Best Places to Take Kids in Oakland’s Montclair Village

Tucked up in the Oakland Hills, above Highway 13, is the neighborhood of Montclair, or as the locals call it, “Montclair Village”. Its central business district is just a few blocks long and packed with walkable family-friendly restaurants, activities, and shopping. Find ample street parking and even a garage, so you won’t have to drive around with impatient kids asking how much longer until they can get out of the car.

We appreciate Montclair Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring our Parent’s Guide to Montclair Village. They offer comprehensive, individualized pediatric dental care for infants, children, teens, and those with special needs with an office right in the mix at 6211 Medau Place, Oakland. Let them know if you’d like one of the therapy dogs at your next dental visit.

Where to Play in Montclair Village

Montclair Park for running and climbing

Adjacent to the shopping area sits the aptly named Montclair Park. The park features slides, climbing structures, and swings for both the little and slightly bigger ones. There are two separate play areas, geared to different age groups so that your 18-month-old won’t get run over by an excited pack of 5-year-olds. For older kids, there are tennis courts, pickleball courts, a skating half-pipe, and a large grass field. The field is home to many softball, baseball, and soccer team practices throughout the year (also many geese, so watch your step!)
Location: 6226 Moraga Ave., Oakland

A small artificial lake lies in the middle, with waterfowl and even a whole bale of turtles, likely descended from a pair of abandoned family pets long ago. Across from the lake, is a wonderful area with picnic tables and barbeque grills. It makes a great place for a birthday party for any age. Note: reservations are required for tables and grills through Oakland Parks & Recreation. [Read a lot more about Montclair Park]

Cool Montclair businesses offering kids’ classes, camps, & parties

• Corner House Studio offers weekly art classes and summer camps in drawing, mixed media, and crafts for ages 4 to 11. 6472 Moraga Avenue. Website >
• Han Martial Arts provides classes for ages 4+. 2220 Mountain Boulevard. Website >
• Tutu School has beginning ballet classes and parties for 18 months to 8 years. (Find more dance classes for kids). 6206 La Salle Avenue. Website >

Montclair Branch Library for stories galore

When we want some quiet time, we head over to the quaint building that looks like it leaped from the pages of a fairy tale to visit the Montclair Branch of the Oakland Public Library. There are extensive child, tween, and teen book collections amid the kid-sized furniture. Be on the lookout for Toddler Storytime and special events. Note that it is closed on Sundays. (Find more kid-friendly storytimes)
Location: 1687 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland
Website >

Railroad Trail for biking and skating

Despite its hilly terrain, Montclair is surprisingly pedestrian-friendly. The Montclair Railroad Trail is a favorite for families with 1.5 miles of paved, relatively flat path. Bring your scooter, stroller, bike, or dog to make your time on the trail more fun. Start behind the parking garage then travel down the tree-covered trail into Shepard Canyon. (Find more places to scooter with kids)
Location: 6235 La Salle Avenue, Oakland behind the parking garage
Website >

Montclair Golf Course for driving & par 3

Down the hill, on the other side of Highway 13 from the Village, is the Montclair Golf Course. It is a bare-bones public course, which makes it the perfect place to learn for aspiring players. We like to go to the driving range. There’s also a par 3 course, club rentals, plenty of parking, and even a pretty decent restaurant. (Find more par 3 courses for East Bay kids)
Location: 2477 Monterey Boulevard, Oakland
Phone: (510) 482-0422
Website >

Spotlight on Montclair Pediatric Dentistry:

Board-certified pediatric dentists, Dr. Lina Paek and Dr. Rebecca Hsieh focus on individualized care for young patients and strive to instill good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.

Their spacious and welcoming office is located centrally in Montclair Village. Therapy dog, Churro, is available by request to help soothe children during visits. Staff and doctors speak English, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, and Visayan.

Call 510-722-0226 or Learn more >

Dining Out with Kids in Montclair

• Daughter Thai for satay and spice. Pro tip: Avoid Friday and Saturday nights for a family dinner as there will be a wait. 6118 Medau Place. Website >
• El Aguavero for “traditional” kids’ menu, Mexican, & margaritas 2071 Mountain Boulevard. Website >
• EM Deli & Catering for an easy rice bowl, prepared snacks, and Korean grocery items. 6119 La Salle Ave. Website >
• Falafel Corner has delicious Mediterranean options at great prices. 6106 La Salle Ave. Website >
• Kotobuki for sushi and Japanese cuisine. Pro tip: Ask for chopstick holders for kids. 6111 La Salle Avenue. Website >
• Las Comadres Taqueria for burritos & horchata. Pro tips: Don’t be afraid of the long line, it moves quickly! Closed on Sundays. 2081 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland. Find on Yelp >
• Montclair Egg Shop for a legendary breakfast of corn beef hash or challah french toast. The wait is worth it. 6126 Medau Place. Website >
• Sliver Pizzeria sells a limited menu of daily pizza flavors. 2064 Antioch Court. Website >
• Tgi Oni Sushi for awesome sushi rolls and generous portions. 6100 La Salle Avenue. Website >
• Yellow Door for breakfast on the go. We like the all-day breakfast burritos. 6466 Moraga Avenue. Website >

Montclair Farmers’ Market @ La Salle and Moraga Avenues

The weekly Farmers’ Market is a cornerstone event for many Montclair Village families. Shop fresh produce, yummy bakery items, flowers, and artisanal goods every Sunday. Enjoy free parking in the garage.
Website >

Drinks and Treats for Kids in Montclair

• Colonial Donuts for the best sugar rush. 6126 La Salle Avenue. Find on Yelp >
• Highwire Coffee has yummy espresso drinks & a kid-pleasing chocolate mochi. 2059 Mountain Blvd. Website >
• Le Bonbon Chocolates & Candies has a truffle for you, gelato for the teen, and jelly beans for your youngest. 2050 Mountain Boulevard. Website >
• Miette bakes delectable cupcakes, cookies, and cakes. 2220 Mountain Boulevard. Website >
• O Smoothie for frozen delights with drinks including veggies and alternative milks. My daughter loves Berry Happy. 2075 Mountain Boulevard. Website >
• Sophie’s Cuppa Tea has the perfect cup of tea and live music on Fridays. 2078 Antioch Court. Website >
• Tutti Frutti has froyo and the best boba. (More favorite East Bay boba) 2066 Mountain Blvd.
• Yogofina is our favorite froyo. Pro tip: the cups are large, so watch your child before you end up paying $7 for a frozen yogurt topped with a dozen sour gummy worms. 6140 Medau Place. Website >

Where to Shop for Kids in Montclair

Montclair Toyhouse for all the toys & free wrapping

Go to any birthday party in the neighborhood and presents wrapped in Montclair Toyhouse paper are ubiquitous. A fixture in the community for 50+ years, the Montclair Toyhouse has a good selection of LEGO, Squishees, slime, and more.
Pro tip: Best of all for the busy parent, gift wrapping is free!
Location: 6115 La Salle Avenue, Oakland
Website >

A Great Good Place for Books for all the books & more free wrapping

Just across the street from the Toyhouse is A Great Good Place for Books. There are numerous children and young adult books on the shelves in the back. The knowledgeable staff is also happy to suggest new titles to young readers or to order a book for you. All my best book buys have come from staff recommendations!
Pro tip: Take advantage of free gift wrapping during the holiday season.
Location: 6120 La Salle Avenue, Oakland
Website >

Annie’s Hallmark Shop for balloons and stickers

An underrated spot for children’s gifts is Annie’s Hallmark Shop. There is usually a good assortment of stuffed animals, but where the store really sets itself apart is with a wide variety of stickers that kids love. Also, if you need helium balloons to lift up your party, this is the place.
Location: 1976 Mountain Blvd., Oakland
Website >

McCaulou’s Store for gifts, shoes, and a little of everything

Just a block down from Annie’s Hallmark is McCaulou’s. Want to give a gift of Oakland? McCaulou’s often has a variety of Oaklandish apparel in stock.
Pro tip: I always keep my eyes open for their big 2-for-1 clearance sales on children’s shoes to keep pace with my daughter who seems to be outgrowing a pair every few months!
Location: 2020 Mountain Blvd., Oakland
Website >

Big thanks to Montclair Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring our Parent’s Guide to Montclair Village. With a focus on prevention, individualized care, advanced technology, and sustainability, Dr. Lina and Dr. Rebecca strive to instill good oral hygiene habits in their young patients that will last a lifetime.

We appreciate our team of helpful parents sharing their picks including Carol Burton, Anna Azimi, Juanita Villa, and Maureen Burke.