emmyTry Emmy free

Storytime and library events with kids in Oakland

Free, short and toddler-proof: library and community reading programs.

Oakland leans outdoors — lake loops, redwood trails and Saturday markets — with library storytimes as the rainy-day backup.

Coming up near Oakland

Nothing listed in Oakland for this view right now. Here's what's on elsewhere in the Bay Area, plus ideas you can do today.

Within a short drive of Oakland

Activity ideas that work any day in Oakland

  • Fishing Trip

    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
  • Sunny Day Message In A Bottle

    Sunny Day Message In A Bottle

    Let's become oceanographers and send secret messages out to sea. We'll write a note, seal it in a bottle, and see where the currents take it in the pool or bathtub.

    4,5,6 · Outdoor · 30 min · About $0–$5

    Open
  • Learn to Code a Simple Game

    Learn to Code a Simple Game

    Learn to code your very first game! You'll create a simple digital world with a character, a goal, and a way to score points. It's incredibly satisfying for this age to see their ideas come to life on screen, understanding how logical steps turn into a playable game. They get to be the designer and the creator, building something from scratch that they can then share and even play themselves. Start by choosing a user-friendly platform like Scratch or a browser-based coding tool. Decide on your game's objective, like collecting items or avoiding obstacles. Then, build your character, set up the goal, and add a score counter. You can stretch this activity by adding more levels, different characters, or even new power-ups.

    9-13 · Indoor · 90 min

    Open
  • Grow a Dinosaur Jungle Terrarium

    Grow a Dinosaur Jungle Terrarium

    Design and build a miniature prehistoric world that really grows! This little habitat is the perfect home for a tiny dinosaur friend.

    6,7,8 · Indoor · 40 min · About $29–$35

    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.
Emmy

Picks that fit your week

Try Emmy free