Oakland, in the Bay Area of Northern California, has attractions that keep kids entertained, including the Children’s Fairyland theme park, the Chabot Space and Science Center and the Oakland Zoo. Kids can also work up a sweat with a range of sports and physical activities. While the offerings are fun, they can also lead to a lifetime of good health.
Golf
The First Tee of Oakland helps children excel beyond golf. The program, for kids 7 to 17, teaches the sport’s technique, such as swinging and putting, as well as life skills that include self-management, career planning and conflict management. Lessons are taught through golf activities, role playing and workbook exercises. Additionally, tutors help participants in math and reading. Children from low-income families can attend for free, and equipment is provided. The program takes place at the Lake Chabot Golf Course, Metropolitan Golf Links and the Montclair Golf Course.
Ice Sports
The Oakland Ice Center offers ice hockey classes open to kids 4 and older. After completing three levels of classes, kids can play in the Sharks Ice Youth Hockey League for ages 6 to 14. A traveling team is available for skilled players. Figure skaters have 10 levels of progressive classes from novices to advanced skaters who can perform jumps and spins. Casual skaters can have fun with their friends and families at public skate sessions.
Swimming
While swimming is fun, it’s also an important skill for a kid to have. In 2007, there were 10 accidental drowning deaths per day and more than one in five were kids 14 and younger, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kids can avoid drowning or save a life by learning how to swim. The City of Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation offers lessons at four public pools throughout the city--deFremery, Fremont, Lions, Live Oak and Temescal.
Boating
The Lake Merritt Boating Center, part of the city’s office of parks and recreation, teaches kids how to canoe, kayak, row and sail through private lessons and youth programs. The After School Learn To Sail classes for kids 10 to 17 explains the basics such as the parts of the boat and water safety. During the summer, kids 7 to 17 can attend boating, sailing and windsurfing camps at Lake Merritt and the Oakland Estuary. Lake Merritt is the country’s largest man-made salt-water tidal lake, according to the city of Oakland’s website.
Sports
Kids can learn how to play team sports on fields and courts throughout the city. Oakland’s Office of Parks and Recreation offers instruction and leagues in T-Ball, baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball and volleyball. The leagues emphasize skill development. Other organizations in Oakland include the Jack London Youth Soccer Sports League, the East Bay Warriors Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading Program and the North Oakland/South Oakland Little League baseball program.
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