The family that plays together stays…having a really good time.
Memorable experiences. Making those with your family tightens your relationship bond. And finding some great outdoor activities every member can dig into gives kids of all ages a chance to join in the fun. Looking for things to do outside with adults and children? This round-up of family-friendly activities in Oakland will help you connect with open spaces. Go where the wild things are. And experience some togetherness + playtime with your people.
Where do you start? If playgrounds are your jam, you can’t go wrong with Astro Park Play Area. Looking for something education? The Oakland Zoo is always a hit and there is always something to explore at City Slicker Farm Park. Or if you’re looking for a restaurant where you can grab a beer while your kids run around unabashed, Homeroom has you covered. Whatever you’re leaning towards, we’ve got you covered with suggestions to help keep you sane and your kids fully entertained.
Wild Child Playground Vibes
Go CRAZY.
Astro Park
Astro Park is located across from the Oakland Lakeview Public Library Branch, one of the most populated parks in Oakland!
- family-friendly
- fun
- healthy
- lively
Roberts Regional Recreation Area
An 82-acre park in a stand of second-growth redwoods, popular for picnics & recreational sports.
- family
- popular
- local
Frog Park
Frog Park is a Rockridge public park, with two custom-built play structures anchor the park along Temescal Creek.
- popular
- energy
- curious
- unique
Codornices Park
- mindful
- fun
- unique
- popular
Jean Sweeney Open Space Park
- fun
- new
Babies & Beer Vibes
Local restaurants and food spots with something for the kids and the adults.
Homeroom
At Homeroom, the macaroni and cheese comes in several different savvy styles augmented with such novelties as jalapeño pepper, Vermont white Cheddar, Cypress Grove fresh goat’s-milk chevre, Niman Ranch chorizo and hot dogs, and even potato chips. A vegan version is a standout, made with not even vegan cheese but a smooth melange of tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and yeast. Homeroom’s loyal contingent of fans (long lines usually precede being seated) apparently don’t mind the dizzyingly high noise level.
- classic
- good vibes
- proud
- old
The New Parkway
A community-oriented movie theater/restaurant located in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown district offering new, classic, cult, local and niche films, festivals, and special events in a uniquely comfortable environment. All ages welcome!
- community
- new
- classic
- local
Rosenblum Cellars
Since 1978, Rosenblum has become one of the most-awarded and highly-rated California Zinfandel portfolios. Having more than 50 Zinfandels with 90+ points from Wine Spectator, it’s a record for Zinfandel lovers, but for us it’s just business as usual.
- local
- generous
- dreamy
- views
Faction Brewing
- popular
- exciting
- outdoors
- love
Arthur Mac's Tap & Snack
Located just off of Macarthur BART, Arthur Mac’s is Oakland’s best Beer Garden, featuring hand-made pizza, beer, wings & more!
- popular
- good vibes
- casual
- family
Tiny Explorer Vibes
Lace up your hiking shoes and hit the trails.
Fentons Creamery and Restaurant
Founded in 1894, the creamery continues to serve up signature ice creams like creamy caramel almond crunch and toasted almond. It’s the cure-all spot for anyone with a hankering for something sweet, and also a good place to grab a burger.
- sweet
- chill
- local
- old-school
Children's Fairyland
Amusement Park
- family
- old
- fun
- small
Oakland Zoo
Zoo
- fun
- views
- family
- beautiful
City Slicker Farms
City Slicker Farms increases wellness and builds community through equitable access to healthy food, thriving gardens, and urban green space.
- fresh
- local
- family
- community
Redwood Valley Railway
- views
Back to School Vibes
Essential brain boosters.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Visit our Space and Science Center, with exhibits, telescopes, a planetarium, and more, in the beautiful Redwoods Regional Park of Oakland.
- popular
- artsy
- fun
- views
MOCHA
- art
- fun
Smokehouse
If you don’t know where the Smokehouse is, you must be a vegetarian recluse. It’s a shack. You eat outside. The fries are fresh. The burgers are skinny — you’ll want a double. The reason everyone goes to the Smokehouse is that the meat tastes as if it was actually cooked on a real grill instead of a griddle.
- fresh
- local
- patio
Oakland Ice Center
The facility offers ice hockey, figure skating, curling, speed skating and broomball. Public skating sessions 7 days a week.
- friendly
- healthy
- popular
- family
Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA connects collections and programs across disciplines, advancing an integrated, multilayered understanding of this ever-evolving state. With more than 1.8 million objects, OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage.
- art
- new
- free
- amazing
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