Indoor places for a rainy day in Oakland
Updated September 2026
8 places in Oakland for when it pours: a planetarium and science center in the hills, an ice rink downtown, a West Oakland play space with a ninja ropes course, a whole building of art, animals and a play space, a hands-on art studio for kids, a toddler nature play space inside the Oakland Museum, a climbing gym, and a movie theater where kids eat a real meal during the film (yes, really).
Planetarium shows under a 241-seat dome, hands-on exhibits, and research telescopes open on clear evenings, up in the Oakland hills, with free covered parking.
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.
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