Family Activities in Oakland

From outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions, there are loads of things to do with kids in Oakland, California.

It may have a more famous neighbour (San Francisco) but Oakland is a fantastic family destination in its own right. Whether you love letting your little ones blow off steam in the great outdoors or watching their eyes light up with a wildlife encounter, there's no chance of boredom striking.

Oakland is home to some excellent hands-on museums. Forget stuffy exhibits and take them somewhere they can get stuck in, get inspired and even get a bit messy.

Nothing beats a fun family day out, so take your crew to one of Oakland's big-hitting attractions. Or do your bonding in the spectacular natural landscapes in and around the city, perfect for adventurous kids. Then fill their bellies at one of the city's crowd-pleasing mac 'n' cheese joints.

Here are some of our fave child-friendly Oakland treats to get you started.

Museums for Kids

  • Take your youngsters to an art gallery with a difference. All the artworks at the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) were created by kids. The museum also runs some great art classes and workshops where budding artists can get creative.
  • The Oakland Aviation Museum is a hit with wannabe pilots. Go along on an Open Cockpit day for the chance to sit in a real fighter jet.
  • The Oakland Museum of California really knows how to entertain children. From special events to jaw-dropping natural sciences exhibits, this place brings learning alive.

Outdoor Activities for Kids

  • Oakland's Redwood Regional Park is a vast forest right in the city. Try horseback riding along its beautiful trails for an unforgettable experience.
  • Rent a kayak and go for a scenic family paddle on Lake Merritt.
  • Head down to San Francisco Bay for boat-based activities, from whale watching to paddleboarding.

Attractions for Kids

  • Said to be the inspiration behind Disneyland, Children's Fairyland is one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. Pure magic and whimsy, it delights kids of all ages.
  • Oakland Zoo is one of the city's most popular attractions. It's home to over 700 animals, so you can expect to meet everything from tree frogs to lions.
  • The Chabot Space & Science Center is a state-of-the-art place with a planetarium, space observatory and loads of interactive exhibits.