Beloved storybook park in Oakland celebrates 75 years of bringing fairy tales to life

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Imagination and creativity come alive at Children's Fairyland on the shores of Oakland's Lake Merritt. For 75 years, the 10-acre storybook park has helped generations create memories and build community.

"Oakland celebrates us and we celebrate Oakland. From the very beginning, Children's Fairyland has been innovative. We have this beautiful key. You put it into a storybook box and turn it, and it tells this childhood story," said Kymberly Miller, CEO of Children's Fairyland.

Children's Fairyland is considered one of the earliest themed amusement parks in the country.

"This is where the magic happens. When I mention Fairyland to locals and even tourists, they have memories of coming here with their grandparents and their parents. So it's part of the DNA of Oakland," added Peter Gamez, president and CEO of Visit Oakland.

Another main attraction is the legendary puppetry that delights visitors of all ages.

"We're the oldest running puppet theater in America. I feel like Children's Fairyland is holding it down for puppetry across the world. We're kind of the home of American puppetry, and we consider ourselves keeping it alive as an art form, entertainment form, and an educational platform," said Miller.

For those wanting a little more excitement, Fairyland caters to adults with nighttime events.

"You can come here at night, reignite your childhood and play like an adult, 21 plus, here at Fairyland, with music, arts, a full bar, and a lot of fun," said Miller.

It's also very easy to access, according to Gamez. "You can get here by BART, by bus and there's parking. There's magical places all over Oakland, but Fairyland is where memories start."

You can start making your own memories at Fairyland's birthday party on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

Learn more at their website.