Outdoor activities with kids 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.

• 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!

Within a short drive of Oakland

• Outdoor Kids' Adventure Day

  Tue, Oct 20 · Adventure Park · alameda, ca · 3 mi away · Ages 4–11

  Join us for a thrilling day of adventure activities designed just for kids!

• Family Camping Night

  Thu, Oct 8 · Tilden Regional Park · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  A fun-filled evening of camping activities, storytelling, and stargazing!

• Event 3

  Fri, Oct 9 · 9:00 PM · Cornerstone · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 4–10

  Description of event 3.

• Fall Nature Hike for Kids

  Fri, Oct 9 · 10:00 AM · Aquatic Park · berkeley, ca · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  Explore the beautiful trails and learn about nature on our guided hike!

• Berkeley Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow and Indian Market

  Sat, Oct 10 · 10:00 AM · Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  Join the celebrations of Indigenous culture with music, food, and community activities.

• Gallery+Studio / Echoes of Nature

  Sat, Oct 10 · 11:30 AM · BAMPFA · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 6–12

  See how Maren Hassinger incorporates knotting and repetition into her work to make forms that echo natural rhythms and express her commitment to the environment.

• Gallery + Studio / Wind Chime Sculpture

  Sat, Oct 10 · 11:30 AM · BAMPFA · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 6–12

  Find echoes of nature in Maren Hassinger’s work as you create a wind-activated sculpture using natural and recycled materials.

• Kids Outdoor Art Workshop

  Sat, Oct 10 · Nature Center · berkeley, ca · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  A creative workshop where kids can express themselves through art in nature!

• Kids’ Nature Craft Event

  Sat, Oct 10 · Berkeley Community Center · berkeley · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  Join us for a day of crafting with natural materials found in the park!

• Family Bike Ride Along The Bay Trail

  Mon, Oct 12 · 10:00 AM · Bay Trail · berkeley, ca · 5 mi away · Ages 4–11

  Join us for a fun family bike ride on the scenic Bay Trail!

Activity ideas that work any day in Oakland

• 

  Learn Simple Woodworking

  In this activity, you and your grown-up will build something useful and lasting with wood. It's rewarding to see raw materials transform into a finished object you made with your own hands. You'll learn fundamental woodworking skills like measuring carefully, using tools safely, and understanding how different pieces fit together. Finishing your project with a smooth sand and maybe a coat of paint will give you a real sense of accomplishment. Start by choosing a simple project, like a small shelf or a pencil box. With your grown-up, you'll measure and cut the wood, then smooth the edges with sandpaper. Next, you'll assemble the pieces, using wood glue and small nails or screws to hold everything together. As you work, always remember to measure twice and cut once. To extend the activity, try painting or staining your finished project, or even designing a simple add-on feature like a divider or a lid.

  10-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 120 min

  Open
• 

  Fishing Trip

  Take to the water and learn the basics of fishing. It's rewarding to master skills like baiting a hook, casting a line, and reeling in a catch. Kids this age will enjoy the patience and focus fishing requires, and the excitement of feeling that first tug on the line. There’s also the satisfaction of experiencing nature, whether it's a quiet pond or a bustling pier, and connecting with the rhythm of the water. This adventure begins with setting up your gear, learning about bait, and practicing your cast. Then, you'll find a good spot and settle in, watching your line and waiting for a bite. Remember, fishing is about enjoying the outdoors and the process, not just the catch. To stretch the activity, try identifying the different types of fish you see or research local regulations to understand catch limits and seasons.

  9-13 · Outdoor · 180 min

  Open
• 

  Grow a Kitchen Herb Garden

  Transform your kitchen into a green haven by growing your own fragrant herbs. Choose basil, mint, or chives and plant them in individual pots. Watching your seeds sprout and leaves unfurl connects you directly to nature, offering a quiet sense of accomplishment each day. It’s rewarding to nurture something from a tiny seed, especially knowing you’ll soon be adding its fresh flavor to your favorite meals. Start by filling small pots with soil, then carefully plant your chosen herb seeds according to package directions. Water gently and place them in a sunny spot indoors or outdoors. Keep a simple journal to track their growth, noting when sprouts appear and how tall they get. Once your herbs are ready, snip some leaves to elevate dishes like pasta, salads, or even a glass of water. Try growing different herbs and experiment with new recipes to expand your culinary skills.

  9-13 · Indoor/Outdoor · 45 min

  Open
• 

  Ultimate Frisbee in the Park

  Gather your family and head to the park for some active fun with Ultimate Frisbee. Kids will learn the basic throws and catches, then play a simple game together. It's a satisfying way to burn some energy, practice teamwork, and enjoy friendly competition outdoors. Mastering a new throw or making a great catch feels rewarding, and working together towards a goal is a great experience. Start by practicing different throws like the backhand and forehand, and work on catching. Then, set up a simple field with cones or jackets for end zones and review the basic rules: no running with the disc, passes only, and scoring in the end zone. To stretch the activity, try adding more complex rules gradually, or invite another family to make it a bigger game.

  9-13 · Outdoor · 60 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.