Children's Fairyland: Where Imagination Comes to Life
Sparking imaginations since 1950, Children's Fairyland offers storybook sets, gentle rides, and puppet shows on the shores of Oakland's Lake Merritt.
Children's Fairyland, nestled on the shores of Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, is a beloved storybook theme park that has enchanted generations since 1950. This whimsical park, one of the first of its kind in the United States, features imaginative play sets, gentle rides, and captivating puppet shows, creating a magical experience for young children and their families.
A brief summary to Children's Fairyland
- 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland, California, 94610, US
- +1510-452-2259
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure parking and avoid long lines.
- Purchase a Magic Key to unlock audio stories at the various storybook boxes throughout the park.
- Check the daily schedule for puppet show and performance times.
- Consider bringing a stroller or wagon for younger children, as there is a lot of walking involved.
- Take advantage of the picnic areas to enjoy your own snacks and drinks, or grab a bite at the Johnny Appleseed Cafe.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the 19th Street BART station, Children's Fairyland is approximately a 10-minute walk or a short bus ride away. Exit the station using the 20th Street stairway and walk on 20th Street to Harrison Street. Turn left on Harrison Street, then right on Grand Avenue. Fairyland will be one block away at the intersection of Grand and Bellevue. Alternatively, take the #12 bus from the 19th Street BART station to Fairyland. BART fares vary depending on the distance traveled, but a trip from San Francisco to the 19th Street Oakland station typically costs $2-$4. A single ride on the #12 bus is $2.50.
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Driving
Children's Fairyland is located at 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland, CA 94610. From I-580 East, take the Harrison Street exit and turn right onto Harrison. Turn left onto Grand Avenue; Children's Fairyland is one block away at the intersection of Grand and Bellevue. From I-580 West, take the MacArthur/Harrison exit and turn left onto Harrison, then left onto Grand Avenue. Paid public parking is available on Bellevue Avenue, operated by the City of Oakland. Metered parking is also available on Grand Avenue surrounding the park. Parking fees on Bellevue Avenue are $3 for the first two hours and $12 for the day on weekdays. On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, the fee is $5 for the day. Metered parking rates on Grand Avenue vary.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From downtown Oakland, a taxi or ride-sharing service to Children's Fairyland is a quick and convenient option. The ride typically takes only a few minutes, with an estimated cost of $8-$10. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Oakland. Always confirm the fare and route with the driver before starting your journey.
Discover more about Children's Fairyland
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