Unveiling the Oakland Zoo: What Toddlers will adore the most

A toddler sitting on a lizard statue at Oakland Zoo

Did you know that the Oakland Zoo is a hidden gem for toddler play in the Bay Area? Not only will your little ones encounter bears, reptiles, otters, and bunnies, but the entire zoo itself is like a gigantic jungle gym designed just for them!

But wait, there's more! The Oakland Zoo isn't just for toddlers; it's also the perfect after-school getaway for families with multiple children. So, everyone can join in on the fun!

Now, let me share a personal story from my first visit to the Oakland Zoo. Picture this: a scorching hot day, no stroller in sight. It was a recipe for disaster, and needless to say, it wasn't the most enjoyable experience. The blazing heat and challenging hills made it a struggle as I carried my three-year-old around. And to top it off, I made the mistake of wearing the wrong shoes. Ouch!

Fast forward eight years, and my family received an annual Zoo pass. There was no escaping it this time. With my nine-year-old and toddler in tow, I faced the Oakland Zoo once again. But this time, I was fully prepared for an amazing adventure!

If you're a new family or a visitor to the Oakland Zoo with a toddler, I've got your back. I've put together a helpful guide to ensure your experience is a breeze. Learn from my past mishaps and make unforgettable memories with your little ones at the Oakland Zoo. Let's make this trip one for the books!

Where is the Oakland Zoo?

The Oakland Zoo is situated in the Oakland Hills right off Golflinks Road.

9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland, CA 9460. It’s 19 miles from San Francisco, about a 35-40 minute drive, and an adventurous backyard for Oaklanders.

Oakland Zoo Overview

OAKLAND ZOO TICKETS | Advanced reservations are required to visit and can be purchased online. The Oakland Zoo is not a place where you can show up unplanned without prior purchased tickets.

MEMBERSHIP | The Oakland Zoo offers three different options for annual members. We love the Family Membership for $139 a year for two adults and up to four children.

Even if you visit the Zoo once a month with your toddler, it’s worth it.

The only thing to note is that even with a Zoo membership, you still have to make a reservation to visit, excluding anytime after 2:00 pm.

LOCATION GETTING THERE | The exit is off Golf Links Road, from the 580. 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605.

PARKING | Visitors pay for parking online when they buy their tickets. For members, parking comes with the membership.

There is a big parking lot at the main entrance and then a grassy parking area that is usually only used on the weekends, located at the lower level of the Zoo.

BEST TIME TO GO | If you are visiting with a toddler, I recommend going on a weekday when it’s less crowded. Or, if you go on a weekend, go early.

The Zoo is packed on the weekend, especially Saturdays. I usually avoid the Zoo on these days.

How to prepare for the Oakland Zoo with a toddler

BRING A WATER BOTTLE | The Zoo provides water stations everywhere. Bring your bottle to fill up as you go.

WEAR WALKING SHOES | The Zoo is not a fashion show. Unless you love pain, I recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. One of the unique features of Oakland is that it is situated along a long stretch of hills. The Oakland Zoo is hilly. You will be happy that you wore appropriate footwear.

WEAR ATHLETIC CLOTHING | Again, the Zoo is not a fashion show, especially when you visit with a toddler. I love to wear my yoga pants and athletic clothing because you can use the Zoo as an opportunity to work out. You can still look cute in yoga pants as you push that stroller up the hill.

BRING A SUN HAT AND SHADES | Some areas of the Zoo feel like you are an ant under a looking glass. Bring all forms of sun protection so that it’s easier for you to enjoy all the animals with your little animal.

STROLLER VS. CARRIER | Entirely up to you. I prefer a stroller because the hills are easier to stroll in vs. carrying a toddler in a sling unless you love to sweat.

FOR YOUR TODDLER | Water, liquids, sunscreen, a hat, snacks, walking shoes, and play clothes.

10 Top Oakland Zoo things toddlers will love

The Oakland Zoo is not the largest in the world, but it’s not tiny either.

I would be lying if I said we get through every attraction when we visit.

To make your visit easy, here are our ten Oakland Zoo attractions toddlers will love.

1 | THE GONDOLA | When you first arrive, hop onto the four-minute gondola ride that takes you 650 feet above sea level. Strollers fit in the gondola too. My toddler loves looking at the camels and bison as I try not to puke.

2 | VISIT THE LANDING CAFE | Right after you take your Gondola right is the perfect time to sit down and have a snack at the Landing Cafe. There, you will find tasty things like brick oven pizza, salads, burgers, sandwiches and chips, and ice cream. If you are feeling a little queasy after the gondola ride, they also sell beer. I know right!

One of the things that I love about this cafe is that it is huge and you don’t have to worry about being noisy. Plus, you can enjoy the amazing view of six Bay Area counties while eating ice cream.

3 | DO THE CALIFORNIA TRAIL | Finally, after everyone has had a snack, do the California trail. This attraction starts where the Gondola lets you off. I love this feature because most of the animals are native to California. The tour is easy to see from a stroller and there are animals like wolves, bears, and bald eagles that you don’t see at just any Zoo.

4 | PLAY AT THE FIVE-PLAY ZONE PLAYGROUND | This is one of the best playgrounds in Oakland. While your toddler runs from the sandbox to mini hills and animal sculptures, enjoy watching grizzly wears a hundred feet away and enjoy their day.

Walk back through the California Trail and take the Gondola down. *Note, on Fridays and weekends, there is usually a line to take the Gondola down. It takes an average of 10 - 15 minutes of waiting time. This is why I visit on weekdays because toddlers don’t understand “waiting time.”

5 | VISIT THE CHILDREN’S ZOO | Once you hop off the Gondola, wave to the giraffes and walk down the hill to the Children’s Zoo.

This section is centered around a big open grassy field surrounded by ornamental insects in trees. Kids will also find statues of ladybugs to climb on.

6 | PETTING YARD | Toddlers will love touching animals in the petting yard. This feature is conveniently located within the children’s section.

7 | TREE FORT CLIMBING AREA | Toddlers can watch the otters while they climb up a tree house and fly down a mini slide.

8 | AMPHIBIAN ROOM | Stroll into the amphibian room so everyone can say “ewww.” The yellow frogs, tiny turtles, and lizards are some of my toddler’s favorite things to see at the Zoo.

9 | FROG PLAY AREA | After toddlers enjoy the amphibian room, they can climb on frog play structures around the corner.

10 | TURTLE PLAY AREA | While the real turtles are fun to watch, my toddler seems to love the turtle play structures even more. This is also the best place to do a diaper change because the ground is soft and it’s away from foot traffic.