Whimsical fun for the whole family in Oakland
When Claire Thompson brings her children to visit family in Oakland, they don’t even look across the bay for activities. Thompson has found out what many local parents already know: Oakland has an enchanting and accessible array of kids activities that are fun for grown-ups, too.
The Big Two, of course, are the Oakland Zoo and Children’s Fairyland. But there is much more going on for the munchkin set, most of which includes the whole family — which is uniquely special.
“My boys grew up going to Fairyland when they visited,” said Thompson of Brennan, 8, and Patrick, 6, “But now they clamor for the zoo.”
But Thompson, who is expecting her third child in the fall, assumes more trips to Fairyland are in her future.
CHILDREN’S FAIRYLAND
The venerable 8-acre, 67-year-old magical garden is located near Lake Merritt. It was the first storybook amusement park in America and has entertained generations of Bay Area children. In 1994, it embarked on a major renovation to brighten fading equipment and décor, thanks to the help of its nonprofit foundation, said Executive Director C.J. Hirschfield.
“We are in the memorymaking business,” Hirschfield said.
Part of the renovation included adding a theater stage and revamping the children’s theater stage, which offers an array of puppet shows.
The foundation also contracted with Bay Area Children’s Theatre, which produces the children’s literature-themed shows Fairyland is famous for. This summer, look for “Rainbow Fish.”
There is also shows for preschool aged children, along with rides, gentle animals and other enchanted attractions.
Fairyland’s target ages are 2 to 5 years, Hirschfield said, adding that “Fairyland is a state of mind.”
OAKLAND ZOO
Things have changed at the Oakland Zoo. The 100-acre animal and amusement park is now as big as the San Diego Zoo. Its huge expansion was due to the new California Trail opening in summer 2018, which will feature eight new native California animal species in expansive exhibits, the California Conservation Habitarium and the Jim and Joy McMullen Kids Playzone.
The zoo’s most visible new attraction can’t help but be the aerial gondola and hilltop restaurant, the Landing Café, which opened earlier this month. These new additions complement the already popular zoo.
“There’s something special here,” zoo spokesperson Erin Harrison said. “We strive to create the most naturalistic exhibits for animals, and truly care about the physical and emotional well-being of animals.”
Besides stunning views of the Bay Area, the zoo, located in the Oakland Hills, offers many unique activities for kids, including a zoo sleepover, zoo camps and special animal days.
CHABOT SPACE AND SCIENCE CENTER
There’s something in the stars at Chabot. Founded as an observatory in 1883, Chabot offers both locals and visitors the very latest in hands-on, interactive exhibits, displays and Planetarium shows that explore the mysteries of the universe and of life on earth.
Combined with a full program of activity-filled classes, workshops, Space & Science Camp, outreach programs and special events, Chabot Space & Science Center has become the Bay Area's go-to destination for visitors of all ages who want to discover and learn about space and earth sciences. Huge telescopes, 3-D exhibits and laser shows help keep the kids — and their parents — engaged for hours.
ART + SOUL FESTIVAL
Besides these major attractions, Oakland is becoming famous for several seasonal festivals,
the first one being the acclaimed Art + Soul Festival, held on 10 city blocks downtown.
Recognized for its stellar musical lineup with a focus on homegrown talent, revelers will enjoy music, art, food, dance and lots of children’s activities, including a Family Fun Zone at the 17th annual festival on Aug. 19 and 20. This year’s headliners include Goapele and Angie Stone.
EAT REAL FESTIVAL
Another unique-toOakland event is the Eat Real Festival, the premier educational program of the Food Craft Institute. It’s a celebration of food with a spotlight on artisan food craft (as well as craft beers, wines and cocktails for the grown-ups). But it’s a great way to introduce kids to the movement, as there will be educational booths and fun activities for all ages. The festival is Sept. 22-24 at Jack London Square.
OAKLAND PRIDE PARADE & FESTIVAL
The Oakland Pride Parade and Festival in September is a celebration of diversity and promotes equality, all in a day of family-friendly activities. There will also be stages for live music and performances, a Family Children’s Garden with kidoriented attractions and an official After Party. While the parade marches up Broadway from 14th to 21st streets, the festival is on Franklin from 19th to 21st streets.
PEDALFEST
Families can really get rolling at Pedalfest, a free celebration of bikes, cycling, food, family and fun. This year’s event will be held July 22 at Jack London Square. It’s a fun-filled celebration for everyone from the recreational rider and casual observer to the seasoned cyclist, showcasing what makes cycling such a great activity for individuals, groups and families.
JACK LONDON SQUARE MOVIE NIGHTS
As if these festivals weren’t enough to make all ages need a nap-time, Oakland offers a variety of weekly and monthly events geared specifically for families. One of the most popular is the Jack London Square Movie Nights. Cozy up on the waterfront this summer for free outdoor screenings of hit, family-friendly movies as part of the annual Waterfront Flicks series. Moviegoers can start their evenings early with dinner at one of the Square’s waterfront restaurants or pick-up a quick bite from one of the casual eateries to enjoy during the screening. Families should arrive early with blankets Clockwise from top left: Mason Delgado rides the Alice’s Wonder-GoRound carousel; Children’s Fairyland is an 8-acre amusement park near Lake Merritt; the Family Fun Zone at Art + Soul features kid-friendly carnival rides, interactive art and face painting. in-hand for prefilm festivities including small eats, trivia and giveaways.
FRIDAY NIGHTS @ OMCA
Another popular attraction for families is Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (Friday Nights @ OMCA). There is half-price admission for adults and youths 18 and younger are free. But the real energy comes from the variety of Off the Grid food trucks available, the musical performances, dancing for all ages and even a beer garden for the grown-ups. Local makers are also on hand selling artwork and crafts.