Alameda County
Family outings in Alameda County: 51 picks from the Alameda County guide, each linked to its source. Details can change. Check with the venue before you go.
Every listing links to its source · Updated
Children's Fairyland is a 10-acre storybook park on the shores of Oakland's Lake Merritt
made for families with children up to age 8. Zoo nights, library celebrations and theater for young audiences around Alameda County are gathered here. Source: fairyland.org
Family-friendly events and outings everyone can enjoy together.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610Map of Mad Magic at Children's Fairyland (opens in new tab)
Fairyland's Halloween trick-or-treat event with bounce houses, crafts, live performances and STEM activities, 12-7pm. Costumes encouraged, not required.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610Map of Dia de los Muertos at Children's Fairyland (opens in new tab)
Mariachi performances, a book celebration with author Sara Andrea Fajardo and an art exhibition, on Nov 1 and Nov 7-8.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave, Albany, CA 94706Map of Día de los Muertos Celebration at the Albany Library (opens in new tab)
Get your face painted, do a scavenger hunt, make a craft, and add to the library's ofrenda (altar) to honor loved ones who have passed.
Section: Family outingsmuseumWhere: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607Map of Free First Sunday at the Oakland Museum of California (opens in new tab)
On the first Sunday of the month, enjoy free admission to the Oakland Museum of California, with its galleries of California art, history and natural sciences and its gardens.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605Map of Glowfari at Oakland Zoo (opens in new tab)
Hundreds of all-new animal lanterns light up the zoo after dark in its seventh year, themed on California forests, San Francisco Bay, Montana, the Everglades and Hawaii. Timed tickets go on sale 28 days ahead.
Section: Family outingstheaterWhere: Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton, CA 94566Map of PYTC: School of Rock Young Actors Edition at the Firehouse Arts Center (opens in new tab)
A one-hour version of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on the hit movie, designed especially for young performers: failed rock star Dewey Finn turns a class of straight-A pupils into a rock band.
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Section: Family outingslibraryWhere: Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94611Map of Celebrate Diwali: Stories, Dance, and Light at Montclair Library (opens in new tab)
Experience the Festival of Lights through Indian classical dance, storytelling, music and hands-on learning, for families and audiences of all ages.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Newark Library, 37055 Newark Blvd., Newark, CA 94560Map of Diwali Variety Show at the Newark Library (opens in new tab)
The library's 5th annual Diwali Variety Show, organized by the Eternity Band, with a wide variety of Indian dance and music, classical and modern, in the plaza. Free to everyone; no registration required.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Pleasanton Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Boulevard, Pleasanton, CA 94566Map of Día de los Muertos 2026 at the Pleasanton Senior Center (opens in new tab)
A free community event to celebrate the Day of the Dead and honor loved ones, with ofrenda viewings, bilingual storytime, Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno, arts and crafts, face paint and light refreshments.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont, CAMap of Quarry Lakes 25th Anniversary Celebration (opens in new tab)
Celebrate 25 years of Quarry Lakes with fishing games, guided walks, park info booths, food trucks and a visit from the Mobile Fish Tank at the Ensenada Pavilion picnic area.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Main Library, 125 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612Map of W. Kamau Bell and Adam Mansbach at the Oakland Main Library (opens in new tab)
W. Kamau Bell and Adam Mansbach read from their new picture book Rock Paper Scissors Cheese, talk about their creative collaboration and sign books; books are available from Marcus Books.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546Map of Muwekma Ohlone Tapestries at the Castro Valley Library (opens in new tab)
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, a drop-in viewing in the Chabot Room of two tapestries by artist Kalie Granier and Muwekma Ohlone descendants Monica V. Arellano and Gloria E. Arellano-Gómez, made with pigments from lichens. Registration is not required.
Section: Family outingsregional parkWhere: 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555Map of Birding Basics for Kids at Coyote Hills (opens in new tab)
Kid-friendly games at the Coyote Hills Visitor Center teach young birders (ages 5-12) the basics of bird identification. Parent participation required.
Section: Family outingsscience centerWhere: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619Map of Family Nature Adventures: Fungi at Chabot (opens in new tab)
Children 3-8 and their grown-ups venture into the redwood forest with expert guides to discover fungi and learn the life cycle of mushrooms. Ticket includes Center admission.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: African American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612Map of Festival of Black Doll Show at AAMLO (opens in new tab)
The Festival of Black Doll Show and Sale at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, with doll artists from around the globe, a chance to win a Chaka Khan doll, and Oaktown JAZZ Workshops performing at 1:00 pm.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Avenue (Gate 8 or 12), Pleasanton, CA 94566Map of Goodguys Autumn Get-Together at Alameda County Fairgrounds (opens in new tab)
Over 2,500 American-made show cars and trucks, autocross racing, a swap meet, live music and a Nitro Thunderfest exhibition.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave, Castro Valley, CA 94546Map of Holiday Floral Art for Kids at the Castro Valley Library (opens in new tab)
Paint, design and decorate your own Christmas canvas with festive greenery, colorful berries and holiday lettering. All materials provided; arrive within the first 5 minutes to secure your spot.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568Map of Local Author Showcase at the Dublin Library (opens in new tab)
The Dublin Library and Towne Center Books' annual Local Author Showcase: meet 30+ Bay Area authors, buy books (optional) and have them signed.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Fremont Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538Map of Tiny Dancer Prom at the Fremont Main Library (opens in new tab)
A dance party for babies and toddlers in their fanciest or favorite outfits, with lots of music, bubbles and a selfie station. Free with limited capacity; tickets are handed out first-come, first-served at 11:00 am.
Section: Family outingscampWhere: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605Map of Fall Break ZooCamp at Oakland Zoo (opens in new tab)
Oakland Zoo's Thanksgiving-week day camp for grades K-5, with zoo tours, animal close-ups, lessons, games and nature play. Before and after care cost extra.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: Jack London Square, Oakland, CAMap of Joy to the Town! Holiday Market & Tree Lighting at Jack London Square (opens in new tab)
A free, family-friendly day of shopping, music and holiday cheer: 40+ artisans and local retailers, a Kids Zone, live performances from 1 to 5:30pm and Jack London Square's annual Holiday Tree Lighting from 5:45pm.
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Section: Family outingseventWhere: Fremont Library, 2400 Stevenson Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538Map of Winter Wonderland Crafting at the Fremont Main Library (opens in new tab)
Children help turn the Fremont Children's Section into a Winter Wonderland by making decorations to hang in the library. Drop in any time; the craft takes 15-30 minutes, and children under 8 need a caretaker to assist.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: 2451 W. Tennyson Road, Hayward, CA 94544Map of H.A.R.D. Holiday Lights at Mt. Eden Mansion (opens in new tab)
Celebrate the season at a historic mansion adorned with dazzling lights: free, family-friendly fun with live entertainment, festive music, crafts and cozy refreshments, rain or shine.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568Map of Dublin Annual Holiday Tree Lighting (opens in new tab)
School choirs and bands lead up to the lighting of the 30-foot tree at the Dublin Civic Center, with the Clover Express, arts and crafts, Letters to Santa, and hot chocolate and cookies.
Section: Family outingslibraryWhere: 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley, CA 94704Map of Collage Club at Berkeley Central Library (opens in new tab)
Seasoned collage makers and first-timers alike can bring out their inner artist on the 5th floor of the Central Library. Open to all; children 12 and under should come with an adult. Wheelchair accessible.
Section: Family outingsmarketWhere: Downtown Alameda, Alameda, CAMap of Downtown Alameda Winter Market & Hot Cocoa Stroll (opens in new tab)
Local vendors, entertainment, festive sips and delicious bites in Downtown Alameda; as daytime turns to dusk the lights twinkle and the fun, free, family-friendly Hot Cocoa Stroll begins.
Section: Family outingsmuseumWhere: Meek Estate Park, 240 Hampton Road, Hayward, CA 94541Map of Garden Tours at the Alameda County Agricultural History Center (opens in new tab)
See antique farming equipment and a horse carriage, learn food history and growing practices, meet the wiggly worms and plant seeds to take home at the Carriage House Museum & Demonstration Garden in Meek Park.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: First Street, Downtown Livermore, CAMap of Livermore Holiday Sights and Sounds Parade & Tree Lighting (opens in new tab)
Floats and performances by local businesses, bands, schools and clubs on First Street, then Santa arrives and the community counts down to the tree lighting. Rain or shine.
Section: Family outingsfestivalWhere: Main Street, Pleasanton, CAMap of Pleasanton Hometown Holiday Celebration (opens in new tab)
Floats, marching bands and community groups parade down Main Street, followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of the Museum on Main with live music and a special appearance by Santa.
Section: Family outingsmarketWhere: 2058 D Street, Hayward, CA 94541Map of The Holiday Drop: Youth Maker's Market (opens in new tab)
Shop handmade goods, original artwork, crafts and jewelry made by talented youth entrepreneurs at this free holiday maker's market.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568Map of Winter Around the World at the Dublin Library (opens in new tab)
Explore different cultures and learn about Christmas, Kwanzaa, Yule, Three Kings Day and Hanukkah, with activities for all holidays; supplies provided while they last. For all ages.
Section: Family outingsscience centerWhere: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619Map of Geminids Meteor Shower Watch Party at Chabot (opens in new tab)
Bundle up, bring a blanket and watch the Geminids streak across the winter sky from Chabot; no telescopes needed.
Section: Family outingstheaterWhere: 2025 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612Map of Oakland Ballet: Graham Lustig's The Nutcracker at the Paramount (opens in new tab)
Oakland Ballet brings the holidays to life with dancing, scenery and costumes as Marie rescues the Nutcracker Prince from the Rat King, set to Tchaikovsky's score. Ages 2 and over need a ticket; wheelchair-accessible locations available.
Section: Family outingscampWhere: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605Map of Winter Break ZooCamp at Oakland Zoo (opens in new tab)
Two winter-break sessions of Oakland Zoo's day camp for grades K-5. Thursdays are half days with no after care.
Section: Family outingseventWhere: Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue, Oakland, CA 94618Map of Winter Stories in Kamishibai at the Rockridge Library (opens in new tab)
Paper-theater stories on a winter theme, then make paper snowflakes. Intergenerational family groups are especially invited.
Section: Family outingstheaterWhere: Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Ave., Pleasanton, CA 94566Map of PYTC: Shrek the Musical KIDS at the Firehouse Arts Center (opens in new tab)
Shrek The Musical KIDS, based on the DreamWorks Animation film and Broadway musical: Shrek leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess, an irreverently fun show for the whole family.
Section: Family outingsfarmWhere: 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA 94555Map of Ardenwood Historic Farm (opens in new tab)
Working historic farm. Patterson House tours and train rides run Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays through mid-November and are included with admission. Free parking.
Section: Family outingslibrary passWhere: Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St., Berkeley, CA 94704Map of Berkeley Public Library Discover & Go museum passes (opens in new tab)
Free passes to Bay Area museums and other venues for Berkeley Public Library cardholders 14 and older who live in the City of Berkeley.
Section: Family outingsmuseumWhere: 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619Map of Chabot Space & Science Center (opens in new tab)
Space and science center, home of the NASA Ames Visitor Center. Free telescope viewings Friday and Saturday evenings. Free parking.
Section: Family outingsamusementWhere: 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610Map of Children's Fairyland (opens in new tab)
Ten-acre storybook park on the shore of Lake Merritt with playsets, puppet shows, rides and animals, designed for families with little ones.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont, CA 94555Map of Coyote Hills Regional Park (opens in new tab)
1,266 acres of marshland and grassy hills on the bay shore, popular for hiking, biking and bird watching. Visitor center open Wed-Sun 10am-4pm.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda, CAMap of Crown Memorial State Beach (opens in new tab)
A 2.5-mile bay beach with the Crab Cove Visitor Center and drop-in programs such as Story Time and Fish Feeding. Beach wheelchairs are free, first come, first served.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: 7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore, CA 94550Map of Del Valle Regional Park (opens in new tab)
A five-mile lake for swimming and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres for hiking, riding and nature study. Boat rentals at the East Beach marina.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: 17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546Map of Lake Chabot Regional Park (opens in new tab)
A 315-acre lake with picnic areas, a grassy play area and trails for hiking, biking and running. Swimming is never permitted.
Section: Family outingsmuseumWhere: 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94607Map of Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) (opens in new tab)
California art, history and natural sciences under one roof. Galleries and special exhibitions are free on the first Sunday of every month.
Section: Family outingslibraryWhere: 125 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612Map of Oakland Public Library - Main Library (opens in new tab)
One of the largest public libraries in the Bay Area, between downtown and Lake Merritt, with regular free events. Closed Nov 11 and Nov 26-27.
Section: Family outingslibrary passWhere: Main Library, 125 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612Map of Oakland Public Library Discover & Go museum passes (opens in new tab)
Reserve free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos and theaters with an OPL card. For cardholders 14 and older who live in Oakland, Emeryville or Piedmont; up to two active reservations.
Section: Family outingszooWhere: 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, CA 94605Map of Oakland Zoo (opens in new tab)
Zoo in Oakland; the gondola is included with admission. Ticket prices vary by day, so book early for the best price. Children under 2 are free.
Section: Family outingsmuseumWhere: 1510 Webster Street, Alameda, CA 94501Map of Pacific Pinball Museum (opens in new tab)
Unlimited play on more than 100 classic pinball games set to free play, in five rooms arranged by decade. Admission is good all day.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: 7867 Redwood Road, Oakland, CA 94619Map of Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park (opens in new tab)
A redwood forest a few miles over the ridge from downtown Oakland. Parking fees are cash only. Part of the Stream Trail is closed for repairs through Oct 31.
Section: Family outingsparkWhere: 10570 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619Map of Roberts Regional Recreation Area (opens in new tab)
Redwood-shaded picnic area with a barrier-free, wheelchair-accessible children's play area, playfields and a sand volleyball court. The pool reopens for the 2027 swim season.
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