Children's Fairyland

Created in 1950, Children's Fairyland is enchanting for kids, especially for those under 7 years old. The ten-acre outdoor park is located just inside the main entrance to Lakeside Park on the north side of Oakland's Lake Merritt. Fairyland brings children's literature to life through fairy tale exhibits, animals, and Talking Storybooks, which children activate by turning a "Magic Key." Walk around this whimsical place filled with characters from classic fairy tales, such as Alice in Wonderland and Peter Pan. Ride a train, carousel, or mini Ferris wheel. Watch the resident donkeys get fed. The $7 admission fee includes unlimited rides and a great puppet show. Magic keys for the Talking Storybooks are available for $2. Adults can only come into the park with children.

The summer has much to offer older kids beyond just hanging out at this whimsical park. Kids ages 8 to 10 can participate in a theater program called Fairyland Personalities by auditioning at the beginning of the year for shows in the summer. Productions include one play adapted from a classic American or European story (think Wizard of Oz or Thumbelina) plus tales from different cultures around the world. Families are also welcome to spend the night at the park during Summer Sleepovers between March and August. Bring your tents and sleeping bags for a fun night of rides, a performance, and dinner before sleeping under the stars. Wake up to an early breakfast and pack up before the park opens for business. The cost is $40 per adult and $20 per child.

Camps: Performing arts camps are offered for eight weeks in the summer. Kids ages 5 and up learn about fairy tales from different cultures and perform in shows at the end of each week for friends and family. Kids spend time with the resident animals, do some gardening, make puppets, and do lots of arts and crafts.

2010 Week-long Summer Sessions:
Dates: June 21–August 13
Ages: 5 to 10
Days/Times: Mondays through Fridays, 9am–5pm
Cost: $250 per week, 20% off for six weeks or more
Extended care: 8am–9am ($30 per week), 5pm–6pm ($30 per week). Lunch is not included in the fees but two snacks are provided. There is a maximum of 36 kids per session.

Celebrations: Children's Fairyland offers catered and non-catered birthday parties for a minimum of ten people in the Cinderella, Teddy Bear Picnic, or Japanese Tea Garden Area. For $16 per child, they provide invitations, admission, cake, candles, ice cream, punch, table settings, balloons, and party hats. Loot bags are extra. A host will help set up, serve, and clean up after your party. There is no cooking or alcohol allowed anywhere in the park. The birthday celebrant will get a Magic Key, a crown, and a greeting at the puppet show. There is a minimum of ten children per party.