Best Family-Friendly Places for Fun & Attractions in the East Bay – 2025 Parents Press Awards
Looking for the best family-friendly attractions in the East Bay? Parents across
Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and surrounding cities voted in the 2025 Parents Press Best of the East Bay Awards
to recognize their favorite places for kids and family fun. From zoos and museums to
birthday party venues and family athletic clubs, these are the top destinations for a day full of excitement and memory-making.
About the 2025 Best of Parents Press Family Fun & Attractions Awards
The annual Parents Press Best of the East Bay celebrates family-friendly destinations that make childhood magical.
Every year, local parents nominate and vote for their favorite places for kids, birthday party venues, and attractions.
If you’re planning a weekend adventure, birthday party, or educational outing, this list is your ultimate guide to family fun in 2025.
2025 Best Family-Friendly Places for Fun & Attractions – Winners & Top 5
Here are the top family attractions in the East Bay, including the Top 5 in each category and this year’s winners as chosen by local families.
Amusement Parks
- Top 5: California Academy of Science, Children’s Fairyland, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland Zoo
- Winner: Oakland Zoo
Athletic Clubs
- Top 5: Bay Club, Claremont Club & Spa, ClubSport, The Hills Swim & Tennis Club, U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
- Winner: U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports
Birthday Party Resources
- Top 5: Brian Scott Magic, Fur, Scales and Tails Animal Shows, Mr. SHAP Balloon Artist and Magician, Trunks and Tales, STEAM Powered Learning
- Winner: STEAM Powered Learning
Birthday Party Venues
- Top 5: Bladium, Children’s Fairyland, Lindsey Wildlife Experience, Oakland Zoo, Pacific Pinball Museum
- Winner: Children’s Fairyland
Museums and Attractions
- Top 5: California Academy of Sciences, Exploratorium, Lawrence Hall of Science, Oakland Zoo, Pacific Pinball Museum
- Winner: Lawrence Hall of Science
Zoo or Aquarium
- Top 5: CuriOdyssey, Lindsay Wildlife Experience, Oakland Zoo, San Francisco Zoological Society & Gardens, Steinhart Aquarium – Cal Academy
- Winner: Oakland Zoo
Plan Your Family Fun in the East Bay
With so many family-friendly attractions in Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond, every weekend can be an adventure.
Take your kids to Oakland Zoo for an animal-filled day, explore hands-on learning at the Lawrence Hall of Science,
or host a magical birthday party at Children’s Fairyland or Pacific Pinball Museum.
These award-winning locations are trusted and loved by East Bay families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family-Friendly Attractions in the East Bay
What are the best family-friendly attractions in the East Bay?
The top attractions include Oakland Zoo, Children’s Fairyland, Lawrence Hall of Science, Exploratorium, and the California Academy of Sciences,
all perfect for kids and family outings.
Which attractions won the 2025 Parents Press Best Family Fun & Attractions awards?
Winners include Oakland Zoo for amusement parks and zoos,
Children’s Fairyland for birthday party venues,
Lawrence Hall of Science for museums, and
U.C. Berkeley Rec Sports for athletic clubs.
Where can I take kids for a fun day in the East Bay?
Popular family destinations include Oakland Zoo, Lawrence Hall of Science, Lindsey Wildlife Experience, and Children’s Fairyland.
Are there family-friendly birthday party venues in the East Bay?
Yes! Great venues include Children’s Fairyland, Oakland Zoo, Pacific Pinball Museum, and Lindsey Wildlife Experience,
along with entertainers like STEAM Powered Learning and Brian Scott Magic.
