In the Spotlight
The Adventure Playground
Not your typical playground, this playground will bring out the budding carpenter or adventurer in your preschooler.
Habitot Children's Museum
Designed for preschoolers, this museum is full of interactive exhibits that foster creativity.
MOMS Club International
This non-profit organization provides guidance and support for moms plus friendships and activities for preschoolers.
The Oakland Zoo
Over 300 animals from 50 different species call the Oakland Zoo home. This award winning zoo was founded in 1922 by Henry Snow and has been located in its current Oakland hills location since 1936.
What preschoolers will love about the Oakland Zoo
The Valley Children's Zoo gives preschoolers a chance to see alligators, lemurs, tortoises, fruit bats, tarantulas, otters, and many more animals. Exhibits offer unique perspectives such as underwater viewing portals for the water animals and a giant terrarium for reptiles and amphibians. There is a contact yard where your preschooler can pet and feed goats and sheep. Spaced around the Valley Children's Zoo are hands-on fun areas such as a digging spot near the pot-bellied pigs, a lily pad walk near the rabbits, and a play area complete with colorful sculptures of giant frogs and turtles.
There is an amusement park area complete with a rollercoaster, carousel, airplane ride, choo choo train, and more. The train runs around part of the zoo, rather than just a small track area, and it's fun to ride around the rolling hills of Oakland looking at the animals.
The Sky Ride is a great way to get a bird's eye view of the zoo. It's similar to a ski lift that takes you over the lions, giraffes, camels, bison, and elephants. In addition, you will be able to view the areas that surround the zoo. Please note that you should hang on tightly to your preschooler when you are on the Sky Ride because the seats are fairly open.
ZooKids is an Oakland Zoo program that offers special activities and events for preschoolers and their families on an ongoing basis. These can include crafts, live music, and a no animal circus.
What parents will love about the Oakland Zoo
All animals are kept in their relatively "natural" habitats. The zoo keepers at the Oakland Zoo are extrememly knowledgeable about what is necessary to keep their animals happy. For example, the excellent elephant exhibit is nationally commended for allowing their elephants to roam freely on approximately six acres, nearly 14 percent of the zoo's total 45 acres.
Conservation is a fundamental concern. They are involved with organizations who are dedicated to conservation projects around the world. Locally, they support communities and biologists who protect wildlife and create awareness about biodiversity.
There is on on-site cafe that serves preschooler favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs. The Island Cafe serves food fast and is inexpensive. In addition, you can find several small huts that serve food scattered throughout the Zoo.
Picnic areas are provided if you prefer to brown bag it. You can find an area outside the Children's Zoo and another one in the Amusement Park. Additional seating is provided near the Zebra compound.
Free shows are featured every Saturday, and a few times each week. This can be just the thing when your preschooler tires of walking around the immense grounds. More information can be found on the Oakland Zoo website.
General Information
Cost of admission:
Child, ages 2-14 - $6
Adult - $9.50
Senior - $6
Parking:
Car - $6
Bus - $10
Hours of operation:
Open daily from 10am to 4pm, closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. The children's rides area, train, and sky ride open at 11am.
Location:
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
Phone number:
(510) 632-9525
Website:
http://www.oaklandzoo.org
