Shan Dong

Downtown Oakland's big full-service hotel with an outdoor pool, direct BART access, and suites that fit a travel crib. Walkable to Old Oakland restaurants.

A hands-on art studio and gallery near 12th Street BART, open for drop-in on weekends.

A playable video game museum with thousands of games on their original hardware, plus kids' classes.

Nature play for ages 2 to 5 inside the natural sciences gallery, included with museum admission, free for kids 12 and under.

California art, history and natural sciences under one roof, with touch-friendly areas for small kids and a garden that's free to enjoy.

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.