5 Best Toddler-Friendly Parks in North Oakland, California
Uncover the hidden playgrounds and parks in North Oakland’s most beautiful spots.
Are you looking for playgrounds to take your toddler to in North Oakland?
You are in the right place because I have become an expert in outdoor play areas in Oakland for toddlers.
My kids and I are practically part of the furniture in North Oakland…
The value of a decent, clean, and charming park becomes relevant when you have a toddler.
I would say parks are essential to everyone’s sanity, parents included.
The stimulation, exercise, and fresh air make sleeping at night easier for everyone.
That’s the goal. Right?
Luckily, North Oakland is home to redwoods, luxurious hills, and five charming parks I frequently visit with my kids.
Before you go, check out these Oakland family-friendly guides.
Here is an overview of my favorite North Oakland toddler parks to add to your weekly rotation. They are all charming, safe, and nestled into some of the most beautiful parts of Oakland.
In many ways, Lake Temescal Park embodies the same vibe as Central Park NYC. Only it’s a little smaller (way smaller) and is located in North Oakland.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE |
North Entrance: 6500 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94618
South Entrance: 6502 Broadway Terrace, Oakland, CA 94618. This is my favorite entrance because it’s nearest to the toddler playground.
ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS |
Two playgrounds, birds, ducks, and squirrels to see and chase, picnic tables, a lake to dip in, and a path to walk.
I also love watching the folks that come to fish in the lake to see what they pull out of the water. Usually, it’s trout.
A full-time staff is also dedicated to maintaining the park.
The local police visit regularly to ensure that everyone is safe.
WEEKDAY SCENE | You will see your avid joggers doing circles around the lake, elderly walkers, an abundance of caretakers and nannies speaking Spanish or Chinese, and of course, your mom jogger groups doing squats next to a stroller.
Also, you will find your remote work-from-home people out to get some fresh air while taking a conference call.
I love that you never really feel alone at this park and that there are so many different types of people for my toddler to see.
It’s the perfect place to take little- kids because there are plenty of opportunities for them to socialize and make a friend.
Also, if you forget baby wipes, folks nearby, nannies, and parents, are always happy to help a friend out. I have been that person at least once.
WEEKEND SCENE | On the weekend, you will see everyone and their mom here. Families, couples, singles, and the elderly flock to this park for one reason. It offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Toddlers can be seen riding a scooter and playing in one of the two jungle gyms.
On a Saturday afternoon, you can smell the BBQ and the fresh scent of grass. Music is playing somewhere in the park, and there is defiantly a vibe. Imagine hula hoops, toddlers on scooters, and a group of young single folks vibing in the corner.
BEST TIME TO GO | Anytime on weekdays and the weekends between 8 am - 10 am and 4 pm-6 pm.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO |
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and shades.
The park currently does not enforce a parking fee.
Also, on warm summer, and spring weekends, the park charges a few dollars to enjoy the beach.
BBQs and birthday parties, you can reserve a spot by calling their parks and recreation number.
CONS | The bathrooms on the north side close early, somewhere between 3-4:30 pm. This is probably for park safety, so you have to learn how to manage your bio breaks if you visit in the late afternoon.
Try not to fill up a ton of water before an afternoon visit.
The park gets busy on the weekends between noon and 3 pm, especially in good weather.
2 | MONTCLAIR PARK
Located in the center of Montclair Village, Montclair Park is spacious and has a variety of attractions for toddlers.
You will also see pickle ball players during all hours of the day.
When my toddler was learning to walk, we spent many early morning hours here falling and getting back up again.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE |
6226 Moraga Ave, Oakland, CA 94611.
You can pay to park on Moraga Avenue.
ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS |
Two playgrounds, one that is enclosed and built for toddlers.
A mini lake with fish and ducks.
Open space to kick a ball.
Swings.
An old horse carriage donated by Wells Fargo. The horse carriage is a big hit.
Path’s for toddlers to walk or scooter on.
WEEKDAY SCENE | Most people that visit the park come specifically for the playgrounds. You’ll find that it’s a combination of parents with kids, caretakers, and nannies. The nannies here stay at the park all day with infants and toddlers.
WEEKEND SCENE | Many parents hit the Farmer’s Market on Sundays and head straight to the park. From birthday parties to toddler soccer in the morning, and parents with coffee and kids eager to exchange parenting stores, it’s a bustling place.
BEST TIME TO GO | While it gets slightly crowded on the weekends during the hours of 10 - noon, all other times are great to visit.
WHAT DO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | During the mid-afternoon on sunny days, the playgrounds do not have any shade. I usually steer away during this window of time in warm weather.
CONS | This park does not have working public restrooms. Technically there is a restroom though due to lack of funding, it’s out of commission. Visit the Yellow Door Cafe, Rite Aid, or Peet’s Coffee for restroom visits. Bummer, I know…
The park must have been built before ADA because if you are someone with a stroller or handicapped, you can only enter the park through one side.
Several times I have carried my stroller up the stairs and into the village. Luckily folks generally help a mom with a toddler out. On many occasions, locals have carried my stroller up the two flights of stairs for me.
3 | LINDA PLAYGROUND
Linda Playground Piedmont, Oakland
Linda Playground is a toddler sanctuary nestled into the neighborhood of Piedmont Oakland. It features a play structure, swings, picnic tables, and donated toys to feel, touch and explore.
Next to the park, by about 30 feet, you will find a tennis court where you will hear banter and noise from folks playing pickleball. It’s small, quaint, yet lively.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE |
Linda Ave & Howard Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611
There is ample parking space on Linda Street next to the park.
ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS |
A low-to-the-ground play structure and a ground covered in sand. You don’t have to worry too much if someone falls.
The area gets good sunlight.
Picnic tables for snacks and lunchtime.
Lots of toys and structures for make-believe time.
The playground is completely gated, so it’s a great location for parents and caretakers to sit back, relax, and watch their toddlers play without worrying about a kid running toward a road.
WEEKDAY SCENE | This park is filled with nannies and caretakers on weekdays, especially at 10 am. When the elementary school gets out, the playground fills with children eager to run and play with friends. Occasionally middle school kids pop over to hang around the park and eat junk food. Better than drugs right?
WEEKEND SCENE | Mostly toddlers with parents and folks meeting over coffee for playdates.
BEST TIME TO GO | Anytime! Linda Park never gets overly crowded, even on the weekends.
Toddlers can only last a few hours before nap time.
WHAT DO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO |
Parking around the area fills up sometimes on weekends if there are sports activities at the field next door.
When you visit Linda Playground on the weekend, it’s a two-in-one park deal because the Beach Elementary School playground next door is open to the public.
CONS | The bathrooms are farther away from the playground, down the road, and across the sports field. In other words, trucking down to that location with a toddler is not fun.
4 | PIEDMONT PARK
Piedmont Park is one of the most lovely parks in North Oakland. It’s in the center of the town, across the street from the police and fire station. I always get “Smallville” movie vibes when I visit because the park is so safe, clean, and quaint.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE |
356 Highland Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611.
You will find street parking along the rim of the entire park. It does not cost to park either.
ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS |
A playground surrounded by a sandbox.
Swings.
A fountain to explore and accidentally fall into.
A neat tree that is low to the ground that kids love to climb.
A trail that leads down to a spring.
Lots of space to run and roll down the hill on the grass.
WEEKDAY SCENE | Like many other playgrounds in North Oakland, Piedmont Park has a group of regular nannies and caretakers that take over the playground area on weekdays.
WEEKEND SCENE | Local Piedmont families out and about with their kids, people with dogs, and family photo shoots. Lots of picnics and birthday parties too.
BEST TIME TO GO | Anytime is good.
WHAT DO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | The park has an excellent bathroom and places to find shade.
CONS | I can’t think of any…
05 | DRACENA PARK
Formally a rock quarry, Dracena Park sits on 8 acres and feels like a spa. The park is well-kept and provides sunlight and shade, depending on when you visit.
LOCATION AND GETTING THERE | 130 Dracena Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611.
There is a lot of street parking in the neighborhood alongside the park. There are no fees to park.
ATTRACTIONS FOR TODDLERS |
Large sandbox
Huge slide
Swings
Rock climbing wall and play structure
Path for scooter and bike riding
Open grassy space for learning how to walk
WEEKDAY SCENE | You will find nannies, caretakers, elderly folks, dog walkers, and some parents with kids on a weekday.
WEEKEND SCENE | Birthday parties, picnics, and parents with their kids. Sometimes the local Piedmont kids have bake sales to support various causes.
WHAT DO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO | Parking sometimes fills up between 10 - 2 pm on the weekend. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to grab a parking spot.
This park has a well-kept restroom.
CONS | Busy place on the weekends.
Dracena Park Rock Climbing Wall
Did I miss anything? What are your favorite Oakland toddler parks?
Planning a trip to Oakland with kids? Get my Oakland guides and recommendations here.
Top North Oakland Attractions For Families (2023 Guide)
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