Top 36 playgrounds in Oakland
Considered a vital part of Oakland's community spaces, playgrounds in Oakland are designed to cater to children of all ages and abilities. These playgrounds, found throughout the city, provide a safe and engaging environment for kids to play, learn, and socialize. With unique structures, lush greenery, and a commitment to inclusivity, Oakland's playgrounds foster growth and camaraderie, making them essential to the city's landscape.
- 1. Dimond Park Playground
- 2. Frog Park
- 3. Joaquin Miller Park
- 4. Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
- 5. Joaquin Miller Playground
- 6. Empowerment Park
- 7. Splash Pad Park
- 8. Maxwell Park
- 9. Dimond Park
- 10. Astro Park Play Area
- 11. De Fremery Park
- 12. Shepherd Canyon Park
- 13. Eastshore Park
- 14. Temescal Creek Park Playground
- 15. Lakeside Park
- 16. Montclair Park
- 17. Lincoln Square Park
- 18. Chinatown Playground
- 19. Knowland Park
- 20. Burkhalter Park
- 21. Verdese Carter Park
- 22. Playground
- 23. Bella Vista Park
- 24. Concordia Park
- 25. Josie de la Cruz Park
- 26. Marston Campbell Park
- 27. Union Point Park
- 28. Jefferson Square Park
- 29. Avenue Terrace Park
- 30. Poplar Park
- 31. Willie Wilkins Playground
- 32. Mandana Plaza Park
- 33. California Wilds! Playground
- 34. Wade Johnson Playground
- 35. North Temescal Playground
- 36. Dover Park
1. Dimond Park Playground
Inclusive design for children of all abilities

The park offers a variety of play structures designed for children and adults of all ages. For younger children, there are smaller play structures with slides, tunnels, and climbing obstacles. Older children and adults can enjoy the bigger-kid play structure, which features climbing walls, monkey bars, and other challenging equipment. Additionally, there are four swings nearby that can accommodate bigger kids and adults.
The park is well-equipped with play structures that cater to different age levels. While younger children can have fun in the smaller play structures, older kids and adults have their own play area complete with climbing walls, monkey bars, and other equipment that test their physical abilities. There are also four swings nearby, specifically designed for the use of bigger kids and adults.
2. Frog Park
Home to the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country

If you're looking for a park that's suitable for older children who can climb ladders, this park is a good option. However, parents should be aware that the park has poor lines of sight, which may make it difficult to keep an eye on younger children. This could be a concern for parents of toddlers or children who require constant supervision.
If you have younger children, particularly those aged 3 or under, you may want to consider visiting Little Frog instead. Little Frog is a park that is specifically designed for toddlers, which means that it is likely to be a safer and more enjoyable environment for them. By choosing a park that is tailored to your child's age and abilities, you can ensure that they have a positive and enjoyable experience.
3. Joaquin Miller Park
Inspiring views of the San Francisco Bay

The park features a playground area suitable for children aged between 5 and 12, and a separate tot lot specifically designed for younger children. Parents can be seen closely monitoring their kids as they enjoy playing in the shaded playground, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children of all ages to have fun and socialize.
In addition to the playground, the park offers a variety of amenities including picnic tables, grills, and sports fields. Visitors can often be found utilizing these facilities for family gatherings and community events. The park's design encourages physical activity and promotes a sense of community, making it a popular destination for families and residents in the area.
4. Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt
Historical landmark

The playground is an ideal spot for toddlers to play and have a good time. However, it is important to note that the playground can get quite dusty. This means that parents should be prepared for their kids to get dirty and possibly filthy while playing there.
The park is well-suited for older children who are capable of climbing ladders and playing on the equipment without constant supervision. However, the lines of sight within the park can be poor, making it challenging for parents or guardians to keep a close eye on younger children or toddlers who may still require constant supervision.
5. Joaquin Miller Playground

6. Empowerment Park
Fusion of art, technology and nature

Empowerment Park in Oakland, California, is a community-centered organization that offers resources and assistance for personal growth and development. The park is a beautiful and clean space that provides visitors with a peaceful atmosphere. One of the standout features of the park is its proximity to water views, which provides a serene backdrop for various activities. Additionally, there are several restaurants nearby, making it a convenient location for visitors to grab a bite to eat.
The park's focus on empowerment is evident in the resources and support it provides for personal growth and development. While the specifics of these offerings are not detailed, it is clear that the park is committed to helping individuals improve themselves and their lives. The overall effect of the park's amenities, from its scenic views to its empowerment-focused mission, is a space that is both enjoyable and meaningful for visitors. The park's commitment to its community is clear, making it a valuable resource for the people of Oakland.
7. Splash Pad Park
Family-friendly, Free admission

Union Square Park is a small urban park that is primarily maintained by local volunteers. One of the highlights of this park is the year-round farmer's market that takes place every Saturday. The Grand Lake neighborhood, where the park is located, is known for its diverse and welcoming restaurants, which can be found on Grand and Lakeshore Avenues.
Union Square Park is a charming urban park with a fantastic location. It is the site of the Grand Lake Farmers Market on weekends, making it an ideal place to visit and grab a bite to eat after dining at one of the many nearby restaurants. The park is small but well-maintained, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. The neighborhood's restaurants are known for their diversity and welcoming atmosphere, adding to the park's appeal.
8. Maxwell Park
Historic site of Oakland's first airport

Allendale Recreation Center, situated in Oakland's heart, is a community hub offering various programs for all. It's located at 3711 Suter St, Oakland, CA 94619.
This recreation center provides reviews, ratings, hours of operation, a phone number, and direction information. It serves as a central location for community members to enjoy facilities and participate in activities.
9. Dimond Park
Scenic views, wildlife sightings

Dimond Park is a spacious park covering over 12 acres, offering a variety of amenities including children's playing equipment and two youth playgrounds. The park is also home to a diamond native demonstration garden, where visitors can learn about native plants and wildlife.
The park features a sand-filled old school play structure, as well as a separate toddler-friendly sandpit located near the creek. These sandy play areas provide a fun and engaging activity for children of all ages to enjoy during their visit to the park.
10. Astro Park Play Area
Indoor play area for all-weather fun

Astro Park Playground and Tot Lot is a space-themed playground located near Lake Merritt and the Oakland Public Library Lakeview Branch. It is a popular destination for young children and their families. The play area is well-maintained and offers a variety of activities for kids to enjoy.
Astro Park Play Area is a great place to spend an afternoon, especially for families with young children. The location is convenient, and the park's space theme is both fun and educational. The playground features plenty of activities to keep kids engaged and active, making it a wonderful destination for families looking for a place to play and have fun.
11. De Fremery Park
Free admission, community events

DeFremery Park is a community hub in West Oakland, offering a variety of programs, classes, and events throughout the year. The park's recreation center, DeFremery Recreation Center, is particularly noteworthy for its lively atmosphere and top-notch amenities. The center features well-maintained basketball and tennis courts, as well as a playground for children aged 5-12.
The recreation center serves as a gathering place for the community, providing ample opportunities for active recreation and engagement. Its calendar is packed with events and activities, making it a vital part of the West Oakland community. The center's commitment to serving the community is evident in its dedication to maintaining its facilities and offering a wide range of programs and activities.
12. Shepherd Canyon Park
Dogs allowed on leash

Shepherd Canyon Park offers a refreshing outdoor experience with its well-maintained trails and serene environment. The park has essential amenities including a leisure playground, restroom, drinking water, and a parking lot, making it an ideal setting for individuals seeking a relaxing getaway. On weekends, the park's playing fields are filled with youth sports, providing energy and excitement to the area.
In addition to the playing fields, the park features a small climbing structure and nature-filled hillside trails that offer great sunset views. The hillside trails provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Whether you're looking to get some exercise, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak up the sun, Shepherd Canyon Park has something for everyone.
13. Eastshore Park
Part of Oakland’s larger park system

Eastshore Park is a scenic location for walking and running, featuring a leisure playground, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible pathways. The park's amenities make it a comfortable and convenient place for visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities.
The park is known for its tranquility and peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a walk at any time of day. Visitors can bring their own barbecue equipment and enjoy a picnic in the park, with sinks and private restrooms available for their convenience.
14. Temescal Creek Park Playground

15. Lakeside Park
Offers a variety of recreational activities and unique historical charm

The Garden Center at Lakeside Park is a small yet impressive public arboretum that showcases a diverse collection of shrubs, trees, and flowers. Visitors can enjoy common species, as well as rare finds like the Magnolia macrophylla, although sadly, one specimen has recently passed. The park's appeal extends to families, thanks to the playgrounds designed for children's entertainment.
Established in the early days of North America, Lakeside Park boasts the continent's oldest bird sanctuary. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site nature center, which features a working beehive, offering insights into the vital role of pollinators. For those seeking relaxation, the park provides picturesque picnic spots and space for recreational activities, such as frisbee. Additionally, a boathouse offers boat rentals, adding another layer of enjoyment to the Lakeside Park experience.
16. Montclair Park
Historic stone bridge and creek

A park is a great location for families and children to spend time together. One of the highlights of the park is a pond filled with ducks and geese, providing a delightful experience for children to feed and observe them. The park features two playgrounds designed for different age groups, including a smaller one for toddlers and a larger one for older children.
The pond is a popular attraction, featuring a variety of ducks that children can chase and feed. In addition to the pond, there are two playgrounds that cater to different age groups. The first playground is designed for younger children, while the second one is more suitable for older kids. Visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings and various recreational activities, making the park an ideal location for family outings.
17. Lincoln Square Park
Historic Rotunda Building

Lincoln is a popular destination for people due to its reputation as a safe and social environment. It offers a range of activities, with basketball being a particular favorite. Many individuals, myself included, have fond memories of spending time at Lincoln as children, making it a nostalgic spot for social gatherings.
As a former hangout spot for kids after school, Lincoln remains an important community space. Its safety and the variety of activities available continue to attract people of all ages. Many individuals have memories of spending time at Lincoln during their childhood, making it a place of great sentimental value for the community.
18. Chinatown Playground

19. Knowland Park
Part of the East Bay Regional Park District

The Oakland Zoo, located in Knowland Park and accessible via I-580 at 9777 Golf Links Rd., is a destination for families and animal enthusiasts. The zoo boasts picnic facilities and playgrounds, providing options for relaxation and play in addition to its main attractions. Among its many amenities, the zoo features amusement rides and a train, adding to its appeal for younger visitors.
With over 400 exotic and native animals, the Oakland Zoo offers visitors the chance to see a diverse range of creatures in naturalistic habitats. This zoo is committed to conservation efforts and aims to provide visitors with an educational and enjoyable experience. In addition to its animal exhibits, the Oakland Zoo hosts special events and programs, making it a dynamic and engaging destination.
20. Burkhalter Park
Home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits

Burckhalter Park is a popular spot for families despite its small parking lot. Reviewers describe it as a good place to take children and a perfect spot for them to run around. The park features an awesome playground that kids enjoy. The clean restrooms are an added bonus for families visiting the park.
Overall, Burckhalter Park is a friendly and enjoyable space for families. The playground is a major draw, and the clean restrooms are a practical amenity that is appreciated by visitors. Despite the limited parking, the park's positive features make it a great destination for families looking for a place to spend time together outside.
21. Verdese Carter Park
Scenic lake with paddle boats

Verdese Carter Park is a spacious urban park, occupying a city block and predominantly featuring grass and dirt. While there is no designated parking area, street parking is available. The park offers several amenities, including a basketball court, a children's playground, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities. This park provides a peaceful and relaxing environment, ideal for various outdoor activities.
The leisure playground at Verdese Carter Park is an excellent spot for walkers and runners to engage in warm-up or stretching exercises before embarking on their workouts. With ample space to move around, this playground serves as a multipurpose area for park visitors to prepare their bodies for physical activities while soaking in the serene environment.
22. Playground

Cecilia Ryan July 28, 2017 12:09:00 PM m. Kids love the playground more than anything. They just can't get enough. No matter how long they've had to play, the moment you say "we're leaving," there are always audible whimpers, if not tantrums! Luckily, Oakland is home to some amazing playgrounds that will keep your little ones happy for hours! Check out our list of the best playgrounds in Oakland.
23. Bella Vista Park
Scenic views of Oakland and Lake Merritt

Bella Vista Park is a community gathering space located in Oakland, California at 1025 East 28th Street, behind the Bella Vista School. The park is a hub for various activities organized by local residents, such as a Halloween party and a "national night out" celebration. It is equipped with play structures, basketball nets, and a Community Garden, making it an ideal location for community events and family gatherings.
In addition to being a popular spot for local gatherings, Bella Vista Park is also a great place for children to play and have fun. The park's play structures provide endless entertainment for kids, while the basketball nets offer a space for sports enthusiasts to practice their skills. Overall, Bella Vista Park is a valuable community resource that brings local residents together and promotes a sense of neighborhood pride.
24. Concordia Park
Known for its beautiful views and tranquil atmosphere

Concordia Park is a popular spot for families due to its well-maintained playground, which features a variety of equipment for children to enjoy. However, there is an ongoing issue with loitering outside the park's entrance that needs to be addressed.
The playground at Concordia Park is a great place for kids to play and have fun. It is well-maintained and offers a variety of equipment that caters to different age groups. Unfortunately, the park's entrance is plagued by loiterers, which can create an uncomfortable and unsafe environment for families. This issue needs to be addressed to ensure that Concordia Park remains a pleasant and enjoyable place for everyone to spend time.
25. Josie de la Cruz Park
Historic community park

Josie de la Cruz Park is a family-friendly destination, thanks to its inviting playground area for children. The park was reconstructed in the late 1990s and has since become a favorite spot for families to spend quality time together.
Now featuring a playground, the park attracts many families looking for a place to have fun and socialize. The playground's inclusion in the park's design has significantly contributed to its popularity and transformed it into a go-to location for families with young children.
26. Marston Campbell Park
Historic site of Oakland's first airport

Marston Campbell Park is known for its expansive greenery, making it an ideal location for large family gatherings. The park, located at 17th St. and West St. in West Oakland, is adjacent to Lafayette Elementary School and features a children's playground. As the day comes to a close and the sun begins to set, the playground at Marston Campbell Park takes on a tranquil atmosphere.
Marston Campbell Park is a welcoming space for the community, providing a large field, a playground, and a youth-led community garden. Children who attend Lafayette Elementary School can be seen playing on the playground after school hours. The park's location and amenities make it a perfect place for the community to come together and enjoy the outdoors. The garden, in particular, is a testament to the power of youth activism and serves as a reminder of the beauty that can arise when people work together.
27. Union Point Park
Historic location with unique art installations

The park offers a beautiful view of the estuary, where sailboats can be seen. A fun play structure, shaped like a sailboat, is available for children to enjoy. On some days, neighbors bring additional ride-on toys, adding to the play options.
The park provides ample parking spaces, convenient for visitors. It is also equipped with bathroom facilities. The large playground structure is a great source of entertainment for children, keeping them engaged for extended periods.
28. Jefferson Square Park
Access to Lake Merritt

Jefferson Square Park features a children's playground that is a popular draw for families. The play area, which is well-maintained and equipped with various play structures, provides a safe and enjoyable space for children to play and have fun. It's a great place for families to spend quality time together, with plenty of opportunities for children to exercise and use their imagination.
Visitors to Jefferson Square Park often comment on the quality and appeal of the children's playground. Parents appreciate the attention to safety and the variety of equipment available for different age groups. Children are consistently impressed by the range of options, from swings and slides to climbing structures and obstacle courses. Overall, the playground at Jefferson Square Park is a standout feature that makes the park a must-visit destination for families.
29. Avenue Terrace Park

30. Poplar Park

31. Willie Wilkins Playground

32. Mandana Plaza Park
historic landmark, dog-friendly

In December 1958, the Oakland park underwent a significant refresh called 'Just Imagine!' which resulted in the addition of several space-themed play structures. This update aimed to provide a unique and exciting experience for visitors, young and old alike, and added a new dimension to the park's existing charm.
Spanning redwood forests, a picturesque lake, vibrant playgrounds, and tranquil woodlands, Oakland park has something for everyone. The park's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests and activities, ensuring that every visitor can find their own slice of paradise in this urban oasis. Oaklanders especially cherish this park for its numerous recreational options and scenic beauty.
33. California Wilds! Playground

34. Wade Johnson Playground

35. North Temescal Playground

36. Dover Park
