Bay Play
Rating
Family of 4
$30-50 for 2 children + 2 adults.
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
0-7
About
Bay Play on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland is an indoor play space that stands out for its design and community feel. Unlike the no-frills soft-play gyms common in suburban strip malls, Bay Play is a thoughtfully designed space with quality play equipment, imaginative play areas, and sensory experiences tailored to children from infancy through age 7.
The facility offers both open play sessions and structured classes. The classes — particularly popular for babies and young toddlers — incorporate music, movement, and sensory play in a guided format. Open play is drop-in and gives families flexibility to come and go as schedules allow.
The Lakeshore neighborhood location is a plus: one of Oakland's most walkable and family-friendly corridors, with Arizmendi Bakery, Caffe 817, and multiple brunch-worthy spots within a 5-minute walk. Many families make Bay Play part of a Lakeshore morning ritual — play first, coffee after.
Bay Play is smaller and more intimate than big commercial bounce parks, which is exactly what parents of infants and toddlers tend to prefer. The enclosed space is easy to monitor, the environment is calm, and the clientele are the neighborhood families you'll see at the park and the library.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Nursing / Changing
true
Kid Meals
snacks only
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings; open play sessions are less crowded before 11am
Wait Times
No wait; open play format — show up and play
Nearby Food
Lakeshore Avenue has excellent café and restaurant options within a short walk — Arizmendi Bakery, Caffe 817, and several brunch spots are all nearby.
Why Kids Love It
Bay Play in the Lakeshore neighborhood of Oakland is a beautifully designed indoor play space for children 0-7. The thoughtfully curated play environment includes age-appropriate climbing structures, imaginative play areas, and sensory activities — a step above the typical padded-room soft play. The Lakeshore location is a community hub where families from the Lakeshore, Grand Lake, and Piedmont neighborhoods congregate, giving it a warm neighborhood vibe that parents love as much as kids do.
From Reddit Parents
“That is okay, we made the playoffs and we showed what we can do.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Bay Play offers structured classes in addition to open play — the classes are particularly popular for babies 0-18 months.
- The space is smaller than big commercial play gyms, which is actually a feature for parents of young children: it's easy to keep eyes on your kids.
- Lakeshore Avenue is a charming neighborhood strip — combine Bay Play with brunch at one of the nearby cafés.
- Check the events calendar for special themed play days and holiday sessions.
What to Bring
- Socks for kids
- Snacks for after play
- Baby gear if needed (changing area available)
- Sippy cups/water for toddlers
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$30-50 for 2 children + 2 adults.
Adults often free or reduced.
Class formats cost more.
Tips to Save
- ["Membership or class packages significantly reduce per-visit cost for regular families."
- ,"Parents usually don't pay for open play — children only."
- ,"Open play sessions are more affordable than structured classes."
- ,"Check the website for drop-in pricing vs.
- membership to find the best value for your visit frequency."
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 2-7PM
- Monday
- 10AM-7PM
- Sunday
- 10AM-7PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 10AM-7PM
- Thursday
- 2-7PM
- Wednesday
- 2-7PM
