Children's Fairyland

Truly an enchanting spot to spend the day, especially with little ones. The park is wonderfully interactive, offering countless opportunities for kids to explore, climb, and imagine.

Even after 75 years, Fairyland is still magical. Play Structures are all in bright beautiful colors, gardens are meticulous, key boxes still work. I’m so honored to be able to share my childhood pastime with my 2 year old.

No one has mentioned the tiny toilet & sink in the all gender restrooms near the storybook puppet theater - so here I am. As a mother of a child who is still learning to potty, we greatly appreciate this!!

Fantastic child centered experience! The cafe food was so healthy, clean and delicious! We were so impressed with the gorgeous flowers all around the park. The Jolly Trolly train was the highlight for our infant. It’s really magical for ages 2-8/9, but adults and older siblings can really get joy from reading and helping littles understand the stories. You can bring your own picnic in as well. And there are many spacious areas to sit and eat and let kids run around. It was a wonderful experience.

This place has gotten so much more magical! They've added new features and kept the old ones, as well. There's a bit of new art to see! I love the cultural diversity of their puppet shows, which features mythology from around the world. If you came here as a kid in the 80's, it has really improved since then. We went with a friend of ours who also grew up in the Bay Area, and we both remarked that they have really reinvigorated Fairyland a lot. It used to be kind of run down, but not anymore. It seems like everything has recently been redone and retouched. This is a huge achievement, and something Oakland can really be proud of. The restaurant is surprisingly affordable, too, and tailored to kids' tastes as well as adults. The staff are super kind and helpful. The gift shop is actually open! Anyway, you get the idea. My kid is older (8) than most kids who come to Fairyland, but I think we will probably still be back. Way to go, fairies! Keep sprinkling your magic.

We had our sons birthday party here in January and it was awesome! Fairyland is what 4 year dreams are made of. The whole park is thoughtfully designed with little ones in mind. We reserved the Japanese Tea Garden Picnic area and paid extra for a balloon bouquet & keys for the kids. Worth every penny. So easy for us parents and the kids had a blast. Parking was easy for guests (we gave our guests a heads up about the $5 parking fee) and our party coordinator met our guests outside and escorted them to our zone. Our party was during Lunar New Year so we even got to see the dragon dancers - so cool!! Highly recommend!

Absolutely beautiful place for kids age 2-5. It is very colourful and will definitely take you down the memory lane. The only bad side is that it is not well maintained at all. Lots of spider webs and dust here n there… dirty water ponds…There was a huge line for train ride, not much shadow there, so kids get bored and impatient while waiting for their turn… and it broke down mid way of our second round… so disappointing. On the other hand, puppet show was really good and entertaining. Overall, an ok experience. Not sure if I would go back any time soon.

The park is amazing for the little ones. And the food is delicious!!!

Happy 75th Birthday Children's Fairyland of Oakland, CA. I'm delighted to hear that you are still in existence and as good an experience as ever. When I was four I had my birthday party at Fairyland. Even though it was decades ago I have vivid and fond memories of that particular party. I remember those in attendance in addition to myself were my mom, my twin sisters that were three years older than me, our neighbor lady and her son Charlie who was my birthday pal, and his older sister. I remember walking throughout Fairyland and taking turns putting a plastic key in storybook displays by each Fairytale display. It was a fabulous day! When my son turned four we planned his birthday party to be held at Fairyland. Being an adult I remember how convenient the parking was. I enlisted my parents to help with the party since I was a mom to a 4 year old son and a 2 1/2 year old daughter. We met my sister and two nieces there. Friends of my son included a 5 yr old boy with his 2 yr old sister and their Dad, and a 4 yr old boy with his 2 yr old sister and their mom. For this party we actually reserved a party space that was enclosed and next to the stage area. Our plan was to let the birthday boy use the key on the storybooks but soon found because one of the little boys had brought their key along we took turns letting all the little boys turn the key to hear the story. It was a fun, successful, and exhausting day. Fairyland lived up to my childhood memories. This month my sister who still lives in the Bay Area called ro tell me of the 75 Birthday celebration. She arranged an outing to to expose her great grandchild to the wonder of Fairyland. The report, "It is still as magical and fun as ever". Thanks Fairyland for continuing to provide an appropriate place, that is clean, fun, well maintained with a park staff that assure a wonderful experience for visitors!

Wow, what a magical day. Children's Fairyland turned 75 and had a birthday party inviting all of the East Bay Area to come out and celebrate with them ;) We haven't been to Fairyland since we were kids growing up and enjoying the magic, so to come out and bring our little one was incredibly special..and quite the day to do so! Outside of the 'birthday party' I believe they do have ticket specials/price drops you can research through their website. We committed and were okay with whatever the spend was for this event. Since it was a holiday, metered parking close-by was actually free, but that is something to note when coming out that you may spend additional time finding parking. Bring sunscreen, snacks, and water (although they do sell items inside). Upon entry we were given a special key to fairyland that was glittered (see pic). I grew up on the pink keys, so noticing the evolution of this key over time is pretty cool. We were given a passport stamp map (after completing all tasks with stamps you could go to the gift store for a prize), birthday hats, an actual venue map, and pin. There were several activations throughout Fairyland too for the day: puppet shows, performances, glitter tattoos, hair tinsel, special food trucks, DJ, arts and crafts, storytelling, and more. Something I noted was the incredible staff ~ everyone seemed honestly and genuinely happy to be working there. It was such a pleasant experience and added to the overall magic and wonder of the place. The grounds were well-kept and Fairyland looked anything but tired, rather invigorated and vibrant. It was wonderful to see so many people out with their families supporting such a beautiful space and place. As we exited, we were given party favors bags with special trinkets like bubbles, a whoopee cushion, and spinning tops. All in all, money well spent for a day of pure joy for all. Looking forward to checking out the adult nights for 21+ during Oakland Pride coming up, and also checking out their Magic Kitchen..where guest chefs from Oakland come out and whip up family-friendly meals!

What a cute little magical place for kids. Can easily spend half a day here with little ones. Everything is space out well which gets the kiddos walking, shows throughout the day, two arts n crafts areas, and we got a magical key for the boxes. Our girls had a great time and wanted to see and do everything multiple times. If you are planning on getting snacks here, plan to wait. Everything we walked by the food area, the lines were long. We didn't end up ordering food so I can't speak to that.

This is such a cute place for younger kids - we brought my 5 and 3 year old boys. There is an innocent, whimsical feel to this place compared to Great America or other amusement parks that felt like we went back in time. It was a long drive for us - hence no membership - but it was a nice 2 hour adventure for the kids across small rides (I.e. train, ferris wheel, carousel), sights (I.e. animals), and activities (there was an interactive singing and storytime at the theater). I had bought my kids the keys which allows kids to play stories at some of the rides - they are also just a cute souvenir. The lines for food / drinks was really slow and long, even with mobile app ordering, so I recommend packing food / snacks. Parking was easy when we came at opening.

Although it's not the same quaint place I remember as a child, it's absolutely amazing and beautiful. Everything is fresh and working. People working here are kind and understanding. We got in because of our son (thank you!) and it was hubs first time ever! Such a fun, interactive day we had and also enjoyed our lunch at the Cafe on site. Menu is online and the food is pretty good! Kids were smiling, laughing and really enjoying themselves. Parents/caregivers were too. The grounds were pristine. Bathrooms were extraordinarily clean. Gardens boast some large, old yet vibrant plantings. But all of the gardens were well tended and groomed. The history is posted online on their website. Check it out and read everything so you can have a complete experience. We saw the "Passport" note, so asked for them when we bought our membership. A fun way to be sure you see it all.

Service - 4/5 stars - They were very nice and inviting. It's just my food took a bit of a wait like 15 minutes, make sure you make preamble time if you're in a rush to get your food. Food - 4/5 - It had some good vegan options and the prices were cheaper than usual places. The pretzel chocolate chip Cookie was so good ! Chicken and waffles for kids was also good as well. Entertainment - 5/5 If you're a native Bay Area and feeling Oaklandish, this is the place for you. Oakland don't got a lot of love but coming from Mission Excelsior SF, I support the city of Oakland. Lived here for almost 40 years in the bay and I had a blast hanging out with my daughters last day of summer school here. They have 21+ over at night for fun and adults. I hope to come here at night with the mom crew.

I took my daughter here, and she absolutely loved it! I would say this park is good for toddlers and younger. My daughter was able to go on two of the rides, and she couldn't get enough of the carousel. She also really enjoyed the little houses. This park was really clean, the workers were so friendly, and the food offerings were great! I had a kale chicken Caesar salad with watermelon lemonade, and I loved my food. It's so nice to get fresh, healthy foods at a theme park.

My son and I had a time during our first visit to Fairyland. My niece celebrated her 6th birthday and the party was adorable, staff was great, and my toddler and I played all afternoon until the park closed. My son is 3 and all of the attractions were perfect for his size and experience. We met new friends and really enjoyed the party amenities with our family. I had to pry my son off that pirate ship to end the most perfect day, bedtime was epic. If you have a little one, this is a necessary Baydestrian experience.

I haven't been here since 6 years ago when my daughter turned 2. We came today to celebrate her 8th birthday! It was also Easter so they had an egg hunt event going on from 10am to 12pm. You find 3 matching color eggs to trade it in for a big one! Both of my kids found eggs and each got a big one, only one per child which makes it fair for everyone. The staff were very nice, everyone that I spoke to was great & friendly. You can't come in if you're not with a child, which I didn't know, but my brother was trying to come in and I had to call the kids over from egg hunting to show that I have my kids with us, Lol. I like that so there's no creepers coming here being weirdos. The line for food was long. But there was a nice selection on food and the price wasn't bad. Apple juice was only $2.50 when I was prepared to pay 5$ for, so that was nice. I ordered tots + dip and a chickadilla. The chickadilla was good. The train ride was a long wait so we didn't have time to stand and wait. The other little kiddie rides were fairly quick. What sucked was I paid for the magic key but most of the machines were broken because someone's keys got stuck and broken in it. Some of the decor needs updating like the well, it was very old. The bathrooms was nice because they had small toilets for little toddlers. Anyways. It was a fun time. We enjoyed it.

Fun place in take kids. It's a lot like a mini Disneyland. Parking nearby is five dollars. Everything is outdoors and there are rides for the kids. The food options are limited and can take a long time. They have 2 small restrooms that aren't very clean.

I've driven by Fairyland 100 times & always wondered what was inside. I took my granddaughter & we had a blast!!! The rides, the fairy tale attractions & their accompanying audio features were really cool. Be prepared to walk.......a lot. I parked inside the park, which I recommend. Street parking is available though. Vehicles are at risk either way but I felt more comfortable inside. We didn't try any of the snacks. The wait was too long. If you have toddlers, you have to take them!

A staple for all Oakland babies! My son is 7 now and still enjoys our outings and play dates here after all these years. The food area is also pretty good if you forget to bring snacks. Check out their website for special days and events (adult only nights happen occasionally on Thursdays; not sure of the frequency). *Also EBT cardholders get a significant discount of $5 per person admission for up to 8 ppl.

What a beautiful place for children. Finally we got to try Fairyland. It has lots of magical spots for kids to enjoy and have a good time. Lots of secret tunnels with slides, a fun train that goes around, few merry go rounds, a lovely library to sit and read and lots of fun stuff around. My 6 years old had a grand time with her friend albeit she said she may be too old for this place. We don't have membership so it's a bit expensive to visit but happy we tried it out. Definitely recommend for smaller kids :)

Brought my two toddlers here for the first time and they absolutely loved it. I love how family friendly the park and staff members are. Plenty of seating and shades.

We have always heard about Fairyland from our family who lives in the area but have never had a chance to go until last week. We came on a Saturday afternoon and the weather was sunny with a chill in the air but perfect for a day out. This place is easy to find and parking was plentiful. We opted to park in their parking lot, but word of caution, don't leave any valuables in the car as the lot is still susceptible to the BIP. We ordered tickets online so entrance was very easy and quick. We also opted to get the key as well, which was great to also receive when we checked in so that my child could instantly begin using it on the different story machines. The decor and ambiance of the park is so cute and obviously fairytale themed, however, you can tell the park is in need of some TLC as the paint on most structures and areas is aging and faded. This place is perfect for smaller children and tailored to those of preschool age. My son enjoyed the freedom to run around the park and go through the different play areas. The rides are definitely for the smaller children around 3-5 years old and do have height restrictions. The staff is very friendly and all of our children were really entertained. I would definitely recommend this place for smaller children as it seems that children older than 6-7 may age out quickly of being entertained and find the park a bit boring. Overall, we had a great time and glad we had a chance to visit.

Can't believe I've lived in the Bay Area my entire life and never knew about this theme park. Great for the little tots, they have attractions based on your favorite childhood stories, e.g., Peter Rabbit, Wizard of Oz, The Old Woman and the Shoe, etc. Outside of being a great, contained space for the kids to run around in, you can purchase Magic Keys to be able to listen to these favorite stories at boxes around the park. In addition, there are little kid-friendly rides like a Ferris wheel, a train, and a couple of carousels. The kids also love watching some of the farm animals located around the park. The park is pretty old and it shows in some of the attractions but overall, we had a great time here. The food at the cafe was also surprisingly good.

I met a few moms here for a kids play date. My one year old had a blast. Although he wasn't big enough to ride some rides, we were able to do the train together and the carousel. He loved the animals and running around in the different play areas. He really love bubbles so I was disappointed that the bubble area was more like "struggle bubbles" barely blowing anything at all. The food there is so yummy with some nutritious options and reasonably priced! This was a day well spent! I'm so glad we visited and we'll definitely be back when my son's a little older.

Amazing experience for little kids. 5 out of 5 stars. Entertainment was phenomenal and the lines for everything went quickly and smoothly. The staff were very friendly and knowledgeable, easy parking, the cost was minimal compared to the usual stuff for kids in Alameda.

We have been members for over 10 years I used to also come here as a young child so 40 plus years It's always been safe, clean, so much fun for all. I love taking my kids here. They treat families with special needs very well

Beautiful school with an amzing staff of teachers! Farm fresh produce growing around the kids who are hapy, friendly and literally jumping for joy!

Overpriced and lacks any real attractions to command a price of $60 for a family. They simple have a bunch of structures like little houses etc that you simply look at and hardly interact with. If you have a kid who is 2, this place has only one or two rides that you can accompany your child on. Otherwise, even the merrigoround doesn't allow adults. So here you are paying $20 for a two year old and $40 for two parents and you can hardly enjoy anything. And their annual memberships don't accommodate a set of parents and a nanny. If you want that, you pay wayyy more. Even though you might only go to chaperone one kid. What a joke. Lastly, don't even be tempted to be uncharged for the stupid key that plays janky music at some of the structures. Oh and story time was one of the most depressing. There is no acoustics or microphone and the reader couldn't be someone who wanted to be there less than us. It was quiet, boring, and so unspecial. Nothing magical or fairy like about it. A free story time at even the smallest library is better quality. It's a dump of a place that probably once had a sense of whimsy and imagination, but that was probably 20+ years ago. There's not even any staff dressed up in costume to greet etc. Just a bunch of boring houses painted and mushroom sculptures that don't do anything. You just look at them...

Fairyland is a wonderful place to take the family. I love that it is low tech and all outdoors. My grandchildren love going there, I purchased the annual family membership.

My family had an interesting time at fairyland recently. My kids had a blast running around all day especially rolling down the hill and shit like that. It was cool to have a day out with my kids. The gift shop was expensive as hell for what it was but that could be expected anywhere. There was a manager Sam who was to clammy for a dude leading. To hesitant and lacked confidence that was obvious. Man to man conversation should not be that awkward brother. Other than his weird demeanor the rest of fairyland entertained my family so I have nothing else to add.

The Park Itself Is Very Cute... We Visited A While Ago. Staff Was nice. There Was A Man Who I Saw Wandering Around That Made My Daughter And Granddaughter A Little Uncomfortable.. Didn't Tealize He Work There Until After. Unkempt Facial Hairs, Ponytail Hair Black And Gray.... Middle Aged. His Smile Was Was What Made My Daughter Uncomfortable. He Jist Had A Look To Him And Presence That Any Woman Knows Is One To Be Wary Of..... I Jist Want To Make Yall Aware In Case He Does Anithing To A Guest Or Worker. Was Going To Talk To Staff About The Man But Forgot Before Leaving.

The amusement park has a relatively rich variety of rides that can meet the needs of different age groups. However, the long queuing time seriously affects the playing experience. Considering all aspects

If you have children, they will love it here. The prime age of enjoyment is from 3-8 years old because you are old enough to ride the rides on your own. We have a membership and visit frequently. We recently checked out the Fairy Winterland and it was nice. The lights were so pretty and the Holiday decor was nice and festive.

That one worker abdulla he is very good with kids I love his energy he is very nice but everyone is is bad only he is the good one

Fairyland is the gem of Oakland. Been going here since I was little. Now I can share this magical fairytale place with my kids.

Cool place for little kids and toddlers but have to leave a negative review for the upkeep of the animals. I came here with my aunt and her two children. They really enjoyed the park and had a good time riding the train, ferris wheel, carousel and using the play activities that are abundantly scattered around. However, the kids did not seem so interested in the numerous farm animals on site. I saw goats, ponies and donkeys that looked so sad and depressed. There was no human interaction available besides waving and looking at these creatures behind a barrier. Also, the enclosures of the animals seemed to lack stimulation or any resemblance to their natural environment. I did not see any greenery or shrubs. I'm hoping this review will help improve the quality of life for the animals that are kept on display for public eyes.

A long time family favorite. The kids using their magic keys to tell their favorite storybook rhymes and tales. Such fun. Some live animals and rides.

Children's Fairyland had an adult's only fundraiser tonight, and it was really great to finally get to see this seminal children's' spot that was the inspiration for Walt Disney and Disneyland Great place, decent cocktails, fun vibe!!

Such a fun place to go to with kiddos!! Took my nephew there and it was very fun for them! There are so many options for kiddos to do what they would like from going on rides to playing on a hill to exploring a church or other nursery rhyme houses/buildings. Would definitely recommend, but do realize that the place has been around for quite a few decades so things are older.

This is a cute play ground with a small carousel, a very small Ferris wheel, animals like sheep & horses that you cannot pet, a train, and a puppet show in the mid morning & afternoon. It's large so kids can run around but really not a lot to do in terms of activities. They have little houses but nothing interactive really. I think it could be a bit boring for older kids. The place is also not very good for toddler because parent's can't go on the rides. I think this is a great sport for 3 - 5 year olds. Also wished the kids could pet or feed the animals. All in all okay place.

What a joke. It'd be funny if it weren't so expensive. We paid $16 per person (so $48 for my wife, my 3 year old, and myself). It's so incredibly run down. The train wasn't even working. A nice (free!) playground is 100x better. At least there's stuff to do in a playground. The talking boxes scattered around don't have buttons, but rather they require a "magic key" to be inserted which costs $3 to buy. The audacity to charge even more just to listen to the boxes. And then they even ask for them back once you exit the park! I'm shocked this place still exists. Are we all so desensitized to being ripped off? People, just let it go and stop coming here. Incredible...

Such a sweet place. There's so much for kids to look at and explore. We went on one of the Winterland evenings, which run from 4-7 during the holiday season. Fairyland was beautiful all lit up. The animals aren't there in the evenings, but there was a ton to do and see, including a Santa parade. The free hot cider or cocoa was a nice touch. Staff are all friendly and helpful. It seems cliche to call fairyland "wholesome," but that's the best word for it. Magical for young kids and adults.

Fairyland is located near Lake Merritt. I was told parking is a couple bucks or street parking, but there was no one at the pay booth when we went. I feel like this amusement park is geared for 2-5 year olds. We enjoyed the following: - timed puppet show -Alice in the Wonderland storybook walk through and maze through the playing cards -ferris wheel and carousel (kids only) - train ride -several.playgrounds - live animals Some of the areas could use some updating.

So grateful to be leaving this review... I have been coming to Fairyland for over 30 years & although I have had a huge gap in the adolescent years, not much has changed. Which is a pro & con. This review is intended to praise the fact that our local amusement park has FINALLY joined and made it inclusive for ALL to join. And what I mean by that they have introduced a program called Fairyland For All & those who receive assistance from WIC, CalFresh, or SNAP can join the fun for only $5 pp. In addition, if you are interested in a membership, after two visits, you can enroll for FREE! A huge win to the community. Regular admission is $16 pp (1-100). Which I feel is steep for adults to stand around waving at our children enjoy the park. Highlights ~ * clean restrooms * cute gift shop * perf for toddlers to explore * huge grassy area to enjoy lunch *beautifully kept gardens

Fairyland was one of the first theme parks created for children. Some people say that Walt Disney visited Fairyland several times before he created Disneyland.  Recently, I took my 2 grandsons to Fairyland. The 8 year helped watch over the 3 year old, and still had fun himself. We went to the puppet show--it was a little slow for them--they seemed to be more interested in moving their bodies. One of my grandkids favorite spots was the Alice in Wonderland Maze. PROS --Inexpensive tickets for a theme park: $13 each compared to over $100 at Disneyland --Limited number of people allowed in park --Parking close by --Discount days available for groups of at least 5 --Free tickets available for people who can't afford it --Kid sized rides, petting zoo, and puppet show --Park can be rented out for weddings and parties when not open to public CONS Older kids, who aren't into fairy tails or tooth fairies might be bored Have to reserve tickets in advance--can't just drop in on a whim Highly recommend for children around 8 years old and younger!

Iconic amusement park right next to Lake Merrit. Walt Disney copied a lot of their ideas such as the layout and different lands for Disneyland and even stole away their Director and master puppeteer. Despite this, he could not steal the spirit. While Disney went commercial and corporate Fairyland has remained independent and local. It's refreshing to see a lovingly preserved amusement park like this, a lot unchanged since it opened in the 50s. Some of the local/community details I liked seeing were volunteers tying strings onto the magic keys and potted tomato plants being sold outside the gift shop. The park is fairytale themed with interesting colorful buildings and statues, often built in whimsical shapes. The gimmick for kids is a "Magic Key" that can be purchased for a couple dollars at the gift shop and be used in different storybook audio boxes that will tell a story when a key is inserted. There is a vibe that the purpose is to be fun and educational for children and less about selling merchandise which I really appreciate as a parent. My kids loved running through the Alice in wonderland maze and going down the large dragon slide. A detail I really liked were the vintage hand-drawn signs, loved the no-smoking one!

An oldie but a goodie! I'm here with my 3.5 yr old on a school trip. I remember coming on a school trip myself when I was in grade school. He's so excited to see everything and try the rides! It's perfect for 2-5 year olds.

Absolutely adorable. The perfect grounds for a very exciting day for any child under 7! We brought our walking one year old - she seemed to enjoy herself, but she would've been in toddler heaven if she were 2-4! Very cute park - lots of beautiful flowers and greenery. 8.5/10 recommend. Some gripes- The "farm" area needs some TLC - if you're an animal lover, best to avoid. It's a sad sight. The food area was out of *EVERYTHING* warm except pizza - including sides for kids (except tator tots)... the menu boasts "healthy" kids menu items - but doesn't deliver at 1:45p on a Saturday. Luckily, we brought our own snacks. Nonetheless -- a perfect storybook playground for your toddler/early elementary-aged babies!!

A great time to spend with your kiddos! Taken my son here a few times and it was so nice to get him out after a few years of not being here. There's hand sanitizers everywhere. They also have ponies and big chickens you can look at. As an adult, I'm admiring all the luscious and variety of flowers and plants everywhere (it was also spring). My son loved the huge colorfully painted mushrooms. He made it a game to tag each one of them. He also loved playing on the ship that had a nearby (fake) alligator. There are ropes to climb on there. Fairyland is also right inside of the Lake Merritt park, so even when we were done, he was running around the grass and climbing on a tree. He had a great time.

I went here as a child. I brought my daughter here and my grandson. While I think there is a bit of deferred maintenance, it's a magical place for childhood memories

Watched a lady get in for free because her nephew and sister were already inside. I was then charged $20 when I was also meeting my mother and little brother. Dominic is also not professional at all. I was then lied to and told that the lady paid the $19 fee, on a ten dollar day. Again. I was lied to buy Dominic. I watched the whole interaction and no money or card was given, yet a ticket was. Is it because the way I look?? Color of my skin?

Always a very welcoming and comfortable place. So glad this gem is still around for my grandson to visit and enjoy. I always loved Fairyland as a child, loved taking my kids there, and now get to enjoy it as a grandparent. Still have my original Magic Key

The cutest place in town for those 5-6 and under. This feels like fairy tale books come to life. There are rides, puppet shows, magicians, and lots of little homes for kids to wander through. No visit is complete without a visit to the wild Wild West and a ride on the train. This place is the best place for kids to get immersed in the fantasy of story books and imaginative play. We love coming here and It never gets old! There's an eatery onsite for quick food, but it's a bit overpriced (yet sufficient). Food is allowed to be brought in, so pack a lunch if you can! You can also purchase a key for $3 and that will give you access to hear the storybooks (in English and Spanish). Reservations are highly recommended to ensure you won't get turned away. Memberships are offered and pay for themselves in 1-2 visits, depending on your party size. Speaking of parties, they also hold them here. They take care of everything. It's the best place for kids to go. You can't go to Oakland without stopping here with your kiddos!

You have to look at this place through the eyes of a child. As an adult you will notice the weathering and aging of the storybook sets. And the lack of bells and whistles that other amusement parks offer. But as a child, it's perfect. Everything is catered to toddlers. This place is great for kids under 5. They have a few rides plus plenty of space for the kids to run around freely.

IYKYK. Fairyland is a local gem. I remember coming here as a child and I didn't even know I was still in Oakland; felt like a mini getaway. There are attractions, rides, animals, shows, and areas to just chill and enjoy the scenery. The favorite for our most recent visit was the large slide. Catching shows was easy because the park is not super big. You can also buy a key to enhance the experience; they have boxes all over the park that use the keys to tell stories. Just remember to bring the key back for subsequent visits because we forget every time! Pre-COVID we also loved coming here for the Halloween event that included special events and treats for the kids. Haven't been since COVID tho so not sure how it is now. They also recently had an evening adult event that looked cool. I would definitely recommend for younger children.

Kiddos have a fantastic time here. There's a lot of space to run around without worrying that your kid is the crazy one. Cool slides too. There's a cute little ferris-wheel-type ride with height and weight restrictions. The last time I was here, the employee operating the ride was super patient. One set of parents kept insisting that their daughter should be allowed on the ride, even though she was just taller than the height restriction. The employee did eventually let her on the ride, but I know they didn't want to. The parents were really aggressive and kept saying that "it's okay, it's okay." I really felt for the employee because I'm sure they didn't want to get confrontational. Parents, DON'T do this to employees! They want to see your kids have a great time, and they don't want anyone getting hurt on the rides. If the employee says your kid is too tall or too small, don't fight them. Please. Tip: arrive as early as possible. Parents like to get the most out of their day, so they get here when the doors open. If you want off-street parking, there's a parking lot all behind the entrance. If you don't mind parking on the street, you can find a spot almost in front of the entrance if you get there within 15-20 minutes of opening hours. Cons: The train here is pretty horrible. We waited 45 minutes for a maybe less than 5-minute ride that essentially just looped the same area twice, so nothing very interesting to see except for 20 seconds inside a makeshift tunnel with lights. Skip it if you can! Don't let your kiddo see the train!