The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is a fantastic place to visit with your family — not only to learn about California’s rich history, but also to enjoy rotating exhibitions, an outdoor space, and Friday Nights at OMCA, where you can experience live music and food trucks. No two visits are ever the same! You can also enjoy a delicious meal at Town Fare by Michele McQueen, the museum’s on-site café.

One of the newest and most family-friendly features is the OMCA Kids: Nature Playspace, designed for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers. Located inside the Gallery of California Natural Sciences, this interactive area has quickly become a favorite for families since its opening about three years ago. It offers a safe, engaging environment where young children can:

• Learn about shadows by putting on a puppet show
• Pretend to grow vegetables in a mini garden, then “cook” them in a play kitchen
• Build tracks and explore motion with a train set

Now that I have two little ones, I see museums through a different lens. It’s not just about preserving the past — it’s also about inspiring the future. The hands-on experiences in the Nature Playspace sparked plenty of joy for my kids. They especially loved the toy vegetables and pretending to run a farm-to-table restaurant.

There’s also a cozy “camping” area where kids can pretend to sleep under the stars with plush animals that represent California wildlife. The Playspace encourages imagination, problem-solving, and creative thinking through nature-themed puzzles, building materials, and open-ended play.

Another reason OMCA stands out: kids 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by an adult over 18 — a rare perk, especially as more museums begin charging for toddlers. OMCA also participates in free museum days, offering free general admission on the first Sunday of each month, and access to Special Exhibitions in the Great Hall at a discounted rate of $6.

For tickets, hours, and more details, visit: https://museumca.org/tickets/