Oakland’s New “Nature Playspace” for Kids at OMCA

Calling all kiddos and future scientists! The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) invites you to experience its new interactive OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace for kids ages 2 to 5, their families, and caregivers. Explore the natural world from a kids’ eye view and learn about animals and plants that live together with us in Oakland and the surrounding Bay Area.

Best of all? It’s free for kids! With any paid adult, kids are free.

OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace is a new 1800 square-foot indoor area that just opened in the summer of 2022 featuring a variety of hands-on activities for young visitors to learn about nature in Oakland.

The new play-focused learning space features nature-themed puzzles, climbing areas, and exhibits featuring fish and animals that make their homes in Oakland. Nature Playspace will give families a fun, safe space to explore, learn, and build community. 

OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace

Wednesdays through Sundays, 11a to 5p (Fridays until 9p)
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland
Nature Playspace is included with museum admission
– First Sundays – $5 suggested donation adult admission
– Regular adult museum admission – $19
– Children 12 and under receive free museum admission.
– Hours + Admission | Directions + Parking

Nature Playspace is ideal for children ages 2-5.

Want more family fun? OMCA welcomes people of all ages! Check-out their upcoming family-friendly events and activities.

Little learners can unleash their curiosity and imagination in the newly created OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace. Located inside the Gallery of California Natural Sciences, the playspace is focused on the unique needs of children ages 2 to 5, along with their families and caregivers. Children under 12 receive free admission, as long as they are accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age.

Hands-on activities that combine play, observation, imagination, and storytelling invite children to explore the plants and animals that make their homes in the Bay Area. Play is critical to every child’s healthy development and the playroom offers something for everyone, from building materials and nature-themed puzzles to activities that spark creativity, wonder, and joy.

Nature Playspace is the result of a multi-year research and planning process undertaken with community partners. The development focused on creating playful learning experiences to inspire children and their caregivers, foster observation and questions and making connections with others. In addition to the space itself, the Museum has developed a family activity guide to help kids and families extend their experience throughout the OMCA galleries and campus.

OMCA Special Discount Programs

Enjoy special discounted admission to OMCA through a variety of programs. Check museumca.org/special-discounts for the latest updates

First Sundays at OMCA
On every first Sunday of the month, enjoy admission to OMCA with a suggested donation of $5 for general admission. There is an additional $6 fee for access to special exhibitions. Learn more about First Sundays at OMCA.

Museums for All
OMCA offers individuals and families (up to four individuals) admission, including to special exhibitions, to the Museum for $1 for guests who hold an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. No need to show your EBT card for admission. Just say you’d like the Museums for All rate.

Museums on Us
Museums on Us is a nationwide program through which Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders get free admission to select museums on the first full weekend of every month (Saturday and Sunday). Simply present your active Bank of America® or Merrill Lynch® credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain one free general admission to any participating institution. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission. Excludes special exhibitions, ticketed shows, and fundraising events.

Blue Star Museum
OMCA is a participating Blue Star Museum. Blue Star Museums offer FREE entrance for all active duty, National Guard and Reserve military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day each year. Learn more

North American Reciprocal Museum Association
Present your current membership card, marked with the gold North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program sticker, to enjoy admission for up to 2 people per membership at OMCA. (This benefit is for named cardholders only, cards listed as “guest of” not accepted.) Questions? Please contact our Membership office at 510-318-8515.

Jurors
OMCA offers $3 dollar general admission for Alameda County Courthouse active jurors. Please present proof to show you are an active juror.

People with Disabilities
OMCA offers $9 dollar general admission for people with disabilities. Drivers and care assistants supporting visitors with disabilities will be given free access to the Museum. Anyone who self identifies as having a disability is eligible for this discount; no verification required.

 

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