move around and zero waiting in the interactive areas. My kids spent the most time in the following sections:

Kid Favorites at the OMCA Gallery of Natural Sciences

Check out all the things to do, see, and touch at the Museum—inside and out. Little learners can unleash their curiosity and imagination in OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace, located inside the Gallery of California Natural Sciences and specifically designed for children ages 2–5 and their caregivers.

My young explorers particularly liked:

  • The You Are Here: California Stories on the Map exhibit – the magnifying glasses were a big hit!
  • Exploring animals, seeds, and leaves under the microscopes
  • Make your animation station
  • Ocean area in the back of the hall
  • Crawling through the lava tubes and into the Redwood stump
  • Watching all the videos
child on adults shoulders in the science gallery under an artwork of plastic bottles and trash
Discover how you can make a difference in the OMCA Gallery of California Natural Science. | Photo: Leopoldo Macaya

Kid Favorites at the OMCA California History Hall

  • Unpacking the treasure chest in the Spanish exploration area
  • Playing the piano in the Sound of Things exhibit
  • Using the phones to listen to stories told by California’s native peoples
Parent and child interact with California History exhibit at Oakland Museum of California
Engage and ask questions in our Gallery of California History; Photo credit: Christine Cueto

Kid Favorites at the OMCA Gallery of California Art

OMCA, please confirm if these kid-favorites are still at the museum.

Organized thematically across Land, People, and Creativity, the Gallery of California Art changes frequently with new works mixed with familiar highlights in different configurations. Unlike the special exhibitions, the Gallery of California Art is included with general admission.

  • Drawing yourself on the OMCA’s interactive Portrait Wall
  • Lounging in the Eames chairs

Kid Favorites at the OMCA Garden and Outdoor Space (free to all)

  • Running around the lawn
  • Watching the fish in the Koi Pond
  • Exploring the sculptures
  • Taking in the beautiful views of Lake Merritt

The Free Outdoor Space at OMCA is worth a visit

The OMCA gardens are beautiful and super kid-friendly–well worth a visit on their own. In the center of the gardens is a large and lush lawn that’s perfect for picnics or burning off some energy. Stairs, ramps, and various levels encourage exploration and movement. Native plants and unique sculptures fill the space. Plus, there are picnic tables for enjoying a meal or snack from the museum’s restaurant, Town Fare Cafe (or byo). The cafe serves a variety of options for the whole family including popcorn, mac and cheese, sandwiches, and wine.

OMCA public garden
Enjoy a beautiful green space in downtown Oakland | Photo: Oakland Museum of California

Entry to the gardens is free and open to the public. Families can take advantage of this beautiful green space during museum hours as a great destination for a picnic, peaceful rest, or bathroom break (restrooms are uber family-friendly, too!) if you’re in downtown Oakland or around Lake Merritt. Frequent performances occasionally feature kid-friendly entertainment such as dancing or music. Check the schedule before you go > 

Plan your visit to OMCA:

Location: 1000 Oak St, Oakland
Hours: Wednesday – Sunday 11 am – 5 pm; open Friday until 9 pm April – October
Price: Children 12 & under: FREE | Youth 13-17: $12 | Seniors: $16 | Adults: $19 | Free for EBT cardholders and members | $6 additional for special exhibits

Remember the gardens are free to access with or without your paid admission. You’ll likely spend most of your time in the Nature Playspace but don’t miss the other kid-friendly exhibits.

Advance tickets encouraged >>

Thank you again to OMCA for sponsoring today’s post about kid-friendly deals and highlights.

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