Best of 32 Kid-friendly bike trails in Oakland
Discover the joys of family-friendly cycling with kid-friendly bike trails in Oakland! These trails offer scenic routes, easy terrain, and safe environments for children to learn and enjoy biking. Experience the perfect blend of exercise, family fun, and nature exploration with kid-friendly bike trails in Oakland. Ideal for a memorable day out with loved ones!
- 1. Joaquin Miller Park
- 2. Montclair Railroad Trail
- 3. Bay Bridge Bike Trail
- 4. San Francisco Bay Trail
- 5. Sequoia Bayview Trail Trailhead
- 6. Temescal Regional Recreation Area
- 7. The San Leandro Trails
- 8. Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
- 9. Leona Heights Park
- 10. Knowland Park
- 11. Leona Canyon Trail Head
- 12. Bridgeview Trailhead
- 13. Skyline Gate Staging Area
- 14. Benevides Trailhead
- 15. El Centro Trailhead (Dimond Canyon)
- 16. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
- 17. Fire Trails
- 18. Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park
- 19. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
- 20. Dimond Park
- 21. Clyde Woolridge Staging
- 22. Redwood Bowl Staging Area
- 23. Estuary Park
- 24. Dunn Trail
- 25. MacDonald Trail Parkridge Trailhead
- 26. King Estate Open Space Park
- 27. Castle Park Access, Joaquin-Miller Park
- 28. Redwood Glen Trailhead
- 29. Fern Ravine
- 30. Camp Trail
- 31. Huckleberry upper trail
- 32. Sunset Trail Access
1. Joaquin Miller Park
Historic landmark of Oakland

The park has ample parking and is not crowded, making it a peaceful and enjoyable experience. Bathrooms are available for visitors, adding to the convenience of the location. The park is also dog-friendly, allowing owners to bring their furry friends along for the hike. The trail is in great condition, well-defined and mostly flat, making it accessible for all skill levels.
The park is heavily wooded with redwoods, providing plenty of shade for visitors. The trail features many redwoods, creating a scenic and serene atmosphere. It is an excellent location for a family outing, offering a beautiful and enjoyable hiking experience.
2. Montclair Railroad Trail
Historic railroad route

The Montclair Railroad Trail is a beloved neighborhood trail, offering a picturesque and well-maintained path for various recreational activities. It is common to see dog walkers, parents with strollers, cyclists, joggers, and casual strollers enjoying the trail, which is often lined with houses, demonstrating its significance as a community amenity.
The trail is an excellent spot for birding, road biking, and running, and despite its popularity, solitude can still be found during less busy hours. Open year-round, the trail is an attractive destination in any season. Dogs are allowed on the trail, and they can even be off-leash in some areas. The trail is also kid-friendly and stroller-friendly, making it a versatile and inclusive outdoor space for all to enjoy.
3. Bay Bridge Bike Trail

4. San Francisco Bay Trail

00:39 3.92 miles 6.0 mph 25 feet 25 feet Intermediate 2 Intermediate run. Good physical fitness is required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all levels. Save Customize View map data © OpenStreetMap Contributors 5 5
5. Sequoia Bayview Trail Trailhead
Majestic redwoods, panoramic bay views

The trail is an excellent choice for beginners and children, offering a scenic and relatively easy route through a well-shaded area. While there are a few rooty and rocky sections, they are mostly small and manageable, even for young or inexperienced riders. However, caution should be exercised, and walking these sections might be necessary if the kids are entirely new to off-road cycling.
The trail is also popular among other users, making it a family-friendly option, but it's crucial to stay vigilant, call out to others, and respect their space. The busy trail can provide an opportunity to teach kids about sharing the path and following proper trail etiquette, creating a positive and enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone.
6. Temescal Regional Recreation Area
Scenic views of Lake Temescal and surrounding hills

The East Shore Trail offers a wonderful opportunity for a family outing, particularly for those with young children. The trail is suitable for a short bike ride and is an easy route that is perfect for kids. Safety is clearly a priority, making it a great place for children to learn to ride their bikes and explore the outdoors.
My kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves while biking around the lake on the East Shore Trail. The trail's kid-friendly nature and safety make it an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity. The trail's beautiful scenery and access to the lake provide a well-rounded experience that is enjoyable for both kids and adults.
7. The San Leandro Trails

8. Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline
Historic Hetch Hetchy Railroad trail

The Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Trail is an ideal destination for families, offering a 3.5-mile paved trail that is excellent for biking with children. The trail is flat and easy, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. Besides biking, the 741-acre Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline provides several paved trails for hiking, running, and jogging, making it a versatile location for various outdoor activities.
Overall, the Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline Trail is a perfect spot for a family bike ride. With its 3.5-mile paved trail, the area is suitable for all fitness levels, and the ease of the path makes it a great option for families with children. Furthermore, the larger Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline offers multiple paved trails for hiking, running, and jogging, providing visitors with a range of options for outdoor recreation.
9. Leona Heights Park
Dog-friendly trails

The York Trail at Leona Heights Park is a moderately-challenging hike that offers beautiful scenery. The narrow, rocky hiking path makes it more suitable for older kids, but little ones can still enjoy the trail near the Horseshoe Creek at the trailhead.
I recently went on a hike up the York trail in Leona Heights Park, Oakland. The trail's narrow and rocky path is better suited for older children, but younger kids can also have a great time near the Horseshoe Creek at the beginning of the trail.
10. Knowland Park
Dog-friendly trails, Historical sites

Knowland Park in Oakland is a great destination for families looking for a kid-friendly bike trail. The trail is mostly situated away from busy roads, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families with young children. Its design and location make it an ideal choice for a family outing on bikes.
The park offers a variety of trails for bikers of all skill levels, but it's the family-friendly trail that really shines. This trail is particularly well-suited for families with young children due to its separation from busy roads and traffic. The trail's peaceful and scenic surroundings make it an excellent choice for a family bike ride, allowing parents and children to enjoy quality time together while getting some exercise in a beautiful setting.
11. Leona Canyon Trail Head
Dog-friendly trail

Leona Canyon is a delightful discovery, ideal for families with children. The trails are suitable for kids, making it a great choice for a family outing. If you're looking for a fun day out with your children, Leona Canyon is highly recommended.
The Leona Trail, specifically, is an excellent option for families. It is easy enough for kids to manage and offers the added bonus of beautiful views. My personal experience found that my kids particularly enjoyed biking along this trail. It's a great way to engage children in outdoor activities while appreciating the natural scenery.
12. Bridgeview Trailhead
Connects to Bay Area Ridge Trail

Bridgeview Trail in Oakland is a fun and charming trail, suitable for both adults and children. The trail is mostly shaded, making it a comfortable hike even during sunny days. The walk starts at the Upper Bridgeview Trailhead, located off Monterey Blvd, and ends at Bridgeview Dr. The trail's main attraction is the unique homemade rustic 'troll' sculptures that are scattered along the 1.4-mile hike.
The 'trolls' are sure to delight hikers of all ages. My four children, aged 2, 4, 7, and 9, thoroughly enjoyed searching for these mischievous little creatures while we meandered along the flat and lush forested trail. The sculptures add a touch of whimsy and magic to the hike, making it an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
13. Skyline Gate Staging Area
Starting point for Skyline Gate Trail

The Skyline Gate Staging Area is a popular destination for families with children, offering a variety of trails that are well-maintained and suitable for young bikers. The area provides a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to learn and practice biking, with plenty of space to ride.
During our visit to Skyline Gate, we took our kids biking on the trails and they had a great time. The paths were easy to navigate and perfect for their skill level, making it a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. We appreciated the effort taken to maintain the trails and ensure they were safe for children to use.
14. Benevides Trailhead

15. El Centro Trailhead (Dimond Canyon)
Historic landmarks and bridges

The [Stow Lake Sunset Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/stow-lake-sunset-trail) is a generally easy route, making it a great option for families with children. It takes approximately 42 minutes to complete and is a popular choice for hiking, running, and walking. The trail is open year-round and offers beautiful scenery regardless of the time of year. Dogs are also allowed on the trail, but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Nearby, [Dimond Park](https://www.oaklandca.gov/services/dimond-park) provides a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views, making it an ideal spot for families to relax and unwind. The park boasts well-maintained facilities, lush greenery, and recreational amenities such as tennis courts, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and play.
16. Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve
Stunning views of bay area

The Leona Trail is a great spot for families to go biking. The trail is not too difficult, featuring gentle slopes and turns that are manageable for kids. One of the things that makes this trail stand out is the beautiful scenery. As you ride along, you are treated to views of nature that are sure to take your breath away.
Overall, the Leona Trail is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun and active way to spend time together. The trail is mostly shaded, which is a big plus on hot days. This means that you and your kids can enjoy a long, leisurely bike ride without worrying about getting too much sun. Whether you're an experienced biker or just starting out, the Leona Trail is definitely worth checking out.
17. Fire Trails
Historic fire trails with scenic views

The Claremont Fire Trail is a suitable option for families seeking a relaxed and scenic hike. Covering a distance of 1.5 miles, the trail features gentle inclines and a picturesque overlook, making it an ideal destination for a family outing. Children, in particular, will enjoy the trail, as it is well-maintained and not typically congested, providing a safe and pleasant biking experience.
During my family's visit to the Claremont Fire Trail, my kids had an amazing time biking along the route. The trail's gentle slopes and smooth surface allowed them to navigate with ease, while the limited crowds ensured their safety and enjoyment. Overall, the Claremont Fire Trail is an excellent choice for families looking for a scenic and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
18. Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park
Cascade and waterfall

Joaquin Miller Park is a fantastic destination for family outings, offering a variety of activities to enjoy. At the heart of the park lies a grassy bowl surrounding the Woodminster Cascade, providing a picturesque setting for picnics and relaxation. One of the highlights of the park is the shaded playground, which is a favorite among parents due to its kid-friendly features. The park also boasts miles of hiking and biking trails that showcase stunning views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
For families seeking a moderate hiking experience, the Sequoia Bayview Trail is an excellent choice. With a 4.6-star rating from over 3,500 reviews, this 4.1-mile trail with an elevation gain of 387 feet is a hit among families. Its kid-friendly features and scenic views make it an ideal option for those looking to spend quality time in nature with their loved ones.
19. Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve
Coastal sage scrub ecosystem

Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is an excellent destination for families, offering well-maintained trails that are suitable for kids. The preserve's self-guided nature path is both educational and entertaining for children, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn about native plants and wildlife while enjoying the outdoors.
The preserve boasts a range of kid-friendly trails that are easy to navigate, making it an ideal location for a family outing. Huckleberry Preserve is an excellent place for children to discover the beauty of native plants and wildlife while getting some exercise and enjoying quality time with their family.
20. Dimond Park
Accessible by public transit

Dimond Park is a wonderful location for outdoor activities, particularly biking. The park boasts well-maintained trails and a lush, serene environment that is perfect for cyclists of all ages and skill levels. One of the standout features of Dimond Park is its family-friendly bike trails, which have earned it a top ranking in Oakland.
Whether you're an experienced biker or just looking for a fun and active way to spend time with your family, Dimond Park is the perfect destination. Its kid-friendly trails offer a safe and enjoyable space for children to learn to ride and explore the outdoors, while more experienced cyclists can still find plenty of challenging paths and beautiful scenery to enjoy.
21. Clyde Woolridge Staging
Historic aircraft collection

The Clyde Woolridge Staging Area, located at the intersection of Grass Valley Road and Skyline Boulevard, serves as the starting point for a trail that leads to Lake Chabot. The journey begins on the Goldenrod Trail, where hikers may encounter a gopher snake, especially on hot and dry days. After about 0.75 miles, hikers will reach a trail post marking the Columbine Trail.
This 2.1-mile loop trail, located near San Leandro, California, is generally considered easy and takes approximately 50 minutes to complete. The trail is a popular choice for birding and hiking, although there are quieter times when solitude can be found. The trail is open year-round and features stunning views and an abundance of wildflowers, including ocean spray, which is scattered throughout the shrubs and provides pretty pops of white. The trail to Lake Chabot is shaded and features blackberry bushes, making it an ideal choice for hikers seeking a peaceful and scenic walk.
22. Redwood Bowl Staging Area
wheelchair accessible trails

The Joaquin Miller beginner loop is an ideal choice for those new to mountain biking, with easy terrain and fun singletrack. This 3.9-mile trail, located near Oakland, California, offers a moderately challenging yet enjoyable experience for hikers, runners, and birdwatchers alike. With mildly rocky terrain and gentle slopes, the route takes an average of 1 hour and 42 minutes to complete.
Although this loop is popular, the trail's secluded location allows for a peaceful outdoor adventure. The singletrack features a mix of climbing and smooth, flowy sections for an entertaining route without the strain of excessive climbing. Overall, this trail is an excellent option for those seeking a pleasant and manageable adventure in the Oakland area.
23. Estuary Park
Free admission, Migratory birds watching

Oakland is home to several kid-friendly bike trails, with Estuary Park being one of the best options. This park offers a safe and enjoyable environment for children to bike, with flat and easy trails that are perfect for young cyclists.
Family biking is highly recommended at Estuary Park, where the trails are specifically designed with kids in mind. The smooth and level pathways ensure a comfortable and stress-free biking experience, making it an ideal location for a family outing on two wheels.
24. Dunn Trail

25. MacDonald Trail Parkridge Trailhead

26. King Estate Open Space Park
Scenic waterfront views

The speaker recommends visiting a fun location, but warns against bringing young children due to potential danger. They recently discovered this place is near their home and, despite the steep and scary street, decided to check it out with their 6-year-old daughter.
The location offers great views of the city and appears to be kid-friendly. The speaker and their daughter had no trouble hiking around the hills and took a moment to meditate at the top of a hill while enjoying the scenery. They both found the experience enjoyable and are considering making it a regular weekend activity.
27. Castle Park Access, Joaquin-Miller Park

28. Redwood Glen Trailhead
Historic giant redwoods

The Big Trees (outer) mountain bike trail is an excellent choice for families looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity. The trail features a moderate level of difficulty, with a good balance of climbs and descents that cater to both kids and adults. This makes the trail enjoyable and accessible to riders of various skill levels.
On the other hand, the Redwood Regional Park Stream Trail is another great option for families, particularly those with young children. The trail is bike-friendly and mostly paved for the first mile, making it easy and safe for young riders to navigate. This feature also allows families to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the park while having a fun and memorable biking experience.
29. Fern Ravine

30. Camp Trail

31. Huckleberry upper trail

32. Sunset Trail Access
