Indoor places for a rainy day in Oakland
8 places in Oakland for when it rains: a planetarium and science centre in the hills, an ice rink downtown, a West Oakland play space with a ninja ropes course, a building of art, animals and a play space, a hands-on children’s art studio, a toddler nature play space inside the Oakland Museum, a climbing gym, and a movie theater where kids can eat a real meal during the film.
Planetarium shows under a 241-seat dome, hands-on exhibits, and research telescopes open to the public on clear evenings, up in the Oakland hills. Free covered parking, which is rarer than the telescopes.
Indoor skating all year downtown, and rentals start at a toddler size 6, so the very small ones are genuinely included rather than just watching.
A West Oakland play space with a multi-level playground, climbing walls, a ninja ropes course, an arcade, and a small toddler area.
Art spaces, a library, a play space and animals in one building, which is a lot of different moods covered under one roof.
A hands-on art studio and gallery near 12th Street BART, open for drop-in on weekends. Come in clothes you do not mind.
A toddler-focused nature play space inside the Oakland Museum of California, with full museum and garden access included.
A climbing gym in Oakland with options set up for family climbing.
A movie theater with a cafe where kids can eat a real meal during the film.
Easy meals