Kids activities in Oakland

What's on for kids in Oakland

• Nature Walk for Kids

  Fri, Oct 9 · Redwood Regional Park · Ages 4–10

  Discover local wildlife and plants on a guided nature walk designed for kids.

• Kid's Science Day

  Mon, Oct 12 · Oakland Science Center · Ages 6–16

  Explore the wonders of science with hands-on experiments and demonstrations.

• Craft for Kids

  Wed, Oct 14 · 2:00 PM · Lakeview Branch · Ages 6–11

  Come and get creative with us here at Lakeview! We will be doing a different craft every week. Crafts are geared towards ages 6-11 but younger kids are welcome with an adult present. All supplies are provided.

• Rock and Roll Playhouse: Music of the Beatles for Kids

  Wed, Oct 14 · Henry J Kaiser Center for the Arts · Ages 4–11

  Join us for a fun-filled musical experience for kids featuring the beloved songs of The Beatles!

• Art and Craft Workshop

  Wed, Oct 14 · Oakland Community Center · Ages 5–14

  A fun-filled workshop where kids can create their own artwork using various materials.

• Craft for Kids

  Wed, Oct 21 · 2:00 PM · Lakeview Branch · Ages 6–11

  Come and get creative with us here at Lakeview! We will be doing a different craft every week. Crafts are geared towards ages 6-11 but younger kids are welcome with an adult present. All supplies are provided.

• Kits Cubed STEM Fair 2026

  Wed, Oct 21 · 10:00 AM · Oakland Technical High School · Ages 5–15

  Join us for an exciting STEM fair aimed at kids to explore various scientific and technical topics.

• The 52nd Annual World Fantasy Convention

  Thu, Oct 22 · 12:07 PM · Oakland Marriott City Center · Ages 4–11

  An event celebrating fantasy literature with various activities and panels.

• OHA Board Regular Meeting

  Mon, Oct 26 · 6:00 PM · Oakland Housing Authority · All ages

  Join us for the regular meeting of the Oakland Housing Authority Board.

• Craft for Kids

  Wed, Oct 28 · 2:00 PM · Lakeview Branch · Ages 6–11

  Come and get creative with us here at Lakeview! We will be doing a different craft every week. Crafts are geared towards ages 6-11 but younger kids are welcome with an adult present. All supplies are provided.

Activity ideas that work any day in Oakland

• 

  Magical Unicorn Horn Ring Toss

  Let's craft some sparkly unicorn horns and then test our aim with a fun game of ring toss. It's a perfect party game for a sunny day!

  4,5,6 · Outdoor · 40 min · About $5–$15

  Open
• 

  Write and Perform a Play

  Imagine a story and bring it to life! In this activity, you’ll write a short play, design some simple costumes, and then perform your creation for your family. It's incredibly satisfying to see your ideas take shape and to share your own unique story. For kids ages 9-13, this is a chance to explore creativity, develop characters, and gain confidence in expressing themselves through performance. Start by brainstorming a simple plot and a few characters. Next, write your script, keeping the dialogue short and clear. Gather household items to create costumes that help tell your story. Then, rehearse your play a few times to get comfortable with your lines and movements before putting on your show. To stretch this activity, invite a friend to join you, or film your performance to share with others.

  9-13 · Indoor · 120 min

  Open
• 

  Cook Dinner for the Family

  Take charge of the kitchen and prepare a delicious dinner for your family. This activity lets you choose a recipe, create a shopping list, and then, with a grown-up's help, cook an entire meal. Kids this age enjoy the independence of planning and the satisfaction of seeing their efforts turn into a shared family experience. It's a great way to build confidence and learn practical skills that will last a lifetime. Start by browsing cookbooks or online to pick a recipe that sounds good to everyone. Next, write down all the ingredients you'll need, making a shopping list. With your grown-up sous-chef, head to the store, then return home to chop, mix, and cook. To make it a bigger challenge, try baking dessert too, or decorating the table for a special meal presentation.

  10-13 · Indoor · 90 min

  Open
• 

  Tie-Dye T-Shirts

  Get ready to transform plain t-shirts into wearable works of art. Kids love the hands-on process of tie-dye, where they can experiment with bold colors and watch their designs come to life. It’s satisfying to create something truly one-of-a-kind that they can wear and share, showcasing their personal style with vibrant patterns they made themselves. You'll start by learning different folding techniques like spirals, crumples, and stripes, securing your shirts with rubber bands to create patterns. Then, choose your dyes and carefully apply them to your folded fabric. After a short wait for the dye to set, rinse, unfold, and reveal your unique masterpiece. For an extra challenge, try layering colors or creating a specific image by folding your shirt in a particular way.

  9-13 · Outdoor · 75 min

  Open

Questions parents ask about Oakland

What can you do with a toddler in Oakland on a rainy day?

Oakland's branch libraries are the fallback most parents use: short storytimes, free, and close enough to home that a wet walk back isn't a disaster. The indoor list for Oakland shows what's scheduled.

Are these activities free?

Most of what's listed here — lake paths, markets, library programs — costs nothing. Ticketed indoor play spaces are the expensive part of an Oakland rainy day. Anything ticketed links out to the organizer so you can check the price before you go.

How often is this page updated?

Event listings refresh automatically from local sources, so past dates drop off on their own.