Children's Fairyland

Nestled in a small park off Oakland’s Lake Merritt, be swept away to a storybook land. Children’s Fairyland has been entertaining families for over 75 years!

One of the earliest "themed" parks in the United States, this little park has tons to offer. Even Walt Disney himself is said to have visited Oakland as inspiration for Disneyland which opened a few years later in 1955.

Go early and park in the parking lot off Lake Merritt or nearby street parking is also available.

What’s great about Fairyland is they believe in accessibility and inclusion for all children. Learn about their Fairyland for All program today!

Referred to as sets by the park, you’ll first walk through the tiny door of The Old Lady in the Shoe at the Fairy Gates.

Magic Keys also make great souvenirs and gifts. Once they run out of one color, they print a new one. This makes each printing unique!

We’ve been collecting Magic Keys for almost a decade and enjoy choosing which one to bring on our next adventure.

The 75th Anniversary Magic Key is called Dazzling Diamond 75. Get yours today!

Ching Lung, the Happy Dragon blinks his eyes as you jump to pop bubbles flowing in the breeze in front of the Little Pigs houses. Find Oswald the Bubble Elf nearby!

Children's Fairyland is home to the country’s oldest operating children's puppet theater, the Children's Fairyland Open Storybook Puppet Theater.

Seasonally rotating masterpieces are treasures your toddlers and young ones will enjoy! From classics such as Beauty and the Beast to fun variations such as The 3 Dinosaurs Gruff, based on Three Billy Goats Gruff. The engaging puppeteers and toddler-friendly length of shows make for great kiddo entertainment.

Catch a live show with a magician, acrobat, or storyteller at The Emerald City Stage! There’s also a photo op in the castle itself of the characters from Wizard of Oz.

The Japanese Tea Garden Party area is great for birthday parties, and restrooms are conveniently located nearby.

Nestle up with a story in Alice's Reading Room off the Merry Meadow.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves are near the recently restored Chapel of Peace.

Children sized amusements await you as you slide down The Dragon Slide. See what rides are at Fairyland!

Many thrilling rides await young visitors to Children's Fairyland!

For the younger visitors, we highly recommend Alice’s Wonder-Go-Round! The kids thoroughly enjoy this pint-sized carousel themed with mythical creatures.

For the taller visitors who may have outgrown the Wonder-Go-Round, check out the Flecto Carousel. No adult passengers! Here, the kids board and trot along the course, riding neon ponies. One of the brightest spots in the park!

Don't be late for a very imporant date!

One of our favorite sets is The Alice in Wonderland Tunnel.

This set pre-dates the 1951 Disney film and even has a slide!

Let curiosity guide you to find all the Cheshire cats as you find your way through the maze.

Strolling down the trail, find the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship half-buried in sand!

Run along the Old West Junction play area. Restrooms are also available here.

Enjoy your picnic lunch or tasty snack from the Johnny Appleseed Cafe. If you have visited the highly recommended Bay Area Discovery Museum in Marin, BeanSprouts runs both cafes. Feast your eyes on their menu here.

My personal favorite set is the Fairy Music Farm Tunnel where you make music from the unique musical elements found along the tunnel enchanted with colorful fairy folk.

Step inside the gargantuan mouth of Willie the Whale, a classic!

Choo-choo on a trip aboard the Jolly Trolly! Zoom through a tunnel and wave to passersby on this family-friendly ride operating since 1954! One of our family favorites, this ride is the park’s oldest in operation.

Near the lovely animals and garden, is Anansi’s Magic Web. This kid-sized ferris wheel thrills the kiddos as they zoom around in tiny passenger cars.

Our kiddos love to roll down the grassy knoll of Jack & Jill Hill. It’ll get those last minute giggles and wiggles out before the ride home.

You can opt to purchase tickets online prior to the day you choose to visit the park. However, do note that this park closes on rainy days. They are very accommodating about refunds or moving your reservation. So, please contact the park’s customer support if you happen to experience a rainy day on your special day.

We hope your family enjoys this jewel of Lake Merritt as much as our family has over the years. Not only for some screen free fun, but also for everlasting memories!

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