What to expect
Friday nights, you will see plenty of families and people heading toward the Oakland Museum. During Off the Grid, 10th Street is closed next to the museum with all the food trucks parked in a line.
Music is playing through speakers, tables and chairs are packed with people of all ages (many toddlers too) with festive lighting strung about to make the street glow. The line of unique food trucks ends at the front of the museum courtyard. From 6-7 there are free salsa lessons and a great live band the rest of the evening.
The steps make perfect stadium seating to watch or climb.
We walked to the event but our friends found free street parking just a block away. You can also pay to park in the OMCA underground garage.
A great big art table with plenty of cool supplies was set up in front of the Koi pond. Kids of all ages participated in making original art pieces and were assisted by friendly OMCA staff.
Off the Grid enthusiasts were able to use the clean museum restrooms even if you hadn’t paid admission to see the exhibits.
Our daughter (19 mo) enjoyed people/kid/dog watching, dancing on the dance floor and sitting in front of the fantastic Koi pond (more like a Koi pool!) My husband and I enjoyed our delicious fried chicken sliders and watching our daughter cut loose on the dance floor!
What it costs
The price depends on your appetite! Most trucks take debit and credit cards so you don’t have to haul too much cash around. My husband and I chose amazing sliders, bbq fries and two sodas which totaled around $25. The food was SCRUMPTIOUS! We also could not resist Cupkates $3 tiramisu and s’more cupcakes.
Other trucks served local coffee, beer and wine tasting tables.
OMCA admission is half off during the event.
More information
6 thoughts on “Off The Grid Lake Merritt @ OMCA with kids”
Nice post and I like the photos!
Pingback: 99 Days of Summer for East Bay Kids
Pingback: Oakland outdoor eating: 10 places to eat with your kids al fresco
Pingback: 99 Days of Summer for East Bay kids {2014} — 510 Families
Pingback: 99 Days of Summer for Bay Area Kids {2015} - 510 Families
Pingback: {510} Family Faves from Lynn and Allison, owners of Spotlight Girls - 510 Families