The 100-acre Oakland Zoo is home to a nationally known elephant exhibit, where the elephants are able to roam free. There are plenty of family activities to participate in. Live animal encounters, animal feedings, tours, and “zoovie” nights with the animals are just the beginning of the activities you’ll find at the zoo. The Wild & Green Family Camp allows adults to join their kids for summer camp for a week of crafts, science activities, nature walks, and more. Stop in for Teddy Bear Tea, a children’s activity that teaches about animals with snacks, lemonade, and tea. Kids get to make a treat for the sun bears and their neighbors. You’ll easily find something that everyone in your family will love at the Oakland Zoo.
Museum of Children’s Arts
The Museum of Children’s Arts is a place of interactive spaces where families can create, share, and connect through art. A drop-in open studio is available for people of all ages to create. Artists can explore whatever captures their interest and a MOCHA artist will always be available to help and provide instruction. MOCHA offers a summer camp, summer teen art programs, field trips, and art parties. Bring out your creative side and connect with your family on a day trip to the Museum of Children’s Arts.
What better place to take your kids than a storybook brought to life? Children’s Fairyland is Oakland’s very own storybook theme park. Stories from your childhood come to life in the breathtaking storybook sets of Children’s Fairyland. Jack & Jill Hill, Peter Rabbit’s Garden, and the Alice in Wonderland Tunnel are just a few of the beloved attractions at the park. Young children will find fun and laughter with trolley rides, a mini Ferris wheel, and carousel. Remember the magic of fairytales and being a kid again with this unique theme park.
Frog Park has transformed from a vacant lot into a local treasure. As one of Oakland’s most popular parks, Frog Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing family day. The park is located on the greenbelt, an area along a portion of the Temescal Creek bed. It contains redwood groves, butterfly gardens, and active play areas where children can have fun. Frog Park got its start when a group of neighborhood parents decided it was time to find a space for a children’s park in Rockridge. Now, families from all around the area come to spend memorable days at the children’s park. You’ll often see families picnicking or celebrating a birthday at the park together.
Redwood Regional Park
California is known for its beautiful national parks and Oakland is no different. The scenic redwood park is located just a few miles from downtown Oakland. Kids and adults will both enjoy hiking in the stunning redwood forest. Throughout the year you can attend various special events, concerts, and youth programs. Nature lovers visiting or living in Oakland, California, won’t want to miss the beauty that Redwood Regional Park has to offer.
From casual nature parks to whimsical storybooks brought to life, you’re going to find something for the whole family to enjoy in Oakland.