Things to do in Oakland

Riza And Miguel

From Riza And Miguel's guidebook

Head to the shores of Lake Merritt and visit Oakland’s whimsical 10-acre Fairyland where children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long. FUN FACT: In 1955 Walt Disney visited and used ideas from Fairyland in his “magic kingdom,” which later opened in Anaheim. Please note: Admissions to the park is only given when you’re accompanied by a child.

Kevin

From Kevin's guidebook

Walt Disney toured this children's amusement park on Lake Merritt in the 1950s to get inspiration for what became Disneyland. Well maintained and much as it would have been then, the park is an iconic place for Bay Area kids to play.

Eva

From Eva's guidebook

Children's Fairyland is a magical mid-century park where young children can create, imagine, play, and learn all day long, located on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California. Fun Fact: Fairyland inspired Walt Disney for the building of Disneyland!

Marcellus

From Marcellus's guidebook

Arts + History + Natural Sciences = 1 kick-ass museum. The OMCA is deeply rooted in the Oakland community offering a number of educational and outreach programs. On top of that, they throw a helluva party every Friday with drinks, food, dancing and half off entrance fees. Tip: Check out the notorious Black Panther leader Huey P. Newtons wicker chair in their gallery, originally proposed for the Alameda Courthouse. You can sit in it, too; contemplate the movement and its complicated founder.

Karen & Mike

From Karen & Mike's guidebook

**Friday nights, 5-10pm, street festival, live music, food trucks, and 1/2 price gallery admission. **First Sunday of every month--Free Admission CURRENT EVENTS/EXHIBITS: http://museumca.org/plan-your-visit --Permanent exhibits=gold rush era of California history, plus other local history

Laura

From Laura's guidebook

Local treasure. Focusing on California. Special exhibits have featured Dia de Los Muertos, Ray and Charles Eames, and the Art of Burning Man. Check out the Friday Nights at the Museum events. Outdoor maze like sculpture garden is great and open to the public for no fee.

Sara

From Sara's guidebook

We love our zoo! They recently opened a new “California Trail” exhibit where you take a gondola (included in price of admission) 4 minutes up from the main zoo and get beautiful views along the way. If you are members of another zoo, double check its reciprocal benefits - you might be able to get 50% off admission.

Grace

From Grace's guidebook

A short drive from the Airbnb, the Oakland Zoo is a family-friendly spot with over 700 animals across scenic exhibits. Explore African savannas, the California Trail with grizzly bears and bison, and enjoy the Skyline Adventure, a gondola ride offering stunning Bay Area views. The zoo also features a fun Conservation Carousel and educational shows at the Wildlife Theater. Whether you're an animal lover or just looking for a great day out, the Oakland Zoo is a must-visit during your stay.

Eva

From Eva's guidebook

Oakland Zoo is the perfect destination for a day trip with your family. Learn about wildlife conservation, see amazing animals, or attend one of our many interactive and educational programs. Nestled in the 525-acre Knowland Park in the Oakland Hills, the zoo houses more than 700 native and exotic animals. The exhibits are organized geographically and reflect the ecosystems of the animals' native habitats. Visitors can enjoy rotating cultural exhibits in the education center, and kids will love the new butterfly garden and the rides area, with a roller coaster, an endangered species carousel, and a train. A gondola ride with unparalleled views of the Bay Area will take you up the hill The California Trail, including native species such as the Grizzly Bears, Grey Wolves, Bison and more! Open daily from 10:00am-4:00pm.

Grayson

From Grayson's guidebook

Dimond park is at the top of Canon Ave and has tons of hiking trails, basketball hoops, playgrounds for kids, a public swimming pool, a great grassy area for dogs, picnic areas, a recreational center and more.

Sammy

From Sammy's guidebook

Travelling with children, we have park near by, just a few blocks away for Dimond Abode, about 0.9 miles Dimond Park is a regional treasure, used by thousands of Oakland residents each week. Visit the park and you will find a diverse population of kids playing, adults picnicking, dogs being walked, people strolling and exercising, and everyone enjoying the natural setting. Dimond Park has a long and rich history in our City. It has been the backdrop for myriad community events, family gatherings and daily excursions for over a hundred years.

Sinead

From Sinead's guidebook

Just across the creek from the unit, with an entrance 5 mins away, this local park has playgrounds, tennis courts and a swimming pool. It also leads to some great creek side paths excellent for a hike or run.

Martina

From Martina's guidebook

Catch an event at Oracle Arena during your trip to Oakland. Experience the entertainment choices and acclaimed theatre scene in this walkable area.

Lia

From Lia's guidebook

Home of the Golden State Warriors. Also venue for many large concerts.

Jordan

From Jordan's guidebook

Maybe I'm biased but I do believe that a Golden State Warriors game is the best sporting event you will ever attend. If you can get tickets. Go!